Enniskillen Rangers will go into their semi-final clash against Magheraveely tonight (Thursday) at Ferney Park as favourites, as they bid to reach the Mulhern Cup final for the first time this century.

The domestic cup has evaded Rangers in recent times, and they have not reached the final since they defeated Kevlin United in 1999, but they come into the semi final on a seven-game unbeaten run in the league, which included a victory over newly-crowned champions Tummery.

Rangers’ Manager, Neil Coulter, is hopeful the momentum they have gained will carry them through to the final.

“I feel since Christmas we have been in a lot better place,” he said. “I know we have a few injuries and suspensions at the minute, but the players have started to believe a bit more in their own ability now.

“I thought that we maybe let that slip for a while after the start of the season, but I feel our all-round play is a lot better, and we are getting goals at the right times and not conceding much.

‘A good position’

“From Christmas time, the boys have really upped their game, and I feel we are in a good position to push on and hopefully progress in the cup.”

Coulter himself will miss the match through suspension after his dismissal last weekend, and Christopher Currie and Richie Johnson are also set to miss out through injury, but the boss has a strong belief in the strength in depth of his squad.

“I have full faith in anybody I put out on the pitch, and I have full faith in the squad,” he said. “I have a squad of quality players who are not just there to make up the numbers. They are there competing to win trophies, and I hope that’s what we can do.”

A tough challenge

Coulter is also quick to dismiss the favourites tag, and is expecting a tough challenge from Magheraveely who have been fighting a relegation battle near the foot of Division One.

“League position doesn’t come into it in a cup competition,” he said.

“It is a one-off game and Magheraveely players will be up for this game because it is the first time ever they have been in this position.

“I believe the Fermanagh and Western is one of the strongest junior leagues around, and anyone in the division deserves to be there on merit. We cannot take anyone lightly.”

Rangers’ opponents, Magheraveely, can also claim to be coming into the semi-final clash in good form.

Despite being embroiled in a relegation scrap for much of the season, they have just put together back to back wins to climb out of the bottom two, and Manager Eamon McGlone is hoping the prospect of the first Mulhern Cup final in the club’s history will inspire them.

“The cup has been a good distraction from a tough league campaign in 2022,” he admitted.

“When we started our cup campaign, we made a promise as a group, and that has helped us get to the semi-final. Enniskillen Rangers will pose a very difficult game but with recent results and performances I think we can go into the game confident that we can perform well.

“We have no pressure on us, as Rangers will be everyone’s favourites, so we can enjoy the occasion and if we get some luck we might cause them some problems.”