KENNY Shiels marked a successful first season back in the top flight of Northern Irish football, with a sixth place finish for the Sky Blues; and qualification for Europe.

It wasn't all plain sailing though, as the Braidmen found themselves languishing at the bottom of the league in November, after a miserable defeat to Linfield at Windsor Park. But a remarkable turnaround of five wins in six games in the run up to Christmas galvanised the team.

The catalyst was seemingly the astute signing of former England ‘B’ International; Nigel Jemson, who arrived from Shrewsbury Town for the season. The highlights had to be an away win at recent League Champions, Portadown, and also a last day victory over Coleraine - revenge for the low ebb of the season; the 4-0 defeat on Boxing Day at the Ballycastle Road.

Despite a dip in form after Christmas, Ballymena excelled in the final third of the season losing only one of their final ten games to secure a sixth place finish, and being the highest placed team with UEFA Licence, qualification for the Intertoto Cup. The first time the Sky Blues had qualified for Europe in 15 years.

The cup competitions didn’t produce much success as Glentoran dumped the Braidsiders out of the Irish Cup at the first stage, and a very poor League Cup campaign didn't see United qualify from the group stage. The County Antrim Shield proved the only minor success with a semi-final defeat to Ards.

After a slow start to the season, Shea Campbell finished the season as top goalscorer with 14 goals. Ciaran Donaghy, in his first season at Warden Street, made the most appearances with 37.

Final League Position - 6th (from 16)

Irish Cup - Fifth Round - defeated by Glentoran
League Cup - Group Stage
County Antrim Shield - Semi-Final - defeated by Ards

Total games played - 40
Total wins - 16
Total draws - 8
Total defeats - 16
Total goals scored - 53
Total goals conceded - 56

Biggest home win - 4-0 v. Glenavon - 15-Nov-03 (Premier League); 4-0 v. Newry Town - 06-Dec-03 (Premier League)
Biggest away win - 4-0 v. Institute - 19-Apr-04 (Premier League)

Biggest home defeat - 1-4 v. Portadown - 13-Apr-04 (Premier League)
Biggest away defeat - 1-4 v. Linfield - 08-Nov-03 (Premier League)

Total players used - 29
Most appearances (all competitions) - Ciaran Donaghy (37)
Most appearances (league only) - Ciaran Donaghy (30)

Leading goalscorer (all competitions) - Shea Campbell (14 goals)
Leading goalscorer (league only) - Shea Campbell (12 goals)
Hat-tricks - Shea Campbell v. Omagh Town - 27-Mar-04 (League)