Lisburn Distillery have been drawn at home to East Belfast in the first round of this season's Co Antrim Shield.

This game will be played at New Grosvenor on Tuesday 28th August. The winners will play the winners of the Glentoran v Comber Rec tie.

Lisburn Distillery concluded their pre-season campaign with a masterful 9-0 victory against junior side PSNI in a one sided match at Newforge Lane in a game where the hosts only managed one shot on target in the entire 90 minutes.

The game started off evenly and for the first 23 minutes there was no sign of the goal avalanche that was to come although during that time neither side stamped its' authority on the game. A sea change however started to come about on 23 minutes when Andrew Waterworth played a delightful through ball to the incoming Gary Browne who hammered the ball home from 12 yards.

The Whites upped the tempo after that but on 28 mins PSNI created their only chance of the game when a direct free kick was well held by Lisburn Distillery keeper Philip Matthews. Six minutes later and the Whites went 2-0 up when an Aaron Johnston effort was saved by the home keeper, the rebound from Browne was then cleared off the line and Waterworth was on hand to bundle the ball over the line and make it 2-0. By this stage the Whites were playing some delightful fluent football and it was therefore not surprising when a third goal came on 38 minutes when some great play from Waterworth resulted in the ball being moved out wide for Browne and in turn his cross could only be parried by the home keeper and young Mark Cooling was on hand to drive home the third. It's worth pointing out at this time that young Cooling had a top class game and he has certainly done no harm at all to his chances of making the first team for the opening game of the season at Larne this forthcoming Saturday. Indeed it was Cooling in the thick of things once again on 42 minutes as his perfect pass picked out Browne once again on the wing and once again a great cross from the ex-Glentoran player caused chaos in the PSNI defence allowing Waterworth's powerful shot made it 4-0

Second half saw the Whites continue with their fine form with it taking only two minutes for the four goals to become five as Aaron Johnston headed the ball goalward and the same player was then on hand to be the first to react when the PSNI keeper made a great save to keep out his initial effort.The sixth goal of this one sided rout was soon to follow when on 53 minutes a great cross from Johnson was finished off by Andy Kilmartin and a seventh almost followed only two minutes later when young Botswanan trialist Maano made a great run but dragged his final shot inches wide of the home goal.

Johnston gained his second and the Whites seventh on 67 minutes and goal number eight arrived on 80 minutes when substitute Nathan McConnell fired home following a fine cut back from Waterworth who in turn had been put in by a great through ball from James bell. Eight - nil would have been amazing in anyone's books but Andy Waterworth was determined to ensure he got a hat-trick and he achieved that very task on 84 minutes when he headed home a pin point Bell cross.

The Whites played some superb football on the night and the hope now is that this high standard came be carried forward to Inver Park for the first competitive game of the season this weekend.

Team: Matthews, Youle, Muir, Alderdice, Ferguson, Kilmartin, Rezai, Cooling, Johnston, Waterworth, Browne.
Subs: McMenamim for Youle, Bell for Rezai, Manno for Cooling, McConnell for Waterworth, (Peter) McCann for Kilmartin, Wilton for Matthews
Further subs: Waterworth for Brown, Youle for Muir, Rezai for Johnston

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

Match Report from Neil Partridge

In their penultimate pre-season game Lisburn Distillery had a hard fought win against Banbridge Town this afternoon.

The Whites came up against a hard working and physical side who forced them to fight for the full ninety minutes to come out on top.The game began with Banbridge penning Lisburn Distillery into their own half for much of the opening ten minutes, the home side not allowing their opponents time on the ball, closing them down at every opportunity.

Stuart Thompson had the opening chance for Distillery on eleven minutes but unfortunately he blasted his effort high and wide. A minute later a long ball out of the Whites' defence was met by Gary Browne who beat the off-side trap, but his cross just evaded Mark Cooling coming in at the back post. On thirteen minutes Browne laid the ball off to the incoming Peter McCann, on the right, who shot wide when well placed.

Browne was featuring in most of the Whites' attacks and finally on sixteen minutes he was responsible for Lisburn Distillery taking the lead.Defender Johnny Magee put through a ball over the top for Browne to latch onto and loop a shot over the home keeper into the net, despite Banbridge's protests for off-side. Unfortunately Lisburn Distillery lost defender Stuart Thompson to injury on the half-hour forcing manager Paul Kirk into a defensive reshuffle. The home side kept battling away and keeper David Wilton was forced to be alert with some crucial saves on several occasions. The home side were unlucky on thirty-three minutes with Paul Muir coming to the rescue having to clear a shot off his line with Wilton on this occasion beaten.

Half-time 0 - 1

The second half was slow to sparkle. On fifty-six minutes trialist Maano produced a superb pass to Browne in the centre, he unleashed a well struck shot on goal, the home keeper managed to push the ball out only for the incoming Rezai to push his own shot into the keeper's hands.Banbridge replied a minute later with a well struck free kick from their left back which went just wide. On sixty minutes substitute Lee Mercer crossed for Waterworth to lay the ball off for Browne who again forced a good stop from the keeper. Peter McCann failed to increase the lead on seventy minutes when his long range drive sailed over the
bar, a minute later McCann also failed to connect with a Browne cross from the right across the front of the goal.

On seventy minutes a rather soft challenge in the box on Browne resulted in the referee pointing to the penalty spot, Browne dusted himself down to slam the
ball home for both his and the Whites' second goal. Maano showed some good vision on seventy-eight minutes when his pass to Rezai was curled
just wide by the midfielder. Lisburn Distillery's final effort came eight minutes from time when Maano showed some good control on the ball, but unfortunately he sent his strike just wide.

Full-time 0 - 2

Whites' boss Paul Kirk confirmed that former Halifax Town midfielder Carl Rezai (pictured below), has agreed a 12 month contract with the club.

"Carl has been training with us since the pre-season started and he has fitted in well. He will bring strength and a physical presence to the midfield area and gives us additional options" said the Whites' boss.

Match Report from Neil Partridge

Lisburn Distillery put in a much improved performance to emerge victorious against Dundela last night. The good surface complimented the Whites' fast passing game and at the back the defence once again kept that all important clean sheet.

The Whites first clear cut chance arrived on ten minutes when McConnell fired a shot across the face of the goal, he then followed this up five minutes later with going one on one with the home keeper, the stopper produced a fine save to his left. Andy Kilmartin tried to open the scoring a minute later, but his shot from long range was just over the bar. Lisburn Distillery were really showing some great awareness and movement at this stage, with the influential Kilmartin pulling the strings in midfield. On the half -hour mark, Gary Browne had a snap shot parried by the keeper, from the resultant corner the home defence eventually scrambled the ball away.

Carl Rezai fired just over from a Browne corner on thirty- three minutes with the Dundela number nine shooting just wide from close range two minutes later. Leading up to half time McConnell, Kilmartin and Browne all missed further chance to put the Whites into the lead.

Half-time 0 - 0

The second half began with Paul Kirk making four changes to the line-up. On fifty minutes Kilmartin showed great skill on the left, but unfortunately no-one was able to get a final touch on his great cross into the box. On sixty-five minutes the Whites finally took a deserved lead. Andy Waterworth ran with the ball down the right hand side, he crossed and Gary Browne connected to tuck the ball into the back of the net. Five minutes later Waterworth himself had the ball in the net, only for the goal to be disallowed for off side.

At this stage manager Kirk introduced a young Botswanan trialist by the name of Maano. On seventy-five minutes he was fouled just outside the penalty area. Browne stepped up and fired the resultant free kick home for goal number two, a great strike. Browne nearly completed his hat-trick on eighty minutes but his shot was well saved. Andy Waterworth also failed to add to the scoreline a minute from time when after a good run on goal the keeper again saved his shot. In stoppage time the youngster Maano produced a superb pass to Darren Armour whose goal bound shot was handled on the line resulting in a penalty. Maano was given the honour, unfortunately his well struck shot was pushed out by the keeper with the young trialist just failing to connect with the rebound.

Highlights this evening included the performance of the previously mentioned midfield general Andy Kilmartin, Gary Browne who just looks a quality player and the ever reliable central defensive pairing of Johnny Magee and the rock, Paul Muir. The Whites now play Banbridge at Crystal Park, Banbridge on Saturday as we move towards the start of the new season.

Full-time 0 - 2

Damien McLaughlin (pictured below) has agreed a new deal with the club that will keep him at New Grosvenor until 2009.The midfielder/striker joined the Whites from Glentoran in 2005.

A souvenir team print (pictured below) is now available from the club shop.Unmounted, the 8 x 12 inch print will cost £10. Some of the proceeds from the sale of this print will also be used to provide support to the Youth Academy and the purchase of club training gear.

Match Report from Neil Partridge

The Whites pre-season bandwagon rolled into Clandeboye Road this evening, last season's First Division hotshots, Bangor, our latest opponents.

Paul Kirk, unsurprisingly, made eight changes to the side that lined up against Dromara Village the previous evening, the squad also included a
welcome return for ace marksman Darren Armour starting his comeback from injury.

Bangor started the game confidently with Philip Matthews having to be alert, pulling off a point-blank save after ten minutes. On fourteen minutes Andy Waterworth gave the Whites the lead after the home defence miss-hit an attempted clearance, Waterworth nipping in to hit the ball home at the keeper Brown's near post.

Play for the rest of the half was poor, both teams cancelling each other out, especially in the midfield area. Bangor showed some good movement
on occasions, but Lisburn Distillery were always quick to shut the opposition down at the first opportunity.

Half-time 0-1

Paul Kirk changed things at half time by introducing both Damien McLaughlin and James Bell to the action. On fifty minutes Gary Browne
came close to increasing the Whites' lead, pushing his shot wide from a McLaughlin knock down. Browne was also unlucky on sixty-four minutes,
on this occasion a Peter McCann cross from the right was knocked wide by the forward.

The home side sprung to life on seventy minutes when they peppered Matthews' goal with a combination of around five shots all being either blocked or scrambled and pushed away. The crossbar was also hit. Waterworth, McLaughlin and Nathan McConnell responded with missed chances for the Whites.The highlight of the night followed on seventy four minutes when Gary Browne neatly turned and fired home from around eighteen yards to put Distillery two
goals to the good.

The final quarter of the game played out with McConnell and Mercer missing good chances, although to be fair Bangor didn't give up but again failed to find the net on at least two occasions.

This was probably Lisburn Distillery's poorest showing of pre-season so far, in saying that, the team still won, keeping a clean sheet in the process.
One player who just keeps on impressing is young centre back Johnny Magee deputising superbly with skipper Wayne Buchanan out injured.

The pre-season progamme continues on Monday night, the Whites travelling to Wilgar Park to meet Dundela.

Full-time 0 - 2

Speaking afterwards, Whites' boss Paul Kirk (pictured below) added; " We didn't perform as well as I would have liked, it wasn't a great game of football, we couldn't get our passing going but we are still missing some key players at present and at this stage it is all about preparation and working up our fitness and I am pleased with that."

Match Report from Neil Partridge

Lisburn Distillery continued their fine pre-season form with a relatively straight forward victory over Dromara Village last might.The Amateur League side, ironically managed by former Distillery player Phil McDonagh, provided a sturdy test for the Whites, who certainly didn't have it all their own way.

The game began with Distillery passing the ball about well although the longish grass didn't help the pace of play. Dromara Village provided the first clear cut chance on twelve minutes when the number nine headed wide from a cross. Two minutes later Nathan McConnell spooned his shot high over the bar from a Youle cross on the right. The Whites wastefulness in front of goal continued on nineteen minutes when a superb Aaron Johnston pass to James Bell was screwed wide by the midfielder.

The tricky Johnston was fouled in the box on twenty four minutes with McConnell despatching the resultant penalty past keeper Liam Hartley to put the Whites ahead. Trialist Carl Rezai increased Lisburn Distillery's lead on thirty-three minutes with a powerful header from a pinpoint Andy Dickson cross. Right on half half time Nathan McConnell shot wide when in a great position.

Half-time 0 - 2

The early stages of the second half commenced with the Whites players delivering plenty of crosses into the opposition penalty area, however unfortunately there was no end product to these. On fifty-four minutes the home side scored a deserved goal when a well delivered cross from the right was not dealt with by keeper Matthews, resulting in the Dromara number three smashing the ball home from close range.The Whites responded on sixty-one minutes with captain Stuart Thompson crashing a header back of the post. Lisburn Distillery unfortunately lost the injured Dean Youle straight after this effort.

Dromara Village nearly equalised on sixty five minutes when one of their midfielders, spotting substitute keeper Mark Armstrong off his line, tried to lob the keeper from just outside the half way line, the effort just missed the target. Six minutes later Lisburn Distillery finally killed of the match when McConnell converted a Bell pass, beating Hartley from five yards.

Further chances fell to Damien McLaughlin and Mark Cooling before the latter was fouled in the box on eighty-three minutes. Cooling got up and despatched the resultant penalty for the Whites fourth and final goal.

Full-time 1-4

With the Whites playing friendlies on successive nights, players will be rested and rotated, so manager Paul Kirk has confirmed the following 4-4-3 line-up for tomorrow night.

Matthews

Alderdice, Magee, Muir, Thompson

P.McCann, Kilmartin, Ward

Waterworth, McConnell, Browne

Subs: Wright, Cooling, McMenamin, Rezai, Bell, McLaughlin

Kick-off should be around 7.00 p.m.

Ryan McCann (pictured) is recovering after being rushed into hospital for an operation after appendicitis. "He has been through his surgery" said manager Paul Kirk "and is now recovering.All the players and everyone here wish him a speedy recovery.We expect him to be out for four weeks but the main thing is that he makes a full recovery."

With the Whites playing friendlies on successive nights, players will be rested and rotated, so manager Paul Kirk has broken with a tradition to name his line-up for tomorrow night's friendly against Dromara Village.The Whites will line out as follows;

Matthews

Youle, McMenamin, Magee, Thompson

Dickson, Rezai, Bell, Johnston

McConnell, McLaughlin

Subs: Alderdice, Wright, Cooling, Ward

Kick-off should be around 7.00 p.m.

Some of you might have noticed a new face on the bench in recent weeks, and we welcome Stuart Gallagher (pictured below) to the club. A UEFA - B licence holder, Stuart will fulfill a performance monitoring role.

Match report by David Hunter

The waiting over, Lisburn Distillery were edged out by a cool finish from John Fleck on 32 minutes in this pre-season friendly against a Rangers XI.The 15-year nephew of former Rangers and Norwich City striker Robert, was put in the clear by Rory Loy and he slipped the ball past Phil Matthews and into the net.

“It was a very good finish, we have spoken about him many times in Glasgow.” said team boss Ian Durrant. “He is doing ok and again he showed his coolness, he done well, very well. The game was played in a good manner, both teams playing attractive football. Paul Kirk was true to his word, they gave us a stern test and a great work out.”

The Whites started out promisingly and Andrew Waterworth got to the bye-line to send a teasing cross along the edge of the six-yard box, unfortunately no-one in a white shirt could get close enough to make contact. Gary Browne's corner was cleared by Andrew Shinnie, and then on 15 minutes Julian Ward was unable to get enough height to direct Peter McCann's cross on target.

The game flowed, both teams attacking and Matthews was across his goal on 17 minutes to clutch a 20 yard free-kick from Shinnie, and then an enterprising move by Steven Kinniburgh broke down on the edge of the box when the full-back was pushing forward. Paul Kirk’s side countered, Chris Smith hooking clear a header from Andrew Waterworth and Andy Kilmartin then cracked a 30 yard effort over the top before the Gers scored that goal.

It gave the young visitors side a lift - Matthews then out again to the edge of the box to snatch the ball away from the in-rushing Steven Lennon with Shinnie then sending a 30 yard effort off target right on the break.

After half-time Shinnie was denied by two good saves from Matthews, the second the best of the game as he punched the midfielder’s header over on 51 minutes.Back came the Whites two minutes later, Paul Muir bringing down Browne's corner, his touch took him wide and under pressure from Smith he saw Calum Reidford beat out the effort at the near post. On 58 minutes Waterworth cut in from the left to send a curling shot a couple of feet just over Reidford's cross-bar before he missed the Whites best chance on 65 minutes. Inside his own half he ran on to Ryan McCann's pass and broke clear down the pitch but as the keeper came out his shot went the wrong side of the woodwork.

A spate of substitutions then took place before Lennon's free-kick dropped onto the roof of the net on 78 minutes and the last action of note was an 85th minute snapshot from William McLachlan that was held by David Wilton.

“They had better opportunities in and around the box and Philip had more saves that their keeper had to make and that sums it up” said Whites’ boss Paul Kirk. It’s been a great day here and we were delighted to have Rangers as our visitors.”

After the match, a civic reception was held for both teams in the Island Civic Centre, Lisburn, by Lisburn City Council.

Lisburn Distillery – Matthews (Wilton 71), Alderdice (Dickson 57), Magee, Muir, Thompson, P.McCann (Youle 80), Kilmartin (Johnston 82), R.McCann (Rezai 77), Ward (Cooling 71), Waterworth (Bell 82), Browne (McConnell 60) Sub Buchanan

Rangers XI – Reidford, Lowing, Kinniburgh (McDonald 69), Harvey, Smith, Emslie, McMillen (McLachlan 64), Shinnie, Lennon (McMillen 84), Loy (Furman 46) Subs Park (76), Weir

Referee: Ken Ginnett (Newtownabbey)

Photographs Copyright David Hunter and Jonathan Irwin - reproduced with permission and thanks

Lisburn Distillery welcome Ian Durrant and Rangers XI to Northern Ireland.We hope that they enjoy their stay and we look forward to the game tomorrow.

Photographs Copyright David Hunter - reproduced with permission and thanks

Match Report from Neil Partridge

Lisburn Distillery continued their impressive early pre-season form with another comfortable victory against Sirocco Works this evening on
the synthetic pitch at the Ashfield Arena.

Paul Kirk added Michael Ferguson, Johnny Magee and Andy Kilmartin to the squad that had played against Shorts forty eight hours earlier.
Ironically it was Sirocco who forced the first save of the match when keeper Wilton was forced to stop a shot from the number eleven after a
free kick had been awarded against the Whites. This was the wake-up call the Whites needed, and on eight minutes a Nathan McConnell header
through the centre was touched in by fellow forward Aaron Johnston, a soft goal conceded form Sirocco's point of view.

A minute later a Dickson free kick swung in from the right was tucked away by James Bell. Lisburn Distillery threatened to run amok at this stage with chances
falling to Rezai, Muir, Johnston, Cooling and Dickson, all unfortunately not converted. It was only a matter of time before the
Whites scored again although when this happened on forty-one minutes it was actually an own goal from the Sirocco Works right back when he hit
an attempted clearance into the back of his own net, acutally a pretty spectacular goal !

Johnston nearly added another strike a minute later when after showing great control he ran forward but shot just wide of the post. Sirocco Works nearly had the final say right on half time when Wilton again was forced to push away another fine free kick form the number eleven, from the resultant corner they then hit the bar with Wilton beaten.

The main highlight of the Whites first half display was the excellent display and combination of the Andrew Dickson and Dean Youle on the right side with Dickson in particular putting in some useful crosses that unfortunately failed to be converted.

Half-time - 0-3

The second half began with only centre-halves Paul Muir and Johnny Magee surviving from the previous forty five. The changes unfortunately reflected in a pretty lacklustre first quarter. Peter McCann missed several good chances with Julian Ward also went close to increasing the scoreline. The fourth goal arrived on sixty-eight minutes when Gary Browne shot past the keeper from the left side.

Seven minutes later a Ryan McCann cross from the left was met by Andy Waterworth who blasted home from close range, the Whites' fifth goal
of the night. Just when it looked like Peter McCann wasn't going to score after again missing another chance on eighty minutes, he finally found the net on eighty- seven after a Browne shot had come back of the post, McCann met the rebound to steer the ball home.

Again this match was a good fitness exercise for the players, which at this stage is what it's all about. Certainly harder tests will follow,
but the Whites' supporters cannot certainly complain about a lack of goals so far this pre-season.

Full-time - 0 - 6

There will be a special one-off ballot at this Saturday's game against the Rangers XI.

Tickets cost £1.00 each or a book of twelve is available for £10. The prize list and winners were;

Tickets will be on sale at the ground

Winners added 230707

Tomorrow night sees pre-season friendlies get underway - the latest programme is as follows;

Lisburn Distillery Pre-season programme 2007-2008

Distillery all White with new kit for glamour Gers friendly

By Stuart McKinley

Lisburn Distillery fans are being given the opportunity to get their hands on a piece of history, linked to their glamour friendly against a Rangers XI this Saturday.

The Whites had hoped the match would be played two years ago to mark the club's 125th anniversary, but it has taken a little bit longer to secure a visit from the Glasgow giants.

Now though, Rangers are on their way and the club have brought out a special kit for the game. The players will wear the club's traditional all white colours against the Ibrox side and as well as that a number of replica shirts have been produced for fans to buy.

Chairman Jim McGrory, however, is urging fans to snap them up quickly before they are sold out. "Having Rangers coming to Ballyskeagh is a great occasion for the club and a lot of work has gone into arranging the fixture," said McGrory. "It will be a great day for our fans and we are giving them something extra to mark the occasion with the shirts that are for sale. "They are a limited edition though, when they are all gone there will be no more so anyone who wants one should get it quickly."

The match is all-ticket and they are on sale at the club on Thursday night and on Saturday morning as well as at the Ramada Hotel, Shaw's Bridge.

Article and photograph (Gerard Smyth) Copyright Belfast Telegraph July 18 2007 - reproduced with permission and thanks

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

Match Report from Neil Partridge

The Whites commenced their 2007 pre-season campaign with a comfortable win this evening at Aircraft Park. Injury ruled out regulars, Wayne Buchanan, Andy Kilmartin and Darren Armour, with Julian Ward and Gary Browne making their debuts in the famous White shirts.

We didn't have long to wait for Lisburn Distillery's first goal of the new season, when Nathan McConnell marked his return to the club with an excellent finish on five minutes after receiving a through pass from strike partner Andy Waterworth, McConnell tucking the ball away to the keeper's right with a well placed first time shot. Shorts responded to this early strike by equalising three minutes later after the Whites defence failed to clear on several occasions, the Shorts player firing
past a helpless Philip Matthews. Lisburn Distillery looked comfortable on the ball for long periods of the half but had to be alert to the danger of several quick breaks by the home side. McConnell had further chances to put his team comfortably ahead and Gary Browne must have felt unlucky when his free-kick on thirty five minutes came back of the underside of the crossbar. Also, Andy Waterworth failed to convert a Ward cross just before half time.

Half-time - 1 - 1

Gary Browne scored the goal of the match five minutes after the re-start. Collecting the ball just inside the box he turned and fired past the home keeper with an excellent strike. As the half wore on the usual rash of substitutions took place with both Mark Cooling and Lee Mercer spurning great chances to increase Lisburn Distillery's lead. The excellent Browne showed them the way to the back of the net when he converted a Waterworth cross for his second and the team's third goal on sixty three minutes. The Whites looked in total command at this stage although only one further strike arrived on eighty minutes when Mark Cooling converted from the spot after trialist Carl Rezai was fouled in the box.

Overall highlights for the Whites were the performances of Andy Waterworth who really looked in a different class, Gary Browne who looked even better as a striker in the second half than his wing position in the first period and finally Julian Ward who worked tirelessly in the midfield. The Whites' East Belfast tour continues just up the Holywood Road against Sirocco Works on Thursday evening at Ashfield Boys High School..

Speaking afterwards, Whites' Paul Kirk, (pictured) below said, "I am pleased with the result, we started off well and played some good passing football, some players impressed, others need to do more. I am however very disappointed at the goal we conceded, I made it clear to the players at half-time that we simply cannot concede goals of that nature in senior games.It was unacceptable. Second-half, we introduced a number of younger players and they all did well, a good start to the pre-season programme."

Additional reporting and photographs: David Hunter

There will be two work parties carrying out work at the ground this week, on the following dates

Sunday 15th July (meet at 11.00 am), and

now Wednesday 18th July ( meet at 7.30 pm).

All help appreciated, further details are avaialable from Ged Irwin

Congratulations to Lisburn Distillery captain Wayne Buchanan who was today named by Roy Millar in a 19- man squad for the Northern Ireland Invitational XI v Everton game on Saturday at the Coleraine Showgrounds. The game is being held as part of the 25th anniversary of the Milk Cup Tournament.

It's a good pre-season boost for Wayne and the club as Wayne seeks to add to his appearances at U-21 and U-23 levels, as well as last season's appearance for the Carnegie Premier League Representative side.

After training to-night, he said; "I saw that the game was on, but I thought that Nigel Worthington would be using the game to bring a few players in before the next European Championship games and I wasn't expecting anything but it is certainly a nice surprise to be thought of in that way. I know that there will be a good crowd at it, it will be good to test myself against Premier League players and obviously it would be good to play against Andy Johnson if the opportunity arises. It will be a great experience and obviously it's nice to be able to follow that up the following week with the game against Rangers."

Lisburn Distillery boss Paul Kirk added his congratulations when he said; "I am delighted, we have a great skipper and the club and the players are delighted that he has been given this accolade. When you look at the significance of the game it will be a great occasion. He got League honours last year and we were delighted at that and we are now delighted that he has been given this honour."

As well as Wayne, the Carnegie Premier League will be represented in the squad by Keith O'Hara (Portadown), Kyle McVey (Coleraine), Sean Ward (Glentoran), Richard Clarke (Newry) and Kevin Braniff (Portadown). We wish Northern Ireland well and congratulate the Milk Cup Organising Committee for their successful achievements over the last twenty-five years.

Congratulations to Lisburn Distillery first team fitness coach Donald Malomo-Paris (pictured) who has successfully completed his UEFA Pro-Licence.

Donald thanked everyone for their support, adding; "Paul has always been determined to make the club professional and has encouraged everyone to gain qualifications, he encouraged to keep doing it and to finish it and now I'm delighted to have got it."

Whites boss Paul Kirk commented; " Donald's very loyal and also very thorough in everything that he does, he is conscientious and a superb person to work with and I am delighted that he has gone as high in the coaching table as what he as done - he fully deserves it."

On the playing side of things, Paul Kirk tonight confirmed that goalkeeper David Wilton (pictured) has agreed a new two year deal and that James Wright has agreed to come and join the club. "He is coming to us from Linfield, he's an U-18 Youth International, a very talented young player, good build, good strength, a central midfielder who can play defensively as well" added the Whites' boss.

Entertainment before, and during the half-time interval, at the Lisburn Distillery v Rangers XI game will be provided by the Upper Crossgare Pipe Band, and Scottish Highland Dancers.We thank the Ulster Scots Agency for their support and look forward to the entertainment on the day.

Events are anticipated to start around 2.15 pm on Saturday. (full details on ticket arrangements can be found at the top of this news archive).

Lisburn Distillery boss Paul Kirk confirmed tonight that terms have been agreed with Glentoran forward Gary Browne who will be joining the club for the new season.

Pre-season training resumed last night.

The weather hasn't been kind, but at least there is plenty of "give" in the ground. Carl Rezai (pictured below), a central midfielder who was formerly with Halifax Town has joined up for the pre-season programme with a view to signing for the Whites.

Today's CIS Insurance Cup draw saw Lisburn Distillery drawn in Group B alongside Armagh City, Glentoran and Larne.

It means that the Whites will travel away to Larne in the opening game of the new season on Saturday 11th August 2007.

The Whites' programme in the CIS Insurance Cup is as follows;

Saturday, 11th August, 2007 - Larne v. Lisburn Distillery

Saturday, 18th August, 2007 - Lisburn Distillery v. Glentoran

Saturday, 25th August, 2007 - Armagh City v. Lisburn Distillery

Saturday, 1st September, 2007 - Glentoran v. Lisburn Distillery

Saturday, 8th September, 2007 - Lisburn Distillery v. Armagh City

Saturday, 15th September, 2007 - Lisburn Distillery v. Larne

Well not quite, however further painting work is being undertaken at New Grosvenor this Saturday (from 12 pm) and Sunday (from 11 am).

Come along and help get the club get the ground ready for the new season. If you can come along and help please email Ged Irwin with your details.

Former Distillery player and Northern Ireland international Derek Dougan died yesterday, aged 69.

Although he will best be remembered as a centre-forward, 'The Doog' as he commonly referred to, played mainly at left-half or left wing for Distillery. He made his debut on 05th February 1955, joining the club from Cregagh Boys in east Belfast and it didn't take long for him to make an impression. In October 1955 the Whites played West Ham Utd in a friendly at Upton Park, they lost 7-5, Dougan scoring for the Whites. In February 1956, Distillery beat Glentoran 2-1 to win the Mercer Cup with Dougan and Ferris Lunn the Whites' scorers. The Whites then went on to beat Glentoran again in the final of the Irish Cup in the1955/56 season after two replays, with Dougan setting up the equaliser in the first game. He also captained the Whites third team who won the IFA Youth Cup that same season. Capped at schoolboy and youth level, he played twice for the Amateur International team.After scoring 17 goals in 76 appearances, he was transferred to Portsmouth for £4000 in August 1957.

He went on to play for Blackburn Rovers,Aston Villa, Peterborough Utd, Leicester City and Wolves, and it was at Molineux that he became a terrace idol with 123 goals in 323 appearances.He was capped 43 times for Northern Ireland, scoring on eight occasions.

He was also a former chairman of the Professional Footballers Association and was later chief executive of Wolves for a short period.

We extend our sympathy to the Dougan family circle.

.

Derek Dougan's funeral was held in Wolverhampton on 05th July 2007.

The season doesn't stop at the end of the season as far as the club is concerned.

Work at the ground and behind the scenes continues through the summer. The club are looking volunteers on Saturday week, 30th June 2007, to help carry out painting work at the club. An 11.00 am start is planned. If you can come along and help please email Ged Irwin with details.

In association with, 'Give Us Back Our Game', Lisburn Distillery Academy held a 4 v 4 Fun Day on Sunday 17 June.

Thirteen teams took part from our 2000 age group through to the 1997's. Two separate tournaments took place, 50 boys and their parents enjoyed a great day of football.

In two hours no fewer than 262 goals were scored by all teams and some fantastic football and skills were on display from all age groups.

Lisburn Distillery Manager, Paul Kirk and defender Stuart Thompson were present to support the event. They took the time to speak to children and parents whilst signing autographs and having their pictures taken.

The event took place world-wide with events happening across the UK and Ireland, the USA, Canada, Australia, Sweden, India, Brunei and the Philippines.

"Give Us Back Our Game" was formed six months ago to highlight the problems of touchline behaviour in children's football and to create a more child and player centred environment through small sided games, including 4 v 4's.

The key issues are:

To give children, coaches, parents and teachers and anyone else involved in grassroots football a voice by lobbying governments, associations and other organisations in order to bring about change.
To highlight the rising 'win at all costs' culture that is slowly destroying the beautiful game.
To give the children back their game by including ALL children, making it fun and giving them the opportunity to 'play'.
To bring back the 'spirit' of the game and fair play.
The main thing that we want to hear is children's voices, calling, shouting, laughing and talking. They will play fun 4 v 4 and small sided games and take responsibility for 'their' game by refereeing their own matches.

Tim Wareing, event organiser, added, 'What a great day - 262 goals scored in 2 hours football! The children played some great football. We play small sided games throughout the Academy. We can see the development in each individual. They have more touches on the ball and make more decisions while playing in all different positions. Our kids always play with smiles on their faces and are not afraid to try anything. Our philosophy is to let the kids play'.

Thank you to all the parents who assisted and supported the day. Thanks also to Paul Kirk and Stuart Thompson for their attendance. A big thank you to the coaching team for their hard work throughout the season.

We look forward to continuing our support to, 'Give Us Back Our Game'.

Tim Wareing
Academy Director

Lisburn Distillery, along with five other Premier League clubs, received their UEFA club licence for the 2007-2008 season at an official presentation yesterday.

Club chairman Jim McGrory, pictured below, received the licence on behalf of the club. It's the third successive season that Lisburn Distillery have been awarded a licence, and out of those clubs owning their own ground, the club is only one of three whose licence enables UEFA ties to be played at their own ground.

In a press release issued on behalf of the Club Licensing Committee by the Irish Football Association, the IFA were "pleased to award UEFA club licensing certificates to the six clubs who successfully completed the club licensing scheme."