On the 'Youth' page you will find information on

Youth team fixtures and results

Links to individual match reports

Manager: Tim Wareing

Team Sponsor

G & H Bell

Youth League - Section A

(L-R Lee Mercer (Youth Team) Alan Sayers and Susan Boal (G&H Bell Ltd), Jim McGrory (Lisburn Distillery Chairman) and Tim Wareing (Youth Team Manager)

Here is the latest update from Youth Team Manager Tim Wareing

Our last three games have seen two defeats and one win and we currently sit fourth in the table.

Our first game of the three saw us travel to Ballyclare who sat top of the table. Ballyclare had to win this game if they had any chance of winning the league. We travelled with a weakened squad and only had 12 players. Midfielder Finlay took a bad knock and had to be substituted early on. With only one sub on the
bench he was replaced by goalkeeper Niall Murphy!

With the score at 1-0 to the Comrades at half time the wee Whites fought back well and it was goalkeeper Niall Murphy playing up front who grabbed the equaliser. Ballyclare then started throwing more players up front and this left them open at the back. We counter-attacked well and wasted one glorious chance through bad decision making.

Ballyclare then went 2-1 in front just after the hour mark. Niall Murphy nearly grabbed his second of the game and an equaliser but was denied by a post after he turned the defender well and shot from just inside the box. Goalkeeper Chris McCluskey (who played his normal position!) had a great game despite the defeat.

We then had back to back games with Newry. Both games were played at the Showground's which was nice for the boys. The first game was the league game. After having had two goalkeepers the week previous we had none for this game. McCluskey was away and Murphy was called up to represent Northern Ireland
U16's (as a goalkeeper - not a forward) and midfielder Allan Coates offered his services in goal.

We were strong and had experience down the middle with Whitford, Cooling and Mercer playing. The game was played in very warm conditions but we showed good character, having to come back from a goal down on two occasions. It was our top goalscorer, McLarnon, who equalised on both occasions for us.

His first goal was an absolute cracker, lobbing the keeper from a wide angle outside the box. Cooling then grabbed a late winner to take all three points. The score finished 3-2. Coates in nets adopted well, the two goals conceded would have been difficult saves for any keeper and he did well with a couple of crosses put into the box late on.

The next week was another trip to Newry, this time in the cup. We were let down with a few late calls from players not being available, something you don't expect at this level. It meant Coates in nets again and only travelling with twelve players that included two only back from injury.

We missed Coates in the centre of midfield and never really got going. After conceding early we fought back well, although we finished the first half on 43 minutes as we switched off and conceded two crazy goals inside those two minutes, finding ourselves 3-0 down and out of the cup. The players worked hard in the second half and we scored a goal through Mercer but the damage had been done in the first half.

Our final game is tonight (Monday 23 April) against DC. Our previous game against them was tight with DC narrowly winning 2-1. They still have a chance of winning the league so it will be an interesting game. It will also be a nice way to finish off the season as it is being played at New Grosvenor.

Thanks for your support throughout the season and thanks to my hard working players.

Monday will probably be my last game as manager of the Youth Team as I now concentrate on the Academy. This season has been very enjoyable as I have had such a talented bunch of players, many of whom have been called up to the reserve team.

Tim Wareing
Youth Team Manager
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Update - 220307

Our latest form has been mixed, with one win in six, which means that we have taken eighteen points out of the last twenty-seven. We currently sit fourth in the table.

We have scored plenty of goals but unfortunately have conceded too many for my liking and thus have drawn too many games. If we had been able to turn at least four of those draws into wins we could be sitting top of the league!

Since my last report, we played three games before Christmas. We took seven points out of nine with two wins and a draw. Our first game was away to Armagh were we recorded a 2-1 win. We didn't play that well but worked hard and showed great character after Armagh equalised with less than 10 minutes to go. We lost Thomson Harrison through injury and had to play the remaining 10 minutes with ten players. Chris Graham popped up with an excellent winner in the last minute! Daryl Finlay had put us into the lead with a marvellous volley hit from outside the box.

Carrick was next up at home and we had a convincing win over them. Allan Coates scored a hat trick, Lee Mercer, Chris Graham, Mark Patton, Kyle McQuillan and Matthew Stitt all got onto the score sheet. Some marvellous individual goals scored and a great team performance.

Our last game before the Christmas break was against Glenavon at home. Two-nil down at half time we fought back to get a 2-2 draw. I felt we were unlucky not to take all three points with the pressure we put on their goal in the second half. During the 90 minutes we hit the post and bar four times and had two efforts cleared off the line! Glenavon also went close and we cleared one off the line from a Glenavon corner.

A great game of football played in the right spirit - Steven Hayes and Neale McLarnon grabbed the goals.

After the Christmas break we faced Linfield in our first game of 2007. A fabulous performance helped us to a 1-0 victory. We played some great free flowing football and Neale McLarnon scored a fantastic goal to take all three points.

We had a break from our league programme to play in the next stage of the Harry Cavan Youth Cup. The game was against Lurgan BBOB away. They put in a good performance and were a better opposition than we expected. They went 1-0 up after 20 minutes and although we worked hard we couldn't find an equaliser, I thought it was going to be one of those days! But with eight minutes to go Chris Graham scored that all important equaliser. We then capitalised and scored another within a minute from Neale McLarnon. Instead of holding onto the ball and playing for time our youthful inexperience saw us attack only to be dispossessed and Lurgan found an equaliser to take the game to extra time. Again Neale McLarnon scored to put us 3-2 up in extra time but with the last kick off the game Lurgan equalised to force the game to penalties.

Not good for my health but we held our nerve and won on penalties 4-2 to take us into the quarter finals.

We drew Crusaders in the quarter-finals and played them the following week. After a close first half with the score at 0-0 we collapsed. The second half was a poor display by us, very disappointing. It's the worst we have played this season and we lost 3-0. Gutted is the only word I can use. If we had got through this match a place in the final was within touching distance.

The only way to get over the disappointment was to put on a good display in the league and we got just that with another high scoring game against Carrick. We beat them 7-2 with a hat trick from Mark Patton and goals from Neale McLarnon, Marc Molloy, Thomson Harrison and Stephen Elliott.

Donegal Celtic were next up - two teams in the top four of the league meeting. Unfortunately we went into the game with only eleven players. With 20 minutes to go we had to play our centre back Thomson Harrison up front as he took a bad knock. It meant a lot of disruption but we were unlucky not to take a point after a good second half performance.

We lost the game by giving two soft goals away in the first half. Neale McLarnon scored a fantastic individual goal for us.

After that we started our run of our mixed form in the league. Portadown travelled to us and we found ourselves a goal down after 20 minutes. Again we left it late but with 15 minutes to go, substitute Matty Neill, scored a lovely goal from 25 yards which dipped over the keeper and went in under the bar. Mark Cooling then put us ahead but with a minute to go the Ports equalised. It was disappointing to drop two points after working so hard to get back into the game and going ahead.

Our last game was played on Saturday 10 March against Armagh. They put in a good performance but again we gifted two goals to them to find ourselves 2-0 down at half time. We played some great football but it just wasn't happening for us. With 10 minutes to go Mark Cooling scored a great goal which was fully deserved as we basically set up camp in the Armagh half in the second half. With time running out centre back Chris Adams got on the end of a bouncing ball on the edge of the box and hammered it hard and low into the bottom corner of the net. Great composure from the big man.

On reflection, I felt that we dropped four points in our last two games but with a bit of luck we could also have taken a point from the DC game.

We play Ballyclare this Saturday (24 March) then away to Newry (31 March) and that then just leaves a home game against DC and an away game against Loughall to complete our league campaign.

We have received a bye in the first round of the League Cup and play Newry in the next round for a place in the quarter finals.

Tim Wareing
Youth Team Manager

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Update - 031106

From the last update the Youth Team have played three more teams in the top half of the table. It has been a bit of a mixed bag as regards results!

First up was an interesting game against a talented Linfield side at windswept Mallusk. It was a great game of football played by both sides. From start to finish it was from end to end with both sides not afraid to attack.

Both defences and goalkeepers performed very well in difficult conditions. In fact Whites keeper, Stuart Magill, made an unbelievable save from a firm header from the Blues forward. Lisburn Distillery then counter attacked and striker Neale McLarnon found himself one on one with the Blues keeper. McLarnon thought he did everything right but was denied by a fantastic save from the Linfield keeper who turned his shot around the post.

In the end a draw was a fair result as it would have been cruel for either side to lose the game.

Next up was league leaders Ballyclare Comrades. Centre back Thomson Harrison and centre midfielder Allan Coates were called up into the reserve team to face Glentoran after impressive performances against Linfield. We renewed acquaintances with former Lisburn Distillery Under 18 and reserve team player Mickey McWilliams.

Mickey is Assistant Manager of Ballyclare 18s. He was a great player for me going back 4 years ago when he played for us. A great winner and he possessed such determination. He trained with the first team but had some cruel injuries throughout his young career. It ws great to meet up with him again.

We started off well and played some great football. We found ourselves 1-0 up after 15 minutes with Neale McLarnon finishing spectacularly with a lob over the keeper from outside the box. The goal came after a frightening collision between Whites central midfielder, Daryl Finlay, and the Ballyclare keeper. We immediately had to substitute Finlay and replace him with a wide midfielder playing out of position in the centre.

This was to turn the game, as Ballyclare went into the break 2-1 up. After half time we conceded early and collapsed as they ran through the middle of us with great ease. The final score finishing 7-1 to Ballyclare. We lost our unbeaten record in great style. We were poor, although it would of been interesting to have had Finlay on the pitch for the entire 90 minutes.

Next up was Loughall. It was an easy team talk and a game we all wanted. Working with players this age is an enjoyable experience. They listen, work hard and are honest. One thing though that is not always in their games is consistency. That is something that they are still adding to their game. To improve on that, they have to learn through each individual performance - both good and bad.

So, I used the Ballyclare game in my team talk. Players don't become bad over night. We reviewed the Ballyclare performance, learnt from it and then put it behind us. The best way to do that is to put a good performance in during the next game. We did just that against Loughall and scored three goals whilst keeping a clean sheet.

Chris McCluskey made his debut in goal and did very well. Karl Hogg switched to centre back and adapted well. Chris Graham had a great battling game in the centre of midfield along with Chris McKee. We kept the ball well and used the width of the pitch. Our midfielders supported the hard working forward partnership of Lee Mercer and Neale McLarnon. It was McLarnon who scored the first goal before going on and grabbing a second from the penalty spot. This was after a blatant hand ball in the box from the Loughall central defender.

The game was finished off in the second half. Lee Mercer was man-handled in the box and stepped up to coolly score from the penalty spot. The young Whites showed great character to get back to winning ways and step up to fourth in the table, 2 points behind second placed Linfield.

Last Saturday was to be the second round Harry Cavan Cup game against Donegal Celtic. Unfortunately Donegal Celtic failed to arrive to the allocated pitch where we and the referee where! The matter is now in the hands of the League and we await an outcome.

In the lead up to the Cup game we had a launch of the Youth Team sponsors, G & H Bell, at the Beechlawn Hotel. Can I thank the Chairman and G & H Bell for the sponsorship package and an enjoyable day. Also thanks to Karl Hogg and Lee Mercer who represented and modelled the kits from the Under 18's.

Thanks for your continued support!

Tim Wareing
Youth Team Manager

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Update - 071006

'The Under 18s have had a good start to the season in the League and Cup. They are into the next round of the Harry Cavan Youth Cup. They have picked up 1 win & 2 draws in their League campaign, including coming back from 3-0 down at half time against Glenavon.

Our season kicked off with a tricky away game to Portadown in the League. It was a very even battle with both sides not afraid of going forward. It was Portadown who took the lead, attacking well down the right flank. We fought back well. Lee Mercer was giving the Ports back-four a torrid time and he grabbed the equaliser before half time with a well taken goal after good initial play by Allan Coates.

We started the stronger in the second half and took a deserved lead with Mercer using his strength to score his second goal of the day. Unfortunately we found ourselves vulnerable after the goal as Portadown equalized within a minute through an error.

The game had an exciting end, we hit the bar twice and the Ports hitting a post but a draw was a fair result after 90 minutes.

Our second league game was a home tie against Newry. After a poor first half display we found ourselves 1-0 up. We outplayed Newry in the second half coming out 4-0 winners with goals from Hogg, Finlay, & Hayes. It was great to keep a clean sheet as well as scoring four goals.

We were back on the road again to play Glenavon. Although we started the game well and played some good football we were sloppy at the back. We went in at half time 3-0 down. We had so much possession but failed to do anything with it. We didn't penetrate enough and lacked imagination in the final third. We gave away three soft goals.

I set the players a target at half time to score a goal within the first ten minutes of the restart. If we achieved that I felt we had a very good chance of getting something out of the game. Within five minutes we scored through Allan Coates. The referee awarded us a free kick 20 yards out from the Glenavon goal. Quick thinking by Coates caught the goalkeeper out to bring the score to 3-1. This gave us the lift we needed and six minutes later Karl Hogg scored with a cross cum shot from the right that beat the keeper. By this stage Glenavon didn't know what had hit them. As we continued to attack, a ball driven in by Hogg was handled by a Glenavon defender on 75 minutes. Allan Coates stepped up with a cool head to send the keeper the wrong way and level the scores. We were very unlucky not to go on and win the game.

Allan Coates had an great game in the centre of midfield. His distribution and work rate was outstanding. It was a fantastic second half display showing what character and belief our players have.

We had a break from our League campaign last Saturday with a first round tie in the Harry Cavan Youth Cup against Hawthorn Rec. Due to injuries and players not being eligible we only started with 10 men but we put on a great display! We were very disciplined and kept the ball well. We were 2-0 up within twenty minutes thanks to goals from Mercer & Cooling. We could, and should, have been further ahead and put the game out of Hawthorn's reach by half time only for missed chances and the wood work to keep the scoreline at 2-0, although I nearly witnessed the goal of the season from Mark Cooling!

The Hawthorn keeper took a poor kick from his area. Cooling met the ball first time on the volley from just inside Hawthorn's half and drove it goalwards. The ball looked to be heading into the top corner only for the keeper to redeem himself with a fine save!

The second half saw us continue to play some nice football and add another 2 goals to complete the game as 4-0 winners. The goals were scored from penalties by Cooling to complete a hat-trick.

Again we showed great discipline & belief to win a game with only 10 men. Mark Cooling had a great game from the centre of midfield and deserved his hat-trick with the work rate he showed from box to box. Young Stephen Elliott also had a very good game playing up front on his own. Not a nice job to do, but he held the ball up well and brought people into the game. I can now register more players ahead of the next round.

All in all a very good start to the season. We are still undefeated & playing with great confidence and self belief. The group of players I have are hard working, talented and honest.'

Tim Wareing

Youth Team Manager

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Update - 210806

"Pre-season continues for our Under 18's as we prepare for our opening League game on Saturday 9 September. From our last update we have played two practice games and one friendly. The Castlereagh Colts friendly didn't work out too well as there were difficulties with the changing facilities and the pitch. In the end the friendly amounted to no more than a training match, this was very disappointing for us.

Agape provided us with a training match at Victoria Park. This gave me opportunity to see some new faces perform in a match. We played some great football & comfortably won the game 5-1.

Last Thursday (17 August) we played Sporta U18's at the Billy Neill Playing Fields and they gave us a great game. The game at times was scrappy, as both sides continued to build on their match fitness, although there was some nice football played occasionally by the young Whites. New signing, Allan Coates, from Linfield, has had a great pre-season. His qualities shone through as he controlled the centre of the park, spraying some lovely cross field balls & supporting the attack. It was Coates who scored the second goal from the penalty spot after Neale McLarnon had equalised from a great team goal. Straight after we scored the penalty another was awarded at the other end. On this occasion Stuart Magill pulled off a fantastic save. Central midfielder, Daryl Finlay, scored a third to secure the game.

Our next friendly takes place this Saturday (26 August) against Ballymena United III's at the Showground's (kick-off 2.00 pm).

The Academy trials are into their fourth week. Currently we have a pre-development squad for 5 & 6 year-olds, an Under 9s and an Under 10s. We have been coaching the boys at a very high standard and the effort and work rate has been very impressive. We are working hard behind the scenes to get a quality team both on and off the pitch.

It's an exciting time as we look to promote youth and develop our work in the community. It's great to get such support from the Club. Last Saturday (19 August) we had a promotion in Forestside Shopping Centre in conjunction with the children's charity, 'Make a Wish'. Paul Kirk, Phil Matthews, James Bell, Gary Spence, Aaron Johnston and Stuart Magill all came to support the launch and the charity. I would like to thank them for their support and time, especially before such a big game.

Thank you for your continued support."

Tim Wareing

Youth Team Manager

Initial Update - 120806

"The Under 18's reported back for pre-season training on 18 July. We have a lot of fresh faces in the squad to replace the players who have made the step up to the reserve team. The work rate & effort from the lads in training has been excellent. We are playing are first pre season friendly today (12 August) against a side that I'm very familiar with, Castlereagh Colts.

I set up the team in 1997 when we entered the Dundonald League at Under 11. After 2 seasons we moved to the South Belfast League. I took the team up to Under 16 level before they fed through to the senior team. It was a fantastic learning experience for me. I organised friendlies against a series of Academies in England & Scotland. We played against the likes of Rangers, Leeds United & Fulham. Against the latter we recorded an impressive 2-0 victory. During this time I achieved my UEFA European B Licence & started working towards my UEFA European A Licence. That is when I got the opportunity to come to Lisburn Distillery. So I'll look forward to meeting some old friends today.

After today we play Agape (15 August), Orangefield (24 August - TBC), Ballymena III (26 August) & Bangor Rangers (31 August). That will lead us up nicely to a first IPL Youth League game on Saturday 2 September.

We have also been very busy in setting the Academy up. We hope to enter 2 Under 9 teams into the 7-a-side Mini Soccer in the South Belfast League along with an Under 10's. We also have a pre-development squad of 5 & 6 year olds that will work on a weekly basis. Over the next 6 years we will see a new youth team each season so that we will have teams from Under 9 to Under 18.

The importance of having a successful youth set up now a days is a must. Previously players like Stuart Thompson, Gary Spence & Aaron Johnston have all come through the ranks & now are all part of the first team squad. That demonstrates the rewards of having an Academy. It's going to take time before we see the benefits but it's important that we lay the foundations & look to develop. I would like to say a big thank you to Paul Kirk & the board who have been very supportive in helping to put this in place. Ged Irwin has also given a lot of time & effort to the project and finally a big thank you to our sponsors G & H Bell Ltd.(Youth Team) & David Graham Structures (Youth Academy).

My other role as Academy Director is launching 'Whites in the Community'. I will be offering school's in Lisburn free coaching programmes. We will also be organising Disability Football & look to develop relations with local clubs. Hopefully we will see many youth teams & youth groups visiting the ground to see a game & take part in the half time Mini Soccer displays on the pitch.

More information will follow in the next few weeks."

Tim Wareing

Youth Team Manager