Law asks players to rise to challenge

The Bannsiders second string secured the trophy, becoming the first reserve team to win it in nearly 30 years, with a penalty shoot-out victory over Moyola Park at Fortwilliam Park.

It is another major step forward for Law’s young side as they continue to defy the odds this season. But the boss is determined not to let them rest on their laurels as they bid to keep working towards their ultimate goal of breaking into the first team squad.

“It was a terrific result and I’m absolutely delighted for the lads, they deserve it for all their hard work this season,” Law told Times Sport.

“But I’ll be telling the lads it’s done and dusted now when we meet to play Cliftonville on Wednesday. We have to get back to focusing on the job in hand and working hard towards it.

“A lot of people have been sitting up and taking notice of our results this season and calling for some of the lads to be given a go in the first team, but they are still a bit too young. Most of them are 16-17 years old.

“But hopefully if they keep working hard we’ll see them making their mark within the next 12 to 18 months. Oran came in and spoke to them after the came and said he can see the potential there. But quite rightly he told them that to be in the first team squad they have to be as good as if not better than the players who are there already.

“It’s our job in the Reserves and Colts to give them the platform so that they are knocking on the door, but they know that they have to put the work in if they are going to get near that.

“To be fair to them I’m delighted with them this season. I’ve been coaching for over 10 years and this is the best job I’ve had. These young lads do everything we ask of them week in, week out.

“If they keep working hard I know they will succeed.”