Old Malton St Mary’s player-manager Darren Dunning has hailed his side’s 2-1 win over Thornaby Dubliners as ‘a huge result’ as they lifted the North Riding FA Saturday County Cup.

Old Malton delighted the three-figure crowd at County FA headquarters in Stokesley where goals from Dunning and Damien Cox helped them to lift the trophy for the first time in their history.

Saying the current squad is better than it has ever been during his three years at the club, the former York City and Blackburn midfielder was not surprised to see his side lift the trophy.

“We knew at the start of the season that winning this was a possibility,” said Dunning.

“We have got such a good squad of players at the moment that we know we can beat anyone at this level.”

The Saints have reached the final once before, in 2010, where they lost to Cargo Fleet just months before Dunning’s appointment.

And the former York City clubman of the year believes that it is by virtue of a passing game better than Thornaby’s that they were able to lift the local trophy.

“They were very direct hoofing the ball forwards, while we got it down and tried to pass as much as possible,” said Dunning.

“The better team won on the day and I’m delighted.”

Saints’ attention now turns back to league matters, where they currently sit top of the York Minster Engineering League Premier Division, eight points clear of rivals Riccall United.

With United having played three games fewer, however, the race for the title may be out the hands of Dunning’s men.

“All we can do now is keep winning games, knowing that Riccall have to do the same,” said the 33-year-old.

“Our priority is just to try our best. I have a lot of belief in the players.”