Steeton manager Roy Mason was left ‘gutted’ by his side’s Elland Road defeat but is determined to use their county cup run as a platform to challenge for honours next season.

He also paid tribute to the fantastic backing for the Chevrons, who were pipped at the final post 5-2 by Field.

Mason said: “The support that we have had throughout this cup run has been amazing and I am gutted for the supporters and everyone connected with the club that we were not able to produce the kind of form that we know we are capable of.

“The cup run has, however, really propelled the club forward and raised our profile.

“Not only has it attracted new sponsors but I am hoping it will also help attract a few new players pre-season as our league form dipped off from last season and a fifth-place league finish was not what we wanted.

“We will need to rebuild next season and I will be actively looking for some new faces in order to freshen the squad up and give us a realistic opportunity to challenge for honours.”

Steeton found themselves 3-0 down after just 14 minutes and hopes of a comeback were thwarted by two red cards.

Mason said: “We had done our homework on Field and we knew that they would pose a threat at set-pieces, so to concede the goals that we did was very disappointing.

“We then managed to get a foothold back into the game and a moment of madness has then put us on the back foot.

“To play the entire second half with ten men was always going to be difficult and once we went down to nine men it was impossible.”

Andy Holden apologised via social media after he was sent off for retaliation.

He said: “From starting the night as one of the proudest moments of my life, walking out on to the Elland Road pitch with my son Luca as mascot, to going to one of the worst nights of my life getting sent off for a silly retaliation.

“I hold my head in shame and can only apologise to all those involved with Steeton Football Club. Thanks to everyone for your amazing support. Sorry.”