Enniskillen Athletic manager Paul Crane accepts that his side will be massive underdogs when they take on double chasing Strathroy Harps tonight (Thursday) in the semi-final of the Mulhern Cup, but he wants his players to go out and enjoy the experience.

Athletic have been the surprise package of this year’s competition, beating three Division Two sides en route to the semi-final for their first time in their history.

They started with a comfortable win over St. Pat’s and then knocked out Glebe United before booking their place in the last four with a thrilling 5-4 win over Lisnaskea Rovers.

However, there is no doubt that they face their biggest challenge to date when they come up against Strathroy Harps at Ferney Park tonight.

“I know from experience that any first division side playing a third division side will be huge favourites, never mind a team who were unlucky in the Junior Cup and will probably go on and win the double this year. Strathroy are a vastly experienced side who have won everything over the last couple of years but in saying that, we have just planned to have a great day out. I enjoy the challenge of playing against Strathroy and hopefully we can motivate the cubs to relish the challenge as well,” said Crane.

Crane admits that preparations for the semi-final have not been ideal and that he won’t have a full hand to select from on the night.

“It has been very tough as we have only played twice recently so you would expect us to be rusty. Also, Kyle our keeper is missing, Paul Ward is a doubt and a school trip and county minors has ruled out another three lads,” he said.

The Athletic player-manager though is expecting goals at Ferney Park and hopes that his side can show the form that has taken them this far in the competition.

“I expect plenty of goals and we will try and give them as good a game as possible and play the way we know we can. Playing in Ferney Park is great for a lot of these lads, especially at such a young age.”

And regardless of result, Crane feels the club is in great shape moving forward.

“All age groups have been doing the club really proud which gives everyone a boost and the future of the club is in great shape,” concluded the Athletic player manager.