Riada bring curtain down on season

The game itself meant little to Riada, but Kilrea can lift the title if they defeat Liverpool SC on Monday night.

Riada’s defence of their league title came to an end with three disappointing draws in their last four games. The league has been extremely competitive this year and Riada were only beaten three times, but will still finish fourth in a very tight top four.

Considering Riada lost five players from last year’s winning squad, the club can be very pleased with their season, they were on top of the league from October to April, they pushed all the way but ultimately were one or two players short. The club also got to their first cup final, and everyone involved enjoyed the occasion and hope to go one better next time.

Gerard Duffy’s reserve side in their first season were invaluable to the first team, players like Kyle Brownlow, Matthew Boyd, Aidan Smylie and James McGoldrick were pushed through and improved the first team. The reserves got better as the season progressed adding players of quality such as the McCullough brothers Stewart and Wayne, Jeff Milligan and the team had some excellent wins notably against Ballymoney Olympic and the club’s best result of the season, a five nil win away to title challengers Bushmills.

First team manager Peter Cairns is hoping to add three or four more quality players to the squad next season and he knows that Riada will be challenging for the title and other honours for a third season in a row, and this speaks volumes for how far the club has came in recent years both on and off the pitch. Although the season ended trophyless, the signs are good for next season.

The club would like to thank the Bush Tavern for their support throughout the year, and would also like to thank the generosity of match sponsor Ivan’s school of motoring.