More heartache for Hargreaves

10:14pm Tuesday 6th May 2008

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Former Oxford United midfielder Chris Hargreaves is trying to pick himself up after experiencing play-off heartache for the second year running.

The similarities between what Hargreaves and his Torquay United teammate Chris Zebroski have endured this May and last May are remarkable, which makes their pain doubly acute.

Like Oxford United the year before, Torquay led the Conference for some time, only to fall some way behind eventual champions Aldershot, who clinched automatic promotion.

Then in the play-offs, they won at Exeter in the first leg of the semi-final, just as Oxford had done 12 months earlier, and in the second leg they scored first to take a two-goal aggregate lead - just as the U's had done.

Like Oxford, Torquay were still in pole position to qualify for the play-off final with 20 minutes to go.

But on 70 minutes, Ryan Harley fired home from 20 yards to bring Exeter level, and they went on to win.

A year ago, Oxford were looking good until the 70th minute of their second leg, when Adam Stansfield netted, and the Grecians went on to win on penalites.

Hargreaves, 36 next week, was Torquay's player of the year this season and he is trying to get over the bitter disappointment of history repeating itself.

"I am just so sorry for our fans," he said.

"It feels as if we've let them down. They must be so hurt, but no more than I am, believe me.

"The fact that it was our local rivals makes it worse.

"Personally, it's just that so much effort goes in over a season and it all comes down to a kick in the teeth.

"You look at yourself first of all and keep saying 'what more could I have done?' "Even for Exeter's first goal, Rob Edwards final ball came off the inside of my leg and went straight to Ryan Harley to score. Why didn't it go somewhere else?

"The penalty for their second goal was such a big decision. Chris Zebroski is such a great lad and he's been brilliant for us this season. If it was his tackle that the referee picked on, he doesn't deserve that."

Also in the Oxford side last year was current Exeter striker Steve Basham, who watched the match because of an injury.

"Steve is a good friend and he lives just round the corner from me," said Hargreaves.

"He sat in the stand and, with 20 minutes to go, he thought he was going to be in the same boat as last year.

"Instead, it was me, and he's going to Wembley."

There they will face Cambridge United after two goals from former Oxford United midfielder Rob Wolleaston earned a 2-1 win (agg 4-3) over Burton in the Conference play-off semi-finals.