Dee: Complacency the key factor in Orange walkover.

Byline: MARTIN MAWHINNEY

DISAPPOINTED Killyleagh YC manager Dee Heron admits his team were guilty of complacency in Saturday's 2-0 Border Cup loss to Orangefield OB.

Where once Heron and his teams could often have at least one festive final to look forward to on an almost annual basis, there will be little Christmas cup cheer at the Showgrounds this year, having already been knocked out of the Steel and Sons Cup too.

However, Heron points out that this is a new era, and that expectations have shifted accordingly, too.

He said: "We are a different team from what we were four or five years ago. But I can stand here and say that we are a young developing team now - the simple fact is, though, that Saturday was a game we expected to win.

"Of course the players were complacent. I've done it myself - you turn up on the day, and say to yourself, 'we'll win this no problem,' and then that happens.

"But take nothing away from Orangefield - they worked harder than us, and took their chances, while we didn't take ours.

"We played them in a pre-season friendly, and I think it may have come back to haunt us. These things happen."

Killyleagh's frustrations at losing to a struggling Division 1B side are possibly all the more compounded by the fact that they have had such a promising start to the campaign.

It's still early days, but only one defeat from six league matches this season suggests they are a team to look out for once again.

Yet Heron has made no secret of his disappointment at bowing out at the last 16 stage of the Border Cup.

He said: "As an Amateur League side, the only cup competitions we can realistically win are the Border and the Clarence. There are too many big teams in the Steel and Sons, the Irish Cup, and the Intermediate Cup now.

"But I suppose sometimes you need that kick up the ass - and maybe Saturday was ours."

Heron admits that his day 'got worse' after watching the Northern Ireland match, but that his own misery slipped into insignificance when he heard news of the tragic car accident that led to the death of Lorraine Stewart, wife of Irish League legend Alfie, that afternoon.

Heron added: "That was devastating. I know Alfie Stewart well, and I feel so sorry for him - all our thoughts are with him and his family.

"It just shows you that when it comes down to it, football means nothing."

Killyleagh were not the only Premier Section side to have been on the receiving end of a Border Cup upset by a club below them in the rankings.

Allbert Foundry drew 3-3 with Ards Rangers, only to be defeated 8-6 by the Division 1A men after penalties.

Dunmurry Rec made it through to the quarter-finals by beating fellow Premier Section side Wellington Rec 6-5 after penalties.

And spot kicks were also required at Greencastle Playing Fields, where visiting Rathfriland Rangers beat Grove United 7-6.

Sport & Leisure were the day's remaining Border Cup victors, beating Downshire YM 2-1 on home turf.

We played Orangefield in a pre season friendly and I think it may have come back to haunt us..it happens DEE HERON

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