Josh Kelly believes this year's Irish Cup has brought the best out in Ballymena United.
While wins were hard to come by in the league at times the Sky Blues overcame all obstacles in their way to make it to their second Irish Cup final in a row.
Comeback wins over Carrick Rangers and Ballyclare Comrades sandwiched a potential banana skin against Newington.
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But they saved their best to last with a superb display to see off champions Larne in the semi-final, and Kelly feels that performance will fill them with confidence ahead of tomorrow's meeting with Crusaders.
"Whenever we were drawn against Carrick it was the only all-Premiership tie," he said.
"So going there, then taking on Newington, going to Ballyclare and then having to face the League champions we have certainly earned our right to be in the Irish Cup final.
"The semi-final result and performance will give us a lot of confidence. We set up really well that night and performed well.
"In the midst of that league run we beat Carrick and Ballyclare in the Irish Cup.
"Those results gave us a bit of respite from the league results.
"Even though the results weren't great we went to The Oval and conceded a late goal, we lost 1-0 away at Larne, so the performances were there even though the results weren't.
"Thankfully we managed to get over the line against Larne in the semi-final and now the boys are confident going into the final.
"We have to take confidence from that as a group as our performances have been great throughout the competition.
"There's no reason why we can't take that into Sunday and deliver again."
Kelly will lead the Sky Blues out against Crusaders and revealed how much it would mean to him to lift the trophy.
"I've been at Ballymena for four years and during that time you build a real affinity with the club," he said.
"It would mean a lot to win the Irish Cup, not only for myself but for the group of players we have.
"The changing room is brilliant, and it has been for the four years I've been here.
"I've really enjoyed my time here and to get an Irish Cup after having lost two previous finals would be very special, hopefully we can go and do that."
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