As the Wellington Phoenix were bounced out of the A-League playoffs following their 2-0 loss to Melbourne City at Westpac Stadium in their elimination final in the capital last night, those were the notable post-match themes.
The disappointment was obvious given their flat performance as City outplayed them but they had to acknowledge they had come a long way in the past 12 months after finishing second-to-bottom last season.
Phoenix skipper Andrew Durante spoke briefly with his players after the game but cut a forlorn figure on his way out of the stadium.
"I just said, individually, to everyone they should be proud of what they've done," Durante said. "Obviously it's disappointing and it's really hard to reflect straight after a game but we'll be better for it next year. We've still got a nucleus of the squad here for next season."
Striker Nathan Burns, one of the Phoenix's best this season, believed the side was in good shape as they eyed next year.
"I think it's just forward from here on with the club," Burns said. "We'll add in a few extras that we probably fell short in this season and we'll see what happens."
Burns is regularly mentioned in transfer gossip but he said he would remain at the club in 2015-2016.
"Obviously I'm contracted so we'll see what happens. I love playing here in front of the crowd and I've had a great 12 months so I'm really excited."
Last night's loss was a sad way for Wellington to end their campaign after they reached the giddy heights of leading the league after round 22.
Six weeks ago they looked on track to book home advantage throughout the playoffs but they stuttered at the back of the season and never regained their mojo.
"I thought it was a difficult game to go out in," Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick said. "I don't think we showed what we can do at all. To their credit, Melbourne City put us under a lot of pressure. They closed down our midfield."
The Phoenix looked one-dimensional in attack and Melbourne, led by centre back Patrick Kisnorbo, dealt with their advances with relative ease.
Michael McGlinchey hit the crossbar for the home side from a free kick during the opening spell but that was as close as Wellington got to scoring.
Merrick was left to lament the absence of Joel Griffiths, a goal-hungry forward who tore his ACL during a game against Melbourne Victory a month ago.
"We really missed out on that and I guess that will be our No 1 target for recruiting next year."
When City got on the board through striker Josh Kennedy in the 61st minute the writing was on the wall for the Phoenix and the game was killed off just over 10 minutes later when Wellington goalkeeper Glen Moss was involved in an unlucky own goal.
City's win set up a Melbourne derby with cross-town rivals the Victory for Friday night's semifinal.
Melbourne City 2 (Joshua Kennedy 61, Glen Moss 72 og), Wellington Phoenix 0. Halftime: 0-0.
- Daniel Richardson of NZME. News Service
