Irish League title wrapped up - but Limavady boss Paul Owens has one final challenge to put ‘leave it in style’ champions in history books
Paul Owens watched Limavady United celebrate securing the ultimate prize - then set his players a final challenge during Saturday’s Championship title celebrations to create history.
John Butcher’s double confirmed a 2-0 win at Tandragee Road over 10-man Annagh United for a weekend win which cemented Limavady’s lead at the top of the second-tier table heading into a final game on Friday home to Queen’s University that will kick off with a party atmosphere and finish with a trophy presentation.
However, manager Owens will demand the Limavady Showgrounds date with destiny delivers one closing statement to sign off in style with a record-breaking points tally.
“I told the players I wanted this team to be remembered…the record points total for the Championship is 81,” said Owens, in reference to Larne’s 2019 success. “Now we've got 81 with a game to spare.
"I want to leave this league and leave it in style...leave it to be known as the best points tally.
“That's us on 81 so I don’t want the foot off the gas...I want to get 84.
"I want this group of players to be remembered as one of the best Championship sides to ever play.
"We were eight points behind Annagh after one round of fixtures.
"This wasn't about Annagh collapsing or anything, this was about the consistent run we had and the points.
"Bangor won the league last year with 76 points, Portadown won it the year before with 71 points...we're sitting with 81 points, Annagh’s points tally is really, really good (72 before the final game).”
Annagh will now face Crusaders in a promotion play-off against Premiership side Crusaders over two legs for the chance to join Limavady at the top table. It will mark the fourth time the Portadown-based club have faced a play-off shot.
“I'm really, really proud to get over the line,” said Owens. "I'm really, really proud of the last six, seven games that we went away to the top six.
"Five away games in the last six have been the top six and we went and won and scored 16 goals.
"The manner that we've got over the line has been unbelievable.
"You've seen the crowd here...we had two full buses, a lot of cars and they were very loud.
“We're well ahead of where I ever dreamed we were going to be...last year I did get a sample of it and it never felt very ready (after promotion out of the third-tier Premier Intermediate League).
"Touching on that before the game, I said to the players about when we finished our season (2024/25).
"I have so much respect for Annagh and the staff and what they've done over the last number of years.
"They came down to us on the second last day last year and finished us off. I just thought they were playing against boys that day and I'd wait until we were ready.
"It was a fitting day to come here for the second last game again and maybe finish our season off and show how much of a growth we've gained as a club.
“Ideally, the performance would have been better but nobody will remember that now.”