Cleator Moor Celtic manager Martin Mahone has expressed his disappointment over last night’s County Cup exit.
But Mahone has said for some time now the club’s priority is to maintain their status in the North West Counties League.
Celtic went down 2-1 after extra time to Carlisle United, the Cup holders but attention has quickly switched to Saturday’s home League game against Chadderton.
“Of course you want to win Cups but I have said that our main priority as a club is to stay in the League we are in.
“So although it was disappointing to lose the quarter final we haven’t time to be sorry for ourselves. There’s a more important game on Saturday.
“A couple of lads picked up knocks in the Cup tie so we will have to look at them closely, and of course the sending off will eventually kick in and we will lose Brad Tatton.
“I must say I thought the sending off was harsh and clearly it had an effect on the result, especially when we got to extra time.
“I think the extra half an hour took its toll on us with the fitness factor, but having to play for 100 minutes with 10 men was a very creditable effort,” said Mahone.
His son Tom had taken the tie to extra-time with an equaliser in the second minute of time added on.
Carlisle, who had grabbed an 80th minute lead through Mason Hardy won the tie in the first half of extra time through Nic Bollado.
United join Carlisle City in the semi final while the other two semi-finals still have to be played.
Kirkoswald host Wetheriggs on Saturday while Pirelli will entertain Workington Athletic a week later on February 19.
