ECCLESHILL lost their grip on the West Riding County Cup last week as they failed to beat higher-ranking neighbours Farsley.

The Eagles’ march to last season’s Valley Parade final and their triumph over Vanarama Conference North outfit Harrogate Town was the stuff of legend.

There will be no repeat of the fairy tale after the Eagles’ goalscoring hero from the 2013-14 final win, Marcus Edwards, led his new side Farsley to a second-round victory at the Rapid Solicitors Stadium.

Eccleshill’s chairman of football Adrian Benson had mixed emotions, saying: “Perhaps our success in cup competitions may have distracted us in the league last year so at least we can concentrate on giving promotion our best shot now.”

The Eagles also reached the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Cup final, which was also held at Bradford City’s ground. They lost that one on penalties but the players had two medals and the club’s status was raised.

“It was marvellous to achieve what we did last season and we all enjoyed it very much," added Benson.

“But as much as our head coach back then, Lee Duxbury, was delighted by it he continually warned us that the extra games were taking a heavy toll on the squad and he was distraught when we missed out on promotion.

“We don’t have Lee anymore and we don’t have Marcus but our aims haven’t changed in the slightest. It is difficult, no impossible, to replace a player like Marcus but Mark Ellis (director of football) is actively seeking to improve our forward options.

“The quality of our game is excellent and at times we are a joy to watch but it’s a pity that we are not getting the rewards that our standard of play merits. Mark has played a big part in our resurrection in his five years with us.

“He has brought top licensed UEFA coaches in to work with our squad and each one of them has added qualities to our players.

“I think the league is wide open this year, with maybe ten teams who could gain promotion, and we are one of them. Most season’s there are two clubs that seem to run away with it because they are paying good money out but this season it is very even."