JOINT-BOSS Matt Carmichael felt Brantham Athletic’s destiny was in their own hands heading into Monday’s League Cup final against Thetford Town.

The Imps ran out 4-2 winners thanks to a brace of goals from Michael Brothers and further strikes from Craig Hughes and Sean Bartlett.

Carmichael always knew his side were capable of finishing their season with silverware - as long as they played to the best of their ability and didn’t freeze on the big stage.

“We always knew that if we clicked and played to our potential, we’d win,” said the former Harwich and Parkeston manager and Little Oakley coach.

“As I’ve been saying all year, when we drop to other sides’ level and let them dictate play, they match us.

“But when we play the way we want to play and to the level we’re capable of, we’re a very good side.

“Thetford weren’t in the game in the second half because we were so in control.

“They had a couple of half-chances – a couple of efforts blocked – but no real quality, whereas every time we went forward we looked dangerous.

“We were keeping the ball in good areas and by scoring a fourth goal, managed to kill the game dead.

“Thetford didn’t have an answer and that’s testament to our players, as well as (coach) Ben Swan and (assistant manager) Jack Wignall.”

Monday’s success was the icing on the cake after a successful season in which Brantham finished fifth in the Thurlow Nunn League.

Carmichael believes his club are moving in the right direction and said: “The board have backed what we’re trying to do.

“We haven’t attempted to reinvent the wheel but we’ve tried to bring in quality and back it up with a good infrastructure.”