BRANTHAM Athletic joint-manager Michael Brothers reflected on a “phenomenal achievement” after his side booked their place in the League Challenge Cup final.

The Imps will now play Thetford Town on May 7 after a fantastic 3-1 victory at Wroxham on Tuesday night.

They have silverware in their sights and Brothers admitted proud and delighted after he, Elliott Johnson and Ethan Abrahams scored their goals at Trafford Park.

“I couldn’t be happier,” said the joint player-boss (pictured), who runs the side with Matt Carmichael.

“We haven’t won anything yet but just getting to the final feels amazing.

“There’s a real sense of achievement and the lads have worked so hard. They deserve this reward.

“Our league form has been disappointing in recent weeks but that just put extra fire in our bellies, to try and get a result on Tuesday night.

“It’s horrible when things aren’t going well because you start doubting yourself but this victory proves we’re doing the right things.

“It’s a phenomenal achievement for the club, great for the players and also great for myself and Matty (Carmichael).

“This is our first season so we’re absolutely delighted to be through to a final.

“On a personal note, I’ve won a league and been promoted but never won a cup before, so the final is going to be a special occasion for me.

“I’ve experienced losing a final and it’s not a nice feeling - something I don’t want to repeat on May 7.”

All the goals came in the first half at Wroxham. Johnson put the Imps ahead and although the hosts levelled, Brothers and Abrahams netted to book Brantham’s place in the final at Diss Town’s Brewers Green Lane ground.

“We always felt in control of the game,” said Brothers, whose side suffered a 4-0 defeat at Stowmarket Town in the Thurlow Nunn League premier division on Saturday.

“We went for it from the very start and despite the fact it was a semi-final, we played without any pressure.

“If we won, it would have been fantastic.

“Had we lost, we still would have been proud to get to a semi-final.

“That was our attitude and it meant we were pretty relaxed, rather than going into the game feeling uptight because of our league form.”

Ironically, Brantham still have to play Thetford twice, away on March 31 and at the Leisure Centre on April 14.

The Norfolk side booked their placed in the final after a 2-0 success against Stanway Rovers, also on Tuesday night.

“We’re a bit gutted not to be playing Stanway,” added Brothers, who was in the Leiston team that suffered defeat in the League Cup final against Stanway in 2009.

“It would have been great to have two sides from the area in the final.”

Brantham, who are fifth in the premier division table, have a home date with Saffron Walden Town on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).