SOUTH PARK boss Joe McElligott has paid tribute to his players after playing so many games in a short period of time to end the season in fourth position in the Combined Counties League Premier Division.
The manager was not too disappointed with last Friday's cup final defeat to Epsom & Ewell either and says it has been a fantastic season for everyone associated with the club.
"We lost [3-0] to Epsom in the EL Records Premier Challenge Cup final on Friday but in fairness, they were the better side on the night.We got caught with a couple of defensive errors, which was unusual because we normally defend very well, but they deserved the result.
"But looking back on the season we're delighted with what we've achieved. To finish fourth in our second season and to get to a cup final against established clubs, we're more than pleased.
"I'm delighted for the players going through a season playing 61 competitive games."
Having played two games on the Monday and Tuesday, McElligott had no choice but to rest several players for the final league game against Sandhurst on Thursday before the cup final on Friday.
"We were forced into a situation really where I virtually rested the whole team for the game on Thursday and put out a reserve team," he said.
"We finished last week with games on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with a youth game in between, so there has been a lot of football packed into a short period of time.
"We look back at the season and it's been good. We were very close to pushing for third place.
"If you asked people at the start of the season if we'd finish fourth and get to a cup final, they wouldn't have believed it.
"You look back and there have been some great moments and great experiences for everyone involved."
With the season now finished, McElligott is hoping to keep most of his squad but hinted he may also give one or two youngsters a chance to shine from the club's successful youth team.
He said: "There is always an uncertainty in the close season but we'll do our best to keep what we've got. It's an opportunity to strengthen our position, and we will, but we'll continue to develop some of younger players as well."
