ON first viewing, Ballymena's attempt to bounce back from last year's relegation was disastrous - however it proved to be a vital learning curve.

Manager Kenny Shiels, with limited funds due to the drop in divisions, was forced to mix youth with experience - with extremes in both cases. Money available was spent foolishly on big names; Ex-Northern Ireland goalkeeper Tommy Wright, Ex-Leeds defender Paul Beesley and Liberia international Leon Browne all failed to make an impact at the Showgrounds - as it was the young players that flourished.

After a very slow start to the First Division campaign, they kicked into gear in the run-up to Christmas losing only one of their ten games between October and December - as Shiels began to mount a series challenge. However, the lack of strength in depth began to show after the festive period and they fell away behind leaders Lisburn Distillery and Institute. Eventually finishing a dismal fifth, slipping behind Dungannon and Larne in the closing weeks.

The highlight of the season proved to be a heroic cup replay win over Omagh Town in the Irish Cup. However, the Braidmen were knocked out in the following round. The League Cup campaign failed to progress further than the group stage, but Shiels guided his unfancied side to the County Antrim Shield semi-finals. However, the gulf in class showed as Linfield destroyed Ballymena's young side, 4-0.

The ever dependable Mark Carlisle made 43 appearances out of 46 games, and clocked up a landmark 400 games on the final day of the season; whilst astute signing Peter Withnell finished top goalscorer with 16 goals.

Final League Position - 5th (from 10)

Irish Cup - Sixth Round - defeated by Glenavon
League Cup - Group Stage
County Antrim Shield - Semi-Final - defeated by Linfield

Total games played - 46
Total wins - 19
Total draws - 12
Total defeats - 15
Total goals scored - 70
Total goals conceded - 75

Biggest home win - 3-1 v. Carrick Rangers - 13-Oct-01 (League); 3-1 v. Donard Hospital - 06-Nov-01 (County Antrim Shield); 3-1 v. Armagh City - 02-Apr-02 (League);
Biggest away win - 3-1 v. Bangor - 08-Dec-01 (League)

Biggest home defeat - 2-5 v. Institute - 31-Aug-01 (League Cup)
Biggest away defeat - 0-5 v. Coleraine - 09-Oct-01 (League Cup)

Total players used - 40
Most appearances (all competitions) - Mark Carlisle (43)
Most appearances (league only) - Mark Carlisle (35)

Leading goalscorer (all competitions) - Peter Withnell (16 goals)
Leading goalscorer (league only) - Peter Withnell (13 goals)
Hat-tricks - None