Ray Jones, the Devonshire Colts president, has challenged his side to start the new year with a bang by capturing the First Division Shield.

Colts, who are also firmly in the promotion picture, lying second in the table, play Somerset Eagles at the National Sports Centre tomorrow at noon.

A thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Boulevard, thanks to two late goals from Jahde Eve, a second-half substitute, helped Colts to reach the final. And Jones, who coached Colts to an FA Cup triumph while still a First Division side in 2007 — an unprecedented feat — is confident of his side landing another piece of silverware against Eagles.

“The semi-final was a real morale-booster because we are using this competition as a way to keep active,” Jones said. “Our primary goal is to gain promotion and that’s still our main goal.

“In the previous round we knocked out the league leaders [Robin Hood]; we also beat one of the few teams [Boulevard] that beat us in the first half of the season. So from an inspiration standpoint, these results bode well for the confidence of the team.

“If you can beat these teams now, there isn’t any reason why you can’t do it in the second half of the season. It is really a matter of using your experience in previous situations that dictates whether you are successful or not in this sport.”

Colts and Eagles have a history in the Shield competition, having met in last season’s semi-finals. On that occasion, it was Eagles who emerged victorious after a penalty shoot-out. Eagles also got the better of Colts in the league this season, although Jones is adamant that his players will set the record straight tomorrow.

“This year they got the better of us, but if we can get a positive result in this match, it will send us into the second half of the season full of confidence,” Jones said.