GOALKEEPER Scott Bevan hid his disappointment to praise the thousands of fans who got behind Kidderminster Harriers at Wembley.

Bevan was helpless to prevent Steve Morison scoring the winner two minutes from the end of Saturday's final after he had saved the Stevenage striker's initial shot.

But he was part of yesterday's bus tour through the town and subsequent civic reception to celebrate the team reaching the final.

An unprecedented number of fans travelled to London for the match with Harriers supporters making up almost half of the FA Trophy-record 53,262 attendance.

Bevan said: "We just want to show our appreciation for the 25,000 who came down to Wembley. It's at a great cost to them and to make the effort they have is fantastic.

"Considering there are clubs like Wolves and West Brom around, to get 25,000 for a non-league final is fantastic.

"It just proves if we can get a bit of success there are fans there so it's in our hands now to push on next season and give them that success."

Bevan, who suffered a career-threatening kidney injury in January 2006, is now hoping the experience of a Wembley final can hold him in good stead.

He said: "There were a few tears in the dressing room but it's sunk in now and we're just happy to have put on a performance like that. I think the game was a credit to non-league football.

"From a personal point of view this has been a getting to know football again season so hopefully I can push on now and show everyone what I can really do."