Haven boss Carl Forster says he has proved any doubters wrong this season by leading the side to the League One play-off final.

Although Haven went down 10-6 in the final against Barrow on Sunday, Forster spoke of his pride at how his team had turned their year around from a nervy start in pre-season.

He admitted that there had been doubters when he was handed the player/coach role but he hopes that this season’s performances put those doubts to bed.

“The club got ridiculed for putting me as head coach and I got ridiculed for the signings I brought in,” said Forster.

“But the lads have given everything for the last 10 months and, although it was a shaky start, we turned it around like we knew we would and I can’t be any prouder of them.”

Forster was pleased with his troops for their performance at Craven Park when they pushed hosts Barrow Raiders all the way.

And he admitted he was disappointed that Steve Roper’s try was disallowed as it could have completely changed the outcome.

“I thought our defence was exceptional and everyone in the ground believes they saw Roper catch the ball and go in under the sticks,” said Forster.

“But things go against you and we copped it on the chin. We can’t ask for more than our boys gave.

“But we will take the positives, if there are any, from losing in this final and we will use it to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

A large number of supporters made the trek down from west Cumbria, with a superb gate of 3,128, which was paid tribute to.

But now Haven will have to knuckle down and prepare for another campaign in League One next season, alongside neighbours Workington Town.

With only Carl Forster and Connor Holliday on two-year deals, Haven will now look to try and retain and add to their squad for next year.