Golcar United sealed a third-placed finish in the inaugural Yorkshire Trophy leaving joint boss Ash Connor proud of his players and their achievement.
United drew 3-3 with Brighouse Town on Saturday but won the third-placed play-off 4-3 on penalties. That went some way to making up for the disappointment of losing the semi-final against Penistone Church.
Connor said: “We are one of the lowest teams in the football pyramid playing in this competition. We competed with teams a lot higher than us and we nearly won it. That tells you how far this club has come in just a few years.
“It’s been brilliant for the club getting three home games and having fans back. Financially this has done the club a lot of good so it was worth taking part. I am proud of the lads.”
READ MORE: Relive Golcar United’s journey in the Yorkshire Trophy here
On the defeat to Penistone, Connor said: “I thought the 3-0 scoreline flattered them a bit. There was nothing in the game in the first half. We had a goal disallowed which I believe if counted would have given us some momentum.
“Penistone are a very good team, once they got their noses in front their game management was superb. They slowed the game down and played it at their tempo. They probably deserved the win, I just think the scoreline flattered them.”
The Golcar squad will now have a well-earned break before pre-season training starts on June 29.
“The players will now get a month off,” said Connor. “They can spend their weekends how they want. We trust the players to stay fit because we have a good group here. Pre-season will start and all the players will be raring to go.”
One thing the club will be looking forward to is a pre-season friendly against Huddersfield Town. The Terriers will visit the Skye Direct Stadium on July 13 (7pm).
READ MORE: Golcar United – the only way is up
It will be the first time the clubs will have met with supporters in the stadium. The two sides met behind closed doors in a game which ended 3-3 last year.
“That game will be a big one for us and I know the lads will be looking forward to it,” said Connor. “It’s brilliant financially for the club. These sorts of fixtures can really set us up for the season ahead.
“Hopefully, if restrictions allow, we could get 1,000 people coming to watch it. That financially for the club would be huge. I know the village will be out to support us as they have already in these games.”
