It is 17 years since Kesh last got their hands on the Mulhern Cup, but they are hoping to end that barren run with victory over Tummery on Friday.

Manager Nicky Noble was a player when they defeated Barrowfield 3-1 to win the trophy for the only time in their history back in 2002, and having waited so long to get into the showpiece final again they are determined to enjoy the experience.

“We don’t often get to the final so first and foremost we will enjoy it, and we will see what happens after that,” said Noble.

“Hopefully we will give a good account of ourselves. Tummery are a good team, and we are the underdogs but you have to be confident in a final, otherwise you might as well not go to it. You have to believe you can get something out of it. ”

Kesh have had a disappointing campaign in the league.

After challenging for the title 12 months ago they only secured their safety in the top flight last week and they remain in the bottom half of the table, but Noble feels that lowly league position is not a true reflection of their capabilities.

“There were times in the league this year that we did play well but we didn’t get the rub of the green, and you need that wee bit of luck to win a game,” he said.

“I have seen us tear teams apart and getting beaten. We have maybe played a great first half and then gone out in the second half and not pushing on.

“We have to be wary of that, but I know the boys will be up for it.”

Twice this season Tummery have got the better of Kesh in their league fixtures.

Both managers agreed Kesh’s recent 6-1 defeat will have no bearing on the final as neither side was at full strength, but Noble is taking the positives from their league defeat earlier in the season.

“We have played them twice this season and they have beaten us twice.

“They tanked us the second time, but the first time we played them showed me that we can compete with them,” said Noble.

“They beat us 3-0 but in the first ten minutes we conceded three free kicks, and they scored three goals. From that moment on through we dominated the match and they had everybody there that day and we were missing a few.

“I take comfort from that, and I know that if we do turn it on then we can do something. Hopefully it will happen for us.”

Kesh are boosted by having a full squad available for the match, with the manager admitting he will have a tough decision when it comes to naming the starting eleven.

“We have Alex Holder back from suspension which is a big plus, and everyone else is fit and ready to go,” he revealed.

“We have a good squad at the minute, and it is going to be a headache for me to decide who is playing,” concluded the NFC Kesh boss..