SAM Long and Marcus Browne have revealed the "pain" caused by Oxford United's play-off final defeat.

The pair started Monday's 2-1 loss to Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley, which saw Gareth Ainsworth's side promoted to the Championship.

Both players have taken to social media to express their feelings, with U's youth product Long admitting the result was tough to take.

He tweeted: "The last few days have been as hard as I've ever experienced.

"The pain of losing that final will stay with me forever.

"The lads have been unbelievable all year and to fall at the final hurdle after working so hard and having such a great season is still something that's proving difficult to get my head around.

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"From being at the 2010 play-off final as a fan to then ten years later having the opportunity to be involved in getting my hometown club, the club I've been at from the age of eight, into the Championship meant so much to me.

"Thank you to everyone who has supported us this season, it hasn't gone unnoticed.

"We will come back stronger and hopefully next season we can go one better."

Long, from Bicester, is United's longest-serving player and agreed a new two-year contract last month.

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Browne, meanwhile, joined on loan from Middlesbrough in January for his second spell with United.

The 22-year-old's deal was extended to cover the play-offs, but he will now return to his parent club.

Browne wrote on Instagram: "The pain of losing Monday night will never heal.

"I’m gutted for the club, the players, the staff and the fans.

"Everyone at the club can hold their heads high, I’m immensely proud of the team this season, and so should everybody else.

"Some may say Oxford United have overachieved this season but playing in a final at Wembley was the least the club deserved.

"Thank you for a second time to everyone at the club and to the manager for accepting me, supporting me and giving me the freedom to express myself and enjoy my football.

"All the best to everyone at Oxford United for the future. Farewell."