THE whole community has been praised for helping to make a sporting fairy tale come true.

Chris Smith led Haydock to becoming the first eighth-tier rugby league club to reach the Challenge Cup fourth round.

The head coach said he was thrilled to receive a leadership award but the team’s success was due to the tremendous support they had received from people young and old.

Receiving the trophy, Chris said: “I feel quite honoured to be up here.

“This award is not just for me. It is only a small place but the whole community got behind us.

“We had 500 people watching amateur rugby at a home match – it was absolutely awesome.”

The dream run culminated in a tie at Championship side Oldham streamed live on the BBC Sport website.

The atmosphere at the game was electric as it appeared as though half of Haydock turned up to support the team.

The giant-killers beat Wath Brow Hornets 17-4 away before overcoming BARLA National Cup winners Thornhill Trojans 30-20 at home in the second round and then defeating Wests Warriors to set up the big occasion.

Although beaten 40-12 in the fourth round tie, they produced a spirited performance, taking an early 8-0 lead to give Oldham a scare.

Last year Chris led Haydock to the North West Premier Division title.

The side were spurred on by the memory of club founder Eric Smith, who died last June after a battle with pancreatic cancer.