Elias Kachunga was delighted to help Wanderers secure a Wembley final after a difficult few weeks.

It was Kachunga’s first start since he was handed a ban for lashing out at a defender during the win against Forest Green.

The experienced forward put the Whites in front with a ruthless finish from close range after Accrington had failed to clear their lines.

Aaron Morley added a second moments later with a stunning strike from well outside the penalty area.

The hosts had earlier been reduced to 10 men after Sean McConville was shown a straight red card for a high tackle on Conor Bradley.

“It was a good game for us,” said Kachunga. “Obviously, the red card helped us and then we just had to have patience for the right moment to score.

“We deserved it. I think the whole club deserves to go to Wembley and everyone is buzzing.

“It was a really important goal. I am really pleased after the last few weeks. I have worked really hard to come back into the team and to get the chance to play again.

“To have a good performance and help the club and the team to go to Wembley, it is absolutely beautiful.”

Kachunga admits the aftermath of the Forest Green game was a tough spell but is grateful for the messages of support he received on social media from fans.

“It wasn’t easy, but I had a lot of support from the team especially,” he added. “I have a really strong family as well, they helped me.

“All the messages from the supporters who text me on different social media and gave their support, it was really helpful.

“I think everyone has gone through a tough period in life, on the pitch or off it. It was nice to see a lot of the support.”

The 30-year-old has already had success at Wembley in the play-offs during his Huddersfield days, but is excited to experience a cup final with Wanderers.

“I have played there before, I won my last game there and had promotion,” he explained. “Now it’s a cup final, I think everyone is just looking forward to this event.

“Everyone wants to play at Wembley and it will be a packed house there. I think everyone is just looking forward to it.

“We can celebrate tonight but we have a tough game in the league (against Port Vale) on Saturday. We have to take this good energy from today and take it into the league.”