Lisburn Distillery Youth lost 2-3 in tonight's Foyle Cup semi-final against the Maiden City Academy.

They will now meet Finn Harps on Friday night in the third/fourth place play-off (Lisnagelvin 1 - 7.00 pm)

On a more sombre note, the Youth team management and squad, along with the club extend their sympathy to David Hume and his family after the passing of his grandfather earlier this week whilst David was with the squad.Our thoughts are with him and his family.

A three-one victory over Letterkenny Rovers U18 tonight means Lisburn Distillery Youth are one step away from the Foyle Cup Final.

Goals from Dean Moore, Conor Sullivan and Nyal Walsh mean that the Whites now take on Maiden City Academy in their semi-final at the Brandywell tomorrow night (Thurs) - kick-off is 7.00 pm.

Good luck to Andy and the team.

Sponsor of the Lisburn Distillery Youth Team

Images Copyright Jonathan Irwin (reproduced with permission and thanks)

Lisburn Distillery Youth got their Foyle Cup campaign off to a winning start with a 2-1 victory over Derry City U18s at The Brandywell tonight.Dean Moore and Greg Dixon were the goal-scorers.

They play Letterkenny Rovers U18 tomorrow night (Weds) at Templemore Swilly.

Sponsor of the Lisburn Distillery Youth Team

Banbridge Town and Lisburn Distillery have been able to re-schedule their pre-season friendly for tomorrow night - Tuesday 22nd July 2008.

The game will be played on the UEFA 3G (plastic) pitch at Cheyney Park, Banbridge. The new pitch is beside Crystal Park and admission will be through the Crystal Park turnstiles.

Kick-off is planned for 7.00pm.

Match report and images (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Iain Pertray

Match Report from Iain Pertray

Lisburn Distillery made the long journey to the west of the province for their first ever visit to Castlederg and new IFA Championship team Dergview this afternoon. The excellent Darragh Park pitch lent itself to the Whites style of play and the small band of supporters who made the trip were rewarded with a comfortable victory.

Straight from the off the Whites were on the attack, Curtis Allen firing wide from a Darren Armour pass in the first minute. Ryan McCann then tested the home keeper with a free kick directed straight at him on four minutes. Five minutes later Paul Muir struck another free kick against the defensive wall, the ball deflected out to Chris Kingsberry who crossed in, with Muir's header forcing the home keeper to tip the ball onto the underside of the bar with the ball then being cleared by the home defence.

Neil Gawley and Pat McShane were combining effectively on the left hand side of the field. Infact on nineteen minutes McShane was involved in the thick of the action when his cross eluded Armour's head but Curtis Allen followed up by meeting the ball, but unfortunately he shot wide coming in at the backpost. Lisburn Distillery's backline were easily snuffing out any goal threat from Dergview with Philip Matthews rarely tested. The Whites created further chances with Ryan McCann forcing the keeper into another save from a free kick on twenty five minutes with Kingsberry firing high and wide when well positioned a minute later. The breakthrough finally arrived on thirty two minutes and what a special goal it was. Paul Muir fed the ball from defence to Darren Armour running on from the middle of the park, Armour then passed to Kingsberry on the right wing who ran on before crossing to Curtis Allen's feet who then slotted the ball home from close range. A brilliantly worked goal, that underlined the Whites total football approach. The visitors continued to dominate possession for the remainder of the first period with Matthews only called into action a minute before the break when he pulled off a first class stop when an equaliser seemed certain.

Half-time 0 - 1

The second half was only three minutes old when the ball found Darren Armour in the box who used his strength to fend off the keeper and tuck the ball home to double the Whites advantage. After their second goal Lisburn Distillery seemed to up their tempo with Allen, Browne and Armour each having efforts on goal soon afterwards. The Whites third goal arrived on eighty minutes. The tricky Kingsberry crossed from the right and young debutant Gareth Corey confidently tucked the ball away past the keeper. Indeed the eighteen year old trialist looked more than useful during his brief run out. He had further chances on goal
during the last five minutes, unfortunately to no effect, but his pace especially looks to be a major asset.

The Whites looked more than comfortable in this game and can hopefully keep up this good form leading into their busy run of friendly fixtures next week.

Lisburn Distillery

20. Philip Matthews
2. Peter McCann
3. Pat McShane
4. Ryan McCann
5. Wayne Buchanan (Capt)
23. Paul Muir
7. Andrew Kilmartin
9. Curtis Allen
10. Darren Armour
11. Chris Kingsberry
12. Neil Gawley

Subs
13. Gareth Corey for Curtis Allen 75 mins
14. Stephen Shaw for Chris Kingsberry 80 mins
16. Mark Patton for Darren Armour 63 mins
18. Gary Browne for Neil Gawley 53 mins

Match report form David Taylor

The first pre-season friendly, away to Ballynahinch United, resulted in a three nil win for the seconds. It took them a while to settle but they created a number of good chances before taking the lead from a McKnight corner, first Thompson had a go at heading it, but the last player to touch it over the line was Hamilton. More chances went begging and the first half ended with a single goal lead to the visitors.

The second half was dominated by the visitors who increased their lead further, through two well-constructed and well-finished goals by half time substitute Moore.

Manager's Comments

A good work out which should help several first team players achieve their match fitness, as some have only played bit parts for the first team. What an asset McKnight should be when he achieves match fitness, although he only played the first half you can see the class of the player, and we can only hope he gets back to full fitness shortly.

David Taylor.

Team

C.McCluskey

D. Youle, P. Hamilton, G. Hall, S. Thompson

M. Neill, M. Cooling, J. Magee, M. Whitford

N.McConnell, P. McKnight

Subs: P. Esler, D. Moore, N. Jones.

Scorers: D. Moore 2, P. Hamilton.

Lisburn Distillery's prer-season friendly against Banbridge Town, scheduled for Saturday 02nd August 2008 has been cancelled.

This is due to the IFA Championship kicking off on that date with Town now playing Limavady United on the opening day of the CHampionship season.

The Whites still have a friendly game arranged on that date against Saintfield United.

Defenders Jim McMenamin and Ryan Blaney, along with goal-keeper David Wilton have been released by Lisburn Distillery.

We wish all three players all the best in their furture careers.

Match report and images (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net, Edward White, David Hunter and Jonathan Irwin

Match Report from Edward White

Two well taken goals from Macclesfield’s pacey winger, Danny Thomas, proved to be decisive in this pre-season encounter at New Grosvenor although the Whites will have drawn heart from another gutsy performance which saw them match their more senior opponents for the majority of the game.

Lisburn Distillery had got off to bad start with a deft flick from Lee Bell setting Thomas in for his first of the night on only eleven minutes as he calmly lobbed over the advancing home keeper Philip Matthews. The “Silkmen” continued to look the more composed side for the opening period of play but gradually as the half wore on the Whites got back into the game and came close to levelling the match on a number of occasions through Kingsberry and Brown and more notably Magee whose effort cannoned up onto the Macclesfield crossbar before being cleared. An equaliser did look to be coming and this indeed turned out to be the case when, on 41 minutes, Whites skipper Wayne Buchanan rose, unmarked, to head home from a Gary Browne corner past stand in keeper David Wilton who had been loaned as a stand- in to Macclesfield following injury to their usual keeper Jon Brain.

All square then at half time but it was only 10 minutes into the second half when the visitors regained the lead when once again Thomas used his pace and quality, his finish leaving Matthews stranded in the home goal. As is the norm for pre-season games, lots of substitutions took place with Lisburn Distillery making no less than nine changes during the second period of play, this including a debut for defender Paul Hamilton. The substitutions impacted on the Whites rhythm of play and although they created a few half openings they didn’t really threaten in any great numbers.

A final score then of 2-1 to the visitors and a decent pre-season warm up for Lisburn Distillery.

Edward White

Manager Andy Stevenson and the Lisburn Distillery Youth Team are off to the Foyle Cup next week.

The Whites, participating in the U18 category, have been drawn in the same group as Letterkenny Rovers and Derry City.

The competition runs from the 22nd -26th July.

You can find more information on the official Foyle Cup website - click here.

Lisburn Distillery is not responsible for the content of, or services/products supplied/advertised on, external websites or supplied by third parties

Lisburn Distillery manager Paul Kirk has confirmed that Paul Hamilton has agreed a two year contract with the club.

The Whites boss is delighted to land the former Larne player (pictured below), adding; " He's a versatile young player, strong in the tackle and competitive.He can play in a variety of positions, we believe that he is one for us and the future and we are pleased to have got him at this stage in his career."

The manager also confirmed that Aaron Johnston, James Wright and Chris Murdock have all been released.

It's time to prepare New Grosvenor for the new season ahead and there is a clean-up planned for Tuesday 15th July at 7.00 pm.

Work will involve cleaning the seats in the stand so if you can attend, please bring a bucket, sponge and cloth with you.

There may be additional work required on Wednesday 16th July but this will be confirmed on Tuesday night.

Some more games have been added (see blue entries below) to the pre-season programme.

There are often changes to pre-season games, venues and timings, so please check the site home page for the latest information

Congratulations to Lisburn Distillery Ladies and manager William McCann.

The U11 team won the Dale Farm Girls U11 Belfast League, and the U15 team were runners-up in the Dale Farm Girls U15 Belfast League Division 1.

(post corrected 090708)

A Lisburn Distillery XI will take on the USA National U19 team later this month.

Details to follow.

Our friends at TPS Turku have provided us with a link where you can catch up with the post-match press conference and match action.

The service is free - simply click on the TPS logo below and select from the right-hand column.

Lisburn Distillery is not responsible for the content of, or services/products supplied/advertised on, external websites or supplied by third parties

Trials will be held at Belvoir Playing Fields on Wednesday 16th July and Wednesday 23rd July 2008 from 7pm to 8.30pm - we extend a warm invite to all prospective players.

The Academy aims to build on last season’s success, under the coaching and guidance of Lisburn Distillery manager and coach Paul Kirk along with Stuart Gallagher and some of the club's first team players including Chris Kingsberry.

Players born in 1997, 1998 and 1999 are welcome to get in touch for this seasons Under 12s, Under 11s and Under 10 sides who will compete in the South Belfast League.

If your child would like to consider becoming part of Lisburn Distillery's progressive Academy set-up and have an opporturnity to work with experienced, qualified coaches then please contact Stevie Nutt (Under 12 Manager) via email at stevie-n@hotmail.co.uk or via phone on 07709132986.

All players attending the trials need to wear a football kit, shinpads and football boots (not trainers).They also need to bring a soft (non-fizzy) drink for breaks during the trials.

Friday 28 June 2008

Whites team and fans are safely in Finland following long journey

Saturday 28 June - preparations going well

The team and our supporters will be heading off to Finland on Friday and we wish them well for both the journey and the game.

At 2-3 there is still everything to play for and we wish Paul Kirk and the team good luck in Turku on Sunday.

Manager Paul Kirk confirmed an extra pre-season friendly today - this will against Castlederg on Saturday 19th July 2008.

We'll update the pre-season programme over the next few weeks.

Tournament report Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Ian Titterington

Tournament Report from Ian Titterington

The young Whites started well with a deserved 2 0 win over Lagmore - two great strikes from outside the box by Dylan Cummins and Sam Titterington sealed the victory.

Their next match pitched them against one of the two Linfield academy teams, the match was very entertaining with both sides playing some excellent football, however Brandon Falconer was able to give the Whites the win with his first goal in a superb individual display which saw him score 5 goals in the competition.

Lisburn Distillery's third game was with Linfield's other academy team.This time we came up against a Blues outfit that simply gave our lads a lesson in fine finishing and excellent passing and all we had to show for our efforts was a single Thomas Ryan goal.
Following the heavy defeat by the Linfield, the only way the boys could make the Final would be via a large win against Hillsborough Boys. Knowing this the Whites really went for the victory right from the start and played some magnificent football. Dylan Cummins was man of the match scoring two goals as did Brandon to earn a 4 0 victory and a place in the final.

In the final Lisburn Distillery were to face the Linfield Academy team that had given them such a heavy 5 1 defeat two games earlier. The boys were asked to put that defeat behind them and as usual, just as they have done on numerous occasions this season, they responded with great character and resilience.
Colin Wilson started the game by shooting direct from the kick off and his effort narrowly missed the post. Halfway through the first half Brandon gave the Whites their first goal and a lead that they were to hold until half time.

After half time Linfield came out with the determination you expect from a Linfield side and scored two goals in quick succession to take the lead. At this stage it looked like there could only be one winner.However straight from the kick-off Brandon passed the ball to Colin Wilson, who took one touch and lashed the ball into the Linfield net from just inside their half, to do what he has done so often this season, haul the Whites back into the game.Lisburn Distillery lifted their game once again now and started to play good football. Following a passing move Brandon turned and laid the ball of for Colin Wilson to drive into the net what was the eventual winner.

Team : Joshua Fisher, Ben Wightman, Luke Adamson, Aaron Lyons, Sam Titterington, Dylan Cummins, Colin Wilson, Thomas Ryan, Brandon Falconer

Whilst Paul Kirk and the team set off to Finland this weekend, Youth team goalkeeper Chris McCluskey heads even further in the opposite direction.

Chris, his brothers and father Leslie head off to Africa for a few weeks where they will work with Dwelling Places an organisation that works with street children in Kampala, Uganda. Whilst there Chris and his brothers are hoping to run a football school for the children as well as being involved in other projects run by Dwelling Places.

The club have supplied some gear to assist on the football side of things and we wish Chris and his family a safe journey as they prepare to undertake work out in Kampala.

The officials, players and supporters of TPS Turku have now arrived here safely and Lisburn Distillery welcomes them to Northern Ireland.

We sincerely hope that they enjoy their time here in our country.

Club officials, managers, and Alderman David Archer of Lisburn City Council, met at an informal and enjoyable pre-match reception on Friday night and a presentation was made to our vistiors.

Today's game at Ballymena Showgrounds, kicks off at 3.00 pm - all ticket, ticket arrangements are below.

Dr Nigel Campbell was recently appointed as the club doctor and we welcome him to the club.

Nigel (pictured below) has been working with the players in the last few weeks to ensure that all the UEFA medical regulations are met.

Curtis Allen and Mark Patton have signed two year deals at Lisburn Distillery.

Manager Paul Kirk is delighted that both young players see their future at New Grosvenor where Mark Cooling and Johnny Magee have already broken through to the first team.

The new IFA Premiership was officially launched today and in their opening game Lisburn Distilllery will meet last season's champions, Linfield, at New Grosvenor on 09th August.

We will have the full fixture list on the site nearer the start of the new season.

Full details on the IFA Premiership can be found here

The 2008-2009 fixture list can be found here.

Lisburn Distillery is not responsible for the content of, or services/products supplied/advertised on external websites or supplied by third parties

Season ticket prices will remain unaltered for the 2008-2009 season. The pricing remains as follows

Season tickets are valid for all home IFA Premiership games.

Please note that the format of the CIS Insurance Cup is unknown at this stage, once this has been determined, further information will follow.

(* - Vice-presidents Lounge tickets only allow the registered ticket holder access)

Tickets will be available shortly - we would encourage our supporters to purchase season tickets.

The shareholders annual general meeting will once again be held in the first week in August.

This year's meeting will take place on Monday 04th August 2008 at 7.30 pm.

As usual, all shareholders will be sent written notification of the event shortly.

Lisburn Distillery chairman Jim McGrory (pictured below) was presented with the licenses by Northern Ireland International Manager Nigel Worthington at a presentation ceremony at the Ramada Hotel, Belfast.

In recognition of obtaining a UEFA Club Licence, the successful clubs each received a cheque for £3,000; whilst clubs who were presented with a Domestic Club Licence received a cheque for £1,000. This was to assist with the financial demands of obtaining the licences.

The clubs were assessed in five key areas namely; Sporting, Infrastructure, Personnel and Administration, Legal and Financial.

This is the fourth successive season that the club has been successful with it's UEFA Licence application.

David McVeigh, IFA Club licensing and Facilities Manager said: “The club licensing scheme, both for UEFA and Domestic competition, continues to play an integral part of our future plans for club development. A number of the licensing principles have formed the basis of our work in the establishment of the new league structure within Northern Ireland and this shows the relevance of these principles to the improvement of all the aspects of club football”.

This is the fifth year the Irish Football Association has awarded Club Licences. The Club Licences are valid for one season, namely 2008/2009.

Additional material from IFA Press Release

Tickets for the UEFA Intertoto Cup game between Lisburn Distillery and TPS Turku on 21st June 2008 (Ballymena Showgrounds - 3.00 pm) are now available from the following locations;

Lisburn - Ulster Star, 12a Bow Street, Lisburn, BT281BN - Telephone : (028) 92 679111

Belfast - Podium 4 Sport, 40 Montgomery Road, Castlereagh Road, Belfast - Telephone (028)90 701333

*new* Ballymena - The Tourist Information Centre, The Braid, 1-29 Bridge Street, Ballymena - Telephone (028) 25 635900

*new* Hillsborough - Lagan Valley Steels, 10 Aughnatrisk Road, Culcavy, Hillsborough - Telephone (028) 92 680900

Tickets and the Intertoto 2008 replica top (pictured below) will be available at the club on the following dates;

Friday 13th June - 19.30-20.30

Saturday 14th June - available at the Abbey Villa match (Millisle 3.00 pm)

Tues 17th June - 19.30-20.30

Thurs 19th June - 19.30-20.30

Fri 20th June - 19.30-20.30

Tickets cost: Adults £10, Concessions £6.00.

The match is all ticket, but please note that tickets will be available at the ground prior to kick-off.

Bus departs Lisburn Train Station at 1.15pm
Bus departs New Grosvenor, Ballyskeagh at 1.30pm
Bus departs South Belfast Northern Ireland Supporters Club (Shaftesbury Square) at 1.45pm

Adults: £7
Under 16s/OAPs: £4

Match report and images (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Edward White

Match Report from Edward White

PSNI District Team 1 v Lisburn Distillery 7 (HT 0-4) 10th June 2008 at Newforge, Belfast

Lisburn Distillery comfortably won their second Intertoto Cup warm-up match by easily disposing of a PSNI District team by seven goals to one at Newforge.

Straight from the kick off the Whites dominated proceedings and they soon took the lead on six minutes when Ryan McCann curled home an exquisite free kick following a shirt tug on Curtis Allen on the edge of the penalty box. Soon afterwards a nice knockdown by McCann once again enabled Armour to hammer the ball home from 18 yards.

Allen was causing all sorts of problems for the PSNI defence and it was no surprise when he added his name to the score sheet when, on 31 minutes, he played the role of poacher turning in a goal-bound effort from Mark Cooling from all of three yards out. Goal number four arrived on forty three minutes when Allen had no less than three efforts cleared by the home defence only for the ball to fall kindly to Nathan McConnell who drilled it home from ten yards out.

PSNI almost did pull a goal back on 47 minutes when a bad bounce caught Spackman out in the Lisburn Distillery goal but from the resulting opening the ball was placed just over the top of the bar and the Whites clean sheet was kept intact. Six minutes later Allen scored his second, tapping the ball home from six yards out but on the hour the home side pulled a goal back as the Lisburn Distillery defence failed to clear a corner and the ball was hammered home.

The Whites had to take to wait until the 76th minute before restoring their five goal cushion when once again Allen was on hand to notch up his hat-trick and then only four minutes later he added his fourth and the Whites' seventh following some good wing play by debutant Miguel Chines.
A comfortable victory then for the men from New Grosvenor and with his four goal showing this was a match that will have done striker Curtis Allen's chances of a European start no harm at all.

Team : Spackman, P.McCann, Buchanan, Magee, McShane, Cooling, R.McCann, McConnell, Kilmartin, Armour, Allen
Subs: Thompson for P.McCann, Patton for Cooling, Ward for McConnell, Chines for R.McCann, Evans for Kilmartin, Johnston for Armour

Here is the first exclusive picture of this season's Intertoto away kit.

Because of the colour clash between the TPS Turku home kit and two current Lisburn Distillery kits, the club has gone for a one-off Intertoto kit.

Defender Stuart Thompson is pictured in the kit which will officially be worn in Turku on 29th June.

Once again, we would like to thank our club sponsors Lagan Valley Steels for sponsoring the new kit.

Replica shirts will be available from Ged Irwin at the two forthcoming friendlies and they will also be available when match tickets go on sale - see arrangements above. The shirts cost £35 each.

Could it be a case of "just like watching Brazil" in the two games?

Match report and images (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net, Edward White and David Hunter

Match Report from Edward White

Lisburn Distillery 0 v Rhyl, (HT 0-1, 7th June 2008 at the Ashfield Arena, Ashfield Boys High School, Belfast

Lisburn Distillery lost this opening Intertoto cup warm up game to Welsh side Rhyl FC but truth be told they will have been scratching their heads as to how they didn't win the game such was their domination of proceedings.

Rhyl, who were also using this game as an Intertoto warm up for their forthcoming match against Bohemians, started the game brightly although their early goal on seven minutes from Mike Roose turned out to be only one of two chances during the entire first half as the home side went on to dominate the proceedings.

Chances came and went by the bagful with Ryan McCann going close from a free-kick and Mark Cooling heading narrowly over before he then saw another effort deflected over the visitors' crossbar. Darren Armour then had a good strike on target but it was blocked by Lee Kendall in the visitors' goal and then Nathan McConell also had a shot blocked. Armour then saw an effort go narrowly wide and the only last ditch defending on 42 minutes prevented new signing Ryan Evans from delivering a pin point cross to an on running forward following a pacey run which had left the visitors defence static.

Second half as is the norm in pre-season games saw several changes for the Whites but despite this they continued to dominate and were unlucky again not to score when skipper Wayne Buchanan had an effort cleared off the line and Andy Kilmartin's effort just cleared the top of the crossbar. Rhyl had another clear chance towards the end when a breakaway saw substitute goalkeeper David Wilton make a fine stop to keep the score at 0-1.

The final scoreline then certainly didn't reflect the play on this occasion but on the positive side of things, debuts were given to Alex Spackman, Pat McShane, Ryan Evans and Paul McKnight and all four players produced decent performances with McShane being the pick of the bunch.

Team line-ups

Lisburn Distillery - Spackman (Wilton), P. McCann (Thompson), Magee (McMenamin), Buchanan, McShane, Evans (Johnston), R.McCann, Kilmartin, Cooling (Ward), Armour (McKnight), McConnell (Allen) (all substitutions in second-half)

Rhyl - Kendall, Holt, Roberts,Connolly,O'Neill, Brewerton, Jones, Knight, Powell, Roose, Ahern. Subs used Roberts, Wright Stazicker

Lisburn Distillery boss Paul Kirk has confirmed that the club has agreed terms with former Rangers and Linfield forward Paul McKnight.

The gaffer sees the former U21 Northern Ireland international who was with Glenavon and Newry in recent seasons as a good acquisition adding: "We have added a smashing piece to the quality of the squad in terms of footballing ability. What we need to do now is to get him fit now and he has a target to work to. It's another nice piece of business and Paul is absolute quality. I think that our supporters will be pleasantly surprised by real quality that this lad has, he is a great player."

McKnight is the third player to arrive at New Grosvenor during the close season with Ryan Evans and Pat McShane already on board for the new campaign

Manager Paul Kirk today confirmed that Lisburn Distillery would be playing one additional pre-season friendly before the new season commences on 09th August 2008.

We will play Banbridge Town at Crystal Park, Banbridge on Saturday 02nd August.

The Whites will take on the Silkmen at New Grosvenor on Thursday 17th July 2008 (ko 7.45 pm).

This is part of a three match tour of Northern Ireland by the Coca Cola League 2 side and we look forward to the visit of manager Keith Alexander and his side next month.

Lisburn Distillery's forthcoming Intertoto game against TPS Turku on Saturday 21 June 2008 will now be played at Ballymena Showgrounds (kick-off 3.00 pm).

Negotiations between the club and Ballymena Borough Council were concluded last week.

The match will be all ticket with tickets costing: Adults £10, Concessions £6.00.

Details on ticket outlets will be available shortly, but tickets will be available at the ground on the day of the match.

Jim Grattan from the Irish Football Association will be running another Child Protection Course at the club on Monday 02nd June 2008 - the course will commence at 6.30 pm.

This course is to cater for anyone who missed the first course or those who now need to complete the course because of the work they do at the club..

Lisburn Distillery continues to recognise the important role that the club has to protect children and the need to ensure that everyone is properly trained, and it is fully committed to child protection.

Lisburn Distillery boss Paul Kirk confirmed tonight that former Linfield left-back, Pat McShane (pictured below) had agreed terms with the club for next season.

Pat joined Linfield in 1993 and has played over 400 games in a successful career at Windsor Park. The Whites boss said; It's great news for us, he brings experience to us, he's a quality player and he wants to continue winning things"

The player has agreed a two year deal with an option of one year extension.

Paul Kirk also confirmed today that goalkeeper Alex Spackman (pictured below) will sign for the club to play in the two Intertoto ties against TPS Turku.

Alex played for both Larne and Carrick Rangers earlier in the season but is clear to play in the two forthcoming games. Manager Paul Kirk will also consider a longer term deal with the keeper.

"I know Alex well from his days in youth football, I am pleased that we have been able to sign him for these games, he's an experienced keeper and it's good that our goalkeeping problem for Europe has been solved."

Lisburn Distillery ace Darren Armour (pictured below) signed a new two year deal with the club on Friday past.

Manager Paul Kirk was delighted at the outcome and said; "Darren had a frustrating season last year for a variety of reasons but he's a quality player.It was an easy deal to conclude,we wanted him to stay and he wanted to stay with us.He's been nothing short of fabulous for this club, he's a legend.I am delighted that he is staying with us and I want him to walk away with that post-war goal-scoring record."

Darren has scored 150 goals for the club and we will be acknowledging his deserved place in the history of the club in a website feature here on Lisburn Distillery.net ahead of the 2008-2009 season.

Manager Paul Kirk has confirmed details of the 2008 pre-season programme, this is;

Thursday 24th July 2008 - Dromara Village

Saturday 26th July 2008 - Dundela

Monday 28th July 2008 - Moyola Park

Tuesday 29th July 2008 - Bangor Amateurs

All games will be played away, timings etc will be confirmed nearer the dates of the games, so please check back for further information.

(Details of pre-Intertoto programme can be found here)

The Lisburn Distillery Under 10, Under 11 and Under 12 teams will all play in the South Belfast League next season.

Paul Kirk's role at the club has been extended to include Director of Football which will mean that he will oversee the Youth Academy next season.

Further information on next season's Youth Academy will follow shortly.

Lisburn Distillery have arranged a friendly with Rhyl FC on Saturday 07 June 2008 - the game will be played here in Northern Ireland

The Welsh Premier League side will play Bohemians in Dublin on 21st June in the first round of the UEFA Intertoto Cup.

Ground arrangements will be finalised shortly.

Manager Paul Kirk has confirmed that Mark Cooling, Johnny Magee, Stuart Thompson and Neal Gawley have all signed new professional deals.New signing Ryan Evans also put pen to paper today, the Whites boss adding; "I am glad that we have been able to tie up the existing squad and I am particularly pleased that Mark and Johnny see their future with us.They both made the breakthrough last season and are excellent prospects which augurs well for us a club."

Lisburn Distillery's chosen charity for the 2007-2008 season was the Lisburn Branch of "Northern Ireland Hospice Care".

During last season, they held three collections at games at New Grosvenor raising a total of £641 and the Lisburn branch has written to the club to thank everyone who contributed.

The club would like to thank all those supporters (both home and away) at the three games who supported this very worthy cause.

The club will announce details of its' chosen charity for the 2008-2009 season shortly.

Whites' boss Paul Kirk has confirmed details of the following warm-up games ahead of the first round of the UEFA Intertoto Cup.

update - Saturday - 07/06/08 - Lisburn Distillery v Rhyl FC - Ashfield Boys High School, Holywood Road, Belfast (time to be confirmed)

Tuesday - 10/06/08 - PSNI District Team v Lisburn Distillery - Newforge - 7.15 pm

Saturday - 14/06/08 - Abbey Villa v Lisburn Distillery - Millisle - 3.00 pm

Lisburn Distillery will play in the new IFA Premiership after making the top twelve ranking requirement.

Already awarded the mandatory domestic licence, (the club of course also holding a UEFA European licence), Lisburn Distillery was placed nineth in the final rankings and will now be invited to participate in the IFA Premiership which will commence in August 2008.

Everyone at the club is delighted with this latest achievement and congratulations are due to everyone involved in ensuring that the club met the necessary requirements - we now look forward to continuing our progress of recent seasons in the IFA Premiership in 2008-2009.

Lisburn Distillery manager Paul Kirk has confirmed that Banbridge Town frontman Ryan Evans has agreed terms with the club and will be playing his football with the Whites next season.

"I think that he is an excellent signing for us" said the gaffer. " He's got pace, he's quick, he's direct and can play in a variety of positions across the front line.Jackie Delaney reccommended him to me and we have followed that up and I am pleased that Ryan has agreed terms with us."

One league season finishes, but for Lisburn Distillery Ladies the league season has just kicked off.

In their opening fixtures, there was a 7-1 victory for the U11 girls, whist the U15s were edged out by a solitary goal in their game.

The IFA was also delighted to announce a sponsor for the Girls League - Dale Farm. In addition to becoming association’s Official Partner for Girls’ and Women’s football, its’ sponsorship will cover various IFA initiatives at grassroots levels, including the First Kicks Soccer Academy, Soccer Roles, the Girls Junior Leagues, Schools Leagues and Indoor Competitions.

Sara Booth, the IFA’s Women's Football Coordinator said: “Within the last six years the number of girls and women’s playing football has increased dramatically in Northern Ireland. The most significant development has been within post primary schools, with almost 127 schools now providing opportunities for girls to play the sport. The acquisition of the Dale Farm sponsorship is an exciting development for the game and it is fantastic to have a nutritious product associated with the healthy lifestyles that the IFA are currently promoting through girls and women’s football.”

APPEALS COMMITTEE
07/05/2008
AN Appeals Board met last night (6 May) to consider appeals by Paul Kirk and Tommy Wright against the sanctions imposed by the IFA Disciplinary Committee following the match Ballymena United v Lisburn Distillery on 22 March.

Both managers were suspended for six matches with a stadium ban. Following the Appeals hearing which considered presentations from both managers, their clubs and representatives of the Disciplinary Committee, it was decided that the sanctions should be reduced to a four match touchline/Dressing Rooms ban under the normal conditions of such suspensions. The Appeals Board accepted assurances from the two managers that there would be no repetition of such inappropriate behaviour

Source - IFA press release - Click here for full details

Congratulations to Lisburn Distillery groundsman Beattie Arlow on winning both the Premier League Groundsman and Groundsman of the Year Awards.

The competition is now in its' third year and Beattie was presented with his award (see picture below) at last Saturday’s JJB Sports Irish Cup final at Windsor Park.

Linfield Goalkeeper and Ulster Footballer of the Year Alan Mannus said, “Groundsmen are to be praised for their tireless efforts in all weathers and conditions in maintaining the pitches to the highest possible standards. Being a goalkeeper, there is the need to inspect the goalmouth areas more intensely to ensure accurate ball movement and ensure player safety. I would like to thank all ground staff involved throughout the league for the vital role they play in maintaining and improving the standard of football in Northern Ireland”.

IFA spokesman Craig Stanfield added: “The Groundsman of the Year competition is a great acknowledgement of the outstanding efforts made by club groundsmen who put in a considerable amount of work – in all weathers - to ensure that the pitches are kept in a good condition all year round. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the sponsors for their continued involvement, and generosity, towards such a worthy competition”.

Established since 1934, the Institute of Groundsmanship’s primary purpose is to offer support and advice to all those working in the grounds care industry; to develop and raise the profile of the profession and to give a voice to our membership on important industry issues.

John McFarlane, Chairman of the Northern Ireland branch of the IOG, said “We’ve are again delighted with the interest shown this year by all clubs large and small in this the competition’s third season. Grounds staff work tirelessly on pitches with little thanks, so again this competition has put them centre stage and gives them the recognition they deserve”.

The pitches are initially assessed by the referees on a week by week report through-out the season. These are added to the team manager’s nominations for the best 2 pitches they have visited, in their respective leagues during the season, to compile a final shortlist.

The short listed clubs in the Carnegie Premier and First and Second Divisions are visited with the Groundsman being questioned on maintenance regime, number of games/training, equipment/resources available etc.