DRUMANESS Mills Reserves’ manager says he’s “extremely proud” of his team after losing out to Strangford by the narrowest of margins in the Bobby Dalzell final.
110-plus minutes of football couldn’t separate the sides, and in the end, Rory Deegan’s missed penalty proved decisive in the shootout, with his strike off the crossbar dashing the Mills’ hopes of bringing the trophy back to Meadowvale for the first time since 1991.
Boyd reflected: “I’m extremely proud of the lads. Many of our players trained for this final as if they were in their prime but the truth is that many of them have had their prime many moons ago.
“To arrive at the final in unity and as a squad was very impressive, despite all of the obstacles that have been put in our way.”
Five players in the Drumaness team, goalkeeper Steven Keenan, Gavin McEvoy, captain Sean McQuoid, Steven Rogan and Phillip Rogan, are in their 40s.
The Mills’ manager said the performances of those players, some of whom played the entirety of 90 minutes and extra time, was “inspirational”.
“We talked about finding the right balance before the final and that was with an eye on getting some of those lads through 60 or 70 minutes in good shape.”
In the full story the manager reveals his one regret from the day.
