Norn Iron Filings

Career Progress

Team                |      League       | NI Cup | League Cup  | Intermediate Cup | Mid Ulster Cup | All Ireland Cup | Europa League
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2011/12 Armagh City | NI 2nd Div - 1st  | Winner | 3rd Rnd     | 3rd Rnd          | S/F            |  N/A            |  N/A
2012/13 Armagh City | NI 1st Div - 1st  | Q/F    | Winner      | Runner Up        | Runner Up      |  Q/F            |  2nd Qualifying Round
2013/14 Armagh City | NI Prem Div - 3rd | R/U    | Q/F         | N/A              | Q/F            |  1st Rnd        |  N/A
2014/15 Armagh City | NI Prem Div - 3rd | 5th Rd | S/F         | N/A              | S/F            |  Q/F            |  2nd Qualifying Round
2015/16 Armagh City | NI Prem Div - 2nd | Winner | S/F         | N/A              | S/F            |  Runner Up      |  1st Qualifying Round   
2016/17 Armagh City | NI Prem Div - 2nd | R/U    | Winner      | N/A              | Winner         |  Q/F            |  3rd Qualifying Round
2017/18 Armagh City | NI Prem Div - 2nd | N/A    | 3rd Rnd     | N/A              | N/A            |  N/A            |  3rd Qualifying Round 
(at time of leaving)|                   |        |             |                  |                |                 |
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Team                | League               |  Swedish Cup    |      
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2018 GIF Sundsvall  | Superettan - 13th    |  3rd Round      | (sacked mid-season)
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Team                | League               |  Norwegian Cup  |
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2018 Åsane          | 2nd Div (Gp 3) - 6th |  N/A            |
2019 Åsane          | 2nd Div (Gp 3) - 3rd |  2nd Rnd        | (First full season)
2020 Åsane          | 2nd Div (Gp 3) - 2nd |  1st Rnd        |
2021 Åsane          | 2nd Div (Gp 3) - 1st |  4th Rnd        | (Promotion to Adeccoligaen)
2022 Åsane          | Adeccoligaen - 13th  |  3rd Rnd        | (At time of leaving)
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Team                | League               |  Swedish Cup    | 
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2022 IF Elfsborg    | Allsvenskan - 10th   |  3rd Rnd        |
2023 IF Elfsborg    | Allsvenskan - 1st    |  Winners        |

Trophy Cabinet and honours

[b]Armagh (Northern Ireland)[/b]

            N Irish Premier Division:  Runners Up: 2015/16, 2016/17
                                       3rd Place:  2013/14, 2014/15
            N Irish 1st Division:      Winners:    2012/13 
            N Irish 2nd Division:      Champions:  2011/12
            N Irish Cup:               Winners:    2011/12, 2015/16
                                       Runners Up: 2013/14, 2016/17 
            Mid Ulster Cup:            Winners:    2016/17
                                       Runners Up: 2012/13
            League Cup:                Winners:    2012/13, 2016/17
            Intermediate Cup:          Runners Up: 2012/13
            All Ireland Cup:           Runners Up: 2015/16

[b]GIF Sundsval (Sweden)[/b]

           No Competitions Won
           Sacked  2018

[b]Asane (Norway)[/b]

           Fair Play-ligaen Avdeling 3:  Winners:    2021
                                         Runners Up: 2020  
                                         3rd Place:  2019

[b]IF Elfsborg (Sweden)[/b]

           Allsvenskan:         Winners:  2023
           Svenska Cupen:       Winners:  2023
           Svenska Supercupen:  Winners:  2024

Average Attendance |  Biggest Win                  |  Biggest Defeat         |  Top Scorer (All Competitions)  |  Player of the Year
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2011/12  110       |  7-1 (a) v Downpatrick        |  2-5 (a) v Knockbreda   |  Anthony Bolger 22              |  James Cronesberry (AM/ML)
2012/13  171       |  6-0 (h) v NFC Kesh           |  1-4 (n) v Glentoran    |  Jamil Adam 36                  |  Jamil Adam (SC)
2013/14  168       |  8-0 (h) v H & W Welders      |  1-4 (a) v Portadown    |  Jamil Adam 28                  |  Jamil Adam (SC)
2014/15  221       |  7-0 (h) v Downpatrick        |  0-3 (a) v Linfield     |  Jamil Adam 46                  |  Jamil Adam (SC)
2015/16  229       |  5-1 (h) v Larne              |  2-4 (a) v Newry        |  Jamil Adam 37                  |  Jamil Adam (SC)
2016/17  221       |  6-1 (a) v Neath              |  2-5 (a) v Linfield     |  Jamil Adam 23                  |  Johnny Flynn (DC)
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2018     2440      |  4-0 (a) v KB Karlskoga       |  2-4 (h) v GAIS         |  Emil Forsberg 8                |  Ashti Ali (DM/MC)
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2018     291       |  3-0 (a) v Kopervik           |  1-4 (h) v Vard         |  Tommy Gaustad 8                |  Espen Schmitz (DC)
2019     418       |  4-0 (a) v Randaberg          |  0-4 (h) v Randaberg    |  Magnus Bjornsson 7             |  Rauno Ojamaa (AM/MLC)
2020     436       |  5-0 (a) v Vindbjart          |  2-4 (h) v Lillestrom   |  Joonas Tamm 11                 |  Espen Schmitz (DC)
2021     410       |  9-1 (a) v Fjora              |  0-3 (a) v Rosenborg    |  Stanislav Pohlak 16            |  Espen Schmitz (DC)
2022     886       |  8-1 (a) v Ottestad           |  0-4 (h) v Strommen     |  Gier Ove Borge 9               |  Espen Schmitz (DC)
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2022     7745      |  3-1 (h) v GIF Sundsval       |  0-3 (a) v GIF Sundsval |  Neil Miller 6                  |  Otavio (DC, DM, MC)
2023     9219      |  6-3 (a) v Halmstads BK       |  2-4 (h) v Djurgarden   |  Neil Miller 19                 |  Danny Hernandez (AMR/S)

Season 1

The first two seasons are to be brief updates with a basic overview. Will go into squad detail from season 3 from which point I will start the update proper!

The board wanted promotion - pure and simple

Squad - A mishmash of non-contract and amateur players. Added to in desperation more than anything else while gradually weeding out the dross

Summary

A season that started on fire propelling us to the top of the table, the highlight being a 6-1 demolition of Lurgan Celtic. The wheels came off shortly after losing 5 out the next 7 games dropping the club down to the wrong end of the table.

A reshuffle in defence saw a resurgence and we went on to dominate teams comfortably, only losing 2 more league games by the end of the season, only clinching the championship on the penultimate day.

Cups

Not much to write home about…..well I say that…..

Intermediate cup - 3rd round

Mid Ulster Cup - S/F - We went out to a Coagh Utd side we had beaten 4-0 a week earlier.

League Cup - 3rd Round

Irish Cup - An incredible run saw us reach the final, dumping out Crusaders in the S/F. Coleraine beat Linfield in the other S/F dashing our hopes of european qualification. Or so I thought. To cap off a brilliant season the team strolled to a 4-1 win over the Premier Division side. Europe here we come.

Season 2

After coming across a bug with the trial days that crashed the game (thanks for the fix SI ) I proceeded to lose all my staff as I holidayed through pre-season for the 4th time.

We lost our influential captain (RB) who had been a revelation and, although 33, had turned last season around. He went to Annan on a free transfer in the close season.

Cue a manic search for players and staff. We weren't really in a viable position by the time our European tie came around, and despite being the better side for most of the 2 legs we crashed to a 3-2 aggregate defeat. The highlight was a creditable 1-1 draw away from home at KF Tirana.

The home defeat to Tirana would be the only loss until a 3-0 home defeat to Newry following an incredible run of 24 wins in all competitions after which our form was patchy.

In mid February we were still competing in all domestic competitions, not to mention the all Ireland Cup (which was a surprise to me!). Already in the final of the League Cup and needing only 8 points to clinch the 1st Division Title.

A settled Defence and a quite outstanding purchase in Jamil Adam , who had arrived last season and really came of age in this season. More about him later.

In the end we win the Championship comfortably while have quite a remarkable season in the cups.

Intermediate Cup - Runners Up v Glentoran Reserves

League Cup - Winners v Banbridge

Mud Ulster Cup - Runners up v Dungannon

Irish Cup - Q/F v Portadown

All Ireland Cup - Q/F v Portadown

There was a real chance for the quadruple. In the end our fixture backlog cost us and we were running on empty by the end of the season. I can't be upset about winning a double although to be in three finals and win only one is frustrating.

On to season three and a start to the proper update

Meet the Team

This is my first team squad at the end of season 2012/13. Key players have links to their stats.

James Gilpen GK Scottish Ex Celtic and Doncaster player picked up on a free during season 1. Quickly established himself after a shaky start. 23 clean sheets in 43 league appearances.

Alex Scott D (RC) Signed on a free at the start of season 2 from Portadown after only making 4 appearances there. Has made the D R spot his own with some outstanding performances this season.

Ryan Metcalfe D ® 22 year old is one of the few amateur players left on the books. Signed season 1 but has only managed 6 league games so far. Very much a back up player.

Johnny Flynn D © Former N Irish U 21 Player signed on a free from Ross County. Massive signing for the club and has been a Key Performer at the heart of our defence. Weighed in with 8 goals in all competitions. At 23 has plenty of years left to develop into a fine Centre Half.

Nicky Finlay D © On paper not as good as our two first choice DC. Was a vital part of the 2nd Division Championship side but the form of the two new Defenders kept him out the team, apart from a few competent performances at the end of the season

Benoît Dalibard D © The ex Guincamp player had been released by Hereford at the end of the previous season. Recommended by my scouts he impressed during trials and has made a solid partnership with Johnny Flynn at the back. Not the prettiest player he is solid and no-nonsense. Will see how he copes in the Premier League

Eoin Powderly D/M (L) The 21 year old is one of a number of RoI players at the club. Released from St Pats without ever playing a game he was snapped up and has rapidly become one of our most consistent players with a rating of 7.15 over the last two seasons. Difficult to replace in the side when injured.

Aaron Barry D/M © 20 year old cast off from Sheff Utd - and he knows it. Signed at the start of season 2 he struggled to break into the team, mainly because everyone else was playing so well. Has some talent, but has failed to impress on the pitch, although did have some solid performances in defence towards the end of the season

Liam Cullen DM, M (RLC) At 32 the oldest in the first team, and despite pretty poor stats is our captain. Performs well on the right, but seems to prefer cup matches. Slowly trying to replace him on the right but he is a stalwart having clocked up 164 league appearances for the club

Josh Walker M © 24 year old English midfielder who has bounced around the middle English leagues with the likes of Watford and Stevenage. Signed late on in Season 2 and, again down to good performances by individuals, struggled to find a regular starting place. May have more of an impact next season, but at this level has obvious talent.

James Nesbitt M © 18 year old product of our youth system who has produced a fine partnership with Stirling in central midfield. Faded towards the end of the season - unsurprising - he ended up playing 44 games in all competitions!

Stephen Stirling M © 23 and the second Scot in our first team. Former Rangers man he only managed to play some games at Stirling Albion. One of the first names on the team sheet and is a class above everyone else. Will do well to hold on to him, especially with his significant improvement during his second season.

Paddy Mullen M/AM ® At 19 the English winger is pushing for a first team place. Released from Doncaster he is beginning to show potential, but wildly inconsistent.

Roman Michael-Percil M/AM ® More competition for the M R role. A year younger than Mullen he gives me plenty of options on the right. Again inconsistent meaning Cullen is still preferred in the role.

James Cronesberry M/AM (L) Super find after the 22 year old Irishman had been released from Middlesburgh. Creates and scores, always looking dangerous and not a bad tackler either. Key player for the last two seasons with an average of 7.38, 16 goals and 18 assists in the league. Has scored 33 in all competitions for us so is a bit of a cup monster also.

Johnny McSorley M/AM © Had a great first season but failed to hold down a place in season 2. Not so much down to him but because of other options. Versatile can play a number of roles so still very much part of my long term plans

Steve Brooker ST 31 year old Journyman striker. Slow, skilful and prone to injury. A good career in England he looked like he could do some damage in N Ireland. Hasn't lived up to the hype but has shown glimpses of what he can do when not injured. Will probably see out his career here. I still have hopes he can do a job in the Premier League.

Jamil Adam ST Inspired signing. 19 goals in season 1 (all competitions) was followed by 36 (all competitions) including a stunner for the clubs first European Goal. Has an arsehole of an agent who has been touting him to other clubs and demanding silly money for him. Another season like this and he will move on. Was awarded an U-21 Cap for Ireland.

Anthony Bolger ST 21 year old Irishman signed from Brechin. Has had a solid 2 seasons with us, although outshone by his strike partner. May struggle in the Prem but does have good stats.

There are one or two other players around, but this makes up my first team. A little low on the ground with options, but I have some good youngsters who can cover if need be. Will introduce them as they progress into the first team.

When I was at Annagh United, I had both Gilpen and Cronesberry and they are both great players, keep it up

Season 3 Preview

With the end of season approaching I got a nice surprise that I really wasn't expecting. A windfall of around £1.5 million for the clubs participation in the All Ireland Cup.

Bonus!

Expectations are laughable. The Board just want us to avoid relegation and the bookies have slapped 2000/1 odds on us winning the division.

It would be worth a tenner just in case we do!

Some dead wood out and only one signing, Kenneth McEvoy, a replacement for outgoing club captain Liam Cullen who decided not to renew his contract and left the club for retirement.

Pre-season

We beat Accrington and ran Everton close at home and drew with Wolves and Bolton. The rest of pre-season went according to plan with some good friendly results.

Promoted from Youth Team

Martin Walsh A super prospect, snatched from Cobh Wanderers

Victor Zapata-Caicedo (A Columbian Englishman) A cast off from Spurs who scored a barrel load for the U18's last season. I have high hopes.

Paul Hagan Another prospect and product of our youth system who scored on his debut at the end of last season

All will be introduced to the first team at various points this season to aid their development.

When I was at Annagh United, I had both Gilpen and Cronesberry and they are both great players, keep it up

They are great players, young and have immediately become key players

Season 3

Game 1 NIP (a) v Crusaders 1-3 Zapata-Caicedo (69) - Mitchell (6), Roberts (74), Jarvis (76) att 494

We start poorly losing a scrappy goal from a corner after 5 mins and struggle to get into the game, mainly due poor ball retention. We improve through the first half but can't get any efforts on goal, while Gilpin keeps us in the game with a couple of stunning saves. We have our first shot at goal in first half injury time and go into the break lucky to be only 1-0 down.

We improve 2nd half and gradually get a foothold resulting in Columbian born Striker Zapata-Caicedo getting a debut goal a minute after coming on as a sub. Crusaders put pressure on immediately and a few minutes later retake the lead, making it 3 soon after and effectively sealing the win. Poor, poor performance. Will look for better in the next game.

Game 2 NIP (h) v Ballymena Utd 5-0 Bolger (7), Adam (66,87), Mullen (70), Cronesberry (75) att 110

I make a number of changes after the previous poor performance, the biggest surprise, striker Adam dropping to the bench after a dreadful performance and youngster Martin Walsh coming in at centre half in place of Elliot.

Despite a shaky start it is our turn to strike early, Bolger latching on to a great pass by Stirling to knock it beyond the keeper. We start to look dangerous and Stirling hits the post with a fine drive as we dominate. Things take a bad turn when Flynn is carried off after 30 mins as Ballymena started to put on some pressure. We reach half time 1-0 up without looking totally comfortable.

2nd half we start to dominate and begin to create a few chances. Mullin tries to lob the keeper from well inside his own half, only missing by a yard or so. We start to concede chances whilst dwelling on the ball but an incisive move sees Walker play in sub Adam to slide the ball under the keeper for 2-0. It was 3-0 soon after as Mullin capitalised on a poorly cleared corner to score his first ever league goal from close range. Ballymena went to pieces after this and Cronesberry was left unmarked to score number 4 from a Stirling corner. With 5 minutes left Adam scored his second after a fine run and finish to complete the scoring. It should have been 6 in injury time when Adam's superb run and pass saw a shocking miss by Cronesberry from 6 yards out.

This was a close match until we scored our 2nd goal midway through the 2nd half, at which point Utd effectively gave up. Superb performance from my midfield pair Stirling (4 assists) and Walker. The only down side was the injury to Johnny Flynn. A vast improvement on the previous game.

We draw 1st Division H & W Welders in our attempt to defend the league cup.

Game 3 NIP (a) v Coleraine 1-0 Flynn (66) att 277

I make one change to the team that beat Ballymena for my 100th game in charge of Armagh. Jamil Adam returns to the lineup replacing Zapata-Caicedo who drops to the bench after a poor performance in the previous game.

We quickly create a good chance after kick off, before Coleraine have some early heavy pressure. Despite this their keeper pulls off 2 great saves to keep things level and our central midfield pair start to dominate the middle of the field. I'm not happy with Coleraine who fail to return the ball after we put it out of play for one of their players. It's 0-0 at half time in a game that we dominate, Stirling in particular superb again. Coleraine do look dangerous on the break though.

Mullen has some superb wing play to set up Walker, who stabs wide from the edge of the box, and there is a feeling that a goal might be on the way. The game suddenly becomes very scrappy with the play bogged down in midfield and some crazy takles flying about. Adam picks up two harsh bookings in quick succession from the now card happy ref, who sends him off for a push in the back of a defender. A minute later Flynn heads home a superb Powderly Free Kick and we continue to dominate the game with only 10 men. With 15 mins left Coleraine start to push forward and we survive a couple of mad scrambles in the box. McEvoy comes on and misses a gilt edge chance, but begins to cause havoc down the right. In Injury time Coleraine miss a superb chance, Gilpen saving well to preserve the lead to end the game in a comfortable 1-0 win. Dominant for most of the game this is a really pleasing away victory marred by Adam's sending off.

Game 4 NIP (h) v Linfield 2-0 Walker (39), Hagan (59) att 274

Adam's suspension coupled with injuries up front gives me a real selection headache. McEvoy fills the second striker role while the remainder of the team stays the same.

An even start saw an end to end game with Linfield's direct game causing us some problems without ever creating clear chances. It is an open game, but gradually Linfield began to build some pressure, although they are limited to a few long shots and corners. A great counter attack sees Bolger feed a nervous McEvoy who's shot beats the keeper and the post, spurning a great opportunity. The disappointment is short lived as McEvoy beats three men from inside his own half before cutting inside, feeding Walker, blasting home off the underside of the bar from 25yds out for his 1st goal of the season. After the goal we have some pressure and spurn a couple of good chances, meaning we go in at the interval with a slender, although deserved, 1-0 lead.

The 2nd half is a frantic affair, remaining end to end, but it is us who get the next goal. Substitute Hagen, an U18 player who made his debut at the end of last season, scores from an impossible angle after a well worked throw in was flashed across the face of goal. Linfield throw the kitchen sink at us and the defence puts in some great last ditch challenges including some fine goalkeeping. In the end we hold firm and thoroughly deserve the 2-0 win. Kenneth McEvoy was a deserved MoM on his first start for the club. A huge win against the current champions hopefully shows we are not to be the whipping boys of the division.

Game 5 NIP (a) v Distillery 2-2 Adam (20), Stirling (pen27) - Patton (7), McDermott (24) att 111

Martin Walsh, who has been a revelation at the back, and Kenneth McEvoy drop out due to international call ups. Nicky Finlay and Jamal Adam replace them in the line up.

Poor start and we give away two huge chances inside 2 minutes. Thankfully Gilpin is equal to them in goal, but he can do nothing about a superb Patton drive from the edge of the box in the 7th minute just as we look like we are settling in to the game. The pace is frantic with good chances squandered either end and Gilpin making some uncharacteristic errors. A brilliant reverse pass plays in Adam who finishes well in the 20th minute. This time Distillery don't throw the ball back after we put it out. Ten seconds later the ball is in our net and I am fuming! From the kick off we get up field and Stirling is chopped down in the box for a penalty which he promptly tucks away superbly in the 27th minute. Chances for both sides come thick and fast and it is obvious we are missing the young Walsh at the back. After a frantic opening half hour the game calms down a little and we somehow reach half time somewhat relieved at the 2-2 scoreline.

The 2nd half followed the same frantic pattern of the 1st with a few meaty tackles finding their way into the referees book and we manage to force the Distillery keeper into some good saves. We start to turn the screw as Cronesbury has an effort cleared off the line, but we just can't find a way through, the keeper producing a stunning point blank save from Adam. Stirling is taken off injured, a huge loss as Distillery begin to claw their way back into the match. Bolger misses a chance laid on a plate to him by Adam as the quick striker torments their defence. Right at the death Adam is felled in the box - and promptly booked for diving. 2-2 draw.

We could, and probably should, have won this game, on the 2nd half performance alone. We definitely missed Walsh at the back and I look forward to his return. On the whole I'm happy with the draw after falling behind twice. Good result.

Game 6 (h) v Glenavon 1-1 Walker (79) - O'Brian (40) att 199

Martin Walsh returns to the starting line up and McEvoy comes onto the bench. Otherwise I keep the same team out as before.

We start with some extended pressure on the Glens goal and some good possession football. Both teams struggle to create chances in a drab affair littered with feekicks. Our best chance comes when Cronesbury skips past the fullback, only to blaze over the bar from close range, while Glens have a goal chopped off for offside. They take the lead in the 40th minute with a brisk finish and a poor first half finishes 1-0 to the visitors.

Adam spurns a great opportunity early in the 2nd half and we continue to dominated after this, without creating any clear chances. A fine move puts in Cronesbury to knock it wide of the post. We pile on the pressure and a speculative effort from outside the box gives us a deserved equaliser. Neither side can find a way through before the end and the game finishes 1-1.

We were the better side here without giving Glens too much to worry about. A 1-1 draw, while disappointing, at least gives us a point against our rivals.

Cup Game 1 NILC (h) v H & W Welders 8-0 Adam (10, 19, 36, 41, 77, 79, 88), McSorley (pen 85) att 96

McEvoy come in to start on the right and Zapata-Caicedo starts up front in place of Bolger up front.

Our attacking set up sees a scrappy start to the match with plenty of head tennis for the first 5 minutes. As soon as we get the ball on the ground we look dangerous, and Adam sends a warning shot across the H & W Bows. It is isn't heeded. A superb ball by the Columbian plays in Adam and this time there is no mistake with the finish. H & W try to get things back on an even keel from the kick off, but the resurgence doesn't last long as we pile on the pressure. In the 19th min Adam has all the time in the world to slam home the ball from inside the 6 yard box making this a titanic ask for H & W. Despite the 2 goals and a leaky looking defence, they are playing some good football and are by no means out of the tie. Unfortunately though Adams direct running is causing havoc and his hat-trick in the 36th minute effectively sinks H&W at 3-0. Adam is sent through on goal by a superb 1 touch pass from Walker in the 42nd minute and the game is over. 4-0 going on 6 at the break.

More of the same after the break as we flood forward trying to find more goals. H&W stick manfully to their posts and gradually come into the game a little, even creating a few chances. Gilpin, who must have been thinking about his dinner picks up a headed back pass and slides out his box under no pressure at all. The ref sends him off, and with no sub keeper we have to play McSorley in goal. This seems to make no difference to us as Adam is put through by sub Barry to score his 5th in the 77th min then completes his double hat-trick 3 minutes later from outside the area. Bolger wins a penalty in which the defender is sent off, and just to cap a bizarre 2nd half, McSorley (sub GK) sprints up the pitch to take it and score from the spot. 7-0. It's still not over and Walker again feeds Adam, who rounds the keeper to make it 8 and sinks the opposition without trace.

The maddest match I have ever managed and a quite incredible last half hour with Jamil Adam scoring 7 of the 8 goals. Wow!

We draw Ballymena Utd at home in the 3rd round of the League Cup.

League Table after 6 games

Were you making a few ship puns in the H & W match report or was I reading too much into it?

Possibly, couldn't resist

Game 7 NIP (a) v Portadown 1-4 Adam (77) - Stewart (24), Boyle (51,72), Dawkin (84) att 631

After the fantastic result against H&W it is back to league business against a Ports side that has comprehensively outplayed us on all our visits to their ground. I change our usual 4-4-2 to a 4-1-4-1 in the hope of hitting on the break, Jamal Adam taking on the lone striker role. In goal it is a debut for youth product Rab McClelland who makes his club debut in place of the suspended Gilpen.

We start the game and manage two shots at goal in the 1st minute winning a corner which comes to nothing. Thats about as good as it gets for the next 15 mins as Ports take control, eventually taking the lead with a shot from the edge of the area in the 24th min. We struggle to get into the game, and apart from one or two sorties we struggle to get forward, although Adam puts a good chance just over. We improve a little but go in 1-0 down at the break.

Ports go 2-0 ahead in the 52 min as we push on, and we change back to our usual 4-4-2 to risk a trouncing. We immediately take the game to Ports and start creating chances. After some good work by Adam we have a dubious penalty awarded from a throw in. The normally reliable Stirling takes it poorly and it is saved by the keeper. The team seems fired up now, but we still can't find a way back, even though we are now the better side. We are hit by a sucker punch as Boyle scores his second, ghosting in through our static defence to head home a freekick. Adam gets a consolation running through most of the Ports team before smashing the ball past the keeper. We miss a couple more good chances but the game is over in the 85th minute as no4 goes in to finish us off.

It is a deserved loss, but could have been so different if Stirling had scored the penalty. Can't really fault the keeper on his debut, but the result could really dent his confidence. 4-1 a bit harsh in the end.

Game 8 NIP (h) v Dungannon Swifts 2-0 Hagan (72), Adam (74) att 137

We swiftly return to 4-4-2, an injury ruling out Mullin, leaving the RM spot up for grabs. McEvoy gets another chance to impress and Gilping returned in goal in an otherwise familiar looking line up.

No sign of a hangover as we take the early game to Swifts trying to exploit some gaping holes in their defence. Our play is crisp in possession and we tackle well all over, although limited to half chances only. Time and time again we don't quite make the final ball that would really open up their defence, but a goal feels like it is on the way. Despite hitting the by-line our delivery into the box is poor and when we do fashion an opportunity our finishing matches the crossing. 0-0 at half tine in a game we have dominated so far.

The 2nd half maintains the pattern of the 1st with the Swifts rarely making it out of their half, and we nearly take the lead from a brilliant counter attack after one of their set-pieces. In the end it is down to young sub Hagan, who superbly heads in a speculative cross from the fullback at the back post. His 2nd of the season. From the kick off Walker wins the ball with a crunching tackle and 18 seconds later Adam has turned the defence inside out to score his 5th league goal of the campaign. The fight seems to go out of the Swifts and we start creating more chances, Hagan particularly dangerous down the right. We see out the game comfortably and finish with a well deserved 2-0 victory.

Game 9 NIP (a) v Glentoran 2-1 Walsh (2), Bolger (61) - McGowan (77) att 1084

In our first ever match against Glentoran I stick with the 4-4-2 formation after the disasterous experimentation in the last away game. Hagan starts on the right in place of McEvoy, who drops to the bench in an otherwise unchanged side.

We kick off and are a goal up within 2 minutes. Bolger spurns a chance which is turned behind for a corner. Stirling takes it along the ground, finding Walsh at the near post who prods home his first ever goal. Glens take exception to this and we do well to survive the ensuing onslaught until the game settles down. We get our passing going, resulting in a move that forces their keeper into a fine save while creating other chances on the counter. We have the chances while they have possession, and we really should have a second when Adam hits the post then the keeper when easier to score. 1-0 half time.

It's end to end into the 2nd half, both teams creating good chances and there is a real feel that the second goal in this game will decide the winner. It is us that get it on 61mins, Stirling playing a sublime ball to the overlapping fullback who has time and space to cross for Bolger to nod home. His 2nd of the season and an end to his worrying goal drought. Super goal. The kitchen sink is thrown at us, leaving space in the Glentoran defence that we almost exploit on several occasions, while our back line remains strong. They pull one back from a freekick after a stupid foul in the 78th min to leave a frantic finale as they push for a leveller. Chances abound at both ends, but it finishes 2-1. A brilliant result against the leaders and a superbly entertaining game.

On a side note, Martin Walsh has now become a regular for the Ireland U19 team. I really have high hopes for him now after some top performances.

Game 10 NIP (h) v Carrick 4-0 Stirling (25), Adam (43), Bolger (58), Cronesberry (77) att 127

Our first game against the team that came up from the 1st Division with us. I'm expecting a win here and keep the same side that did so well against Glentoran.

Roman Michael-Percil comes onto the bench for his first involvement of the season to replace Kenneth McEvoy who drops out the squad.

It's a slow start to this game with neither side really making any clear inroads, chances are few and far between. There is much probing going on with neither side playing particularly attractive football. Probably not helped by our pitch which resembles a potato field! Gradually we build up a head of steam, Adam having a couple of half chances, but nothing more. He then goes on to run the length of the pitch before a tackle lands the ball at the feet of Stirling who nets with a tidy finish in the 25th minute. Carrick resort to launching the ball forward as we try to play a possession game. In the end though, it's us who benefit from route 1 football with Walkers through ball put away by Adam just before half time. 2-0 at the interval in a scrappy game.

Carrick change to 5 at the back for the 2nd half and look improved, hitting the bar soon after the restart. We soak up some concerted pressure only for Bolger to score for the second match running, sliding in a Cronesberry cross from 3yds out. The fight left Carrick after this, giving me a chance to experiment with players, Michael-Percival and the Colombian coming on for some game time. Number 4 is a tap in for Cronesberry after some great wing play by Michael-Percival in 77 and we are cruising. We see the game out for a comfortable 4-0.

The 3rd goal was key and killed off any hopes of a fightback from Carrick who, to be fair could have got back into it early in the 2nd half. A clean sheet that puts us top for 24hrs at least.

Cup Game 2 NILC 3rd round (h) v Ballymena Utd 4-0 Adam (43), Bolger (53), Zapata-Caicedo (73), Stirling (pen 84) att 97

After the 5-0 home win against Ballymena earlier we approach this game with confidence. Although this is a cup game, it is worth noting they are without a win and sit bottom of the table with only 4 points. Not having found a settled RM it is the turn of Michael-Percil to start, Hagan dropping to the bench, in an otherwise unchanged side.

After a typical scrappy start the game settles into a familiar pattern as we have the lions share of possession but struggle to create chances. It is one way traffic, but a combination of poor final balls and stout defending limit our opportunities, our best chance coming from a set piece. Utd start to improve and win a few freekicks round our box that come to nothing. It is something of a miracle just before half time, when a ball is hoofed through the middle that Adam runs onto and finish well. A chance out of nothing that could be crucial. We have another 2 fantastic chances before the break, Adam feeding Cronesberry who makes the keeper save onto the post, then Adam hitting the post himself after some super play. 1-0 half time.

There is a more even feel to the second half and the game is more open than before, but it is us who score next, an excellent placed finish from Bolger, set up by that man Adam again after a poor Utd clearance on 53. Ballymena do their best to get back in the game and have their best spell in the game, forcing a series of conners before Bolger misses a cert. Number 3 comes as Adam waltzes through the defence, sees his shot saved, only for sub Zapata-Caicedo to slot the rebound into the empty net. We get the 4th from the spot, Stirling making no mistake this time, and the scoreline flatters us badly.

A deserved win, but the scoreline does flatter us. We finished the game strongly playing some great stuff, but the Ballymena players looked like the just wanted to go home at that point. 4-0 and into the next round.

We draw Carrick away in the League Cup Q/F

Game 11 NIP (h) v Cliftonville 2-3 Walker (6), Flynn (63) - McFaul (17), Donnelly (40), White (69) att 140

Benoit Dalibard is available for selection after recovery from cruciate ligament damage. but remains out the squad to regain some match fitness. I stick with the same 11 that have been performing so well lately.

We have a nervy start conceding two corners in the first 2 minutes then score a fantastic goal, Walker finishing off a fine passing move with a curing shot from 25yds out. From the restart Johnny Flynn is lucky not to give a penalty away and stay on the pitch. The freekick, right on the 18 yd line is put straight at the keeper for a big let off. Cliftonville go on to control the game as we struggle to retain possession and even get out our own half. The inevitable equaliser comes on 17 mins when McFaul emulates Walkers goal and scores a stunner. We can only try to hit on the break and the telling stat midway through the half is that our only shot had been the goal. A poor clearance gifts Cliftonville possession and a cute ball through our defence sees Donbelly blast home off the post to give them a deserved lead. The game settles down with no more clear chances and stays 1-2 at half time.

It is our turn to control things after the break, but we spoil things by giving away stupid fouls and ther is a real danger we could lose a third on the break. We do get the equaliser from a superbly delivered freekick, Flynn unmarked at the back post and heading home confidently. Parity doesn't long and there is a lot of luck for Cliftonville as the ball hits their attacker on the back and flies into the net. We throw everything forward in a last ditch attempt to get an equaliser. It is not to be however, and the game finishes 3-2 to Cliftonville.

A disappointing and deserved defeat brings an end to the first round of matches in the division.

First Quarter Review

Performing above expectations and sitting 3rd in the league.

Jamil Adam has continued his superb form for us.

Long term injuries to Cronesberry and Walker in the previous match could cause us some problems, although it gives some other players an opportunity for some 1st team action.

Cups

Only participating in the League cup so far, with 2 good wins. A Quarter Final tie against Carrick is one we can win.

Very good start to the season. I'm getting Adam in for Airdrie in the summer as it happens.

Very good start to the season. I'm getting Adam in for Airdrie in the summer as it happens.

Don't think you'll regret it. He doesn't look much stat wise, but boy can he score goals. I'm just a bit worried that we could be a one man team at the moment.

How do you have him playing?

Mostly in a Poacher role alongside a target man, although if he has a bad game or two I do swap the roles round to give him something different. A lot of goals come from through balls or long clearances that he chases. When he runs with the ball he scares defences witless

Good, Poacher was what I was thinking anyway, plus I have a Target Man (though just the one who's that suitable for it) he can play with so'll put them together to start off with. Cheers.

Game 12 NIP (h) v Crusaders 3-1 Adam (5, 46), McEvoy (38) - McMenamin (84) att 132

Cronesberry and Walker have long term injuries and are replaced by McEvoy on the left and Barry in the centre. Walsh, who had a poor game made it easy to drop him to the bench and allow Dalibard his first start on return from injury. Zapata-Caicedo replaces Bolger up front.

We have a great start as Stirling feeds Adam to score a typical goal on 5. There are some fairly heavy tackles flying around too as both teams try to assert their physical presence. We look far more assured, although Barry keeps getting caught in possession in his holding role. We get our 2nd from a clever Stirling free-kick who finds McEvoy in the box who powers the ball in with the aid of a deflection while the defence were asleep. Adam could have had number 3 but blazes wide from a good position before Michael-Percil makes the keeper pull off a stunning save from a header. Crusaders have a chance in injury time, but Owens leans back and blasts over from 8 ids to leave the half time score 2-0

After the restart Adam scores his second from a well worked move, and that is surely game over. Owens should get one back in 56 mins, but for the second time in the game skies his shot when easier to score. We create a few half chances but I'm amazed when Crusaders King manages to head the ball back across goal from a yard out with the goal gaping. A real let off. McMenamin pulls one back with a fine finish late on, but it is too late to stop Crusaders succumbing to the defeat.

A fine win against a team that we struggled against away from home. They had chances, but we were the better side on the day. If we can keep this up a top 6 place at the split is very likely.

Game 13 NIP (a) v Ballymena Utd 1-1 Stirling (37) - Teggart (66) att 152

After the previous performance I keep faith with the side that beat Crusaders. No changes for this game against the bottom side.

A poor start sees us under a lot of pressure and unable to hold on to the ball. Ballymena mean business. We have the first clear chance as Flynn can't convert a fine free-kick. Ballymena don't look like the side at the bottom and this is an even match as we struggle to put together our passing game. They have chances though and it is only some poor finishing and good keeping that keeps it 0-0. Stirling makes it 1-0 from an indirect free-kick and we are lucky to be in front. Suddenly the game opens up and Adam should score but screws his low shot wide. We get to half time happy, and lucky to be 1-0 up.

2nd half is more like it after the player have a boot up the backside. We create chances but don't convert due to some fine goalkeeping. They equalise in a reversal of the first half, a fine finish from a speculative ball forward and it is game on. Adam nearly wins it at the end, but his lob is cleared off the line by a defender before heading a free-kick wide. They deserve their point in a thoroughly disappointing effort from my players.

We draw Moyola Park at home in the Mid Ulster Cup first round.

Game 14 NIP (h) v Coleraine 3-0 Michael-Percil (12, 53), Bolger (15) att 131

I keep out virtually the same team, apart from Bolger who is restored to the line up. McSorley moves to the bench in place of Zapata-Caicedo

We take the lead through a well work goal by Michael-Percil early in the first half, the second scored by Bolger 2 minutes later on his return to the starting line up. The Coleraine Defence get ripped to shreds but we don't add to the score before the break.

The third comes 8 minutes into the 2nd half and effectively finishes the Coleraine resistance. We could and should have more, but some great saves keep the score respectable. A fine win against a poor Coleraine side.

Game 15 NIP (a) v Linfield 0-3 Graham (21,57), Fordyce (62) att 2764

After a poor start Linfield are now top of the table after 9 straight wins. We keep almost the same starting line-up, with Justin Walker returning to the midfield after injury, in an attempt to have a gamble and attack them.

We go a goal down after 20 minutes, our creaking defence finally capitulating to the Linfield pressure and at times we are just holding on. Linfield have a player dismissed on the stroke of half time for a challenge and we sense a way back into the game. With our full back taken off injured and no replacement I go for broke and change to a 3-4-3 for the second half.

We create early chances and Adam has a goal marginally chopped off for offside only for Linfield to extend their lead in the 57th minute. It's three a few minutes later when the normally reliable Gilpin drops the ball on an attackers head. It finishes 3-0 to Linfield, who end with only 8 men on the pitch after 2 injuries and I am annoyed that we couldn't make our superior numbers count, going with a 2-3-5 formation for the last 5 minutes. I even angrier that we conceded twice against 10 men.

If we get through, we have been drawn away to Dungannon or Killymoon in the Mid Ulster Cup Quarter Final.

Cup Game 3 NIMUC 1st Round (h) v Moyola Park 2-0 Flynn (60), Adam (79) att 96

A potential banana skin against the Division 1 bottom side who we struggle to create against going in 0-0 at the break. We finally score from a 60th min corner with a fine Flynn header. Adam gets the second with a glancing header on 78 minutes and we are on easy street. Not our finest performance, but a routine win against a belligerent Moyola Park side.

To confirm our next round tie, Dungannan beat Killymoon.

Cup Game 4 NILC Q/F (a) v Carrick 1-3 Brooker (90) - Wearen (54), McCann (58), McAlinden (pen 90+4) att 142

A tough ask away at Carricks tight ground in our biggest game of the season so far. We make the early pace but the game is scrappy and chances are few and far between. Carrick take the lead midway through the 2nd half through a long range thunderbolt, and despite our possession I can't see where a goal is coming from. It gets worse as they score a second as we see our defence of the cup slip away. Booker scores on the 90th minute in his first appearance of the season but we still have time to give away a penalty to make the score 3-1. Dreadful performance in an important game. We have 16 shots at goal and only 1 on target. Not good enough.

Game 16 NIP (h) v Distillery 3-1 Flynn (3), Brooker (38), Adam (55) - Jennings (54) att 119

I don't make drastic changes for this game, and am rewarded as Flynn scores from a corner early on. We create a lot of chances but, as in the last few games, we struggle to convert even the easiest until Brooker pops up to nod home a near post cross. They pull a goal back with a screamer (we seem to be conceding a lot of these lately) and the nerves start jangling again, but Adam, the enigma that he is, runs straight through the Distillery team from the kick off to slot the ball neatly under the keeper. The scoreline doesn't reflect how comprehensive this win was. A far better performance and I'm pleased to be back to winning ways.

We draw Sport & Leisure in the Irish Cup 4th Round.

Game 17 NIP (a) v Glenavon 3-2 Adam (40, 50, 58) - Cairns (16), Gavin (25) att 580

We are outplayed early on and once again we go behind to a long range stunner. Lightning strikes twice as we fall behind to another speculative effort making it 2-0. Adam scores a diving header after some great wing play by Hagan to put us back in the match. He gets his second just after half time with a typical finish to put us back on level terms. In an incredible turnaround, Brooker feeds Adam who completes his hat-trick in style. An injury forces him off the field towards the end and I am concerned it may be serious. In a frantic finish we hold on to take a famous, and deserved win. I'm not happy with Glens, who managed to injure three of my players severely enough to remove them from the game.

The injury to Adam is serious, and we send him to a specialist. Looks like 3 months on the sidelines. How costly could that injury be?

Game 18 NIP (h) v Portadown 0-1 O'Hara (84) att 149

An important game for us as Ports sit one place above in second. In a tense, scrappy game we have the possession but struggle to make chances against an obviously more experienced Portadown side. We lose to a late free-kick which is a real blow, as we deserved at least a point out of this. What is worrying is that we have struggled badly without Jamil Adam.

We draw Sligo Rovers in the First Round of the All Ireland Cup

Game 19 NIP (a) v Dungannon 2-1 Zapata-Caicedo (15), Cronesberry (30) - Roberts (58) att 103

James Cronesberry makes a welcome return to the boxing day starting lineup after his injury, a bit of good news since the injury to Adam. A good first half display sees us take a 2-0 lead at half time through Zapata-Caicedo and Cronesberry. A very welcome return to the team for him. They get a goal back from a well worked free-kick, early in the second half, and the remainder of the game is a tense affair as we fail to capitalise on some good chances. Gilpin pulls off a couple of vital stops that help us seal the win and a little revenge for our loss in the Intermediate Cup final last season.

Game 20 NIP (h) v Glentoran 1-0 McEvoy (88) att 181

With the Boxing Day fixture only two days previous we look a tired side against Glens, and are lucky to get in to the interval at 0-0. Things are freshened up for the Second Half and we are in complete control. It looks as if we are heading for a 0-0 until McEvoy pops up to slam the ball home 2 minutes from time and win the game. It had been a 6 pointer with Glens just below us in the league, and the vital win gave us a 6 point cushion going into the new year.

Game 21 NIP (a) v Carrick 2-0 Hagan (1), Zapata-Caicedo (39) att 184

After our previous game here I am looking for a much improved performance. We get it. An early Hagan goal sets us on our way, and the game is effectively over by the 6th minute when a Carrick player is deservedly sent off. We score another towards the end of the half and play keep ball for the rest of the game. James Gilpen is treated for mild hypothermia after the game as he had so little to do in the snow.

Significantly, the win here has put us top of the table. Is there any way we can sustain a title challenge? I'm not convinced.

Game 22 NIP (a) v Cliftonville 1-4 Zapata-Caicedo (46) - White (2), Nelson (58), Chalmers (62), Parker (70) att 395

Our first game of 2014 is a tough away tie against a Cliftonville side who narrowly beat us at home. We have a disastrous start, conceding in the first minute and somehow manage to get in at half time only one down. I fire the players up, and it takes only 17 seconds of the second half for us to equalise. It looks like we may go on to get a result before the roof caves in. Three dreadful errors at the back in quick succession cost us dear and in the end, Cliftonville probably deserve their 4-1 win. The result, fortunately, only drops us to 2nd in the table. All thoughts of a possible title challenge are struck out.

Second Quarter Review

We have kept up the good form from early in the season, but can't seem to get a result against the big clubs - Portadown seem to be a particular bogey team at the moment. A disappointing exit from the league cup against struggling Carrick is a kick in the teeth along with the serious injury to Jamil Adam. It remains to be seen how we cope without him and captain Alex Scott, who has also picked up a long term injury. We hit the top of the table twice so far this season, but with some eccentric performances, I am not convinced that we can remain there for the duration.

League Table

Youth Prospects

Kevin Cushley is a product of the club youth system. With the injury to Jamil Adam he has been asked to make the step up from the youth team after scoring a barrel load for them. I have high hopes for him, but don't want to rush his introduction. A possible long term strike partner for Adam

Game 23 NIP (a) v Crusaders 1-1 Flynn (59) - Morrow (45) att 330

We lose a goal on half time after a dreadful first half. Things improve after the break and Flynn heads in a free-kick off the post for a deserved equaliser. Crusaders try to win it but can't find a way past our sturdy defence. We could have won it at the death, but that would have been cruel to Crusaders. A well earned point.

Game 24 NIP (h) v Ballymena Utd 3-0 Cronesberry (58, 62), Flynn (66) att 122

For an 8 minute spell we are breathtaking. The rest of the match we are breathtakingly awful, yet we smuggle out a 3-0 victory against a well organised and stubborn Ballymena, who have improved dramatically since the start of the season. All the goals come in a mad 8 minutes mid way through the second half. The first should not have stood, young striker Kevin Cushley thundering through the back of a defender before despatching an inch perfect cross for Cronesberry to tap home. The refereeing team must have been watching the pigeons, because I was waiting for the red card. The second goal, however, was a fantastic and intricate move, finished off in style by Cronesberry, before Flynn nodded in a corner. Cue a return to extreme crapness. Football's a funny ole game!

Game 25 NIP (a) v Coleraine 2-2 Cronesberry (8), Cushley (90+3) - McIlmoyle (12), Miskimmin (33) att 215

We are lucky. Cronesberry scores a superb freekick which spurs Coleraine into action. They go in 2-1 up at the break thanks to some generous defending, then are clearly the better side in the second half. Late on we gamble and push for an equaliser, in hope more than anything else. Cushley stays cool to score his first league goal for the club in the 4th minute of time added on. Another lucky escape and very much a point gained.

Cup Game 5 NIC 4th Round (a) v Sport & Leisure 6-2 Bolger (6, 61, 78), Cronesberry (45+1), Michael-Percil (51), Zapata-Caicedo (67) - Dunlop (59), Hamilton (90) att 162

A good and satisfying win, especially Bolger hitting a hat-trick. We dominate entirely although we still manage to ship two goals. They only have 3 shots on target all match so it is majorly disappointing to concede. A good result which should spur us on into our next tie against Linfield. A big black mark is an injury to Flynn, meaning two of my first choice defenders are out with long term injuries.

We draw Dundela at home in the 5th round of the Northern Irish Cup.

Game 26 NIP (h) v Linfield 1-2 Bolger (45) - O'Donovan (52), Clarke (75) att 259

In a tense game we take the lead before half time but our makeshift defence concedes two soft goals in the second half. We win a penalty which Stirling subsequently misses. Their keeper goes on to make three more outstanding save to confirm it wasn't going to be our day. Disappointing result from a good performance in what could be a significant match in the title race. We stay in second, just, but are now 7 points adrift of Linfield.

Cup Game 6 MUC Q/F (a) v Dungannon 0-0 (lose on penalties) att 160

A poor game that we never really get a foothold in, although young striker Cushley does hit the post early on. Our penalties are just awful. Don't deserve to go through and all we have to concentrate on is the Northern Irish Cup. Really missing some key players at the moment.

Game 27 NIP (a) v Distillery 2-2 McEvoy (85, 90) - McDermott (29), Jennings (37) att 86

The game looked over in the first half, and once again we are awful going into the interval 2-0 down. It stays that way until the last 10 minutes when a cameo appearance from McEvoy who single handedly salvages a point, scoring the equaliser in injury time.

Game 28 NIP (h) v Glenavon 1-1 Stirling (pen21) - Cairns (73) att 261

We take the lead through a Stirling penalty after McEvoy is fouled in the box. We control the game but lose the equaliser midway through the second half. At the moment we don't look like scoring from open play, and with an injury to the Columbian I am rapidly running out of options up front.

Cup Game 7 AIC 1st round (leg 1) (a) v Sligo Rovers 1-3 (Dalibard 77) - Kavanagh (29, 59), Smith 64 att 1368

Unbelievable. We are the better side, create the better chances and still find ourselves 3-0 down. We at least get a consolation from a corner which gives us a priceless away goal, but the way we are playing I really can't see us scoring any in the return.

Cup Game 8 NIC 5th Round (h) v Dundela 4-0 Cushley (18, 54), Cronesberry (26), Flynn (45) att 238

Finally we score some goals from open play. This game was just what we needed to hopeful reignite our season. The good news is that Jamil Adam isn't far away from his return from injury.

Cup Game 9 AIC 1st round (leg 2) (h) v Sligo Rovers 2-2 Bolger (45+2), Stirling (55) - Shortall (45), Smith (53) att 195

Again we are the better side, but it the same old same old. At least we get a creditable draw here which is something, but I am bitterly disappointed with the result as I felt we could get through the round.

Game 29 NIP (a) v Portadown 0-2 Turner (19), McKinney (29) att 698

Just what we need at this time is a tough away tie at Ports! The good news is that I welcome back club captain, Scott, and Jamil Adam from injury. The bad news is we still struggle to create chances. A deserved and expected defeat.

Amazingly, after this game I am offered the Glentoran job. I politely decline. Ironically the next game is…

Game 30 NIP (a) v Glentoran 1-2 Flynn (39) - Deacon (12), McChrystal (25) att 818

In a huge match we capitulate far too easily, giving up a 2-0 lead. Flynn pulls one back and Adam has a goal disallowed but it is nowhere near enough agains managerless Glens.

Cup Game 10 NIC Q/F (a) v Newry 2-1 Adam (57), Cushley (87) - Maguire (72) att 399

Not our finest performance ever, but in the context of this season could be a very significant one. Jamil Adam scores for the first time since his injury and assists for the winner. A huge result that keeps us in the hunt for silverware. Can we push this into our league form?

Game 31 NIP (h) v Dungannon 2-1 Cronesberry (43), Adam (87) - Gray (58) att 197

The shoots of recovery are there to see, and they are coming from that man Adam. He creates the first and scores a late winner to end our dreadful run in the league. Not pretty and not nice, but 3 pts all the same. I can't help breathing a sigh of releif.

Game 32 NIP (H) v Carrick 4-1 Cushley (13), Stirling (pen 30), Flynn (43), Adam (90+3) - Boyd (54) att 123

We hit form again and that man Adam is at the centre of everything we do. We get an early goal and create plenty of chances, though our second comes from a dubious looking penalty. I fear I have a few BSAC recruits in this side. We add a third from a corner and we cruise through the second half, apart from a momentary lapse. Adam is handed the 4th on a plate in injury time and he thoroughly deserves it. One more to go before the split - 9pts out of 9 would be a great haul.

Game 33 NIP (h) v Cliftonville 3-0 Cushley (10,17), Adam (68) att 155

The last game of the quarter, and with a european place up for grabs, opts is vital. We have a solid win,, the scoreline a little less comfortable than it suggests. Another vital performance from Adam, and if it wasn't clear already, it just shows how vital he is to the smooth running of the team. Two early goals from Cushley set us on our way, only for Cliftonville to run the game from there on in. A fine defensive and goalkeeping display sees Adam kill off the game in the second half. Priceless 3 pts that puts us into 3rd after Crusaders home defeat to Carrick. Portadown beat Linfield away to blow the title race wide open.

Game 34 NIP (a) v Glenavon 1-0 Cronesberry (45+2) att 648

A hard fought game that we thoroughly deserve to win. It is a crucial 3 pts as Glens lie below us in the league. With only 4 games left we lie 5pts behind the leaders in 3rd place. If we can somehow beat both Portadown and Linfield, there is an outside chance of a late title push….or is that far too optimistic.

Cup Game 11 NIC S/F (N) Linfield 3-0 Stirling (pen 13), Cushley (17, 79) att 6571

We finally meet the giants of Northern Irish football in a cup, and its a game, that if we win, could almost guarantee European Football next season. We blow them away in the first half, Stirling converting a penalty and Cushley scoring a superb individual effort. The score flatters Linfield who could be at least 5-0 down at this stage. They obviously have had a rocket at half time, but we weather the storm and gradually regain control. It's all over when Cushley, who has been a revelation, beats the keeper to a cross for 3-0. Probably my best performance as Armagh manager so far.

Game 35 NIP (h) v Glentoran 2-2 Adam (7), Cushley (47) - Deacon (60), Clarke (74) att 200

This game effectively ends our slim chance of a title challenge, although things look good early in the 2nd half as we take a 2-0 lead. Lack of concentration costs us as we squander the lead and almost concede a third. 2 points dropped, although we still hold a 3 point lead over 4th placed Crusaders.

Game 36 NIP (a) v Portadown 3-0 Adam (4, 26), Cronesberry (88) att 668

All our performances against Ports this season have been nothing short of dreadful. Adam rallies the troops before the game and does even more during it, scoring twice as we comfortably beat the team in 2nd. Cronesberry adds a late third to snuff out any chance of a comeback to put us within 2 points of Ports in second. A Linfield win puts them beyond us and they only need 1 point from their last two games to seal the title.

Game 37 NIP (h) v Crusaders 1-1 Zapata-Caicedo (90+2) - Noble (1) att 154

Most of this game is a non-event, both teams playing very poor football. Their goal comes from the kick off, ours with the last kick of the game. Forgettable. We miss the chance to go 2nd as Ports lose to Linfield who retain the championship. To stand any chance of finishing as runners up we must beat Linfield at home in the last match.

Game 38 NIP (h) v Linfield 0-2 McAllister (80), Hogan (87) att 321

We require at least a point to qualify for Europe, although it would take a major turnaround for us to drop to 4th. 3 pts could see us finishing second, depending on the Portadown result. With the championship in the bag I hoped Linfield were as under par as our cup meeting. We dominate but fail to score, Adam having a rare off day. We ship 2 goals in the last 10 minutes to finish 3rd in our first season in the Premier League.

Cup Game 12 NIC Final (N) v Cliftonville 1-4 Michael-Percil (41) - Donnelly (29, 90+1), Moore (44, 73) att 3765

We don't turn up to the final, Clifonville comprehensively outplaying us for the whole game. A deserved defeat and I am absolutely raging with the team for the poor performance.

Ouch re:cup final.

Season Review

Prem League - 3rd

League Cup - Quarter Final

Irish Cup - Runner Up

Mid Ulster Cup - Quarter Final

All Ireland Cup - 1st Round

The fact I have got to the end of the season and am bitterly disappointed just shows how far we have progressed in the last three seasons. Expectations were high in the cups, we had picked up silverware in the past two seasons so the Irish Cup Final was a disaster.

Our league form was impressive until the injury to Jamil Adams and we really struggled with his absence. Just how important he was to us was summed up when he picked up the N Irish Prem player of the year. On the whole I have to be pleased with 3rd in the league and qualification for Europe. We need a little more depth to the squad to compete for the title next season.

Awards

Manager of the Year

NI Prem Top Goalscorer - Jamil Adam

NI Prem Player of the year - Jamil Adam

Club Player of the Year - Jamil Adam

Key Players

GK - James Gilpin - The Scottish gk has been superb this season. 18 clean sheets in all competitions.

Defence - Johnny Flynn - Stalwart in defence and one of the first names on the teamsheet. Mentoring Martin Walsh

Midfield - Stephen Stirling - Class apart in the middle of the field, scored a few goals and created a lot more. May struggle to hold on to him.

Attack - Jamil Adam - Awesome player. 28 goals in all competitions. Will be amazed if he stays an Armagh player for much longer

Prospects

Martin Walsh - DC/MC - Huge player (he's built like a tank). Not a bad player either and has established himself in the first team. If we hold onto him a future club captain.

Brian Watson - DC - Came through the youth ranks but hasn't yet featured in the 1st team. Shipped out on loan for some experience.

Kevin Cushley - ST - Superb prospect who has established himself in the 1st team towards the end of the season.

Summary

Winners:- Linfield

Relegated:- Coleraine

Top Goalscorer:- 18 - Jamil Adam (Armagh)

Most Assists:- 13 - Stephen Stirling (Armagh)

Highest Average Rating:- 7.40 - Jamil Adam (Armagh) (26 apps)

Overachievers:- Armagh

Underperformers:- Ballymena Utd

N Irish Player of the Year:- Jonny Evans (Man Utd)

Player of the Year:- Jamil Adam (Armagh)

Top Goalscorer:- Jamil Adam (Armagh)

Young Player of the Year:- Aaron Burns (Linfield)

Manager of the Year:- Aaron Barnes (Armagh)

Season 4 preview

We improve 364 places in europe to move up to 500th place and draw Teplice from the Czech Republic in the 1st round of the Europa League. We don't have time to breath before the competition starts.

On a side note Jamil Adam has become a club Icon.

Players In

Peggy Lokando - Can play anywhere in the centre or on the right. I'm hoping he will make the right winger spot his own as we couldn't settle on one last season. High expectations.

Craig Duguid:- Brought in as cover for Powderly. Decent looking left back who has more quality than our existing cover.

Willie John Kiely:- Scored plenty of goals for his previous club Waterford Utd and available on a free transfer. Gives us more options up front incase of injury or Adam moving on.

Players Out

Jason Boyle:- Had been out on loan and not impressive. Had played a number of games for the club over three seasons but hadn't progressed as I had hoped. Still only 19.

Kevin Currie:- Not a bad player but we have better players in that position. Had been out on loan but hadn't performed well enough to earn himself a new deal.

Squad Overview

Expectations

Board - Mid Table

Media - 10th and priced at 12-1 (better than 2000-1 last season )

A season of consolidation ahead. In public I say mid-table, in private I want to get a european spot again either through the cups or by league position. I've purposely kept the number of players coming in low to avoid upsetting the balance of the club. I will look at giving game time to some of the younger members of the club also. With a young, developing squad, I have high hopes for the long term development of the club.

Quick update on an historic event for the club. Naturally I am delighted!

Cup Game 1 Europa League 1st Qualifying Round (Leg 1) (h) v Teplice 4-2 Adam (26, 65, 87), Walsh (61) - Vondrasek (2), Mares (23) att 300

We play this game even before starting pre-season, and it looks it on the pitch. Teplice race into a 2 goal lead as our defence is all over the place. Adam scores from the kick off to give us a glimmer of hope. Cue an amazing comeback, which sees us ride our luck, with a goal from Walsh sandwiched in between the Adam hattrick sending me mental. Our first ever win in Europe leaves us with a chance in the away leg. Whatever happens this is a landmark result for the club.

Cup Game 2, Europa League 1st Qualifying Round (Leg 2) (a) v Teplice 2(6)-(5)3 Adam (33, 89) - Walsh (og 24), Vlcek (47), Palicka (59) att 3908

I'm not sure we can progress from this tie at this early stage, but we take to the field attempting to give it a go. Our right back Scott is getting a roasting and Teplice take the lead, an unfortunate deflection hitting off Walsh. Adam is gifted a goal by their defence and suddenly we are in control of the tie. They score twice in the second half to lead on away goals, and in the last ten minutes we throw everything forward in an attempt to get a goal. A minute from the end Adam slots home from close range to send me mental. Injury time is panic ridden and goes on for ever. It is sheer delight when finally the full time whistle goes and we have progressed. Fantastic!

We have a tie against Torpedo Kutaisai of Georgia in the next round after a fantastic effort by the players against a very decent European side.

Probably could beat the Georgians as well.

Probably could beat the Georgians as well.

Kiss of death

Cup Game 4 Europa League 2nd Qualifying Round (Leg 1) (a) v Torpedo Kutaisia 0-1 Datunasihvilli (28) att 9061

In a game that we control from start to finish we lose a sloppy goal from a corner, something that we seem to do a lot of lately. We have chances but don't take them. They take a slender lead to Holm park and I am quietly confident we can progress, the reward being a trip to Turkey and Trabsonspor.

Cup Game 5 Europa League 2nd Qualifying Round (Leg 2) (h) v Torpedo Kutaisia 1-1 Dalibard (6) - Gotsiridze (81) att 300

The dream is over. We deserve so much more after taking an early lead from a corner with the Georgians not having a sniff. With the game looking like it is heading for extra time Gotsiridze scores a fantastic freekick from 30 yards to leave us all bitterly disappointed. I'm proud of the performance and hope we can build on this for next season.

Game 1 NIP (h) v Glenavon 0-0 att 271

We huff and we puff and in the end we can't break down a solid Glens defence, even when they have a player sent of with 15 minutes left. With Cushley away on international duty (NI u-19s) it is left to Adam and our new signing Willie John Kiely to lead our misfiring attack. Of concern is how poor our forward line is.

Martin Walsh picks up his first U-21 cap for Ireland, coming on as a sub in a 3-0 friendly defeat to Norway.

Game 2 NIP (a) v Ballymena 2-2 Michael-Percil (55), Adam (80) - Baker (49, 65) att 249

As has been the way recently we control the game from the start without looking at all threatening, apart from two chances that are hopelessly squandered. Ballymena take the lead early in the second half, and in the end we have to come from behind twice to salvage a point. Both teams go for it, leading to a quite manic final 10 minutes. We get in some good positions, but our final ball lets us down. A draw about the right result.

Johnny Flynn, our most important defender, picks up an injury in match that will see him out for at least 3 months. A bitter blow to our ambitions.

League Cup 2nd Round Draws us at home against 2nd Division Downpatrick.

Game 3 NIP (h) v Dungannon 4-3 Lokando (pen 15, 57), Walker (17), Moffat (o.g. 86) - McBride (13), Gunn (45) att 157

We face a Dungannon side that we have not lost to in 6 meetings (although we have lost on penalties - twice), scoring at least twice and winning in each home fixture against them. In a sign of things to come, the ball takes 1:23 seconds to escape the centre circle at the start of the game! A mad 4 minutes ensue where Dungannon take the lead from a corner, then suddenly find themselves 2-1 down. An equaliser comes just before the end of a half, littered with crazy challenges, and it is a minor miracle that half time comes without anyone having received a booking. The second half is as tense as the first, but we are in control and take the lead when Lokando half-volleys his second goal of the game. The points are ensured at the death when a shot deflects into the Dungannon net. The result looks more comfortable than it was, but an important 3 points to kick start the campaign.

Game 4 NIP (a) v Linfield 1-0 Adam (53) att 4369

At the start of the season Linfield turned fully professional. With our unconvincing start to the season I fear the worst. We put in one of the best defensive displays I have seen from this side, and coupled with some very assured goalkeeping, we come away with an historic victory. Adam gets the only goal during the second half, netting a rebound after he had hit the post. Despite heavy Linfield pressure they don't look like scoring and we close the game out well. A nice 3 point bonus.

Game 5 NIP (h) v Cliftonville 4-3 Lokando (21), Adam (41, 68, 86) - Donnelly (16, 59), O'Hanlon (77) att 130

We welcome the team that destroyed us in the NIC Final at the end of last season. We have only beaten them once in 4 attempts meaning this will be a tough ask. A see-saw game sees Cliftonville take the lead only for Lokando to score his 3rd goal in 2 games. Adam fires us into the lead twice only for us to be pegged back twice. We get the winner when Adam, who seems to be returning to top form, seals his hattrick in the 86th minute. An injury to James Gilpin, who managed to stay on the pitch, is of concern.

Game 6 NIP (a) v Portadown 1-2 Lokando (65) - Turner (39), Braniff (42) att 684

Again, with our poor record away to Ports I wasn't expecting to get much from this game. I set us up to be hard to beat and the plan nearly came off. For much of the game we were the better side, and the only thing preventing us from having a lead was a combination of the woodwork, goalkeeper and dreadful finishing. We paid the price at the end of the 1st half losing two sloppy goals in quick succession. Although we push in the 2nd half we can only manage one goal back, despite creating plenty of chances. In the end I'm disappointed with the loss from a game that we could have won.

Cup Game 5 LC 2nd Round (h) v Downpatrick 7-0 Adam (22, 25), Stirling (45), Michael-Percil (59), Cushley (84), Bolger (86, 88) att 97

In our previous meeting we beat Downpatrick 7-1 away in the NIC. We cruise to a 7-0 win, Adam and Bolger each getting a brace and Cushley scoring his first of the season. Stirling even misses a penalty before we open the scoring.

We get a lucky draw in the League Cup 3rd round. A home tie against 2nd division Bangor.

Game 7 NIP (h) v Donegal Celtic 3-0 Adam (54), Cronesberry (65), Lokando (pen 77)

We have never played Celtic, having passed each other on the way out of our respective divisions. An unknown quantity, I would hope we should win but care is needed against this side that has only scored 1 league goal so far. We came up against some inspired goalkeeping in a game that saw an endless procession towards the Celtic goal. He kept them in the game until after half-time when Adam finally broke his resistance from close range. We add another 2 goals to the tally, but still he continued to play superbly. Just to put it in perspective we have 23 shots at goal, 14 on target and 10 clear cut chances. He should have been the MoM. He's also getting scouted!

Game 8 NIP (a) v Glentoran 5-0 McChrystal (o.g. 22), Lokando (43), Bolger (71), Dalibard (74), Adam (90) att 1033

This should be a fairly even game, as our previous four meetings have been. I believe way can get a result and we do. A lucky o.g. and an opportunistic strike from Lokando put us (undeservedly) ahead at the break. Glens push players up 2nd half and leave gaping holes at the back. We pick them off in what eventually becomes a rout. With the media asking questions about the Glens manager, how long will he keep his job after this result?

Jamil Adam runs to the fans (all three of them ) and applauds them at the final whistle (nice touch SI).

Game 9 NIP (h) v Distillery 0-2 Jennigs (26), Gawley (65) att 115

A game that I was expecting to win. We dominated the match but could find a way to put the ball in the net. A hoof up the park that catches our defence flat footed and a late corner consign us to our 2nd defeat of the season.

After the sacking of their manager I have been linked with League 2 Layton Orient. I deny the rumours.

Game 10 NIP (a) v Carrick 4-0 Adam (25,56), Kiely (85, 86) att 118

We go to bottom side Carrick looking to bounce back from the previous game. I dislike playing on their stupidly tight pitch, but am confident as they have only 1 point and 3 goals to their name. We can only score once in the 1st Half, and when Stirling is sent off for dissent in the 2nd I fear the worst. I shouldn't. We go on to score a further 3, with Kiely getting his first goals for the club.

Cup Game 6 LC 3rd Round (h) v Bangor 3-0 (aet) Adam (91), Lokando (105+1), Cromesberry (117) att 101

We nearly come unstuck against a well organised Bangor side. They totally deserve their 0-0 at 90 mins, even playing the last 25 minutes with 10 men due to a sending off. They are running on empty in extra time and we capitalise with 3 goals. Bangor take the credit in a worrying home performance.

We draw Coleraine at home in the League Cup Quarter Final.

Game 11 NIP (a) v Crusaders 1-2 Lokando (37) - Livesey (8), Jarvis (74) att 367

I make a few changes for this tricky away tie at Crusaders. Again we lose a goal from a corner, but we do fight back to equalise through a Lokando pile driver. Our defence can't cope with the quick counter attacks and eventually we ship a goal which proves to be the winner. A poor performance and I will look for better in our next game.

Bit unlucky recently

Bit unlucky recently

Our recent defeats were deserved. It's the Portadown result I was cut up about because we deserved a win. The players need a bit of a kick up the arse at times - I'm just trying to play through the downturn in form. Hopefully it will change soon

Game 12 NIP (a) v Glenavon 2-2 Kiely (7), Adam (76) - Magee (14), Graham (85) att 537

We take the lead twice, Kiely scoring one and assisting one, but we can't hang on, conceding with 5 minutes to go. Another disappointing performance against a team 3rd bottom of the league. 4 pts out of 9 in three away games is not ideal. On to the next one.

Game 13 NIP (h) v Ballymena Utd 5-0 Adam (45+1, 46, 56, 64), Stirling (pen 83) att 121

We have never lost to Ballymena, making us slight favourites going into this clash. They have experienced a revival after a previous season in the relegation playoff and currently sit in 3rd in the table. A win would take us above them as we welcome Flynn back from injury. We are awful, but still manage to take the lead in 1st half injury time (thanks to Adam), completely against the run of play. The players get a kick up the arse at half time which Jamil Adam takes exception to, going on to score another 3 goals and blowing Ballymena away. Stirling completes the scoring with a late penalty.

Game 14 NIP (a) v Dungannon 2-0 Walsh (11), Adam (65) att 99

In a relatively tepid affair it is a tale of two corners. Walsh, the man mountain, scores the first, and it is a counterattack after a Dungannon corner that allows Adam to nick the ball from the last defender and slot home calmly. That is is 15th League goal of the season and triggers his bonus payment after only 14 matches. He must have made one hell of a purchase to need the bonus money that badly!

Game 15 NIP (h) v Linfield 1-1 Cronesberry (49) - Fordyce (21) att 455

We entertain the reigning champions, and after the win at Windsor Park I am cautiously optimistic that we can take at least a point from the match. They are, however, sitting at the top of the league with a 4pt gap over 2nd. We pick up a well deserved point, falling behind in the first half. Cronesberry equalises in the 2nd with a fine header from a Lokando freekick.

Cup Game 7 MUC 1st Round (a) v Crewe Utd 4-0 Adam (2), Walsh (61), Flynn (71), Zapata-Caicedo (89) att 94

A very comfortable victory against a very hard to break down side.

Cup Game 8 NILC Q/F (h) v Coleraine 3-0 Flynn (14), Adam (66, 88) att 88

Another comfortable win to put us into the Semi-Final of the League cup. Took until quite late on to seal the win, but a good performance nonetheless, although Stirling did miss a penalty. The shock of the round was a 3-2 victory for 1st Division Larne, who beat current holders Linfield.

Game 16 NIP (a) v Cliftonville 0-0 att 411

Poor game, although we do have a few chances to take the lead. I am pleased with a point though as results go our way in the division.

Game 17 NIP (h) v Portadown 3-1 Adam (24, 86), Walker (42) - Dawkin (90+4) att 166

A deserved win which was virtually sealed by halftime. A delightful team move saw Adam volley in the first before late on in the half, stand in right back Walker scored from outside the area. Adam went on to score a fantastic individual effort. The ref adds on an extra minute of injury time allowing Ports to break our clean sheet. Naturally I'm not too happy about that. With Linfield losing at Distillery we are now only a point off the lead.

Game 18 NIP (a) v Donegal Celtic 3-1 Zapata-Caicedo (67), Adam (71), Cronesberry (80) att 124

A slippery banana skin of a tie against the side second bottom of the league and well adrift of anyone else. Approached with caution. We go a goal down very early when Flynn turns a low cross into his own net. It is a nervous performance until Zapata-Caicedo gets the equaliser on 67 mins after the team gets a severe rollocking at the interval. There is only one winner from there on in and we go onto make the game safe. It looked like we were never getting back into this for a long time. In the end I'm just happy that we got away from here relatively unscathed. An important 3 pts.

We draw Irish Premier Shelbourne in the first round of the All-Ireland Cup

Game 19 NIP (h) v Glentoran 3-0 Walsh (9), Kiely (11), Flynn (84) att 190

Two early goals set us on our way against a Glentoran side that is struggling in the league. We look comfortable and the 3rd, headed in from a freekick by Flynn, puts the icing on the cake. Linfields 0-0 draw means that for the first time this season we go top.

Powderly, our 1st choice left full back suffers cruciate ligament damage during the match. Out for 11 months this is a cruel blow. It remains to be seen if his replacement can rise to the occasion.

Game 20 NIP (h) v Carrick 2-0 Adam (27, 73) att 122

One of the two sides languishing at the bottom of the table. The won their last match though and that makes them dangerous. Three points are a must. Duguid starts as Left Full Back in place of Powderly.

The stubborn resistance of Carrick is broken with a goal in each half from Adam, who scores his 30th goal of the season. A solid win and important 3 pts to keep us top.

Glenavon sack their manager Eddie Patterson after their match on the 31st December. They lie in 10th. Happy New Year!

Game 21 NIP (a) v Distillery 2-1 Kiely (30), Adam (73) - Gawley (46) att 103

The only team so far this season to have beaten us at Holm Park. I expect a tough game and for us to have to work hard for a result. We win one of the most one-sided games I have experienced, poor finishing making this look closer than it was. Kiely eventually opened the scoring after a barrowload of missed efforts, then we switched off right after half time to concede an equaliser. Normal service was resumed and Adam, who had hit everything bar the back of the net, finally managed to convert a chance. We could have won this by 7 or 8 in the end. I'm just happy to get 3 pts, and a little revenge for the home defeat.

Game 22 NIP (h) v Glenavon 5-1 Scullion (o.g. 29), Adam (45+3), Stirling (54), Walker (72), Cronesberry (90) - O'Brien (85) att 258

This rivals match brings the season to the halfway point. Glens have seen a recent revival after replacing their manager so this won't be an easy game. With our run of wins complacency could be a problem and I am worried that we will take to the field thinking the 3 pts are in the bag. In the end I have nothing to worry about. With Glenavon setting up in an unusual 3-5-2 formation, we have bags of room to play in, eventually taking the lead when a defender slide tackles Adam so violently, the ball slams into his own goal. We outplay them for the rest of the match - a 5-1 scoreline fully deserved.

Some excellent wins in there.

Half Season Review

The European adventure was finished in the second round, but we did manage to win our first tie over strong Czech opposition. I was gutted to go out to the Georgians as we were the better side over 2 legs. A learning experience for us all. Jamil Adam is our leading European marksman with 6 goals from 6 games.

A superb half to the season after a slow start sees us top the table over Linfield. This Linfield side, which turned professional at the start of the season, has been poor (by their standards), which has allowed as to enter into a title race.

While our first 11 fixtures hardly set the house on fire, we have had a superb run in the second 11. It remains to be seen if we can continue this form over the next 11 league games - with 6 of them away to most of the top 6 teams. However I think a top 6 place is pretty much guaranteed, unless we suffer a catastrophic loss of form.

Key Players

James Gilpin:- Has been superb in goal and has at times won us points. Will be very hard to shift out of that position and I am loathe to buy another good keeper, although we currently have three NI U-21 Keepers on the books

Martin Walsh:- The 18 year old giant has been getting better and better as the season has progressed. A stalwart at the back, his height is a great advantage and also not too bad in the tackle

Stephen Stirling:- As ever, a class apart in the centre of the field and our main creative force

Peggy Lokando:- The 25 year old has had a strong start to his Armagh career and has become a firm favourite with the fans. Has made the right winger spot his own, but happily plays in the middle when required.

Jamil Adam:- I can only say wow. 33 goals in all competitions - and that is the halfway point in the season. My worry is that if we lose him the goals dry up. Monster player

Boardroom Business

We are getting new training facilities - they won't be ready until October 2015 though. Hopefully they will be worth waiting for.

The money from the All-Ireland Cup is the only thing keeping us afloat at the moment. I was hoping for at least some increase in attendances but we are fairly steady at around 180 (from 110 season 1).

Our reputation has increased from half a start to 1 star, and we are now ranked 11th in the country

League Table

Transfers Out

Anthony Bolger - Sligo Rovers £35k

Johnny McSorley - Free Transfer

Game 23 NIP (h) v Crusaders 0-0 att 144

3rd place Crusaders come calling in a hugely important game for both clubs. We are lucky to get to the break level as they have a goal chopped off and miss a penalty. Things don't improve much after the break as we fail to create even a half chance. Dreadful performance in which I am relieved to have taken a point. The good news is that Linfield also drew, leaving us top, and the result maintains our 8 pt lead over 3rd.

Cup Game 9 NIC 4th Round (a) v Banbridge 0-0 att 140

We have a chance to get back on the wagon with this cup match away to a 1st division side, whose best result against us so far had been a 0-0 draw in the 1st division. There are some mad scrambles in the box as the Banbridge defence do their best to keep us at bay and Adam misses a fantastic chance to take the lead. They deserve the 0-0 at half time. We were in no danger of losing this game, but a stout performance from Banbridge meant we were never likely to win it either. 0-0 final score. I'm more concerned that we now have a replay to fit in.

If we get through, the reward is a home tie with Linfield.

Cup Game 10 NIC 4th Round Replay (h) v Banbridge 1-0 Walsh (69) att 243

I ring the changes for this game, and it is an almost entirely different side that takes the field. Mainly to rest more important players for some tricky ties coming up. We are poor again. Banbridge play most of the game with 10 men having a player sent off in the 3rd minute. We get the goal from a corner when Walsh outjumps the keeper to nod home our only effort on target. The last three performances have really concerned me.

Cup Game 11 MUC Q/F (h) v Dungannon 1-0 Adam (31) att 217

In the end a very comfortable win over a poor Dungannon side that just didn't look interested. Adam got the only goal midway through the first half that gave us the win. He should hang his head in shame though. At the death he takes the ball round the keeper and instead of rolling the ball into the empty net, blasts it high over the bar.

Game 24 NIP (h) v Dungannon 2-4 Flynn (45+3), Adam (47) - Stirling (o.g. 40), O'halloran (63, 67), Kelly (73) att 178

For the second time in a week we play Dungannon at home, this being a vital match for us to win. Our defending is farcical, allowing Dungannon to wander through three times in the second half after we had taken a 2-1 lead. The players get a roasting at full time. We now have an horrific schedule of games coming up and I fear the worst.

Game 25 NIP (a) v Ballymena Utd 2-3 Adam (10), Cronesberry (18) - Hughes-Mason(1, 59), Smith (37)

I am furious and seriously worried. For the second game in a row we squander a 2-1 lead and are hopeless at the back. We lose the first from kick off when Dalibard decides to let a striker take the ball off him to slot easily past the keeper. Things look rosy as we take a 2-1 lead, but we gift the opposition 2 goals. Shocking display and worse is probably to come with our fixtures like this:

Portadown (A)

Linfield (A)

Shelbourne (All Ireland Cup) (H)

Linfield (H)

Shelbourne (A)

Donegal Celtic (H)

Portadown (H)

God help us!

Cup Game 12 NILC S/F (a) v Portadown 1-2 att 1450

With our recent performances this is one tie that we did not need.

We lose the first goal but rally well, eventually getting an equaliser through Michael-Percil. The game goes to extra time only for Ports to score late on. A better performance, but that is 3 defeats on the trot as we miss out on the league cup final.

Game 26 NIP (a) v Linfield 0-2 att 3032

We travel to Windsor Park in our worst form for a long time and I am not hopeful for a result. We don't get one. Our only shot at goal comes from distance in the 78th minute. 5 defeats on the trot

Cup Game 13 All Ireland Cup 1st Rnd (Leg 1) (h) v Shelbourne 2-2 EvEvoy (3), Cronesberry (59) - Falvey (26), Ryan (75) att 169

We approach this game with major injury worries and my squad down to the bare bones. The makeshift side takes an early lead when McEvoy slams home Walkers deflected drive. The equaliser comes from a corner, but we keep going and Cronesberry is left totally unmarked as the defence push out to give us the lead again. We concede an equaliser as our defence are asleep again. At least we have stopped the run of defeats.

Cup Game 14 NIC 5th Rnd (h) v Linfield 1-1 Adam (1) - Carvill (76) att 852

Never, ever underestimate how cruel this game can be. We put in a winning performance only to miss all the chances that would secure a win, including a penalty. They get the inevitable equaliser. The only thing that would have been worse than a defeat at the moment was a replay. Another match, and another visit to Windsor Park to come.

Really well done so far, hope you do well through the fixture congestion.

Yea, bit of a rough patch, but you're doing well so far!

The rough patch has been getting rougher What a run of results.

Cup Game 15 All Ireland Cup 1st Rnd (Leg 2) (a) v Shelbourne 2-1 Cronesberry (45), Adam (85) - (McVeigh (62) att 441

It's not pretty, it's not nice, it's nervy, but it is a win. Cronesberry and Adam get our season back on track with a hard fought victory. It looks like we are crashing out on the away goals rule when Shelbourne equalise, but Adam pops up late on to send us through. More importantly it is a win.

Game 27 NIP (h) v Donegall Celtic 3-3 Adam (2), Dalibard (26), Stirling (86) - Glendinning (30), Phillips (72), Carson (77) att 124

Things look good as we move into a 2-0 lead. Celtic, who are bottom of the league, then proceed to knock three past us, and look like they on for a win, until Stirling slid home a late equaliser. Another shocking result against the worst team in the division.

Cup Game 16 NIC 5th Rnd (Replay) (a) v Linfield 0-3 O'Donovan (4), Mulgrew (33), O'Connor (41) att 4027

I put out a reserve side in an attempt to give more important players a rest as I'm past caring about the result. Predictably we lose 3-0. I hope the decision will pay off in the next few games.

Game 28 NIP (a) v Glentoran 3-1 Kiely (26), Walker (53), Adam (62) - Brennan (47) att 745

We welcome back Scott and Lokando from injury, and both are instrumental in us taking the lead through Kiely. They peg us back after the break, but soon after, and with much relief, we polish the game off through goals from Walker and Adam. Both Scott and the talismanic Lokando get injured again.

Cup Game 17 MUC S/F (n) v Portadown 1-1 (lose on pens) Cushley (99) - Miskelly (111) att 2163

I am furious, not with my team but with Ports and the referee. We finish with 8 men on the pitch after have 5 players injured in this match. We lose Balibard, Kiely, Stirling, Barry and Adam. We somehow take the lead in extra time, but they make their numbers count by bagging an equalise with 9 minutes left and we bottle the shootout. Can't fault the players and I am livid.

Game 29 NIP (a) v Carrick 4-1 Huxley (o.g. 16, 78), Cushley (34, pen 40) - McCann (19) att 179

We travel to Carrick with an increasingly threadbare squad. It's not just backup players getting regular games now, but some of my youth team as well. We thankfully put in a solid display to pick three points, Cushley especially putting in a good shift. Vital win.

Game 30 NIP (h) v Cliftonville 1-2 Cushley (58) - Campbell (o.g. 49), White (90) attt 164

We deserve at least a point from this game as I am forced to put 3 youngsters into the starting line up. Cushley keeps his scoring form going but they get a winner on the whistle. Things are looking grim for my side which is being held together by not much more than gaffa tape.

Cup Game 18 AIC Q/F (leg 1) (h) v Limerick 1-3 Ramsey (72) - Walsh (o.g. 9), O'Brien (52), Behan (pen 88) att 247

I'm now scraping the barrel in the vain hope I might get some players back for the league games. The sacrificial lambs put up a good fight, but in the end the result is inevitable. Ramsey scores his first ever goal for the club.

Game 31 NIP (h) v Distillery 0-2 Patton (9), Gawley (79) att 151

Things are going from bad to worse in this dreadful display against a team that we should be beating (not on this form though). To compound our problems Michael-Percil gets sent off and is hit with a 3 match ban. Idiot.

Cup Game 19 AIC Q/F (leg 2) (a) v Limerick 0-2 Byrne (60), Jones (81) att 748

No surprise about the result. Michael-Percil picks up his second red card in two matches. At least this the end of the cup matches!

Game 32 NIP (a) v Portadown 0-2 Braniff (pen 65), Dawkin (79) att 613

I change our system drastically, and while we are not a threat going forward, we cope comfortably with everything Ports throw at us. They are awarded a ridiculous penalty forcing us to push forward. The second we lose from a corner. We deserve a point from a superb defensive display but are robbed by the referee.

Game 33 NIP (a) Crusaders 0-0 att 373

Amazingly, we still lie in 2nd place in the table before this match (quite how we have managed that I still don't really understand) which completes the normal season before the split. Crusaders are one place below and on the same points as us. In the end we don't have a single effort at goal, but deserve the point for a sturdy defensive display. The point, miraculously keeps us in 2nd.

League Table at the split

Game 34 NIP (h) v Portadown 4-2 Kiely (40), Adam (48, 57, 82) - Hamill (o.g. 19), Sinclair (86) att 169

This game marks my 200th in management, but it is more important than that. A win means we can close the gap on Linfield who drew with Crusaders. It is also a chance to keep up the pressure on the European places. Finally we put in a good performance, and it coincides with the return of Jamil Adam, who scores a hattrick after we fall behind to a Ryan Hamill own goal. I am delighted to get a little bit of revenge on Portadown after some of our results against them this season.

Game 35 NIP (a) v Distillery 2-3 Flynn (39), Adam (40) - McDermott (10), Montrose (28), Shroot (87) att 102

We fight back from 2-0 down, and it looks like there will be only one winner as we push for a winner. We ship the losing goal late in an undeserved loss.

Game 36 NIP (a) v Ballymena Utd 2-2 Adam (78), Walker (81) - Murray (38), Munster (58) att 206

For the second game running we pull back from 2-0 down. Adam has a chance to win it for us at the end, but it is not to be. A point salvaged though. We drop to 3rd, a point behind Crusaders and 6 behind Linfield in 1st.

Game 37 NIP (h) v Linfield 3-1 Walsh (8), Burns (o.g. 37), Adam (85) - Walker (o.g. 74) att 546

A must win game, and in our final home game we don't disappoint. Walsh prods in from a corner for the first, a tackle on Adam goes badly wrong for our second. There are some nerves when the ball deflects in off Walker close to the end, but Adam, who really should be called Jesus, seals the win with 5 minutes left.

Results elsewhere go our way resulting in us moving back up to 2nd. Our final game is a winner takes all clash against 3rd place Crusaders.

Game 38 NIP (a) v Crusaders 0-1 Owens (45+2) att 535

In the end a point would have secured us 2nd. Linfield won their match making the title challenge irrelevant. We lose to a goal deep in first half injury time. We don't really create a chance and deserve the defeat. We finish the day in 3rd to win a European place.

Season 4 review

It is the end of the 4th season and despite the positives I can't help feeling let down. The title was there for us and we bottled it, although there is more to it than that. The sheer number of cup matches that we played contributed to fixture congestion, injuries and tiredness. Thankfully our poor run coincided with a general set of results in which no team put together a run of form. If we had kept going, we could have been in the Champions League next year, but it was not to be. I think some strengthening is in order for next season.

I need to priorities competitions - next season the Northern Irish Cup will be a first team competition - the other domestic cups will be for the reserve team.

The board cancel the upgrade to training facilities at the end of the season. A huge blow to my ambitions.

Club Player of the Year - Jamil Adam

NI Prem Division

Winner - Linfield (Champions League)

R/U - Crusaders (Europa League)

3rd - Armagh (Europa League)

Relegated

Carrick (Playoffs)

Donegal Celtic

Top Scorer - Jamil Adam 32

Most Assists - Martin Donnelly 11 (Cliftonville)

Highest Average Rating - Jamil Adam 7.52

Overacheivers - Armagh

Underperformers - Glentoran

Awards

NI Player of the year - Jonny Evans (Man U)

Player of the Year - Jamil Adam

Top Goalscorer - Jamil Adam

Young Player - Barry White (Cliftonville)

Manager of the Year - Aaron Barnes

NI 1st Division

Winner - Larne

R/U - Newry (Promoted through playoff)

Relegated

Dergview

Glebe

NI 2nd Division

Winner - Bangor

R/U - Coagh Utd

Relegated

Sport & Leisure

Oxford Utd Stars

NI Cup

Winner - Linfield

R/U - Carrick (Europa League)

League Cup

Winner - Portadown

R/U - Larne

County Antrim Shield

Winner - Distillery

R/U - Glentoran

Steel & Sons Cup

Winner - Larne

R/U - Glebe

Intermediate Cup

Winners - Crusaders Res

R/U - Bangor

Mid Ulster Cup

Winner - Portadown

R/U - Glenavon

All Ireland Cup

Winners - Shamrock Rovers (IPD)

R/U - Linfield (NIP)

Europe

Champions League

Winner - Barcelona

R/U Olympique Lyonnais

Europa League

Winner - Feyenoord

R/U - Man City

Super Cup

Winner - AC Milan

R/U - Marseille

Season 5

NI Premier Division

Dropped 62 places to 245th in the competitions rankings.

NI ranked 42nd in Europes qualification places

Armagh move up 445 places to 494th in the European Rankings

The board want mid-table with a huge transfer budget of £721k and a wage budget £12.5k

We have been priced at 6-1 by the bookies for the championship. Favourites are Linfield at evens.

Media predict 11th

Crusaders follow Linfields lead from last season and go full time.

Players In (Profiles to follow)

Mark Symonds

Villyan Bijev

Gary Smith

Players Out

No major outs. The players below are all youth players who have failed to make the grade.

Allan Gordon

Kevin Campbell

Barry Alderdice

Ciaran Campbell

Andy McKeown

What an opportunity that was.

Really unlucky to miss out there, maybe a bigger squad would help through the fixture congestion?

I think slightly better squad management is the way ahead. Unfortunately my reserve team is mainly youth players too old for the u-18's. So far though I have been playing a "reserve" side (not my usual starting 11) and it gives some fringe players a chance to impress in the cups.

Euro Game 1 Europa League 1st Qual Rnd (leg 1) (h) v Presov 0-1 Peskovic (9)

These games come far too early for us and it shows as we have no cutting edge. They get an early goal, and we toil to make our superior possession count. I am however optimistic about the away leg

Euro Game 2 Europa League 1st Qual Rnd (Leg 2) (a) v Presov 0-1Gajarsky (79)

We are the better team by far, but again fail to create enough, or take our chances when they come. Cronesberry and Adam squander priceless opportunities that would have taken us through. Their late goal killed off any chance we might have had of taking the game to extra time.

Game 1 NIP (h) v Dungannon 1-2 Smith (70) - Topley (32), Michael-Percil (o.g. 77)

I change the system for this game, opting for an attacking 3-4-3. We look good going forward but miss a barrel load of chances while Dungannon get a lucky deflection to slot the ball home. We equalise after Smith scores his first for the club, before a clearance deflects off the back of Michael-Percil in to the net. A bad loss, and it looks like our form from last season is going to haunt us for a while yet.

Game 2 NIP (a) v Glentoran 1-1 Adam (11) - Davison (45)

Adam opens the scoring for us early on, but we fail to build on it. The equaliser comes as we switch off after the 2nd half restart. Poor game, a draw about right.

Game 3 NIP (h) v Cliftonville 2-0 Adam (7, 50) att 135

A brace in typical Adam style gives us a crucial first win against a decent Cliftonville side. Over all a poor performance but glad to get the points on the board

Game 4 NIP (a) v Distillery 4-4 Adam (10, 78), Cronesberry (57, 75) - Campbell (8, 41), Heatley (44), Gawley (60) att 114

An incredible comeback after being 3-1 then 4-2 down at various stages of the game. Adam scores a brace, but should have bagged a hattrick to give us a win. Could this performance be the catalyst we needed to kick start the season?

Game 5 NIP (a) v Glenavon 0-0 att 641

Boring game, defences on top. Happy with a point, but we are drifting around mid table at the moment. We need a win, and soon if we are to get any sort of challenge underway.

Game 6 NIP (h) v Larne 2-0 Adam (8), Stirling (47) att 122

A comfortable win against the league new boys who are rock bottom. Adam opens after a fine team move that started with the keeper, and Stirling makes the points safe, slotting home a rebound after Walker hit the post. 3 points and hopefully this will be the turning point.

Cup Game 1 LC 2nd Rnd (a) v Institute 3-1 Cuchley (55), McEvoy (75), Smith (82) - Currie (9) att 88

I put out a mix of reserves and fringe players in this "low priority" cup, after last season fixture congestion cost us deary. We get off to a poor start, but a fine second half performance puts us through curtesy of Cushley, McEvoy and Smith. A good, if a little laboured, win against lower opposition.

Game 7 NIP (a) v Ballymena Utd 3-1 Smith (1), Adam (26), Stirling (pen 69) - Hughes-Mason (74) att 208

A tough game against a Ballymena side that we have found difficult to beat recently. I needn't worry, as we score from the kick off and go on to dominate. They get a consolation late on, but it not enough to threaten the points.

Game 8 NIP (a) v Crusaders 2-1 Smith (3), Michael-Percil (5) - Spillane (36) att 431

We win the game within 5 minutes of the start, although it is a long time to hold onto the lead. Crusaders get 1 back in the 1st half, but we defend stoutly and deserve the 3 points. A fantastic win from a tough place to travel to.

Game 9 NIP (h) v Linfield 1-2 Cushley (67) - McKay (34, 64) att 486

We are poor and never look like troubling Linfield until we are 2-0 down. A late rally sees Cushley score but it is too little too late against the league leaders.

Game 10 NIP (h) v Newry 5-2 Adam (13, 64, 67), Cronesberry (23), Michael-Percil (43) - Dickson (16), Rodgers (56) att 132

A comfortable win with a hattrick from Adam, although Newry, the other promoted side, do push us all the way. Vital 3 points after the home defeat to Linfield

Cup Game 2 LC 3rd Rnd (a) v Newry 2-2 (win on pens) Lokando (83), Nusum (106) - Quinn (o.g. 4), Diockson (117) att 183

My reserves put up a fighting display against a good Newry side. We equalise late on to take things into extra-time and a close range finish from Nusum looks to have won it. With 3 minutes left they equalise to take the game to penalties. We hold our nerve to win 3-0

Game 11 NIP (a) v Portadown 4-1 Smith (15), Cronesberry (55), Flynn (65), Adam (84) - Cronesberry (o.g. 57) att 655

A fantastic display to blow Ports away. There is a moment of concern when Cronseberry scores an O.G. to bring it to 2-1, but we continue pressing and get our reward. Again, I dislike Ports after their antics last season, so the result is sweet

Game 12 NIP (a) v Dungannon 2-0 Cronesberry (75), Lokando (90) att 129

The game looks like its heading for a 0-0 when Cronesberry popped up at the back post to volley us into a late lead. Lokando sealed the points at the death against the side that beat us on the opening day.

Game 13 NIP (h) v Glentoran 3-2 Walker (23), Adam (39, 87) - Jackson (28), Martyn (90+2) att 172

A close fought game that we deserved to win. Adam seals it with 3 minutes lefts, but Glens still have time to put a bit of gloss on the scoreline that they don't really merit. Their manager is sacked immediately after this result.

Game 14 NIP (a) v Cliftonville 3-1 Walsh (24), Morley-Hillen (o.g. 47), Adam (90+4) - Moore (77) att 381

Another tough away game results in 3 pts, and we are starting to put pressure at the top of the table. Walsh heads in from a corner for the first, before a deflected drive makes it 2. They score to make it a nervous finale, but Adam pops up in injury time to make certain. Great win

Game 15 NIP (h) v Glenavon 4-3 Walsh (21, 39), Adam (28, 79) - O'Keefe (16), McLellan (76, 90+3) att 271

More comfortable than it looks, although we are going through a stage of losing very late goals. Walsh score twice from corners, while Adam just carries on with what he does best.

Cup Game 3 MUC 1st Rnd (a) v Coagh 2-0 Cushley (9, 69) att 96

The reserve team does it again. A goal in each half from youngster Cushley puts us into the quarter final.

Cup Game 4 LC Q/F (h) v Limavady Utd 4-1 McFadden (15), Feeney (o.g. 60), Cushley (67), Symonds (86) - Brown (78)

I keep the team the same and they reward me with a fine win, albeit over lower league opposition. We draw Linfield in the Semi.

Game 16 NIP (a) v Larne 2-1 Adam (38), Michael-Percil (62) - McAuley (44) att 83

We make things difficult for ourselves despite dominating the game. Michael-Percil wins it with a fine finish midway through the second half.

Game 17 NIP (h) v Distillery 2-0 Cronesberry (4), Flynn (87) att 131

Goals at either end of this match seal a deserved win against a good Distillery side, keeping up our good run.

Game 18 NIP (h) v Ballymena Utd 4-1 Adam (2), Smith (18, 20), Flynn (87) - Hughes-Mason (78) att 126

Super performance to keep our run going. Adam now only needs 3 goals to break the club scoring record.

Game 19 NIP (a) v Linfield 4-1 Walsh (10, 20), Walker (28), Cushley (87) - Hogan (43) att 3304

I would never have dreamed this result before the game. 3-0 up in half an hour curtesy of two Walsh headers and a Walker piledriver. They get a goal back before the break, but we hold firm and Cushley puts the icing on the cake. Brilliant!

Game 20 NIP (h) v Crusaders 1-0 Smith (2) att 162

An early goal gets the win in an unconvincing display. We look complacent, and I am concerned that the players think they are unbeatable after the Linfield result.

Game 21 NIP (a) v Newry 0-2 Rudge (36), Hall (86) att 225

We are poor and deserve to lose. 15 shots with 1 on target is not good enough and I explain that to the team in not so gentle terms.

Game 22 NIP (h) v Portadown 1-0 Michael-Percil (41) att 169

After the precious loss it was important to get back to winning ways. We score just before half time, but again it is a poor performance. I am glad to see that we can "win ugly" though.

League Table

Half Season Review

This season has many parallels with the previous season, and as we enter the second half top, i can't help but worry that we may have a catastrophic loss of form round the corner (I'm optomistic you see).

We had a shaky start and I have to admit I thought we were going to be in for a tough old ride, but our form picked up superbly. The highlight being the 4-1 win over Linfield at Windsor park. The reserve team is doing ok in cup competition, and I have to make a decision soon on whether I should go 1st team or not for the national cup competition. I may have to with the All Ireland Cup coming up as well.

If we can keep this form up over the next 11 games we stand a chance at the title. If not, we may even struggle for a european place with teams all capable of beating each other.

Hopefully history won't fully repeat itself.

Game 23 NIP (a) v Glentoran 2-0 Adam (50, 89) att 758

We toil for much of this game, but the tedium is broken when a cross ball is inadvertently deflected into the net by the arse (honestly) of Adam. Not his best goal ever, especially since he was looking away from play at the time! His second is a fine finish to seal 3 pts late on.

Game 24 NIP (h) v Cliftonville 0-0 att 166

We dominate, but fail to create any real openings against a side struggling at the wrong end of the table. Poor game and poor result.

Cup Game 5 IC 4th Rnd (h) v Coagh Utd 2-0 McFadden (70), Nusum (90+2) att 248

The reserves are put out again, and for a while, despite our obvious domination, it looks like the game is heading to a replay. McFadden heads in from a corner and Nusum bundled home in injury time to put us deservedly through.

Game 25 NIP (h) v Dungannon 3-2 Adam (39), Smith (45), Cronesberry (55) - Yussuff (14), Kissock (24) att 192

Our start is dire as we find ourselves 2-0 down in half an hour. Adam scores his 100th league goal and Smith heads in a freekick to restore parity at the break. Cronesberry seals the win at the back post in a rip roaring 2nd half. Major result after being 2 down.

Cup Game 6 MUC Q/F (h) v Banbridge 2-0 Jablonsky (55), Lokando (86) att 158

The reserves just about make it through, leaving things late again against another stubborn lower league side. The rotation policy seems to working very well at the moment.

Game 26 NIP (a) v Distillery 1-0 Cushley (74) att 108

We are outplayed in this game, but it is sub Cushley who scores a thumping effort into the top corner to steal us the points. We are grinding results at the moment, and I feel it is only a matter of time before an implosion.

Cup Game 7 LC S/F (a) v Linfield 0-2 McAllister (5), Fordyce (22) att 6259

I am left with the dilemma of a Semi-Final team selection, but in the end plump for the reserves who have performed well so far. We never recover from the early goal and it is all too comfortable for Linfield. An easy win for them, but I feel the sacrifice was probably worth making.

Game 27 NIP (a) v Glenavon 4-0 Flynn (11), Walsh (45), Adam (79), Sanogo (90+1) att 529

We bounce back immediately with a fine win against a surprisingly lacklustre Glens side. Flynn heads us in front from a corner and Walsh, at the end of a tight half, gets lucky as the ball hits his back and bounces into the empty net from a Stirling corner. Adam fires in on the break, before a neat finish from new Ivorian midfielder Sanogo finishes the scoring.

Cup Game 8 AIC 1st Rnd (1st Leg) (h) v Limerick 0-0 att 141

We huff and we puff against a Limerick side that taught us a lesson last season. Despite our superiority we don't make it pay, firing blanks. The big positive is that we keep a clean sheet as away goals count in this competition. A vast improvement over last seasons performances.

Cup Game 9 IC 5th Rnd (a) v Annagh Utd 3-1 Sanogo (7), McFadden (55), Dalibard (76) - Kavanagh (33) att 119

It is all about corners in this game. Sanogo slots in after a mad scramble in the box only for Annay to equalise to go in at the break level. McFadden and Dalibard headers ease my nerves and, thankfully, justify my faith in my back up players to come through against this non-league side. The rotation policy for the cups is becoming more vital every game we play.

Cup Game 10 AIC 1st Rnd (2nd Leg) (a) v Limerick 4-2 Adam (24, 83, 90+1), Cronesberry (31) - Byrne (29, 87) att 365

A typical Adam performance gives me a huge surprise against a side I was expecting to struggle against. His first is a tap in after superb work by Smith lays it on a plate, a goal that gets us that vital away goal. They equalise shortly after, but our heads stay up and Cronesberry is on hand to prod home after a bout of penalty area pinball. Adams second, and the decisive goal, is slotted away after a sumptuous pass from the full back. Concentration goes, and they steal a goal back as the push for a result. Their push ends in disaster as our clearance from a corner finds Adam alone in our half. He runs the length of the pitch, fools the keeper, and slots home his hattrick. Super performance!

Game 28 NIP (a) Ballymena Utd 1-0 Flynn (2) att 211

Flynn scores a header from an early corner to settle the nerves. We push and push, but poor finishing and some last ditch defending keeps the score at 1-0. The result was a lot more comfortable than it looks.

Game 29 NIP (h) v Larne 5-1 Cushley (40), Walsh (57, 72, pen 83, 87) - Walsh (o.g. 74) att 138

A quite remarkable game for Walsh who not only scores 4 goals (including a penalty), but manages to put through his own net as well. The own goal was irrelevant by that stage though as we were 3-0 up and cruising. A good solid performance, even though the opening goal took its time in arriving. Larne, who languish at the bottom of the tale, look destined for the drop.

Game 30 NIP (h) v Linfield 0-1 Hogan (77) att 575

After the result at Windsor Park earlier in the league and looking at our current form I had high hopes for this match. Billed as a title decider it was a dull and drab affair, punctuated by some very fussy refereeing. Linfields winner comes after a defensive mistake, handing them the three points and the top spot on the table. The result is gutting, as I would have been very happy with a 0-0 draw. It remains to be seen how we react to this crucial defeat.

Cup Game 11 MUC S/F (n) v Portadown 1-3 Jablonsky (56) - McAllister (50), Ryan (60, 68) att 2198

It is back to the reserves, and this is as poor a performance as any I have seen from this side. I can forgive though as it is not my first choice team. All the goals come in the second period, and despite getting an equaliser, we never look like getting a result and surrender the spoils to a far superior Portadown side (true to form they injure 2 of my players - hacking gist).

Cup Game 12 IC Q/F (h) v Limavady 3-0 Adam (20, 39, 67) att 146

It is a reserve side again, but with a touch of Jamil Adam. He goes on to prove why he is such an important player for us, singlehandedly taking the opposition apart. He had stalled a little lately, so it was good to get him back to scoring ways.

Cup Game 13 AIC Q/F (1st Leg) (a) v Cork City 1-2 Flynn (63) - Duggan (25, 87) att 2723

We deserve a little more out of this game, but Flynns header gives us a vital away goal and a fighting chance at Holm Park. Cork do, however have the lions share of the chances, so it is no real surprise that they bag a late winner. This leaves a finely balanced 2nd leg.

Game 31 NIP (a) v Crusaders 1-2 Symonds (pen 42) - Marshall (27), Spillane (88) att 461

For the second game in a row we lose to a late, late goal. I am not too angry with the players as we finish with only 10 men on the park - 4 players being taken off injured between the 3rd and 69th minute. Absolutely gutting. More importantly, this is two league games we have lost in a row. I fear the bad form fairy is just around the corner!

Game 32 NIP (h) Newry 1-3 Adam (36) - Magee (7), Dickson (22, 75) att 152

If I cut the players slack for the previous defeat, I certainly didn't for this. An utterly disgraceful performance against an average Newry side who, admittedly, are having an above average season. We are 2-0 down within the half hour before Adam gives us a semblance of hope. With 15 minutes left any chance of a salvage job is blown away when Newry score their 3rd. Three defeats on the trot in the league, and despite our strong position, the title chance is slipping away quickly.

Cup Game 14 AIC Q/F (2nd Leg) (h) v Cork City 4-0 Quinn (3), Smith (22, 64), Adam (70) att 310

I fear the worst for this game due to our recent form, but a Quinn header from an early corner gives us the advantage. A brace from Smith puts pay to any thoughts of a Cork revival before Adam puts the icing on the cake by slotting calmly home for the 4th. An historic moment as we progress to the Semi-Final for the first time ever.

Game 33 NIP (a) v Portadown 0-1 Ryan (50) att 606

The final game before the split sees us visit Portadown who, by their standards, are having a poor season. They dominate while we are particularly poor - unable to retain possession at all. The inevitable goal comes early in the 2nd half, and the only surprising thing is that they fail to add to the tally. Going into the last 5 games we sit 5 pts behind Linfield and have a healthy advantage over the rest of the chasing pack. We need to turn things round, and quickly!

League Table

Very close, just need a good run!

You can still catch them.