FOOTBALL: Case for the defence

Club captain Ogilby was named Coleraine FC player of the year, while Beverland was honoured by his team mates, picking up the Coleraine Times sponsored Players’ Player of the Year for the second year in succession.

It was the 18th annual awards night hosted by the Garvagh club in a packed Social Club with former club chairman and current IPL chairman Hugh Wade the guest speaker on the night.

The mood was a bit subdued following the Bannsiders final day defeat at Crusaders, but overall there was a feeling that there is a very bright future ahead.

This was conveyed in club chairman Colin McKendry’s speech as he spoke of his disappointment on losing the League Cup final and narrowly missing out on a place in Europe.

But he highlighted the progress the club has made under boss Oran Kearney and the work being done at Colts and Reserve level praising Ollie Mullan for leading the Under-18’s to the Section B title.

Boss Kearney also spoke of his disappointment at not being able to give the fans something big to celebrate, but he promised they wouldn’t have long to wait.

“The people of Coleraine and the people of this club are unbelievably supportive and on nights like this when it is a wee bit negative and downtrodden that everyone is still upbeat“ he said.

“I just can’t wait to give them something to celebrate - and it will happen.”

Striker Curtis Allen echoed those sentiments when he picked up the Top Goal Scorer award.

“Today was obviously disappointing for us, but we will learn from it,” he said.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my first season here and hopefully next year we’ll have some silverware back here or at the very least European football to celebrate.”

And Shane Jennings capped a memorable first season at the club as he was named Young Player of the Year.

The Garvagh, Kilrea & District SC presented a cheque for £2,000 to the club on the night bringing their total contribution for the season to £4,500.

WHERE THE AWARDS WENT

Coleraine FC Player of the Year – David Ogilby

Coleraine Times Players’ Player of the Year – Howard Beverland

Top Goalscorer – Curtis Allen

Young Player of the Year – Shane Jennings

Garvagh, Kilrea & District CSC Player of the Month for April – Ryan McIlmoyle

Coleraine Reserves Player of the Year – Craig Moore

Coleraine Reserves Top Goalscorer – Kyle Curran

Coleraine Colts Player of the Year – David Healy

Coleraine Colts Top Goalscorer – David Healy

PICTURES BY DEREK SIMPSON