2014 Illawarra Premier League
| Illawarra Mercury Premier League | |
|---|---|
| League | Illawarra Premier League |
| Sport | Association football |
| Duration | Autumn/Winter 2014 |
| Number of teams | 12 |
| 2014 | |
| Champions | Dapto Dandaloo Fury |
| Premiers | Bulli FC |
| Top scorer | Robbie Shields (26) |
| Bert Bampton Cup | |
| Winner | Wollongong United FC (3rd) |
The 2014 Illawarra Premier League was the 37th season consecutive season of the Illawarra Premier League. Commencing in late March, and concluding in August, Bulli FC took out the Premiership for the 4th time, whilst Dapto Dandaloo won the Grand Final (against Bulli FC), for the 5th time.
Bulli FC took out their 4th Illawarra Premier League premiers plate after finishing first having only lost 3 games in the season. It was Bulli's first Premiership in 26 years, having last won the competition back in 1988. Their final round 2-0 victory over Albion Park White Eagles saw them snatch the Premiership from eventual Grand Final champions Dapto Dandaloo.
The highest scoring game of the season was between Cringila Lions and Wollongong United, which finished 1-10, with Wollongong's Irish striker Robbie Shields' finishing with an impressive six goals on the day. Shields would wind up the season's golden boot with a tally of 27 goals for the season, including a penalty.
After 22 rounds, the top 5 teams went through to the finals series. The teams being Bulli FC, Dapto Dandaloo Fury FC, Wollongong United, Port Kembla FC, and South Coast United. Bulli would progress through to the final after dispatching Dapto Dandaloo in the semi final comfortably via a 3-0 win, requiring Dapto Dandaloo to face off against a strong Port Kembla in order to book their place in the decider. Despite going down 1-0 early in their preliminary final, Dapto Dandaloo would confirm a replay against Bulli in the final, coming from behind to win 2-1.
The 2014 Illawarra Premier League grand final was held at Wollongong's WIN Stadium. Dapto Dandaloo, who were keen to amend recent results against Bulli, having lost the semi final and the previous regular season game by a combined 8 goals. Daptop Dandaloo would run out convincing 2-0 winners, with goals from Shaun McRae and Joe Crowley in the second half sealing their 2nd Grand Final triumph in 3 years. The win also saw the retirement of Noel Spencer who had been Player-coach with Dapto Dandaloo. The win added further success to Spencer's career, having won the 1999–2000 National Soccer League with the Wollongong Wolves (now South Coast Wolves), and the 2008 A-League Grand Final with the Newcastle Jets.
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