Bury Town boss Ben Chenery admitted that Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Hendon was one of the hardest to take of a difficult season.

The Blues have lost 13 of their 22 league games, but pushed third-placed Hendon all the way at Ram Meadow.

“I really feel harshly treated by football to be honest,” declared the boss, whose side missed a 90th-minute penalty with the chance to make it 2-2.

“Their manager (Gary McCann) shook my hand at the end and said he couldn’t believe they won that.

“To get a penalty in the 90th minute to go 2-2 and then miss it was a bitter pill to swallow.

“The third goal is irrelevant. We should have dealt with it better but people are on their knees by then.”

Chenery continued: “It’s so hard to take right now.

“It’s one of the hardest defeats I’ve probably had to experience with how well we’ve done today, but football doesn’t feel sorry for you.

“It’s heartbreaking and football’s a cruel game.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to go through some good times, I’m going through a tough time right now that’s for sure.

“I won’t shy away from that, it is tough at the moment, but we’ll get it right, I’ve got no reservations about that.”

Chris Benjamin’s weak spot-kick ultimately became Bury’s downfall, but Chenery refused to blame his striker.

“You couldn’t write the script that he’d miss that, but I’ve got to be honest with you, there weren’t many who wanted to take it,” added the former Chelmsford defender.

“There were a few run away from it.

“To be fair, it was Chris and Connor who wanted to take it and I’m never going to knock people, if they want to grab that football and take it then fair play.”