PAUL Quinn’s men earned their second successive 14th-placed finish in the Evo-Stik Division One North but the boss was hoping for much more after a blistering start to the campaign.

Town lost just two league games in the first three months of the season, putting them sixth by the start of November. Quinn’s men were in the play-off places and looking down on established neighbours Farsley Celtic from their lofty perch.

November proved to be a difficult month, however, as Town earned just two points and exited the League Cup and the West Riding County Cup. They also endured a postponement and even a half-time abandonment in a league game at home to Radcliffe Borough.

Town were already out of the FA Cup – losing at home to lower-ranked Newton Aycliffe – and the FA Trophy after a 2-0 defeat at league rivals Warrington Town.

Warrington went on to lift the title while Brighouse’s league form flattened out. The next three months were all affected by the severe wet weather, with games at the Dual Seal Stadium and away from home being postponed due to waterlogged pitches.

When the fixtures did start to come thick and fast it was Quinn’s men who were swamped. They failed to regain any momentum and tasted defeat nine times in a 13-game spell.

They finished strongly with three good victories from their final four fixtures – at Clitheroe and Kendal Town before a last-day home win over Mossley. Although Town ended in 14th place again, their second term in the Evo-Stik was still an improvement.

Quinn’s men won three more league games than in their first term, scored 11 more goals, conceded nine fewer and banked eight points more. The Brighouse boss is obviously a quick learner and a coach capable of developing players.

Evo-Stik Div One North Pos: 4th P42 W17 D8 L17 F75 A72 GD3 Pts59