Douglas reflect on what might have been after dominating Mallow

Douglas saw off Mallow 0-14 to 0-9 in the McCarthy Insurance PSFC to save their proverbial bacon from the trap door that is the relegation playoff game but the joy of the win was tempered by a disappointment with the way the city side’s season had gone.

Douglas coach Paul Holland took a breath after the game to outline his thoughts on what had transpired in Grenagh but was more concerned with what the result means for a side that in the main struggled through the 2024 campaign.

The lead into the game was ideal for Holland and Douglas as a whole however the situation they collectively found themselves in was not ideal according to one of the main cogs in a very impressive management setup.

“We came with our backs to the wall,” said Holland as his side came together for a quick match debrief.

“Despite the win today we are really disappointed overall. Relief after today’s result but there can be no hiding from the fact that we are now finished.

“Coming here we knew that Mallow were going well but I know what is in this group of players and they must learn how to produce it every day and that is the challenge that this group have to face.” 

KNUCKLED DOWN

Holland was proud of what his charges were able to achieve against the Avondhu side but lamented what had gone in the games before.

The first day against the Barrs we had loads of chances and we didn’t take them and left that game behind us and in the second game against Valley Rovers it was even worse. 

"We did everything we wanted in the first 20 minutes of that game and left the plan and paid a heavy price. Turnovers killed us against Valley Rovers, we fell into their trap of a mass defence and we were very, very disappointed with that after the game.

“But fair dues to the lads they knuckled down there for the last three weeks, it has been top class with them. We got good quality challenge games and I think the lads answered some big questions here today. 

"I think a lot of people around the county were expecting a different result here today and I am just delighted for the players themselves that they turned up on a big day for the club with an excellent performance.” 

Despite the joy at salvaging their status Holland couldn’t get over the disappointment of what might have been, particularly considering what the club had hoped for.

“This is not where we had wanted to be at the start of the season. We had bigger ambitions than that but you know what, I think the last three weeks there will stand to this group, fellas did everything they could do to prepare for this one and I am delighted for them all.

“We are under no illusions. We needed the win here today, nobody wants to go into that relegation playoff game so on that score we are delighted but when the dust settles on this we will be bitterly disappointed with our three games to be honest with you.

Mallow were going well but I know what is in this group of players and they must learn how to produce it every day and that is the challenge that this group have to face.” 

Douglas will need to have a deep look into themselves to identify why they struggled in 2024 and resolve the issues ahead of 2025 or they are likely to disappoint again next season – they should be too good for that.