Proud of his side's achievements despite missing out on a final-day promotion, Heath has told his men to enjoy another big challenge in their record-breaking season.

The Villagers led the Conference North for a large part of what has been an incredible first season in the sixth tier of English football.

However, they now face a nervy play-off campaign if their dreams are to become a reality.

AFC Telford's 3-0 home victory over Gainsborough secured the title and promotion at the weekend, with Ferriby's 1-1 draw at home to Brackley Town enough to earn second place and a play-off tie against a Guiseley side who they are yet to take a point from this season.

"We have nothing to feel down about because we gave it our best shot. We just ran out of steam in the end," Heath told the Mail.

"We fell short, but our remit at the start of the season was to stay in the league.

"We thought if we had a good season we would finish mid-table, so we have gone way ahead of that.

"We stick together now and whatever comes in the play-offs, we'll enjoy it.

"It was exciting on Saturday, but we were relying on other people to do the job for us.

"Now we have to go out and get the job done ourselves.

"I said to the players after the game that we knew it was going to be a long shot and a big ask for us to rely on Telford not winning, especially at their place. They were in the driving seat and we knew that, but I told the players beforehand I was proud of them regardless of how the day unfolded.

"It was important for us to get something out of the game, because we didn't want to drop to fourth and now we have home advantage if we get to the final."

As reward for finishing second, Ferriby will host the play-off final at the Eon Visual Media Stadium should they navigate their way past Guiseley in a two-legged contest, which sees the Villagers away on Wednesday before hosting the return fixture on Saturday.

Defeat to Guiseley in the league on March 22 ended an eight-game unbeaten run and started a frantic period that returned just three wins in eight matches.

Paying the price for their FA Cup and FA Vase success, the run coincided with an increasing injury list and Heath admits the club's limited playing resources has been a factor in their form dropping off and the title slipping away.

"Physically, the injuries have caught up on us and we haven't been able to change the team and rest people," added Heath.

"The amount of time we have had our kids on the bench this season is unbelievable.

"Our form for the last month isn't great and in the last 15 minutes on Saturday we were hanging on, but that's just the physical side where we are struggling.

"Guiseley have played a lot of games too of late and in the play-offs it is a war of attrition.

"Can we muster two big performances to get to the final? That's now the challenge for us."

PLANS to spend more than £1m refurbishing one of Beverley's most popular pubs are expected to be submitted to East Riding Council.

Wetherspoon is to apply for planning permission to the authority in order to completely refurbish the pub.

Pub chain JD Wetherspoon confirmed it had leased The Cross Keys in Lairgate in December after months of speculation.

The news has been welcomed by East Riding Councillor Kerri Harold, who represents the Minster and Woodmansey area.

Councillor Harold said: "Everyone has been waiting for news on what is happening at the Cross Keys site.

"It is fantastic that the building is going to be maintained as a pub and I really welcome this refurbishment of what already is a great building."

The pub is expected to be completely redeveloped and have new opening hours.

If plans are approved, the work is expected to take three or four months to complete.

The company would not comment further about a date for reopening the pub or how many new jobs could be created.

Cllr Harold said: "When the Cross Keys closed back in November, it left a big hole in Beverley's nightlife, so the sooner the new pub opens, the better.

"The Cross Keys played such a big part in Beverley's social scene, so to have it back up and running would be fantastic.

"It is a total bonus for the town."

JD Wetherspoon submitted a planning application in 2010 to convert the disused Agriculture House in New Walkergate, Beverley, into one of their pubs.

However, plans were rejected by East Riding Council, which stated the development would be detrimental and out of character.

The pub would have eventually employed between 40 and 45 people.

Wetherspoon pubs are known for opening at 7am for breakfast, serving alcohol from 9am, and selling cheap beer.

The Wetherspoon spokesman said: "There are a number of reasons for opening in Beverley. We already have a number of pubs in the region, but not in Beverley.

"Beverley is a good market town with a good population. It was already a busy pub, which we hope will be at the heart of the town in the future."

Agent Carter Jonas has submitted a screening opinion request to East Riding Council, which is a precursor to a planning application.

The 500-kw turbine would be situated on land off Bellasize Lane in the village of Blacktoft.

The request will be considered by the local authority's planning department in due course.

Although the 21-year-old has been trying to overcome a minor back injury since arriving in England on an 18-month deal just over two weeks ago, it has not curtailed his involvement on the training ground.

And that determination has not gone unnoticed by coach Craig Sandercock, who will watch the former North Queensland Cowboys star closely over the next five days.

Although Ulugia was not part of the travelling party for the defeat at Catalan, his lively and timely arrival is believed to be behind the decision to offload Greg Eden to Salford.

Having made two costly errors in the 37-24 reversal in Perpignan, Eden was immediately sent to the Red Devils for a month and his future now looks shrouded in doubt despite a year remaining on his deal.

Although he made a losing start to his Salford career by being knocked out of the Challenge Cup in a 30-20 defeat yesterday, Eden did survive an early barrage of towering kicks to make a solid start to his spell at the AJ Bell Stadium.

He also helped to set up a Gareth Hock try with a decent run from deep and knows he could earn a permanent stay if he shines.

With Ben Cockayne already preferred to the 23-year-old at full-back this season, the fact Ulugia can play there as well as on the wing and at centre now provides the Robins with even more cover.

If Ulugia's involvement in training is not restricted by injury this week, he could be handed a place in KR's 19-man squad for the arrival of Widnes on Sunday.

Whilst that will depend on the fitness of Cockayne, who did not feature in France because of a shoulder injury, the former NRL man has made it clear he is ready to make his debut whenever Sandercock gives him the nod.

TWENTY Hull hopefuls have made it through to the next stage of X Factor after auditions in the city. More than 150 singers and musicians gathered at the Prospect Centre over the weekend for the auditions.And 20 successfully made it through.

They will now audition at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester on Saturday.

If successful there, they will make it through to the arena auditions in front of Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole.

One of the singers through to the next round is Jane Watkins, of Hull.

Jane impressed the judges with her version of Plan B's song She Said.

Jane, 29, said: "I am really excited to get through to the next stage in Manchester.

"Fingers crossed I can do well there and get even further."

Jane, who auditioned for the show eight years ago, took her auntie Sarah Watson with her for support.

Also auditioning was 17-year-old Sam Foster, who entertained crowds with his version of James Blunt's Bonfire Heart.

Sam said: "I'm feeling fine at the moment.

"I auditioned last year and got through to the second round of the competition, so I am hoping to go one better this year."

Hull's very own star of last year's X Factor, Ryan Mathie, also attended the auditions to give his support to the singers.

Ryan, 19, got to the judges' houses round of the competition in the show, before being sent home by Louis Walsh.

Ryan said: "Hull has so much talent and it needs to be discovered.

"It is crazy to think that, this time last year, I was here in my work gear. So much has happened since then."

HULL musician Daniel Eastwood joined Ryan Mathie to support the X Factor hopefuls.

Daniel, who performs under the name Daniel Rhythm, met Ryan in a nightclub in Hull after his X Factor appearances.

The pair have been friends ever since and enjoy performing together.

Ryan said: "I have really been focusing on writing music.

"I think that makes the difference between a singer and an artist."

Daniel said: "I find it really hard to sing cover songs.

"I much prefer to do my own stuff and try to get my music out there."

Daniel is currently working with Mobo award-winning R&B and hip-hop music group Big Brovaz.

He said: "The X-Factor auditions are always extremely popular and we are very proud to be chosen again as a venue for this fantastic event."

• Missed out or fancy trying your luck on Hull's biggest stage? There's still time to enter the Mail's Star Search competition which holds its final at Hull New Theatre. For more information see Star Search heats

A WEEK of celebrations will take place across the city marking all Hull has to offer in the fashion stakes.

The Hull Bid Fashion Week kicked off in style on Saturday with former London Fashion Week model and Hull girl Sophie Allen surprising shoppers with flash mob-style catwalks around the city centre.

Sophie was joined by identical twins Sophia and Olivia Daly as they strutted their stuff outside Hull City Hall, the venue of Saturday's ultimate catwalk finale, followed by 30 Hull Fashion Week models, ageing from seven to 57 and all dressed in black.

Events are being held throughout this week to celebrate all things fashion and encourage shoppers to visit the city centre to explore the shops on offer.

Sophie, who has previously modelled for Vogue magazine, said: "I'm proud to be from Hull and will support it forever, so I was delighted to get involved with Fashion Week. "Hull has had it tough for many years but now people are starting to take notice. I was ecstatic that we won UK City of Culture 2017, it is just what is needed.

"There is so much talent hidden away in every corner of this city, such a rich history and Hull people are so down-to-earth and welcoming. For me, Hull is where the heart is."

Identical twins Sophia and Olivia Daly, of Swanland, are hoping to break into the modelling world and made their debut at the launch on Saturday.

Sophia, 16, said: "We're so happy to be part of Fashion Week and can't wait for the finale event."

Olivia said: "There's a real diversity of fashion in Hull, which people don't always realise.

"We shop in Hull because there's such a great range of shops and I hope Fashion Week attracts more people into the city to find out what's on offer."

Hull Fashion Week sees the city centre's high-street chains, independent boutiques, hairdressers and beauty parlours come together to showcase their products across a week-long style extravaganza.

Hull City Hall will play host to the Ultimate Catwalk Finale on Saturday, which includes four major catwalk shows, a vintage market, plenty of free fashion and beauty activities and live music and performances.

The show will be hosted by BBC Radio Humberside presenter Lizzie Rose and up-and-coming northern rapper Luke "Nineties Boy" Chambers.

The full event will also be streamed live in Queen Victoria Square on an LED digital screen, sponsored by Hugh Rice the Jewellers.

AT AROUND 4.30pm on Saturday afternoon, Hull City were a side sinking ominously into trouble.

Trailing 2-0 to Fulham with a quarter of an hour to play, a relegation fight they thought had been left behind was dragging them back in. The Tigers had been far from convincing. At times, downright poor.

But when an attacking line is led by Shane Long and Nikica Jelavic, two proven internationals, there is always cause for hope. And so it proved again at Craven Cottage.

Once Jelavic had profited from the pressure of Long bringing out a wild clearance from Sascha Riether, converting a simple header off the bar, there was time and inspiration for a late equaliser.

Sone Aluko's searching cross into the box was perfect and Long was on hand to beat David Stockdale with a clinical low header. The Republic of Ireland international was the coolest man in the ground.

Steve Bruce felt his side deserved a point but it was ultimately Long who came along with the keys to get his side out of jail.

This was the latest in a line of big goals for City.

Long's first helped bring a point at home to Spurs, before his second and third contributed towards precious wins over drop rivals Sunderland and West Brom.

A fourth came late on Saturday and granted his side another season in the Premier League.

Long has justified the faith and persistence of Bruce already. More will be needed to fulfil a price-tag that could eventually rise to £6.5m with add-ons, but the likeable forward is well on his way.

As Saturday's compelling draw underlined, there is much to admire. The pace, movement and direct running causes defenders problems each week and Fulham were no different.

A better delivery inside the final third and his runs could have brought reward, while a shove from Fernando Amorebieta could have brought a penalty. Contact was not emphatic but enough to curtail Long in full flow. Amorebieta was fortunate to escape a red card and rubbed salt in the wound when scoring Fulham's second, but would be denied the last laugh by Long.

A dangerous run spotted by Aluko inadvertently set up Jelavic off the crossbar, before he tapped into the same wavelength to peel off and nod in a deep cross. A simple chance but one he was never likely to miss.

Long's goalscoring exploits have not been spectacular in City colours, but would be enough to see him in double figures over the course of the season. Four in 13 is the same as a dozen or so in an injury-free season.

That will be the aim from August onwards and, thanks to Long, those targets will be set in the top flight.

THE confirmation of a season's success must wait a while longer. Saturday, Sunday or maybe even beyond this coming weekend. But be absolutely certain, it will soon arrive.

After a 37th point of the season was found at Craven Cottage even pessimists armed with calculators struggle to make a case for Hull City returning to the Championship.

The Tigers appear destined not to bound over the finishing line, taking just 14 points from 16 games in 2014, yet there remains a certain assurance that this season will end well. A purpose that has flickered but never faded.

And here it was again. Despite a fractured, timid performance bringing about a 2-0 deficit to a Fulham side trying to reel a rival back into the relegation mix, City found something that will keep them in the Premier League.

Spirit and belief is no guarantee to glory but it never goes amiss. Certainly not at this time of the year.

"The reason we're 13th is that we don't give up," said manager Steve Bruce, itching to pop the champagne. "We have a crack at it and we keep on going."

The first crack of that whip came belatedly in the 75th minute and continued until the very last kick.

Waking from a slumber that had seen them two goals in arrears through the excellent finishes of Ashkan Dejagah and Fernando Amorebieta, City refused to look over anxious shoulders with a stirring late response bringing Fulham to their knees.

Nikica Jelavic's close-range header, cashing in on a timely slice of fortune, was followed up by shots against the woodwork from Sone Aluko and Ahmed Elmohamady.

And then Shane Long popped up three minutes from time with the goal that effectively delivers the club's fourth season in the top flight.

The contrasts on the terraces told the story. While Fulham fans sat with heads in hands, novelty card clackers tossed to the floor, close to 2,000 supporters in the Putney End of Craven Cottage celebrated safe in the knowledge the Premier League odyssey has another chapter coming. One set of fans contemplated throwing themselves in the Thames as the others danced along its banks.

Fulham cannot catch the Tigers now. Neither can Cardiff. Only miracles from Sunderland or Norwich, five points adrift and with hugely inferior goal differences, could possibly rain on City's survival parade before the FA Cup final.

Two men ineligible for that showpiece fixture were the eventual difference between the Tigers fretting and rejoicing on Saturday evening.

Scoring their fourth Premier League goals since their January moves, Jelavic and Long repaid a hefty instalment in the £14m that brought them to the KC Stadium.

Their 13 starts together have now returned eight goals. A Fulham side that saw fit to spend £11m on Greece international Konstantinos Mitroglou, who is yet to open his account, ache for such a vital contribution.

For long periods, though, the Cottagers appeared capable of breathing fresh life into their survival bid.

A City side set up to frustrate in a 3-5-2 shape held their hosts at bay with ease for the opening period.

Chances were at a premium and only Long, brought down by the panicking Amorebieta when clear on goal, brought the only talking point of the first half when his appeals for a penalty, and likely sending off, were waved away.

There was little sign of the drama that laid in wait as the Tigers held parity without breaking sweat, but Fulham were not short of spirit themselves. Or class. Both came from half-time substitute Dejegah when he opened the scoring 10 minutes after his introduction.

Ignoring the overlapping run that took away his defenders on the City left, a cut inside opened play up for a shot through bodies and curling past the helpless Steve Harper.

Fulham felt it was suddenly their big day and the feeling was entrenched three minutes later. Kieran Richardson's cross from the left was attacked by Amorebieta and a downward header into the bottom corner was again too good for Harper.

A year on from faltering at Barnsley in the Championship promotion race, it again seemed as though City were inviting threats to their top-flight ambitions. A position of cautious control had become one of fluster and worry. There and then the gap between them and the bottom three was four points.

Bruce made his own attacking substitutions by turning to the impressive Aluko, and with a quarter of an hour to play came a reaction that confirmed City belong in the Premier League.

Jelavic's lifeline owed much to luck when Sascha Riether's botched clearance looped over David Stockdale and onto the bar, allowing for an easy header in, but from then on in it was relentless.

Aluko struck a wicked shot against Stockdale's crossbar to signal the start of the onslaught, and once Harper's bravery denied Dejagah again on a rapid Fulham counter, Elmohamady struck the woodwork again with a low shot against a post.

Panic was on the streets of West London and Fulham could hold on no longer. Aluko's cross from the left flank was perfect to miss out all defenders and tee up Long to score a simple but deadly header at the back post. The comeback was complete.

And so was City's journey towards safety. Anything from Aston Villa this weekend will render the final week of the season academic and allow all thoughts to turn to Arsenal and the FA Cup.

Just as like when the Premier League kicked off at Chelsea in August, few will give the Tigers a prayer at Wembley. If they can muster the spirit shown at Fulham, however, a return to the capital in three weeks could yet bring further celebrations.