A cross-community football club from West Belfast is hoping to sign-off their season with a memorable trophy double.
AFC Stranmillis clinched Division 3 of Belfast & District League in only their second full season as a newly-formed club.
And on Friday night they will look to add the Francis Cup to their silverware collection when they take on familiar rivals Berlin Swifts II's in the final at Ulidia Playing Fields (7.30pm kick-off).
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It has already been a year to remember for Stranmillis, but they are determined to clear one final hurdle before the celebrations can fully begin.
Manager Paul McCartan said: "We have a good squad with a mix of experience with the likes of Kevin MacManus, Canice Ward and the evergreen Naill Ward providing leadership and guile to the younger, fitter lads like Brandon Bonner, James Gough and Eamonn Maguire.
"Every player has made a great contribution this year, even if they weren't playing, they were still training hard and trying to break into the team and were ready when called upon, there's too many to name.
"I sat down with the Stephen Braham and coaches at the beginning of the summer and the Chairman Daniel Ferris set out the aims for the season. These were to secure promotion as a minimum and a decent cup run.
"I can't say I am surprised with how quick progress has come given the quality, strength and commitment of the squad and it isn't easy keeping everyone happy but it's a problem I'm delighted to have.
"I hope we can get across the line at Ulidia tonight and go back to the Hunting Lodge who sponsor us for light refreshments with another trophy but either way it has been a great season for AFC Stranmillis and we look forward to 23/24."
AFC Stranmillis were formed in 2020 and play out of Fullerton Park in Dunmurry.
They are led by McCartan and Stephen Braham who are backed by coaches Colin Morrison and Declan Douglas.
Their inaugural season was disrupted by the Covid pandemic while last season's mid-table finish was an encouraging move in the right direction for the club..
Chairman Daniel Ferris was able to source a number of key players during the summer of 2022 and Stranmillis have continued on an upward curve this season.
They secured the BDFL Div 3 title with a 3-0 win over rivals Ormeau Bakery on March 25, and followed that up with an impressive cup run which included a 9-0 victory over Agape Olympic and a 3-0 semi-final win over Bootle Street FC.
Now they are hoping to secure an historic double with a win over Berlin Swifts II's in the final.
"It was brilliant winning the league title. It is probably only our second proper season after coronavirus > Covid," said experienced striker Canice Ward.
"We formed back in 2020 just before Covid struck, so that obviously had a major impact on our early days as a club.
"This year was our second season as a team, so we are delighted to win the league and have a chance to win a double on Friday night."
Canice added: "We knew we could do well and maybe push for promotion this season. We have a good mix of experienced and youth, and we knew if we could keep everyone together then we would have a chance.
"If we could stay injury free and keep the young lads out of the pub on a Friday night then we knew we could go far. But to win the league is fantastic, and then this cup run is an added bonus."
The Francis Cup involved teams from the Belfast and District League Divisions 3 and 4. The two leagues join together in a knockout format which has led to Friday's final between Stranmillis and Berlin Swifts II's.
"We drew with them on the opening day of the season, and narrowly beat them in the return game," Canice said.
"But all that goes out the window for a cup final. It is an old cliche but anyone can win a final. We are looking forward to it, and we know if we turn up then we have a decent chance.
"It is our final competitive game of the season so a cup win would be a great way to sign out. Then I can go home and put my feet up in the bath."
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