KIERAN KENNEDY has watched it back 100 times and he still can't understand why his goal was disallowed in Wrexham's crucial play-off game.

The centre-back scored following a second half corner in last season's eliminator against Eastleigh but his effort was controversially ruled out as goalkeeper Luke Southwood was adjudged to have been fouled.

A stunning extra-time strike by Spitfires captain Danny Hollands condemned Bryan Hughes’ side to a 1-0 defeat but Kennedy still believes referee Martin Woods made the wrong decision with his goal.

"Don't me started on it," said Kennedy.

"I must have watched it back 100 times and I still don't know why he has given a foul.

"Shaun Pearson has barely touched him and it is not a foul. I am still fuming."

Wrexham are now preparing for a 12th season in non-league and Kennedy is backing the Reds to finally go on and clinch promotion.

"The club definitely deserves to be in the league," said Kennedy.

"Hopefully they can go and do it next season and without doubt I believe they have got the players to do it.

"This could be the year. They have managed to keep a lot of players from last season who know what it takes and Bryan is the right man to do it having worked with him closely.

"Wrexham have got the best fanbase in that league and if they go into League Two, they will have one of the best in that division as well."

But Kennedy won't be running out in Wrexham colours in 2019-20.

The centre-back, who joined the Reds in January after leaving Shrewsbury Town, made 13 appearances for the club last season, scoring two goals.

Although he was offered a new contract by Hughes, Kennedy turned it down and has agreed to join League Two outfit Port Vale when his contract ends at Wrexham.

The lure of league football persuaded Kennedy to choose Vale over Wrexham, and the 25-year-old wants to show he is good enough to play at that level following his short stint with Shrewsbury.

"The main point is going back to the Football League," said Kennedy.

"Obviously I had the chance and not managed it before so I want to prove I am good enough to play there.

"I am going in there to prove to everyone that is where I belong."

Kennedy will be reunited with Vale boss John Askey, who he played under in Macclesfield Town's 2017/2018 National League promotion season and followed his manager to Shrewsbury last summer.

"We have been together twice," added Kennedy.

"I know him and he obviously knows my game in and out so I am looking forward to working with him again.

"That is no disrespect to Bryan because I loved working with Bryan but the Football League is the clincher.

"I have nothing but good memories of my time at Wrexham and I wish everyone all the best for the future."