Wright urges players to make final effort

The former Northern Ireland goalkeeper could not conceal his emotion at the end of a gripping semi-final shootout victory over the Crues, punching the air in delight.

“I have been confident all week we could make it. It is great for the players who have come through a lot over the last 12 months. It’s great for all those people who have stuck by the club in when things looked bleak. Now we have got there - let’s win it.”

It was left to Mark Colling to sink the final and vital penalty to seal the semi-final tie at New Grosvenor on Tuesday night 4-2 after the side finished deadlocked at 2-2 after extra-time.

Chairman Bobby Hanna missed the night of glory, he is on holiday in Spain. “Bobby was in touch at the end of the game and we had a long chat on Wednesday morning. Obviously he is thrilled to bits. It’s a long time since the club were in with a chance of winning some silverware - 17 years ago when they defeated Bangor to lift the Gold Cup,” added Wright.

“For the chairman and those on the board they will now be able to enjoy a great day out.”

The Whites will have to put their cup final thoughts on the back burner for the minute as they get back into league action tonight (Friday) at Coleraine.

“We must get our feet back on the ground because we have a hectic period coming up with league games, Irish Cup and Setanta Cup matches. We have five games in 13 days which is asking a lot of part time players. We have Glenavon on Tuesday night, an Irish Cup tie next Saturday and then Sporting Fingal on the Monday.

“Our immediate thoughts turn to the league and we have to start picked up some points. It is very congested between fifth and tenth place - a lot of ground can be made up with a couple of good results.”