To see a Division 2, in essence a development league, in the u-14s was a very welcome prospect from the club. Another good piece of initiative, it meant we had a good possibility of performing well in the league and possibly even winning it. Hopes were high.

However, upon playing our old foes Merville United we knew things were still going to be difficult. Merville always a good side, had their u-13 team in this league, still an extremely formidable force. Questions need to be asked whether a team of this quality should have been in this league but perhaps they were answered by the fact that Merville did not win the league. Despite an encouraging start where we took the lead and outplayed them for 15 minutes we found ourselves 3-1 down at half time and ended up losing 5-2. A frustrating evening.

Next up were Boyle Celtic Cubs. Possibly they were saying it was unfair for us to be in their league as we thrashed them 12-0, although we played well. That scoreline is never desirable and not a cause for excitement as it was a B side. A visit to Coolaney was next on the fixture list and this was a major wake-up call. We were second best all evening to a surprisingly good Coolaney side who deservedly won the match 2-1, Gary Dwyer getting our only goal. A very disappointing game losing to our local rivals. We then played Calry Bohs with a weakened side and lost 3-1, although we can be happy enough with what was a spirited effort against a strong side.

Another victory over a b side St.Johns blues meant the Coolaney game was quickly forgotten about although it really only disguised what was a poor performance in a poor league. Western Rovers then was a bigger test down in Skreen and we came out thrumps winning 4-1, Darragh McGowan putting in a fantastic game.

Finishing 4th in a group of 7 is hardly anything to cheer about, but we did go into a semi-final play-off against Merville. Knowing they were probably the most difficult side we could have drawn we knew our odds of getting to the final were significantly reduced. However, no-one could have predicted the onslaught that ensued. Merville ran out easy 7-0 victors in an absolutely disgeaceful performance where the referee played his part giving Merville no less than 3 suspect penalties. Sometimes referees need to be more realistic giving a side that is being hammered the benefit of the doubt and not handing out ridiculous penalties.

It was the worst end of season performance I have ever seen and possibly the most frustrating. The lads spirits and mine as a coach were rock-bottom. However, it had been a decent campaign in that we had won a couple of games and had been reasonably in with a chance in the games we lost. Playing in a 'development' league makes it hard to judge where we are at but a decent season with a disastrous end.