@LBroadbean
Sorry to hear about that but I totally agree with @The Many Tentacles. If you really want this job, wait a year and go for it.
That's what I did. It's my second attempt now and hopefully I won't need a third one. But even if I'm unsuccessful this time, I'll try to improve even more and try again.
On the good side, it's only a year's waiting now. I had to wait 2 years to reapply.