Somerset Eagles players and supporters were yesterday basking in the afterglow of Tuesday night's historic Friendship Trophy semifinal win over Boulevard Blazers.

Referring to his team's 5-4 penalty shootout win over Blazers that catapulted the Somerset club into their first ever major domestic cup final, coach Marc Bean said: "The Eagles have finally arrived!".

Eagles, who also silenced the critics this season by surviving their first season back in the Premier Division after a lengthy absence, will take on the winner of last night's other semifinal contest at the National Sports Centre on March 30.

The last time there was cause for celebration at White Hill Field was during the 2000/01 season when Eagles hoisted the First Division Shield and last season when they returned back to the top flight.

Now the club is on the verge of making an even bigger splash on the domestic football scene.

"This is our first major cup final and it is only now beginning to sink in," said an elated Bean yesterday.

"We declared amongst ourselves earlier this season to strive to stay up in the Premier Division and not get relegated and also seek to be competitive in the cup competitions or even win a trophy. So far, we are on course to accomplish that and really the credit must go to the players. The results are coming as a result of their dedication."

Bean said his team's "tremendous" depth was responsible for the win over a Boulevard side - that prior to a March 2 league contest - appeared to have their number.

"Last night (Tuesday) we were thin in the sense that we used a lot of players who weren't regular starters, which was testament to the depth of the team," he said.

"Now it's just a matter of us getting the experience of more Premier Division football because we do have the talent. To be able to reach the final is a reward."

Already gearing up for the big occasion, Bean said winning the trophy would be like putting the proverbial icing on the cake.

"It would be just reward for a long, dedicated season from the players and the officials at the club," added Bean. "Hopefully, we can be successful in the final and use that momentum to establish ourselves as a premier force in local soccer. We have the ability to become a leading force but it's just a matter of willingness on the part of the entire organisation to facilitate that."

The coach reckoned his team's chances up on the 'carpet' were as good as anyone else's.

"Eagles thrive on the bigger atmosphere. We love the type of environment and we relish the opportunity to play up on the carpet," said Bean. "It's probably just a bit smaller than White Hill and I can say that it is definitely a pitch where we can utilise a style of football that will be effective. It's just a matter of us remaining focused for the entire 90 minutes."

Bean paid tribute to the club's die-hard supporters, many of whom have stood by the team through thick and thin over the years.

"Our fans know that they are just as much a part of the team and the community as the players and administration at the club level," he said. "Without their loyalty and continued support through our ups and downs it's very hard to receive inspiration from anywhere else. Hopefully, we can reward them for their continued dedication by giving them something to celebrate - I'm sure that they will be there lending their full support."