DEFENDER Joe Romanski says he is hurting after Swindon Town’s League Two play-off hopes were ended in a 1-0 defeat to Grimsby Town at the Energy Check County Ground.

The visitors were awarded a controversial penalty deep into first-half stoppage time when Ryan McGivern made slight contact with Harry Cardwell, before Mitch Rose slotted past Reice Charles-Cook to seal the Mariners' win.

Romanski, who was handed his senior debut at the weekend, played the full 90 minutes and admitted it was a killer blow to learn that promotion is now beyond Town this season.

“It’s very disappointing because we had chances of our own and we could have turned the game around,” said the 18-year-old.

“It is what it is. We need to get back to it, push hard and go again next season.

“I found out that we can’t get in the play-offs and it is killing me, if I am honest. We have worked so hard throughout the season, it’s not a great feeling.

“That said, we need to get back on the training ground and get right on it next season.”

On his own performance, the teenager was happy with his display, although he admits the result overshadows that.

“When I got out there, I was feeling the nerves. Feeling the crowd roar for the first time got to me,” he added.

“It was physical, as I expected. That is what you expect from a team like Grimsby, they get it forward quickly and get around the second balls.

“We coped with them overall. We kept them down to limited shots and had a few chances of our own.

“I had Ryan (McGivern) on the right and Chris (Hussey) on the left, so I had good support and felt right at home.

"Getting the first touch out of the way was good, it didn’t go anywhere bad.

“I think I did alright. Obviously, we conceded and as a defender, that means we have things to work on.”

Town now turn their attention to the final two league games, which sees them travel to Colchester United next Saturday, before welcoming Accrington Stanley on the final day of the season.