JON Ashton believes it wasn t to be after Boro s Blue Square Premier play-off semi final heartbreak at Cambridge. The former Grays Athletic defender was devastated after his side threw away a 3-1 first leg lead and said it was obviously meant to be Cam

JON Ashton believes "it wasn't to be" after Boro's Blue Square Premier play-off semi final heartbreak at Cambridge.

The former Grays Athletic defender was devastated after his side threw away a 3-1 first leg lead and said it was obviously meant to be Cambridge's day.

"It's devastating," the big defender told The Comet. "3-1 up in the first leg and we gave ourselves the best chance but it wasn't to be."

Referee Paul Tierney was a central figure in the game denying Cambridge what they thought was a penalty and harshly dismissing Scott Laird - a decision that rules him out of the FA Trophy final on Saturday.

Ashton says he was frustrated by the official's performance with the big defender continually penalised in trying to deal with Scott Rendell.

"From where I was standing it was never a sending off. I don't know what the referee saw but obviously it was different to everyone else but there's nothing much you can do about it.

"In my opinion I didn't really commit many fouls or free kicks - it wasn't really a dirty game but the referee obviously hasn't seen it that way," added the 26-year-old.

Boro were well supported at the Trade Recruitment Stadium with 1,176 fans making the trip to cheer on Graham Westley's men and Ashton says the team appreciated their efforts.

"The fans were fantastic. They've been behind us certainly since I joined the club and they've been fantastic. All credit to them, they gave us a good lift but it wasn't to be."

Boro now switch their attentions to the FA Trophy Final on Saturday but for Ashton his season is over.

"I'm cup-tied but the rest of the lads have got to focus on Saturday now," he said. "They've got to get their heads right and bring the Trophy home.