CALUM MCINTYRE has apologised to supporters after Chester missed out on a spot in the end-of-season National League North play-offs.

The Blues, who finish their season at home to Darlington tomorrow, are four points adrift of the top-seven following Boston’s 1-0 win at Banbury in midweek.

Boss McIntyre told Chester FC TV: “Now’s the time to reflect that what I’ve put together, because I think I want to apologise to the supporters.

“I’ve done that at full-time. I’ve shook hands with every single travelling supporter.

“We’ve fallen short. The target was to be in the play-offs, whether that is a second place finish, a seventh place finish, but to be in that picture and we’ve fallen short.

“Their support for us, particularly... in difficult circumstances away from home has been absolutely magnificent.

“They’ve backed us. It isn’t a cheap hobby and I want them to know how much we appreciate their support and how it hurts me, as a man, that we’ve not been able to get them that play-off opportunity and the promotion that they so desperately crave and that their support deserves.”

Bringing the curtain down on the campaign is tomorrow’s home clash with Darlington and McIntyre stressed: “That Darlington game, we want to finish the season with a win. I wouldn’t say it’s on a high.”

Four clubs are still in the mix for the two play-off berths that are still remaining.

Sixth-placed Curzon Ashton will make sure of their spot in the play-offs if they pick up a point away to Bishop’s Stortford.

Boston, who are seventh, travel to Hereford, while play-off hopefuls South Shields and Spennymoor host Southport and King’s Lynn respectively.

Other fixtures: Banbury v Tamworth; Blyth v Brackley; Farsley v Buxton; Gloucester v Scunthorpe; Peterborough Sports v Chorley; Rushall v Warrington; Scarborough v Alfreton.