Brilliant Bardsey saw off Barnoldswick Town in Friday night’s final at Woodlesford, Rob Dickinson netting after just eight seconds to set up victory.

A tenth minute Matthew Carry strike and a late Dickinson penalty then sealed a 3-1 triumph in front of a large crowd at County headquarters.

One onlooker was Carlton boss John Flynn, the manager responsible for wrestling away Bardsey’s league title.

However, after quarter-final agony last year, Larner is adamant this year the County Cup meant the most.

“That’s the one we wanted and it’s the one you can only dream of,” said Larner.

“As a player not many people get a chance to get anywhere near it and I suppose to get there as manager is the next big thing.

“It was just a relief to be honest as there was a lot of pressure on the night.

“It was fantastic, an absolutely great occasion.”

Larner also feels Bardsey deserve massive praise for beating off significantly bigger clubs from within the West Riding FA.

“If you look at who were playing, Barnoldswick ‘town’, it says it all,” he said.

“We are just a small village on the edge of Leeds.

“It’s a massive achievement and we are on a shoestring.

“A lot of teams have paid a lot of money in this for nothing and we can take some pride in that.”

After a flying Bardsey start, Barnoldswick set up a nervy second half by pulling a goal back on Friday and Bardsey were under the cosh after the interval.

However, after some fine Ian Philiskirk saves, Matty James broke away and after he was brought down, Dickinson put away the penalty.

Liam Robinson then missed a great chance to make it 4-1 when rounding the ‘keeper but missing a tap-in after losing his balance because of a foul.

Larner felt his men beat off a highly talented outfit.

“4-1 would have flattered us as they were a very, very good side,” he said.

Also at Woodlesford was Wetherby boss Des English who paid tribute to Larner’s side.

“I was really pleased for Steve, Martin (Bradley) and Graham Hopton,” he said.

“They are good fellas and I was really pleased so I’d like to say congratulations on behalf of Wetherby Athletic Football Club.”

Bardsey now wrap up their league campaign with ties at Howden tomorrow (2.30pm), at home to Field on Wednesday (6.15pm) and then at Pool the Saturday after.

Bardsey only drew 3-3 with Aberford on Wednesday but Larner wants his men finishing as close as possible to new champs Carlton.

“Flynn was there on Friday so I shook his hand and said well done and if you look at their record they’ve only lost three,” said Larner.

“That’s a good achievement.”

Meanwhile, boss Des English insists the future’s bright at WETHERBY ATHLETIC thanks to youngsters John Richards and Tom Dickinson.

Left-back Richards and centre-forward Dickinson are both teenagers but both shone in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Beeston.