KANE Hemmings admitted it was a horrible experience watching Coventry City celebrating at Wembley.

The striker looked on forlornly with the rest of his Oxford United teammates as the Sky Blues climbed the steps at the national stadium to lift the Checkatrade Trophy.

Hemmings, who scored four goals to help United reach the final for a second year in a row, is hoping to learn from the experience.

The 24-year-old said: “It wasn’t nice.

“I made sure I watched because I don’t want to be in that position again.

“Hopefully in years to come I will be up there and making it right.”

Midfielders Joe Rothwell and Ryan Ledson found it similarly difficult.

Rothwell said: “It’s hard to put into words, all the lads are devastated.

“It’s a stadium you grow up watching the big games and want to be playing at.

“To finally get here and to lose, it’s not easy to take.”

Ledson added: “It wasn’t a very nice feeling. It was heart-breaking to see them lift the cup.”

One talking point was a penalty shout in the first half when Hemmings went down after an aerial challenge with Ryan Haynes.

There looked to be a nudge on the U’s man, but referee Chris Sarginson waved away the protests.

Hemmings said: “I thought it was a penalty, but I’ve not seen it back.

“I’m disappointed, but it is what it is.”