Despite bowing out on penalties, Rainworth Miners Welfare boss Rudy Funk has praised their Presidents Cup hosts Liversedge.

The manager said: "I'd like to tell Steve Newton, Liversedge's manager, not only what a great side he has, but also what a wonderful team he has behind the scenes.

"All of us who made the trip on Tuesday night agreed that it was a fantastic game which we all enjoyed despite the eventual outcome.

"I would especially like to commend their backroom staff, and the people behind the scenes, and compliment the club on their fabulous hospitality.

"The welcome and reception we received from them was fantastic, and they are a credit to the Northern Counties East League."

On the match itself, Rudy added: "Probably no-one deserved to lose, but I'm delighted that we responded so well to the defeat by Grimsby Borough.

"The whole team did themselves proud, we played some great football and created the greater chances against a very good side. We got our game together again and I hope that the loss to Grimsby was just one of those blips.

"Billy Millar and I were delighted with the debut of Phil Bignall who made a good start for us. Phil was a target for us before the start of the season and we know what he is capable of.

"Billy and I would also like to wish Phil Massingham well. We have agreed to release him for personal reasons and he goes with our blessing and very best wishes."

Massingham is understood to be joining Radcliffe Olympic, while another striker who has left Rainworth, Adam Lillie, has returned to Graham Street Prims.