West Riding County Cup
Roy Mason is challenging his Steeton players to make history by causing a “huge upset” in the West Riding County Cup quarter-final tie at Brighouse Town tonight.
The match is one of the biggest in Steeton’s history and although his men are underdogs, Mason says they will head to Brighouse believing they can make waves.
“It a big game for us because if we can get to the last four of this competition then it is a fantastic achievement for the club,” Mason told Non League Yorkshire.
“For me it is more about how we pit ourselves against a team that are two levels above us, how far off are we?
“Can we go there and compete and can we get something out of the game?
“There’s no reason why we can’t.
“On our day I think we’re capable of beating anybody and I think we have to go to Brighouse with the confidence we can win the game.
“Otherwise what’s the point in going?
“We know it is going to be a tough game, of course it will be.
“We’re probably the lowest ranked team in the competition so if we got to the last four then it would be a huge upset but why can’t we upset the odds?
“I’ve said to the lads that we are probably at our best when people write us off or don’t fancy us.”
Steeton have several young players who clearly have huge potential to play at a higher level of Non League Football and Mason agrees the Brighouse tie is a chance for them to showcase themselves.
“I’ve said to everyone who comes to the club that Steeton isn’t the bee-all and end-all for them and part of our remit as management team is to improve these players and help them play at a higher level.
“Players have to be ambitious and they have to want to play at the highest level they can.
“I’m sure a few of our players will go onto play at a higher level.
“What gives you is that conveyor belt as players will come to you as they see an opportunity (to play at Steeton and improve).
“Monday is a good opportunity for them to show what they can do against a team from a higher level.”
Steeton have a quick turnaround from Saturday’s disappointing 3-1 defeat at Golcar United in North West Counties League First Division North.
Steeton remain in a mid-table position in the table and Mason says he is a hopeful solid end to the campaign.
“The aim for us was always to finish in the top half,” he said.
“Certain people always get excited about play-offs and things like that but there’s a lot of good teams in this league and big budgets and we don’t fall into that big budget bracket.
“We have to make the most of what we have got.
“The most points we have got in this league is 44 and we’re certainly on target to beat that and probably finish in our highest ever position.
“We have now consolidated ourselves as a Non League club and I think people take us seriously now.
“It is not little Steeton anymore and getting to the quarter-finals of the County Cup adds kudos as well.”