Curtain falls on season for Amateurs

Chairman Malcolm Russell got proceedings under way by thanking all the club sponsors, Owen Cull, the players and managers for their support throughout the season.

Dromore Amateurs U18s managers Kevin Downey and Marcus Skelton hailed the efforts of their young squad who, by the second half of the campaign, were more than a match for any of their opponents. With virtually all the players still available for next year, the experience gained over the last nine months will set these young players in good stead for the future.

U18 awards: Top Goalscorer – Roger Downey; Players’ Player of the Year – Jamie Mairs; Player of the Year – Timmy Stewart.

Seconds manager Ronnie McMurray thanked his players for their commitment throughout another difficult season. The five new teams that joined 3F proved to be formidable opponents and the overall standard in the division was particularly high, but the Seconds always battled hard and managed to end the season with a morale-boosting 2-1 victory over Kelvin OB. The Seconds finished 10th (out of 11) with a record of P20 W3 D3 L14 GF24 GA69 PTS 12.

Seconds awards: Top Goalscorer – Ned Walsh; Players’ Player of the Year – Darren Gibson; Player of the Year – Gareth Hill.

Firsts manager Barry Taylor, who took over in January, remarked on how delighted he was to see performances improve, culminating in a run of four wins in the last seven games. He encouraged the players to stay fit over the summer and come back for pre-season training (on the first week in July) ready to help the club turn a corner. The Firsts finished 11th (out of 12 in 2A) with a record of P22 W5 D0 L17 GF17 GA62 PTS15.

First awards: Top Goalscorer – Ned Walsh; teenager Jamie Mairs capped a superb season by scooping both the Players’ Player of Year award and Player of the Year.

Roger Downey was another young lad who established himself in the first team and his solid performances earned him club Young Player of the Year.

Two men – Russell Ward and Paul Magill - who work hard behind the scenes were recognised for their valuable contributions with Clubman and Personality of the Year awards respectively.

Chairman Russell told the players the club stood on the verge of entering an exciting period in its history. The committee is hopeful of imminent confirmation that the Amateurs have passed the requirements for intermediate football and will be plying their trade in 1C next season.

“With an ambitious and knowledgeable first team manager at the helm, the future looks bright,” he said.