Forgrave reflects on disappointing season

COLERAINE Reserves boss Aaron Forgrave has this week reflected on a disappointing season.

The Showgrounds second string finished second from bottom in the league.

“I can’t say I’m pleased with the way things have been this season, “ Aaron told Times Sport.

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“We were going well up until Christmas and sitting near the top of the league. Then we let four players go on loan - Lee Forgrave, Owen Moody, Kevin O’Neill and James Peden.

“These guys were the back bone of the team, but it was important for them to go out and learn their trade. Playing in the Championship will make them better players, I have no doubt about that.”

The Reserves played three games last week, on Tuesday they entertained Dungannon Swifts. An early goal from the visitors secured a win, despite a good display from Coleraine.

On Thursday, Newry City Reserves were the visitors to the Showgrounds, a Ryan Docherty goal was enough to claim all three points for Coleraine. The final game of the season saw Coleraine travelling to Solitude on Saturday. The Showgrounds side were beat 3-0 by a strong Cliftonville Seconds.

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“Our problem is that we are a very young side, with no experience.

“Every other team we play has the luxury of a few first team players, or an experienced player that is able to talk to the young players and help them with their game.

“The other Reserve sides in the league are no better than us, they just have this luxury,” admitted Aaron.

On the other side of the coin, Aaron introduced a number of Academy players to his side this year - Paul Milliken, Sam Boylan and Paul Wells all made the step up and experienced their first season in Reserves team football.

“These three players never let me down.

“It is always hard making the step up, but these three are good young prospects. Jordan O’Neill joined us for the last few games of the season at left back and is another good prospect.”

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