The curtain finally came down on Newport Pagnell Town's United Counties Premier Division season on Saturday and manager Terry Shrieves hailed it as a great success.

The Swans ended their league campaign with a 3-2 defeat at Long Buckby and finish in third, having only lost six of their 40 games.

And Shrieves says that despite his side not having any silverware to show for their efforts over the past eight months, it has been a season to remember.

"In the four years I have been here our seasons are usually over by November, so to go into the final game still having something to play for shows how far we have come," he said.

"We've had many highlights, particularly the FA Cup and some of our wins late in the season. The lads are disappointed now, but when they eventually look back it should only bring fond memories."

The team will now enjoy a month's rest before plans for next season begin. And Shrieves is hoping that he can keep most of his squad together to challenge next term.

"When you have a good season you are going to get other clubs looking at your players," he said.

"But I don't have a chip on my shoulder about the players showing loyalty to the club. If any of them get a better offer elsewhere I couldn't really blame them for going.

"There's no reason why we can't challenge for the title again though."

And the Swans boss is confident that top scorer Darren Lynch will stay on next term, the striker hit 35 goals in all competitions during the season.

>> Mursley United's last game of the season in the SML Division Two came away at The 61FC (Luton) on Saturday, the hosts' 5-1 win seeing them crowned champions.

The Mursley goal came from Jakub Kasprzyk, less than seven days after completing the London Marathon in 4hr 12m.