Paul Lines said his Nostell had to dig in for the historic victory at Maltby Main
Paul Lines paid tribute to his players after Nostell Miners Welfare reached the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup final for the first time in their history.
James Kitson’s dramatic last minute strike in the 2-1 semi-final win at Maltby Main booked a trip to Rotherham United’s New York Stadium in May.
But, before then, the priority is ensuring their survival in the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division.
Nostell are six points ahead of second-bottom Retford United and Lines believes two wins should see them over the finish line.
Looking back on Wednesday night, Lines said: “It was going to be a battle because Maltby are a decent side.
“With the long throw situation along with Brian Cusworth, it was always going to be hard, but I thought (centre-halves) Jack Fisher and Max Elliott were magnificent.
“It was a game where we had to dig in and work hard as a unit and we did.
“It was a great night for the club and it is something we need to look ahead to and say to the players that you’re playing for your places.
“It is nice to get to the final, but it is the bigger picture and that’s staying in the league.
“Getting to the final is a bonus, it is about staying in the league. That’s the main thing and I think we’re a couple of wins away from doing that.
“I can’t do it without the lads and the lads are a good unit and the togetherness is fantastic.”
Lines was speaking for the first time since the controversial 4-2 defeat to leaders Worksop Town on Saturday.
A diabolical refereeing display from Lancashire-based Dean Watson heavily contributed to the loss as Nostell had Matthew Johnson, Dave Bordman and Adam Clayton sent off.
Worksop had captain Jake Scott taken to hospital after falling badly on his shoulder and their manager Mark Shaw has since said that Nostell should have had more players sent off.
Giving his side of the story, Lines said: “Where do you start?
“I thought all three were really harsh. I agreed with the first yellow for Dave Bordman as it was an ankle tap.
“The first yellow for Adam Clayton was a stone-waller, but as regards the red card for Johnno and Dave and Adam’s second yellows, I thought they were a joke.
“The first one with Johnno; he flicked his arm backwards and the lad has been watching too much telly as he went down like a sack of spuds and got him sent off.
“The crowd didn’t help and the referee was definitely swayed by the crowd.
“The second one with Dave where unfortunately the lad got stretched off, I thought was just a coming together. But everyone got on the referee’s back and that was him gone.
“We did remarkably well in the circumstances. We were winning 1-0 at half-time and to go out with nine men, you thought the worst for the goals difference.
“To go to eight men and end the game with just minus two was a good achievement. The character shown was fantastic.”
Nostell travel to Parkgate tomorrow.