Nottingham Forest forward Tyler Walker was left “distraught” after seeing his penalty saved in Mansfield Town’s shootout loss to Newport County.
The Stags missed out on a chance to secure promotion to League One at Wembley as they were beaten on spot-kicks in their play-offs semi-final, with Walker’s miss proving costly.
After a 1-1 draw at Rodney Parade in the first leg, the two teams again could not be separated in the return fixture, with the score goalless after extra-time and the tie to be decided on penalties.
Walker, who has netted 26 goals on loan at Mansfield this season, took his team’s third effort, only for goalkeeper Joe Day to save it.
Matt Dolan then bagged what proved to be the winning strike as Newport triumphed 5-3.
And Stags boss David Flitcroft says the Reds youngster will now need “picking up”.
He said: “I said to the players in the huddle before the penalties, it takes real bravery to step up and take a penalty.
“It’s difficult for Tyler. The kid’s distraught in there.
“He’s a Nottingham Forest player, but he’s been Mansfield through and through – he’s been a Stag.
“He’s distraught, but he hasn’t let us down.
“This kid has had to carry (us) at times. He’s had to do that a lot this season and has scored many winning goals.
“It’s my job now to lift the group.”
Walker’s goals tally for Town this term included 22 in the league, putting him second in the top scorers list, behind Tranmere Rovers’ James Norwood.
He has been a regular in the starting line-up for Flitcroft’s side and earned praise from the manager for his contribution.
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“I've taken them myself and it's about people stepping up,” Flitcroft said of the spot-kicks. “Those who stood up tonight had the courage to do so.
“I have just said to him, ‘don't carry that around with you. You have been unplayable at times. You have been outstanding for us this season. You have carried us with having other strikers out injured’.
“Our goals conceded has had to be that good with only one striker carrying us.”
He added: “The kid is distraught and he will need some picking up.
“I will continue to give him that unconditional fatherly support I have given all season. He is a young player with immense potential and promise.”
