The celebrations went on long into Wednesday night after Eccleshill United lifted the West Riding County Cup at Valley Parade.

It was a proud evening for the Eagles as they triumphed over all the odds and Harrogate Town.

Lee Duxbury’s men would need four promotions to be on a level playing field with Harrogate but they were good value for their 1-0 victory that was earned courtesy of Marcus Edwards’ late penalty.

Duxbury, who played all his career in the pro game, said: “We have some quality at this club. I was never as skilled as some of these lads we have here, my best quality was that mentally I was much tougher than most of my counterparts.

“I was a dog who chased at everything and put myself around. I was on the same pitch as people like Chris Waddle and I wondered why at times. Then I remembered that it was because I wanted it and applied myself.

“I’ve instilled a bit of that toughness, that bit of steel, into these players here and I think that’s why we have been successful this season. You need all the ingredients and I’ve directed them to learn different game plans and they are an honest bunch of lads in terms of effort, so we’ve got everything.”

Eccleshill’s chairman of football Adrian Benson added: “It was an amazing night and I thought it was a deserved victory because we competed with Harrogate, taking them on at their own game.

“They are a very good side with some wonderful players but we matched them and played good football.

“I think what it proved is what we all knew already and that is that we are one of the best teams in the area. In fact, this win says we are the best team in non-league football in West Yorkshire and we’ve got the trophy to prove it.”