Captain Colin Coates admits Crusaders' season hinged on reaching the Tennent's Irish Cup final.
The Crues booked their place in the May 4 showpiece with a 2-0 win over Coleraine .
Two penalties decided the game, with David Cushley and Jordan Owens both tucking away efforts from the spot.
Coleraine were awarded a penalty of their own in the second half, but after consulting with his assistant referee Tim Marshall changed his mind and gave a free-kick on the edge of the area.
Crusaders will now meet Ballinamallard Utd in the final.
"We didn't want to talk much about it before the game, but this was our season," Coates said.
"The league didn't go our way this season and we put a lot of our focus into today's game. We rested players in the build-up and thankfully it has paid off.
"The first half was difficult, especially with the sun shining. Our defenders couldn't see much when the ball was in the air.
"We just wanted to get to half-time at 0-0 and get turned around, and we got the two goals in the second half."
Asked about his verdict on Coleraine's near penalty, Coates said: "It was a foul, but it was definitely outside the area. I was standing looking across the 18-yard line and it was outside.
"We got through that and held out as Coleraine put pressure on us, as we knew they would."
Scorer Owens had two other great chances to put the game beyond doubt but was off target.
He didn't shy away from taking the second penalty, coolly slotting home to complete the win.
"I missed those chances and wanted to make amends, so I wanted the penalty," Owens said.
"I enjoyed scoring because it was a big goal. We haven't been in an Irish Cup final for a few years so it is massive for us.
"Ballinamallard won't be easy. We expect a very tough game."
Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter added: "We got a big performance on a very bumpy pitch.
"The first half was terrible for both sets of players, but it opened up more in the second.
Ballinamallard Utd vs Warrenpoint Town Irish Cup photos as Mallards reach showpiece final
"I thought our back three were immense, and Jordan showed great character taking the second penalty after missing a couple of good chances."
He added: "We are ready for a tough final. Harry McConkey is a great coach and manager and Ballinamallard will be up for it.
"But so will we, so bring it on."
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