PENISTONE Church missed out on the Premier Division play-offs after a 1-1 draw at home to Knaresborough Town on Wednesday.
Church needed to win all their remaining games to finish above Albion Sports, who have played all their matches, on goal difference and take fifth place.
But they were held at home to Knaresborough in their penultimate game.
Manager Steve Lenthall said: “We were disappointed but extremely proud of the club and players for what we achieved.
“If someone said to us at Christmas we would be 180 minutes from the play-offs, we would have had to have a little check of ourselves.
“Full credit to the lads for turning it around.”
The visitors took the lead just after half-time then Nathan Keightley levelled on 81 minutes.
Lenthall said: “Knaresborough are very good.
“We had two great chances in the first ten minutes then the two teams nullified each other.
“We conceded a sloppy goal and had to gamble.
“We got back into it, and missed chances to win it.
“Danny Howes looked like he was going to score a tap-in but slipped over and it ended up being more of a tackle than a tap-in and he hit the inside of the post.
“It’s very fine margins.
“The lads put absolutely everything into.
“I will never fault everyone who puts 100 per cent in.
“They have not gone out with a whimper.”
Church now visit Barton Town on Saturday in their final league game of the season.
Penistone are due to face Worksop Town in the Sheffield Cup final at Hillsborough on April 30.
“We have a massive day at Hillsborough.
“It will be a great day out for everyone.
“The main focus is we have a full coach of fans booked for Barton.
“We will probably rest players for the final.
“But we want to win and secure sixth spot.
“It’s been a very successful season on and off the pitch.”
