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match summaries

Youth Academy information will follow over the summer of 2008

Youth Academy

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Match summaries 2007-2008

U-11    U-10   U-9    U-8A    U-8B    U-8C

U-11 Match Summaries

U11 Manager - Stevie Nutt

We started off the second half in the way that we finished the first with a good goal coming from Carter Livingstone to put us into a 3-0 lead.We then made a couple of substitutions before going on to play some fantasic football. On 55 minutes Nathan Kerr scored our fourth, three minutes later Matty Gibson made it 5-0. We continued tp play good passing football with plenty of movement before Joel scored our sixth and final goal on 59 minutes.

A good start and on behalf of myself, Tim and all the staff involved at Lisburn Distillery - "well done boys"

Steven Nutt - U-11 manager

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net

The Under 11s travelled to Bangor to play Bryansburn at their ground and started off brightly only to fall behind to a goal that had a hint of offside about it.

After that the young Whites struggled to get the ball out of their own half and then a mistake by the keeper saw them slip two behind with a third to follow shortly before the break.

Second half the young Whites tried to get back into the game but couldn't finish the chances they created and soon they were 4-0 down, but a goal eventually came from Carter Livingstone who finished following a neat pass from Matthew Hunter so in the end it finished 4-1. All credit goes to every boy on the pitch for trying hard as this is only our second match at eleven aside and we are all still very much on a learning curve.. so well done to all the lads.

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Paul Howard

Lisburn Distillery's Under 11s played host to Ballywalter at West Winds in Newtownards on Saturday.With a towering opposition and no keeper, any other team would have been thrown into disarray - but not Lisburn Distillery's under 11s.Simon Kalla left his centre back position to pull on the keeper's shirt without a word of complaint and proved to be his team's saviour.

Ballywalter started the game off strongly with a few wide attempts anda couple of testing shots for Simon Kalla in the first fifteen minutes. Not without their chances, Lisburn Distillery broke the pattern of the game with some creative play from midfielder Curtis Ritchie, who placed a great ball to the left side of the box which winger Justin McCadden picked up on and chipped up over the Ballywalter keeper's reach in theseventeenth minute.

Having secured a goal, Lisburn Distillery's confidence grew as Ballywalter struggled with their frustration in not being able to score the equaliser despite a number of attempts. Lisburn Distillery kept their heads with a strong defence and several more shots at goal, but above all it was stand-in keeper Simon Kalla, who continued to keep Ballywalter at bay. A hard fought, but well-deserved victory for the Whites.

Paul Howard

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Steven Nutt


After a good win over Ballywalter in the cup last week, we came up against a very different Ballywalter side in the league.

The game started off with most of the play in the midfield area and despite all the efforts of Scott Branigan and Matty Gibson, Ballywalter broke through to score in the tenth minute. The play still continued in our half and Ballywalter were then awarded an indirect free-kick which they scored from in the twentieth minute.

In the second-half we saw more excellent defending from Matty Gibson but back came Ballywalter again and they got a third goal with five minutes left to play.The Whites had chances and good work from Justin McCadden on the left saw him lay the ball back across the eighteen yard box but Matthew Hunter's rising shot unfortunately went straight to the Ballywalter keeper. The game got scrappy at this stage and Ballywalter squeezed in a late goal to make the full-time score 4-0.

Team - S Kalla, M Hunter, M Gibson, S Branigan, J McCadden, C Maxwell, L Beattie, C Veitch, M Scott, M Scott, B Sullivan - all subs used

Steven Nutt - U-11 manager

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net

The Whites came out playing well after beating Holywood 5-2 in the cup a few weeks ago but it wasn't to be the same in the league.

With most of the play coming from Lisburn Distillery, Holywood broke through and grabbed a goal.Not long after though the Whites came back on the attack and made it 1-1 with a great goal from Michael Scott, who was assisted by Craig Veitch. Although the Whites were on the attack for most of the game we could not find the back of the net - we hit nearly every part of the post that we could have,f but never found the net and with about five minutes to go Holywood broke through the defence again and made it 2-1. We tried everything we could to get back but it didn't happen in what was great game

.

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Steven Nutt

The Whites started off on a high going 1-0 up with a goal from Mikey Crawford but we then started to slip away.Castle Juniors came back very strongly and started scoring. We did our best to hold them off but we were unable to do that and although Mikey Crawford scored again, we were well beaten 6-2 .

Team - S Kalla, M Scott, M Crawford, C Livingstone, M Hunter, C Ritchie (c) , C Veitch , M Gibson, I Beattie, J McCadden , S Branigan Subs (all used) B Sullivan

Steven Nutt - U-11 manager

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Steven Nutt

The Whites U11s team came out today hoping to bounce back after recent defeats but not long into the game the defence fell asleep and conceded a goal . But we then came back with a goal from Mikey Crawford and then started to play some good football.Despite plenty of chances, we could not however get that important goal - it just wasn't our day. Our defence did a great job and our stand in keeper, Ben Sullivan, had a fantastic game that helped us to a final score of 1-1
Well done lads


Team- B Sullivan, M Hunter,M Gibson,S Branigan,C Veitch,J McCadden,C.Ritchie,C Livingstone,S Kalla,M Scott. M Crawford, Subs (all used ) C Maxwell, L Beattie

Steven Nutt - U-11 manager

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Steven Nutt

There's not a lot to say this week other than that we were poor in a number of areas. We were last to everything and we suffered the consequences, losing 2-0 on the day. East Belfast deserved to win the game, they played well on the day .

Team - B Sullivan, M Scott, M Crawford, C Livingstone, C Veitch, M Hunter, S Kalla, L Beattie, S Branigan, M Gibson, J McCadden (no subs)

Steven Nutt - U-11 manager

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Steven Nutt

Well after last week's defeat, what a performance the young Whites' team put in today. We never let Ards get many touches of the ball. we changed our formation, moved a lot of players in to different positions and it paid off for us with 5 fantastic goals.

These came from, M Scott, M Crawford , C Livingstone and two from B Sullivan. Our defence was hard to get past for most of the game but Ards Rangers were fortunate to grab a goal making the final score 5-1. Well done to all the kids today for an excellent performance.


Team- A Laverty, C Veitch , M Hunter, L Beattie, S Kalla , C Ritchie, S Brannigan, M Gibson , J McCadden, M Scott, M Crawford - Subs C Livingstone (35) B sullivan (35) and C Maxwell (38) - all used

Steven Nutt - U-11 manager

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Steven Nutt

After losing to Castle Juniors in our last meeting, we went into Saturday's game hoping to get a win over them this time out. We had to rotate a few players as our keeper fell ill and we put Ben Sullivan into nets after he had scored two goals in our last match. He was doing a good job until Castle Juniors attacked in the 22nd minute and he was unfortunate that as he was making the save the ball went in off the post to put them one up.

In the second half, we made a couple of changes, Matthew Hunter coming on for Curtis Maxwell (34 mins) and Michael Scott on for Mikey Crawford (38mins ).Just after making the changes we again came under pressure from Castle Juniors and they scored their second goal on 39 minutes. We then started to play some nice football with some lovely moves from the young Whites team, sending a lot of balls down the right wing and Carter Livingstone put their keeper under a lot of pressure. Then on 55 minutes we got a break-through with Scott Branigan fouled but the referee played advantage and he then passed to Carter on the right wing who then passed the ball to Matty Gibson and he put it in the back of the net to make it 2-1. We then had a lot of chances in the last five minutes but we just could not find the back of the net.

Team - B Sullivan,L Beattie, C Maxwell,(34),S Kalla,C Veitch,C Ritchie,S Branigan(c),M Gibson,JMcCadden,C Livingstone,M Crawford (38) Subs M Hunter (34), M Scott (39).

Steven Nutt - U-11 manager

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Steven Nutt

After previously having lost to East Belfast, the young Whites came into this game all guns blazing and it was no surprise when they took an early lead thanks to a well taken strike from Carter Livingstone. Lisburn Distillery continued to control the game playing some neat football and shortly after they found themselves being awarded a penalty after Mikey Crawford had been up-ended in the penalty area. Up stepped young Matty Gibson but regrettably he missed out and with East Belfast growing in confidence after that the first half finished 1-1.

Second half however the Whites produced a great showing with the first half penalty miss villain Matty Gibson emerging from the game as a hero netting three wonderful goals. Indeed the score could have been a lot more had the young East Belfast keeper not produced a strong of fine stops.

Team- B Sullivan, M Hunter , L Beattie, S Kalla(c) ,C Veitch , C Ritchie, S Brannigan, J McAdden, M Gibson, M Crawford, C Livingstone (45) subs: C Maxwell (45)
Man of the Match.. Matty Gibson

Steven Nutt - U-11 manager

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Steven Nutt

The young Whites came good on Saturday in the quarter finals of the league cup against Ards Youth. With the team all up for this match it started off well but just six minutes in the Ards scored a goa. But we stepped up our game a bit more and 16 mins in to the game Scott Branigan scored a lovely goal assisted by Carter Livingstone. We then continued to play some nice football and just before half-time we had got a goal disallowed.

Then with the sceond-half only eight minutes old an Ards' player handled in their box and were awarded a penalty, Scott Branigan netted from the spot. At 2-1 we then brought Simon Kalla on for Lee Beattie and it didn't take him long to find the back of the net thank to an an assist from Matty Gibson.Four minutes later Matty scored following the work done by Matthew Hunter. We won 4-1 on the day 4-1 and that means that Lisburn Distillery go into the semi finals of the League Cup against Holywood Boys on the 23/2/08 at Dairy Hall pitches

Team - B.Sullivan, C Ritchie, M Hunter,M Scott, C Veitch,J McCcadden,M Gibson,S Brannigan,C Livingstone,M Crawford, L Beattie (S Kalla 35)

Steven Nutt - U-11 manager

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Steven Nutt

The young Whites started off well but despite having the most of the play there no goals at the break.

Things then went wrong in the second half - a clearance by our keeper unfortunately hit a Bryansburn player who was able to net the opening goal. We did have a couple of chances after that but couldn't convert and then Bryansburn scored again after our keeper had made the initial save but once more the ball fell kindly for the opposition. It just wasn't to be the young Whites day and that was summed up whenever a clearance from a defender took yet another deflection and ended up in the net making it a cruel day for the boys.

A big thank you to Simon for standing in for our keeper who has been ill in recent weeks.

Team - S Kalla, C Ritchie, C Veitch, S Brannigan, M Scott, M Gibson, M Crawford, M Hunter, L Beattie, C Livingstone, J McCadden

Steven Nutt - U-11 manager

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Paul Howard

Lisburn Distillery's Under 11s faced Holywood in the semi-finals of the cup on Saturday down at Londonderry Park in Newtownards. Having been a few months since seeing the boys play, the game gave me a good excuse to catch up on their form and hopefully witness them winning their place in the final.

The boys made a stunning start, with some precision passing along the right wing, to culminate in winger Carter Livingstone's cross finding striker Mikey Crawford in the box and he put the Whites one up some thirty seconds into the game. With hardly a moment to settle down, the boys were then back on the attack working their way across the front of Holywood's box until right-back Creage Parkinson-Vietch moved up to belt in the Whites' second in the second minute!

Left reeling, Holywood, after having just saved striker Simon Kalla's shot, finally worked their way along the wing to win their first corner. With a good clearance from centre-back Scott Brannigan, it wasn't long before Lisburn Distillery were back driving forward winning a corner from which midfielder Lee Beattie struck so that the Holywood keeper couldn't hold - twelve minutes gone and Holywood found themselves three goals down.

They had a brief moment in the Whites' half, but were ruled off-side, before Holywood found themselves on the defensive again as Mikey saw his shot run wide. The Lisburn Distillery boys continued to dominate the last few minutes of the half, with any sign of a threat from Holywood being snuffed out confidently by centre-back Curtis Ritchie and left-back Matthew Hunter.

There was no let up in the second half, as the Whites piled on the pressure with some great breaks along the left wing from Justin McCadden and some explosive runs from mid-fielder Matty Gibson. With several substitutions being made, the fresh legs continued the energetic pace with winger Nathan Kerr coming close with a searing shot across the goal front. Building from a corner in the forty-third minute another one of the younger subs - Ryan McCrory - capitalised on the Holywood keepers' mishandling to bump the score up to 4 - 0.

For a brief moment Holywood picked up to counter attack, but Whites' keeper Ben Sullivan had an easy save to make. But the balance of play turned once more, with Nathan's strike unlucky and Matty's veering wide, until - forty-five minutes in - young sub Sam Howard set up a great ball for striker Michael Scott to see home with a quality finish to make it 5 - 0.

Tthe momentum continued as Matty shot over the cross-bar after a great run and then Michael bagged his second good goal, this one on the rebound in the forty-eighth minute to take the score-line up to 6 - 0. With a fine display of passing between the midfielders, Matty shot over again. Just as the game came to it's final stages midfielder Thomas Seaton and the rest of the young subs rounded off the sixty minutes with Michael bagging his hat-trick, taking the victorious Whites through to the final.

A resounding, assured performance from the Whites which will boost their confidence no end. Guaranteed to be a tough final against Ballywalter next month,
judging by their relentless form here, the Lisburn Distillery boys' place is well deserved. It will be a momentous experience for them and one that, if they play anything like they did here, will hopefully see them pick up some silverware, Congratulations to all the boys for a job well done.

Let's see everyone down for the final to give the boys our full support - you will be in for a treat.

Lisburn Distillery scorers - Mikey Crawford (1) Creage Parkinson-Veitch (2) Lee Beattie (12) Ryan McCrory (43) Michael Scott (45, 48, 60)

Paul Howard

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Paul Howard

Lisburn Distillery's Under 10's travelled to Larne for their first match in the George Best League on Saturday.

The boys dominated Larne Youth from the outset in what went on to become a festival of Lisburn Distillery goals.Ryan McCrory scored two goals early in the first-half but these were just for starters. Nathan Kerr ended the half with a stunning lob from the half-way line over the Larne keeper.

The second half continued at the same relentless pace, becoming a showcase for the boys' skills. At one point it was hard to keep track as the goals followed one after the other. It really ended as a tale of two keepers - Larne's kept permanently on his toes ( and, despite the result, making some fine saves to his credit) and Lisburn Distillery's who was probably glad to have worn his woolly hat.

Paul Howard

Lisburn Distillery scorers - Ryan McCrory (7), Ollie McGowan (2), Nathan Kerr (2), Luke Adamson (2), Jamie Kidd, Andrew Girvin, Chris Finn

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Lisburn Distillery's under 10's played their second game in the George Best League on Saturday against a determined Scirocco Youth side at Carryduff.

The game started slowly with both sides creating some chances. Then on sixteen minutes Jamie Kidd got the first of his two goals after plenty of hard work and determination, then on nineteen minutes Thomas Seaton played a lovely through ball which Oliver McGowan finished with a fantastic shot on goal.On twenty three minutes Ryan McCrory beat the keeper with a great lob from a Thomas Seaton corner.

The boys started the second half very sharp and on thirty nine minutes Nathan Kerr scored his first of the three goals he would score on the day with a great shot from just outside the box. Then on fifty eight minutes Nathan scored his second after a lovely through ball from Joel McIlroy. In the last two minutes Jamie Kidd and Nathan Kerr finished the match with two more well worked goals.

Lisburn Distillery - Molloy,Ferguson,Girvan,Walker,Mcilroy,McCrory,Kerr,Seaton,Martin,Kidd,McGowan,Adamson,Finn,McBride.

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Paul Howard

After their first defeat of the season last week Lisburn Distillery's U10's were eager to turn their fortunes around with
a full squad against Shorts at the Billy Neill pitches in Dundonald on Saturday.

Taking the first five minutes to ease into the game the boys then started to take a hold with several chances
from Thomas Seaton and Ryan McCrory. Lisburn Distillery's chances were finally rewarded after twenty minutes when Ryan
finished off a great piece of passing through the midfield with his first goal of the match. A couple of minutes later
he scored a fabulous goal from Thomas's corner, which was unfortunately disallowed due to the debatable position the kick was taken from.Undeterred, the corner was taken again only to see Jamie Kidd go down under heavy
tackle. A penalty was awarded, which Jamie struck confidently to make it 2 - 0.

Five minutes later saw the first real piece of threatening play from Shorts who had so often been dashed by some great clearances
from right-back Sam Howard and some positive tackling from Thomas Seaton. Back on the break Ryan picked up on a good ball
from centre-back Alexander Walker to score another quality goal from the right side of the box to take us to 3 - 0 at the end
of the first half.

Unfortunately for Shorts the game continued to be dominated by Lisburn Distillery throughout the second half with Ryan McCrory ramming home another
goal two minutes in, who then went on to capitalise on the Shorts' keeper's handling error to pop another one in.
To add to the poor keeper's misery Jamie Kidd, in the same minute, secured his second goal whilst he was down, making
it 6 - 0. Shorts' misfortune peaked just after, when they faced more difficulty in their own goal mouth, ad they conceded an own goal.

Playing alongside Jamie Kidd - who was having an awesome game - Ollie McGowan came on for Lisburn Distillery and continued the flow of the game by securing the eighth goal, beating the keeper after he had came out of his goal.

He then went on to score another great goal in the 68th minute after Shorts had made a comeback enabling them to have their their first shot at goal, which was just steered right of the net. Captain Nathan Kerr hit the cross-bar in the last five minutes to sign-off what had become a great confidence boosting performance for the boys. Well done to all the boys (and Katie) who played.

Paul Howard

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Paul Howard

Facing Lisburn Youth, with the club's reputation and current unbeaten form, was always going to be a challenge for Lisburn Distillery's Under 10s on Saturday at Lough Moss. But, the Whites proved they were not quite the push-overs that their opponents were expecting.

The game started off well for the Lisburn Distillery boys with a good amount of time spent around Lisburn Youth's box and an early shot from Ryan McCrory was just wide of the goal. But things were not to remain that way as Lisburn Youth decided to push things up a gear and made an attack that saw Lisburn Distillery's keeper Jake McDowell make two great saves and defender Alexander Walker clear the ball from the goal line. After eighteen minutes Lisburn Youth were awarded a corner, from which was deflected in to give Lisburn the lead . After another couple of shots wide, the Whites came back into the game with some great determined runs from Jamie Kidd, but Lisburn Youth continued to test McDowell's goal-keeping skills with several more shots before half-time.

One nil down, the Lisburn Distillery boys started the second half positively, gaining corners and keeping Lisburn Youth contained in their own half. Left back Joel McIlroy shot wide and then a passing move ended when the Lisburn keeper made a good save from Kidd's strike. Lisburn Youth then broke through up the line where the Whites held them until Kidd had another fine strike saved again. What could have been the turning point in the game was not to be and five minutes later Lisburn Youth's Brad Ferguson ran in from the right of the box and scored. Within a minute he was back again, like an action replay, leaving the Whites looking bemused at the speed of events.

The remainder of the half saw Lisburn Youth hold the majority of possession as they created a couple more chances, finally slipping in a goal off the inside post in the dying seconds of the game. Through simply following previous games' results Lisburn Youth probably expected the score-line to be much higher as they continue unbeaten, but, it's Distillery who will have taken some valuable lessons away from the game on which they will build. Well done to all the boys.

Paul Howard

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Paul Howard

Banbridge Youth came to Lough Moss on Saturday to play against Lisburn Distillery's Under 10s in what turned out to be a very entertaining game of football.

With both teams having put in a few chances - Banbridge were constantly foiled by the Whites' left back Joel McIlroy and centre-back Alexander Walker's early header out - it wasn't until the nineteenth minute that we saw captain Nathan Kerr beat the keeper after a great through ball from Ryan McCrory, to put Lisburn Distillery 1 - 0 ,ahead. This goal lifted the pace of the game with plenty of action at both ends of the pitch. Great defensive blocks and clearances from midfielder Thomas Seaton and centre back Andrew Girvin were balanced out with Michael Ferguson's runs up the wing and some great attacking play from Nathan Kerr and Ryan McCrory.

The second half began with a Banbridge effort being foiled by some relentless tackling from right-back Sam Howard. Three minutes in, after
a build up of pressure and a scramble in front of the Banbridge goal, Ollie McGowan poked in Lisburn Distillery's second of the match. This was swiftly followed two minutes later by Banbridge's Joel Copes grabbing one back to make it 2 - 1.

Boosted by their goal Banbridge came back again but were continually knocked back by Sam Howard's tackles.Then good runs by Jamie Kidd
and Ollie McGowan gave the Whites a corner. The Banbridge keeper fumbled and the ball crossed the line, making it 3 - 1 and Thomas Seaton celebrated the goal.

The game was peppered with free-kicks, hand-balls and off-sides but one thing that was a one-off came in the 48th minute. Banbridge took a corner
and we were treated to a superb header from Brian Johnston, who brought the score up to 3 - 2. Within the following minute the Banbridge boys
ran through the centre of the pitch and Aaron Thompson scored to bring the score level at 3 - 3.

The Whites applied the pressure for the remainder of the game. They came close to restoring their lead when Ollie McGowan's shot was blocked in the box by a what appeared to have been a hand-ball. Undeterred they kept in the Banbridge half, with some good play from winger Chris Finn, until, in the last minute of the game, Banbridge then broke through and shot at goal. The whistle blew just as Lisburn Distillery's keeper Jake Molloy held the ball tightly with both hands and a huge smile spread across his face as he was delighted to have prevented a late winner for Banbridge.

Congratulations to both teams for a thoroughly enjoyable match.

Paul Howard

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Paul Howard

The first soggy Saturday of the season saw Lisburn Distillery's Under 10s travel to meet Dungoyne at the Billy Neill pitches. Aware of the Dungoyne team's current strength the Whites knew they would have their work cut out for them.

Dungoyne were quick to take the game forward but were repeatedly blocked by the Whites' defence. Alexander Walker put in some strong tackles and Sam Howard laid on some great clearances up the wing to Chris Finn. In the ninth minute, however, Dungoyne's Carl Bradford broke through to hit the back of the net. Undeterred the Lisburn Distillery boys fought back with more determination keeping the majority of play around the centre of the pitch. Both teams put in a few good efforts - left-back Joel McIlroy foiling Dungoyne and winger Chris Finn shooting just wide in the seventeenth minute.

With Lisburn Distillery putting the pressure on in their half, Dungoyne slowly worked their way up the right wing until Thomas Seaton won the ball with a great tackle to pass it over to Jamie Kidd who blasted the ball so hard that the Dungoyne keeper couldn't keep hold of it. Seconds later Jamie, still on the run, capitalized on the error to ensure the goal. Twenty-five minutes in and the scores were level at 1-1.

Lisburn Distillery kept the attacking play going with some fine passing. The last few minutes of the half saw Jamie Kidd strike wide of the net, Ryan McCrory had his shot saved and, for me, we had the most sub-lime piece of passing that went from right-back Sam Howard along the wing to the top of Ryan' NcCrory's boot before landing to land at Jamie Kidd's feet. Unfortunately Jamie's shot was saved, but this wonderful piece of play received applause from both sets of supporters.

Spoilt by the quality of the Whites' first half performance the majority of the second half paled in comparison. Two minutes into the half, despite some good defensive work from Andrew Girvan, Carl Bradford broke through again to put Dungoyne ahead.

Jake Molloy, the Whites' keeper, was then tested further, putting in a couple of great saves until Dungoyne's Sam Piggott managed to put one in off the inside of the post in the thirty-seventh minute. After Jamie Kidd was brought down at the edge of the box, Dungoyne dug in around Lisburn Distillery's box, putting in a number of shots. Twenty minutes into the second half Lisburn Distillery broke through into Dungoyne's half with a good run from captain Nathan Kerr, but Dungoyne managed to work their way back up along the wing. Keeper Jake Molloy then treated us to a couple of fantastic saves, the second being a one on one.

Inspired by their keeper the Whites then made a return to their blistering first-half form with Nathan and Jamie returning to the Dungoyne box only to have
Jamie brought down again - this time by the keeper. Awarded a penalty, which was saved, then dropped, Nathan ran in to finish the job in the fifty-sixth minute. Keeping the momentum going until the final whistle, the Whites probably wished they could' have gone on to get the equaliser that they deserved.

Another enjoyable game, despite the final score, the Lisburn Distillery boys surprised their opponents with their strong defence and determined attack. The game could really have gone either way. The boys played an exceptional standard of football in the first half and they should be proud of themselves and their keeper Jake Molloy, Well done boys.

Paul Howard

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Paul Howard

Hungry for a good win after the last few weeks' tight results, Lisburn Distillery's Under 10s travelled to Ballywooley to face Bryansburn Rangers on Saturday.

The game started off with some early attacking play from the Whites. Bryansburn's attempts at breaking through beyond the half way line were continually cleared by Andrew Girvan and Lee Blaney. Then in the tenth minute Thomas Seaton took his fourth and most precise corner to give Jamie Kidd the first goal. Despite some positive play, Bryansburn were not able to break the flow of end to end passing from captain Nathan Kerr to Ollie McGowan that landed perfectly at Jamie's feet and he netted his second of the match, twelve minutes in.

Bryansburn came back again with their first effort which hit the side-netting, but they were quickly held down again with the Lisburn Distillery boys hitting the post,
shooting over and having shots saved. Credit here to the Bryansburn keeper, James Hamilton, who went on saving several more powerful shots until midfielder Thomas Sseaton released the ball to winger Ryan McCrory and he chipped it over Hamilton's head to make it 0 - 3 in the twenty-eighth minute. Seconds later, after a finely finished, but unfortunately disallowed goal by Ryan, Nathan took a free-kick which Jamie put home to make it 0 - 4 at the close of the first half.

Early into the second half Bryansburn came back with some good positive football, pulling a goal back from a corner two minutes into the half. Whites' keeper Jake Molloy then had some more action as he came out to make a good save. Lisburn Distillery then took over with some great football, applying plenty of pressure around the Bryansburn box, this finally resulted in Ollie's running pass to Jamie, who guided the ball over the goal line in the forty-fourth minute.
Chris Finn on the left wing put in some great tackles, Joel McIlroy and Alexander Walker were also tested over the next while, but Bryansburn just couldn't contain Lisburn Distillery's forwards as Ryan and Jamie both fired in two more goals within a minute of each other, making it 1 - 7.

Ollie McGowan was unlucky with all his shots being saved, but he remained instrumental to the great passing play that led to the final five minutes which saw three more Lisburn Distillery goals a minute apart - Ryan received a great ball from Sam Howard (playing centre midfield for the injured Thomas Sseaton) which he put into an open net; Nathan crossed a super ball to give Jamie his double hat-trick and Ryan came in again in the fifty-eighth minute to land his fourth goal of the match.

A great confidence booster and a good, comfortable win for the boys. Unlike the start of the season they will appreciate now that games like this don't come along every week. Hopefully, their hunger for a good win satisfied, their morale will be boosted enough to take on other top teams and know they are always good enough to come home with all the points. Well done to all the boys for their great efforts.

Lisburn Distillery scorers: Jamie Kidd (10, 12, 29, 44, 49, 90) Ryan McCrory (28, 48, 89, 90)

Paul Howard

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Paul Howard

Lisburn Distillery's Under-10s welcomed unbeaten league leaders Ridgeway Rovers to Lough Moss on Saturday for what turned out to be an eye-opening game for both sides. Starting off sharp, Ridgeway found themselves ahead after four minutes as Matthew Tomelson found a gap in the Whites' defence to make it 0 - 1.
But this familiar comfortable scene for Ridgeway was soon to be smashed.

The following few minutes proved to be a belated fireworks display as the Lisburn Distillery boys broke through to win Thomas Seaton's first corner, which came in the sixth minute, enabled striker Jamie Kidd to put the ball into the top corner, making the score one each. The next minute the boys made good ground again and saw Jamie connecting with a great ball from right-back Sam Howard to give Lisburn Distillery the lead. Then within the next minute winger Ryan McCrory crossed a super ball to Jamie who rolled the ball into the back of the net, taking us to 3 - 1 within the first ten minutes of the match! This spectacular display from the Whites left the spectators speechless and had taken Ridgeway by complete surprise.

The next period saw the game settle into a more evenly paced match - Ridgeway having a near miss, just right of the post, Ollie McGowan and Jamie having their shots saved and great blocking and clearances from Alexander Walker, Andrew Girvan and Sam. Ridgeway were constantly thwarted by the Whites' defence which stayed tight throughout the game.

Remembering the identical half-time lead they had in their game against Banbridge the other week, the boys were determined not to make the same mistakes this time round and concede any second -half goals. Ridgeway obviously wanted to pull goals back but were on the back foot following a stream of fluid passing through the midfield and Ollie's second attempt was saved. Looking to stay in the Lisburn Distillery half, Ridgeway were again blocked. by left-back Joel McIlroy until the Whites came back through again to win another corner from which Ollie, put in with a high lob over the keepers head. Ollie's well-deserved goal in the thirty-second minute put the score at 4 - 1.

Ridgeway then put the pressure on, but it just wasn't happening for them. Jake Molloy made a couple of great saves and the Lisburn Distillery defence continued to frustrate Ridgeway who sat deep in the Lisburn Distillery half for most of the remainder of the game. When they did break however,captain Nathan Kerr was unlucky with his effort and winger Chris Finn was instrumental in other chances for Jamie and for Lee Blaney who had come on for Ollie. With a final shot from Ridgeway streaking across the front of Jake's goal, the match ended with both sides taking away valuable lessons.

Whilst Ridgeway had to come to terms with their first defeat of the season, Lisburn Distillery had picked up on past mistakes and learnt from them. They dug in well when they needed to and made the most of their chances. The five minute display at the start was the absolute highlight from one of the boys' best team performances of the season. Lisburn Distillery maintained their confidence throughout and are discovering the ability to believe in themselves. Congratulations to all of the boys. It was a great game.

Lisburn Distillery scorers - Jamie Kidd (6, 8, 9) Ollie McGowan (32)

Paul Howard

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Paul Howard

Lisburn Distillery's Under 10s travelled to a wind-ravaged Antiville in Larne on Saturday to meet Larne Acadamy. With three games in hand and
an unbeaten start to their season Larne's boys were not going to be taken lightly. Lisburn Distillery were keen to keep their own unbeaten run going, and so
this physically challenging game between the teams and the elements began.

Larne Academy started out with an early attack, but were continually halted by our centre-backs', Alexander Walker and Andrew Girvan, strong defensive blocking. Lisburn Distillery pushed back gaining good ground and forcing Larne's keeper his first save in the first five minutes courtesy of Jamie Kidd. After some good covering by right-back Sam Howard and Larne's corner being cleared by Joel McIlroy, the Whites moved out of their half through Chris Finn on the wing to pile on the pressure, which culminated in a Lisburn Distillery corner. Jamie laid on the perfect ball for Ollie McGowan's header to give the Whites the lead in the thirteenth minute.

Lisburn Distillery maintained the flow for a short while until Larne began to fight back, but continually, to their frustration, they were blocked by captain Nathan Kerr and the back four. They finally broke through to hit a shot at goal which Lisburn Distillery's Jake Molloy saved confidently. The tables then turned as Lisburn Distillery went on the attack until mid-fielder Thomas Seaton was brought down and awarded a free-kick. This was blocked by the Larne defence before the game then saw a succession of Larne corners which led to a goal mouth scramble in the dying seconds of this tight half which Larne's Andrew Stewart got his boot to to even the score.

Confidence up after their equaliser, Larne won a corner at the opening of the second half which saw Conor McKendry head home Larne's second of the match in the thirty-second minute.Lisburn Distillery stepped up a gear with some nice movement between Lee Blaney on the right wing and the forwards. Larne were keeping a close guard on Jamie, although he found enough space to cross a fine ball to substitute Luke Adamson who guided the ball over the goal-line to get the Whites' Distillery's equaliser with his first touch of the game. Forty-one minutes in and the score was 2 - 2.

Keeper Jake then felt Larne's retaliation at the other end, putting in two fine saves within minutes of each other. After a brief period of possession Lisburn Distillery found themselves under pressure around their box until Jamie tried to break through, winning a free-kick from just outside the box, which the Larne keeper saved well. The game ended with a final save from Jake as the rain continued to churn the pitch into a mud-bath.

Both teams played well in worsening conditions, particularly in the second half. Larne Acadamy played a very physical game and
were determined to leave with three points. Lisburn Distillery's boys worked hard in keeping them at bay and producing two well-worked goals. A tough game in tough conditions in what can only be described as a fair result. Well done to all the boys.

Lisburn Distillery scorers- Ollie McGowan (13) Luke Adamson (41)

Paul Howard

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Paul Howard

An overcast Lough Moss saw Lisburn Distillery's Under 10s play host to Hillsborough Boys on Saturday.In a line of tough fixtures and with Hillsborough's recent form, the Whites had their work cut out for them,

The game set off evenly balanced with Lisburn Distillery perhaps having the edge, putting in a couple of efforts from Ollie McGowan and a shot from Jamie Kidd just over the crossbar. Where Hillsborough created their chances was when they found space along the wing to make good breaks and it was from one of these that led to a chip over Whites' keeper Jake Molloy's head to put Hillsborough one up ten minutes in.

This pattern of play continued with Nathan Kerr and Sam Howard breaking down the Hillsborough runs along the wing. Despite working their way back along the line Lisburn Distillery then lost possession and saw a fine long ball land at Carter Savage's feet, who found space to make it 0 - 2 twenty minutes in. The remainder of the half saw the Whites on the attack with the occasional Hillsborough break until the twenty-seventh minute when left-back Joel McIlroy send in a long ball that was well finished by Jamie, making it 1 - 2.

In the final few minutes of the half injured midfielder Thomas Seaton came off. Sam moved into his position whilst Lee Blaney replaced Sam.
This change may have caused confusion for a moment for the Whites but Hillsborough meanwhile wasted no time and Jake McKee seized an easy goal opportunity to make it 1 - 3 at half-time.

Lisburn Distillery began the second half with plenty of attacking play from Ryan McCrory but then were subject to some pressure around their box before Ollie broke free to pass through Ryan to Jamie who saw his attempt saved. Sam then had another shot which was also well held by Hillsborough's keeper. With Hillsborough then applying the pressure Alexander Walker and Andrew Girvan cleared their attempts as the game went up a notch in what proved to be Lisburn Distillery's better half.

Frustratingly Nathan's shot was then saved and Jamie's next attempt was also denied by another Hillsborough save ten minutes into the second half. Hillsborough then took another break along the wing and from it they hit the crossbar.

After Nathan and Jamie had brought the play back up into the Hillsborough half, they broke again despite Chris Finn's best efforts, Carter Savage scoring across from the right side to take Hillsborough 1 - 4 up. He then repeated the very same movement in the forty-sixth minute.

The final part of the match saw Andrew making a few more crucial clearances and Ollie putting in some good tackles. Jamie and Ryan had a couple more attacking runs blocked as the Whites had the majority of possession in this half. A disappointing result for the Lisburn Distillery boys that doesn't really reflect their performance. They had an even game in terms of possession and chances, Hillsborough just came good with theirs. Well done to all the boys - keep your heads up.

Paul Howard

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

011207 - George Best League - U10 - Bloomfield 1 Lisburn Distillery 1- Match Summary

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Paul Howard

The run of tough fixtures continued for Lisburn Distillery's Under 10s on Saturday when they faced current league leaders Bloomfield at their Houston Park home.

Bloomfield were quick to show why they remain one of two unbeaten teams in the league with some early chances, but were denied by the Whites' centre-back Andrew Girvan and a cracking free-kick seen off by an amazing header out by Jamie Kidd, which landed on top of the net! Keeper Jake Molloy then showed his credentials with another couple of saves until Lisburn Distillery fought back with their first effort from Jamie from a great ball from Lee Blaney on the wing.

Bloomfield continued putting in the shots - wide, over and blocked by midfielder Nathan Kerr. There was a distinct feeling that luck was not on their side.
Half-way through the first half Ryan McCrory crossed the ball to Jamie whose effort shot across the front of Bloomfield's goal. Not content with losing the run of play Bloomfield struck back with a couple more shots wide, hitting the side-netting and being foiled by the likes of Andrew again and right-back Sam Howard. Then in the last ten minutes of the half the Whites started to pick up, working their way up into Bloomfield's half with some great movement from Lee and Nathan. The game was fraught with several heavy tackles, the latest being on Sam who was awarded a free-kick for Lisburn Distillery. From this point the Whites put a sustained amount of pressure around Bloomfield's box until Bloomfield broke out only to to thwarted by mid-fielder Thomas Seaton's clearance.

The opening few minutes of the second half must have given Bloomfield some relief when during a goal mouth scramble, after keeper Jake had made an initial save, Bloomfield's Stuart Nelson managed to put the ball in to make the score 1 - 0. They then continued to pressurise the Lisburn Distillery box but witnessed some extra-ordinary goal-line clearances from Andrew (twice!). With Chris Finn coming on for Lee, the Whites then remained in Bloomfield's half for a time with some great play from Ollie MacGowan, Jamie and a shot from Ryan. Thomas then saw his corner kick hit the side-netting. Bloomfield broke into the Whites' half and saw their shot hit the post. Chris then had a great run back down the wing only to brought down. Nathan put in a high lob which the Bloomfield keeper collected comfortably. This was then echoed down at the other goal with Jake putting in another good save.

Lisburn Distillery's last ten minutes were their best of the game where there were several more heart- stopping moments. Left-back Joel McIlroy put in a fine ball to
see Ollie shoot just wide. Ollie then put in a great pass to Jamie who was ruled off-side. Then picking up on a Bloomfield free-kick, Nathan pushed through to Ryan who crossed a great ball to Jamie, only to be brought down, only this time to be awarded a penalty. In the fifty-seventh minute captain Nathan secured the equaliser with a confident strike from the penalty spot. Bloomfield then saw another goal mouth scramble and a bit of confusion as to whether the ball had crossed the line before centre-back Alexander Walker had cleared it. The final minutes saw another Lisburn Distillery corner kick hit the side-netting and an amazing strike from Nathan which the Bloomfield keeper somehow managed to hold despite the sunlight shining directly into his eyes.

This game was not for the faint-hearted - full of unbelievable incidents and chances in which the referee did a very fair job . Bloomfield may feel robbed of three points but hats off to the Whites for holding off this determined team and proving they can play an exciting game of football with the best of them. Well done to all the boys - my nerves are wrecked.

Paul Howard

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Paul Howard

Classed as an away game, Lisburn Distillery's Under 10s were back at their Lough Moss ground on Saturday to face Lisburn Wanderers in what could easily have been thought of as an easy fixture. As ever in the George Best League, the games are always full of the unexpected, and this one was no exception.

The Whites started off well with some great play, from midfielder Thomas Seaton, setting up Jamie Kidd who beat the Wanderers keeper from the widest of angles, two minutes in. Lisburn Distillery maintained the pressure on Wanderers - right-back Sam Howard winning plenty of balls, whilst Joel McIlroy on the left put in a good strike. Several more attempts at goal came from winger Ryan McCrory, but his shots went wide. After ten minutes or so Wanderers got more into the Lisburn Distillery half and lifted their game, they had several runs blocked by defenders Sam, and Alexander Walker.

With the balance of the game becoming more even in possession for a while, Jamie broke through a couple of times but was met by the keeper before he had a chance to shoot. After Wanderers most threatening moment of the game Jamie was back again - his strike blocked once more. Minutes later, against the run of play, Wanderers' Gibson broke through Lisburn Distillery's back four to even the score after twenty-one minutes.

The Whites remained undeterred by conceding and dominated Wanderers playing deep in their half, Joel putting in a strike and the Wanderers keeper saving a couple more shots, forward Ollie McGowan's being saved amazingly by the side of his left foot! Wanderers then took a run up the wing, gaining ground until
a shot towards goal was blocked, declared hand ball, and a penalty was duly given. Hamilton stepped up to put Wanderers 2 - 1 up at the close of the first half, as we all scratched our heads in disbelief.

Having learnt not to assume anything after the first half, the Whites fought hard at the start of the second, winger Chris Finn putting in a shot wide and centre-back Andrew Girvan putting in some good balls to the forwards. Then, thirty-three minutes in, Chris in the left corner, fed a great ball to Jamie who, surrounded, passed back to Ollie at the edge of the box to ram home the equaliser. The boys didn't hesitate in re-taking the lead, a minute later Thomas passed through Ryan to Jamie who put in a great finish to make it 2 - 3.

Wanderers remained in the game and came back to force a couple more saves and had a sustained spell in the Lisburn Distillery half. Whites' keeper Jake Molloy made a number of spectacular saves as Andrew and Thomas cleared and blocked shots as Wanderers put in their most threatening period of the game. But it was not to last as Lisburn Distillery finally broke out, captain Nathan Kerr having his strike saved, Jamie shooting across the front of goal and another just wide. Then, in the final minutes Distillery were awarded a free-kick just in front of the box, which Ryan took confidently, giving the keeper no chance as the ball soared over his head. Within the same minute the Whites were back down in the Wanderers left corner from which Nathan - intentional or not - put in an incredible angled ball to see it hit home off the inside of the post to close the game 2 - 5.

With more twists and turns the Whites took the three points, but not perhaps as easily as they would have thought. The Wanderers style of football was something the Lisburn Distillery boys had not come across very often and took them a little while to adapt to, though once they did they began to see results. Again
they saw the greater share of chances and possibly became a little dejected at half-time as they found themselves down when they had dominated the game. Hats off to the boys then for being able to pick themselves up in the second half - to Jake especially for keeping it together in goal - but mostly for them all realizing that it's perhaps best not to assume anything in the beautiful game.

Paul Howard

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Paul Howard

Lisburn Distillery's Under 10s played host to Lower Maze at Lough Moss on Saturday in their last game of 2007. With Lisburn Distillery placed just above Lower Maze in the league, this fixture always looked likely to be a close run game, but would it contain any special Christmas magic?

The Whites started off like a hurricane, pressurizing Lower Maze in their half from the whistle, and two minutes in, centre-back Alexander Walker sent a long ball through Jamie Kidd to Ryan McCrory in the box and he cooly chipped the ball past the Maze keeper to put the Whites 1 - 0 up. Lower Maze tried to come back but kept having balls cleared by defender Andrew Girvan until Jamie crossed to Ryan, whose second effort was unlucky. After breaking through and giving Whites' keeper Jake Molloy his first touch of the game, Lower Maze were then held in their own half for a short time until they broke away again to shoot left of Jake's goal.

Towards the later part of the half Lower Maze had a couple more attempts saved, but Lisburn Distillery played well with some good play from central-midfielders Thomas Seaton and Nathan Kerr.

The second-half saw Ryan making a good run early on but then Lower Maze won a corner from which a penalty was awarded for hand ball. The Lower Maze player stepped forward in the 38th minute and confidently struck the ball beyond Jake's reach to even the score. With their cage rattled the Whites stormed back with Nathan's high strike saved and left-winger Chris Finn setting up Jamie to maintain the pressure around Lower Maze's box. Ollie McGowan kept the hold on by winning Lisburn Distillery a corner which ended up in the side-netting. This dominant play was finally rewarded when Jamie was brought down in the box in the 47th minute and Ryan stormed in and collected the rebound to make it 2 - 1.

The remainder of the second half saw Lower Maze win a couple of corners and Whites' keeper Jake tested a couple more times, despite some nice touches from subs Luke Adamson and Michael Ferguson. The back four - Alex, Andrew, Sam Howard and Joel McIlroy - deserve extra credit for foiling several attacks, putting in some great hard tackles and placing some great balls up field to the mid-fielders.

All in all, despite the explosive start, the game was slow but sure for Lisburn Distillery. With their thoughts on other pressing matters maybe - a white-bearded man in a red suit perhaps - the boys ultimately came away with the win and can now get down to the serious business of opening some presents. Come the New Year I think we'll all be spotting a few pairs of shiny new boots being broken in.

Well done to all the boys - hope you all enjoy the holidays.

Paul Howard

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

The young Whites set off brightly winning plenty of ball and a couple of early corners when their first and probably best chance of the half came through striker Jamie Kidd’s cross into the box to winger Lee Blaney, who was unlucky connecting. Loughside were by no means out of the game, ploughing down the right wing to test Lisburn Distillery keeper Jake Molloy, who throughout the game seemed to run through an impressive variety of saves. After some positive tackling from right-back Sam Howard, Lisburn Distllery then saw a second burst on goal by Jamie but his shot just ran wide.

Loughside broke through again but were constantly blocked by centre-backs Andrew Girvan and Alexander Walker whilst Sam, left-back Joel McIlroy and captain Nathan Kerr continued to supply Jamie with some precision passes. The half ended with a Loughside goal disallowed as several players were caught offside and a couple of straight-forward saves for Jake.

Full of encouraging words and jaffa cakes, the Whites raised their game for the second half. The differences in the quality of passing between the two teams became more distinct – proven in the fluid play between Jamie, Nathan, Lee and right-winger Ryan McCrory who served Jamie with a perfect ball to put home in the thirty-second minute. Having secured a goal the Lisburn Distillery boys were now brimming with a confidence that rippled through the entire team. Midfielder Thomas Seaton supplied some super balls along the wing and forward Ollie McGowan put in a great shot as the pressure mounted on Loughside. Released out of the Loughside box through a long ball, play shifted to the other end of the pitch and saw Jake put in one of his most spectacular saves of the game.

As Chris Finn came on in the forty-second minute for Lee, the free-flowing passing continued – culminating in a stunning build-up to Lisburn Distillery’s second goal. The movement between Sam , Nathan, Jamie, who ran round the last Loughside defender, and finisher Ollie was outstanding. Forty-six minutes gone, the Whites found themselves two goals up.

Sustaining pressure in the Loughside box, their keeper was tested again until Loughside worked their way up the wing to eventually win a corner. From here in the fifty-first minute the ball rolled up the Loughside player's body enabling him to belt it in on the volley, giving Loughside some reward for their efforts.

Undaunted by conceding, the Whites were back dominating the Loughside half with a long shot from Nathan, just wide of the net. Breaking along the wing again Loughside found themselves blocked through Ollie’s great clearances and then caught out with a couple of shots from Ryan . Loughside came back with a final attacking burst, just wide again, before full-time was called.

A hard- fought but well deserved win for the Lisburn Distillery boys, who continue to develop in a way that shows that they can not only play a great standard of football but – most importantly – enjoy it. Second half saw some spectacular one-touch passing and movement from all the boys, so well done to you all. Good work. Special mention to Ollie, who, for me, put in his best performance to date. Let's hope the run continues in the Cup game next week.

Paul Howard

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Paul Howard

Cup fixtures took place for most of the George Best League last Saturday and this saw Lisburn Distillery's Under 10s pitched against Dungoyne at Lough Moss.

Having faced each other in the league back in October in a tight game, where Dungoyne just clinched it, it was always going to be interesting to see how the boys had developed their game since.

Lisburn Distillery entered the game positively with an early strike from Jamie Kidd proving unlucky in the first few minutes. Undeterred, holding off Dungoyne with some good tackling from midfielders Thomas Seaton and Ryan McCrory, it was down to captain Nathan Kerr to cross the ball into Dungoyne's box for left-winger Chris Finn to finish with confidence. Five minutes into the game, the Whites were 1 - 0 up.

With hardly any time to catch a breath Lisburn Distillery worked their way up into the Dungoyne half, where Ryan, set up by forward Ollie McGowan, shot over. The momentum kept going with Jamie's shot blocked only for Ryan to sweep in to net the rebound and with seven minutes gone it was 2 - 0 to Lisburn Distillery. It was at this point that Dungoyne started to pick up, putting a couple of shots wide and testing the Whites' defence - central defenders Andrew Girvan and Alexander Walker, aided by Chris all putting in some great clearances and strong tackles.

More chances came for the Whites with some creative passing from right-back Sam Howard through Thomas and Chris to Jamie, whose shot veered wide. Chris again, in what was undoubtedly his best performance, laid another great ball on to Jamie, but the keeper managed to hold the effort.
Then, nineteen minutes into the game, Sam struck a superb ball from the half-way line which allowed Jamie to finish with ease and find the back of the net.

Three goals up for Lisburn Distillery, but there were signs that Dungoyne were not about to give this game up yet, as they broke through only to have centre-back Andrew cut out the attack, by putting the ball out of play. Then, twenty-three minutes in, a Dungoyne player took advantage of a defensive error and beat Lisburn Distillery keeper Jake Molloy to pull one back. The remainder of the half saw some more great passes from Chris, strong blocking tackles from left-back Joel McIlroy, and another shot from Nathan saved.

The second half ran along in a similar way with more winning tackles from Ollie and then a super ball from Joel for Ryan to slip in with ease in the thirty-second minute to make it 4 - 1. After Dungoyne shot wide, Jamie set off on a cracking run only to be brought down just outside the box. Team-mate Ryan took the free-kick which the keeper held well. A similar event happened then at the other end of the pitch, only this time a penalty was awarded.

The penalty was converted in the thirty-nineth minute to put Dungoyne in with a chance with the score 4 - 2. This penalty almost proved to become a turning point in the game - one that left Lisburn Distillery disillusioned and Dungoyne played harder in a desperate attempt to win.

But it is a tremendous tribute to the attitude and ability of the young Whites that they withstood all sorts of pressure and injuries to record an excellent result

Dungoyne did pull another goal back but it did not matter in the final analysis - in a game that saw some great football for two-thirds of its duration, the disappointment of the final third cannot overshadow the sheer quality of the Whites' performance. They played with style and maintained their discipline when they needed it most and they more than deserved this victory.

Well done boys - you've made us all extremely proud.

Paul Howard

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Paul Howard

Lisburn Distillery's under 10s welcomed league leaders Springfield Star to Lough Moss on an unusually mild February morning on Saturday. With a couple of the regular team away it was a baptism of fire for three boys who were playing their first 11-a-side league match, which only left them hungry for more no doubt.

Springfield started off strong, pushing into the Whites' half and we needed good clearances from left-back Joel McIlroy and centre-back Andrew Girvan to keep them out. Working up the right wing Springfield eventually won their first corner, five minutes in, and the well-taken corner winged it's way past Whites keeper Jake Molloy following a headed effort on goal.

After a little more pressure around their box Lisburn Distillery's Jamie Kidd broke free but was ruled off-side. Play then reverted back to Springfield, who were always fast to the ball but they were constantly blocked and clearances made by defenders Sam Howard, Alex Walker and captain Nathan Kerr. The Whites pushed up along the left wing superbly through Sam, Nathan and Jamie, this culminated in a free kick being awarded to winger Ryan McCrory just to the right of the Springfield box, but his strike went left of the goal.

Springfield applied some more pressure, forcing the Whites to drop deep for a short while until, in the twenty-first minute, Lisburn Distillery came back with Jamie's best effort being saved, dropped, then saved again. It was back on the defensive again, the Whites' Thomas Seaton and Brandon Falconer putting in some great blocks before another Springfield shot went over the cross bar.

The second half continued with good defensive displays from the back four and a great piece of skilful goalkeeping from Jake. Entering the forty-fifth minute Lisburn Distillery picked up a gear and took the game to a new level as Nathan broke to give Jamie the opportunity to cross but the cross was blocked.Springfield fought back in this see-saw pattern of play. Jamie then stumbled as he ran into the box, but he was back a minute later to send a cross in towards Ryan and forward Colin Wilson who were unlucky not to be able to finish. Springfield, always quick to break, then gave Jake a chance to show his goalkeeping skills of to great effect.

We then saw some great football from both teams before Springfield had another chance on goal but super-sub Andrew McIvor stretched to clear the ball off the goal line. Despite a couple more breaks from Jamie and Nathan and a final piece of positive defending from Andrew the game ended with that one goal difference.

An unlucky result for the Whites, who probably deserved a draw in what was an even, well-tempered match. Although Springfield had most possession, both teams had the same number of chances and the Whites showed moments of great movement. An enjoyable game to watch and an encouraging debut for our three new boys - Colin, Brandon and Andrew. Well done to them and to all the rest of the boys.

Paul Howard

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Paul Howard

With their last fixture before the George Best League splits in two, Lisburn Distillery's under 10s faced Whitehead Eagles at the Billy Neill's pitches on Saturday. Being their last chance to gain three points to secure their place in the top half of the League, there was plenty to play for for the Whites. Their opponents, with three matches in hand and placed a couple of positions below Lisburn Distillery in the table, had the perfect opportunity to throw a spanner into the works.

The Whites began strongly, working along the right wing with some good balls from left-back Joel McIlroy. Forwards Jamie Kidd and Ollie McGowan applied some pressure, Jamie running a ball into the side-netting and then putting a left-footed shot wide. After the first five minutes Whitehead put in their first attack into the Whites' half which centre-back Andrew Girvan blocked well. With a fine pass from right-back Sam Howard to winger Ryan McCrory play remained right of the box until Whitehead broke down the wing to win their first corner.

Fifteen minutes into the game Whitehead saw a shot pass wide of the goa before play became focused around the half-way line. Whitehead turned up the heat but Whites left-winger Chris Finn passed well to Jamie, who was unlucky falling on his run toward goal. Whitehead then took the lead, a high shot giving Jake no chance in the twenty-eighth minute.

Undeterred, Lisburn Distillery came back strongly with Ollie putting in a great shot which the Whitehead keeper saved well. Then in the twenty-nineth minute Thomas took a corner that Ryan put a way after the keeper fumbled, to even the scores.

The second half saw Whitehead adopt a more determined role, putting in a couple of efforts that were saved until they finally beat Jake from a rebound thirty-two minutes into the game. Despite Ollie's unlucky effort hitting the side-netting Lisburn Distillery looked out of the game as Whitehead netted another goal on thirty-five minutes.

With the exception of a five minute burst where Ryan's shot was saved and Ollie shot over the crossbar, the Whites played out the remainder of the game
in their own half, unable to retain possession. Whitehead managed to score again but were ruled off-side. Apart from a few good clearances from centre-
back Alexander Walker and sub Ryan Ferguson, the young Whites looked like they had lost heart.

A disappointing result for the boys, who will no doubt be hard on themselves for their second half performance. They had their chances mainly in first half
but were unlucky. No longer able to influence their position in the George Best League come the split, they now have the next round of the
cup to focus on this week - a tough game against Banbridge. So chins up lads - let's show them a team that can play some great football.

Paul Howard

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Paul Howard

Lisburn Distillery's U10s made the journey down the A1 to Crystal Park to face Banbridge Town Juniors in the quarter finals of the Mayor Cup on Saturday. Recalling their last meeting, where the Banbridge boys pulled back two goals in the second half to finish three a-piece, it was quite clear that the game held much anticipation on both sides. The question was, would it be able to live up to such expectation?

With an early attack from Banbridge the Whites soon pulled back to win their first corner of the game, keeping the pressure on for the first five minutes until Banbridge broke into the Lisburn Distillery half before centre-back Alexander Walker cleared. Banbridge came back through again but were blocked, giving the Whites their first free-kick. Forward Jamie Kidd was then given a second free from just outside the Banbridge box, eventually from which winger Ryan McCrory was unlucky with an effort that bounced kindly for the Banbridge keeper.

Fifteen minutes in Banbridge were back up in the Lisburn Distillery half, winning their first corner, which Jamie cleared well. Then back at the half-way line right-back Sam Howard then struck a good long ball into the box which the Banbridge keeper was quick to collect. With some nice passing through Sam, captain Nathan Kerr and left-back Joel McIlroy, Banbridge took possession and slipped through the central defence to force Whites' keeper Jake Molloy into his first real save of the game. With nothing coming from a free-kick from outside the box play moved to the centre of the pitch until Jamie and forward Ollie McGowan
broke into the Banbridge half. With the Whites then losing possession Banbridge tore down the right wing in the twenty-second minute giving their player the chance to chip one over Jake and take the lead.

After conceding, the Whites lifted their game, working well along the wing with some fine passing between Nathan, Joel and left-winger Chris Finn. Maintaining the pressure around the Banbridge box nothing seemed to give until Nathan took a free-kick which culminated in Ryan getting a foot to it as the Banbridge keeper lost control and the ball rolled over the line. Twenty-eight minutes down, the Whites were now even.

The momentum of the last ten minutes continued for the Lisburn Distillery boys with a strike from Nathan being saved before Banbridge broke-up the pattern of play. With good clearances from centre-back Andrew Girvan, Joel and a crucial goal-mouth clearance from Sam, a blistering first half finally came to an end.

Banbridge started the second half with an early strike, which Jake held well, then overran their attack to win a corner. Jamie blocked the corner, turned and created a great run with Ollie before Banbridge won a free-kick in their half. With Banbridge then putting pressure around the Whites' box Joel finally got to clear before Banbridge hit Jake's side-netting. Right-back Sam then had an inspirational spell delivering some great balls to Jamie and Ollie and then, once more as Banbridge counter-attacked he put pressure on their last man to force his shot wide.

It was a tight game - the Whites' mid-fielder Thomas Seaton and Joel putting in some strong tackles whilst Jamie set out on another run which Banbridge managed to cut short before taking control of the game. Attacking again, Jake made another great save, but Banbridge piled on the pressure forty-five minutes in with a nice turn on the ball to give Jake another effort to save. The tables turned once more as Andrew fed a decent ball up to Chris who then found Ollie but he was unlucky with his cross and Jamie was only able to strike his shot just left of the net. Banbridge then broke through the centre but fired high and wide and then in the fifty-sixth minute, working up through the centre, Nathan crossed to Chris on the left, who put in a brilliant finish to give the Whites the lead.

Always a vulnerable time, Banbridge moved at a fierce pace to give Jake another hard shot, which he saved, but the rebound enabled a Banbridge player to turn the ball over the line. Fifty-seven minutes gone and it was all square again at 2 - 2. Lifted by their equaliser Banbridge tested Jake again and had Sam working hard in defence until Ollie broke out with Ryan back up the pitch to end the game with a build up on the edge of the Banbridge box as the whistle blew for the end of normal time..

Into the first period of extra time, the Whites kept the momentum going with Ollie firing over the bar. Banbridge then came back but Sam broke through with a great feed to Jamie and the on to Ryan before Banbridge got possession back with from a free-kick. Another fine display of passing from the Whites ended a good first period.

The second period of extra time continued the movement with Sam setting up Jamie who just struck his effort wide. Building on a free-kick from their half Banbridge came back, but were blocked until they struck gold, their player belting the ball into the left corner of the goal to give Banbridge the winning goal in the final minute of extra time. Still battling on, the Whites continued to attack with Nathan's last shot running wide as the final whistle blew with Lisburn Distillery deep in the Banbridge half.

Words are little consolation when a team gives 100 per cent without the result, but to say that this game had the spectators jumping up and down would be an under-statement. Both teams gave us a wonderful game of football and went beyond the high pre-match expectations. The boys played an awesome game despite the final result and were, if anything, unlucky. There was always going to be one goal in it and when pushed in a cup game for one winner, Banbridge just clinched it.

Well done to all the boys for a first-class performance and thanks also to our two subs Brandon Falconer and Andrew McIvor for being with us for the experience.
.

Paul Howard

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Paul Howard

With the second phase of the George Best League starting and the league now split in two, Lisburn Distillery's Under 10s, in the top half, played in the first of several tough fixtures against Dungoyne at Lough Moss.

With it only having been a few weeks since they last met, when Lisburn Distillery put them out of the cup, Dungoyne were obviously keen to
come away the result here, but the young Whites started well, putting the Dungoyne keeper to workuntil Dungoyne built on a free kick to break through the centre only to be blocked by right winger Ryan McCrory. Then in the sixth minute midfielder Thomas Seaton laid on a great ball from the half way line
to striker Jamie Kidd, who chipped the ball into the top right corner to putting the Whites ahead, one-nil.

After Ryan saw his shot blocked, and after a Lisburn Distillery corner, Dungoyne broke along the wing shooting wide as the referee whistled for
off-side. Another corner for the Whites resulted in another Dungoyne break, but this time they shot over the crossbar. A Lisburn Distillery free-kick saw
some a good ball laid on from left back Joel McIlroy to Jamie but he was ruled off-side. This happened again and then again for forward Ollie
McGowan until Dungoyne put in a strong attack, which centre-back Andrew Girvin cleared well. With some more good play from Joel to left winger
Chris Finn, Whites' captain Nathan Kerr was awarded a free-kick just left of the Dungoyne box. From this Jamie popped in his second goal in the twenty-second minute.

Whites' keeper Jake Molloy made a good save from the re-start after Dungoyne won a free-kick for hand-ball. With centre-back
Alexander Walker blocking another Dungoyne break, the visitors had another free-kick which came to nothing until Joel was brought down, winning a free for
Lisburn Distillery. Joel was then back up clearing a break along the wing although from the corner Dungoyne hit the side-netting. After some more solid defenesive work, Alexander then delivered a great ball for Jamie but he was fouled before Alexander found himself down folloing a heavy challenge.

The second half saw Dungoyne start off on the defence as the Whites won a corner, but then they broke to shoot over the cross-bar. They kept pressure on the Whites' box with a couple of throw-ins, before they hit the post and then netted the rebound in the thirty-seventh minute, making it 2 - 1.
With Ben Wightman on for Chris, Lisburn Distillery found themselves on the defensive but held firm with some more great blocking from Joel.

Dungoyne continued attacking and had a goal ruled out for off-side. With play back along the wing, right-back Sam Howard put in a couple of clearances and Nathan laid on a great ball to Jamie who was subsequently brought down to win a free for Lisburn Distillery.Dungoyne broke again with Alex and Jamie holding them well. Dungoyne were then reduced to ten men after an incident in the Whites' area but they kept the Whites under pressure, putt ing in a long range shot shot which Jake saved well off the bounce and then he made another great save from aDungoyne corner. After a second corner hit the side-netting , the Whites made good ground into the Dungoyne half before Jamie was ruled off-side snd that was that in terms of action.

This was a tough game again however once again, I have to congratulate the Lisburn Distillery boys for playing football and concentrating on their own game. That discipline paid off and they will be happy, and relieved, to have taken the three points here. Well done to the young Whites.

Paul Howard

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Paul Howard

With a familiar feeling - an early ride down the A1 - Lisburn Distillery's Under 10s played Banbridge Town Juniors between the showers on Saturday. This time however, the boys got to play on the main pitch at Crystal Park - which was a real treat for us all. Having been put out of the Cup just a few weeks ago, in the tightest of games, the Whites would be keen to see if they could come back this time with the result.

Undaunted by the pitch, the Whites started off well, maintaining pressure in the Banbridge half with striker Jamie Kidd picking up on a left-footed pass from right-back Sam Howard to force Banbridge to make the first save of the match. This dominance wasn't to last though as Banbridge gathered pace and, despite some good defence from centre-back Alexander Walker and a couple of simple collects from Lisburn Distillery keeper Jake Molloy, they looked prepared to settle in and around the Whites' box. Easing the pressure, midfielder Thomas Seaton broke into the Banbridge half placing a great ball to Jamie, who was brought down to give Lisburn Distillery their first free-kick. From this Sam took a chance with a long-range shot which veered just wide.

Breaking up the left wing Banbridge remained in the Lisburn Distillery half until in the fourteenth minute Scott Thompson capitalized on a defensive error to put the home team one up. Having conceded Lisburn Distillery seemed stuck in a groove, finding little in the way of attack, with the exception of winger Ryan McCrory's cross from the edge of the box to Jamie, whose effort was comfortably held by the Banbridge keeper. In saying that, it wasn't as if Banbridge were firing the shots, but they were able to dominate possession for the remainder of the half.

The Whites' second half started with Thomas taking a chance with a long shot, but once again in the thirty-third minute, Banbridge found a hole in the visitor's defence to beat Jake and give them a two goal lead, Now sometimes that 'game of two halves' cliche rings true. and from this second goal the Whites came back with some good work between Ryan and forward Ollie McGowan which led to Lisburn Distillery's first corner of the game. Then with some strong linking play between wingers Chris Finn, Ryan and the forwards, the boys worked up the wing to force play around the Banbridge box. They won a free kick just in front of goal which Banbridge managed to clear well.

The Whites kept the pressure going and forced two consecutive corners, something had to give in front of goal and it was Joel who came up to blast the ball through the defence to score. Forty-three minutes in and Lisburn Distillery were on the comeback trail.

The rest of the half produced more attacking play from both teams, with centre-back Andrew Girvin proving essential with his clearances for the Whites, and
captain Nathan Kerr supplying the forwards with a good long ball which resulted in Jamie being brought down in the box and the Whites getting a penalty.
Stepping up to the spot, in the fifty-seventh minute, Nathan cooly beat the keeper with a confident strike to even the score. The final minutes saw both teams playing more attacking football in search of the winning goal, but the end, was not to be.

Matches against Banbridge have always been tight and even, the exception being the cup game where Banbridge clinched it after extra time. Always a good fixture, this occasion seemed to lack the usual spark that generates between the two teams. Perhaps if the Whites had secured some of the early chances they would have been more inspired in the first half, instead it wasn't until after the second goal was conceded that they began to keep possession and play some good football. Coming back from the two goal deficit only showed the difference between the two halves' performances. Nonetheless, well done to all the boys for bouncing back.

Paul Howard

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Paul Howard

On a bitterly cold Saturday morning Lisburn Distillery's Under 10s welcomed current league leaders Lisburn Youth to Lough Moss. Having met before at the start of the season it was going to be interesting to see how the two teams had developed since. Lisburn Youth were clear winners last time round, but would the young Whites be able to turn things around this time?

Lisburn Youth took early control of the game but were soon contending with strong tackles from left-back Joel McIlroy and midfielder Thomas Seaton who pulled play around, moving into the Lisburn Youth half. With a fine pass along the right wing to Ryan McCrory, Sam Titterington had an impressive first touch in this, his 11-a-side debut. He figured again in a fluid piece of passing between captain Nathan Kerr and striker Jamie Kidd, resulting in a corner for the Whites. Despite Jamie's driving attack Lisburn Youth pushed the Whites' back and, moments later, were awarded a penalty after Lisburn Distillery keeper Jake Molloy came out and clashed with their forward, who, ten minutes in, put Lisburn Youth ahead.

The Whites put on a determined come-back as Thomas showed great control and put in a precision pass to winger Chris Finn in the left corner, which unfortunately came to nothing as Lisburn Youth intercepted and then tested Jake's keeping skills as he put in a terrific save. Lisburn Youth were keeping the Whites under a bit of pressure. Despite Jamie tucking away a couple more shots for the Lisburn keeper to save, the young Whites were having to play defensively, with Sam Howard filling in the centre-back role this week, putting in a few essential clearances. After a strong build up Lisburn Youth broke through to net a gift of a second goal some twenty-four minutes in.

Less than a couple of minutes later Lisburn Distillery were back in the visitor's box when, amidst calls for hand ball, Thomas struck to put the boys back in with a chance at 1 - 2 in the twenty-sixth minute. Boosted by the goal, Lisburn Distillery managed to keep this momentum going as they entered the second half until, after an initial save from Jake, the ball found itself back in front of the net, Lisburn Youth making it 1 - 3 in the thirty-fifth minute.

Lisburn Youth then put away their fourth, in the forty-fourth minute. With Brandon Falconer on for Ollie, he made a good impression helping move through the centre to give Ryan a shot at goal, which the keeper held well. Another attacking burst came through left-back Joel to Nathan then on to Jamie on a blistering run to the box, but he was kept out by some strong defensive play. The Whites were under a spell of pressure with Joel having to make a couple of clearances until Nathan broke through but the home side couldn't finish.Lisburn Youth finished the game in fifty-fifth minute with their fifth and final goal.

Despite the final score-line, the result would imply that it was all Lisburn Youth, which would be somewhat unfair on the home side. The Lisburn Distillery boys were unfortunate with their chances, whereas the visitors finished theirs. Had the Whites secured that second goal at the end of the first half the game may have turned for them but as we all know - that's football for you.

The goal difference may have been the same as when the teams last met, but at least this time, the Whites had some consolation with a great strike. Well done to all the boys - especially to Sam Titterington for playing so well on his first outing for the 10's.

Paul Howard

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Matches summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Ian Titterington

Squad -Tim Robinson, Sam Titterington, Jason Bell, Colin Wilson, Mathew McKensie, Ben Wightman, Paul Maghie, Aaron Lyons, Brandon Falconer

Another very good week of performances by the boys.Their efforts in all the games were excellent , if they had more luck in front of goal the drawn games could all have been turned into victories.This was the case especially against Brazil soccer where the lads hit the post and crossbar and had something like 8 corner kicks.

Ian Titterington

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Matches summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Ian Titterington

Squad -Tim Robinson, Ben Wightman, Sam Titterington, Jack McCullough, Paul Maghie, Brandon Falconer,Aaron Lyons, Colin Wilson, Jason Bell

Another good weekend with three wins out of five and a few more goals this week for the U9s.Two late defeats were unfortunate but the boys will be pleased with their efforts on Saturday..

Ian Titterington

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Matches summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Ian Titterington

Another excellent run of results this week, even more so given that we had a number of absentees. This meant we had no substitutes for any of our games and also no recognised goalkeeper. Jason Bell, Sam Titterington, Brandon Falconer and Ben Wightman all took turns in nets, they all performed brilliantly only conceding a goal in the final game.

Colin Wilson again was on the score sheet twice and is turning into a bit of a prolific striker. Most pleasing was our victory over St Marys considering that they are a very good side that previously had beaten the Whites team 3-0 twice and 1-0 last week.

Colin and Brandon's goals were complimented all day by great midfield and defensive displays from Sam Titterington, Aaron Lyons, Jason Bell, Mathew McKensie and Ben Wightman.

Ian Titterington

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Matches summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Ian Titterington

Team - Mathew Gillan,Sam Titterington, Paul Maghie, Mathew McKensie,Ben Wightman, Aaron Lyons, Jason Bell, Thomas Ryan, Colin Wilson, Brandon Falconer

The under 9 B team started with a great victory over the Brazil Soccer School Lisburn B,however we should have done better in our next two matches> A defensive error against Donegal Celtic and a very unfortunate own goal against Hillsborough Boys meant that we lost games that we were capable of winning.

The last game was the best one of the day. The Brazil soccer schools A team raced into an early two goal lead with a couple of good strikes and our boys looked dead and buried and possibly on the way to a sizeable defeat. Then Brandon Falconer playing on the right side of midfield scored a fine individual effort that changed the game. After this the lads pushed hard for the equaliser creating good chances. Just when they thought it wasn't going to come Sam Titterington popped up on the edge of the box to tackle a defender and place the ball in the corner of the net. In the end the draw was a fair result and at least the boys got some reward for a hard days play.

Ian Titterington

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Matches summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Ian Titterington

The day started with a match between both Whites' teams and it was a tight affair with Brandon Falconer giving the B team an early lead which they held until near the end when Methembe Khumalo equalised. This was probably the best result for both sides.

The B team's day was littered with terrible luck in front of goal which denied them of two or three deserved victories. However they showed their usual great character especially against Donegal Celtic's A team who are a strong side. The boys battled very hard , hit the post twice and ran themselves into the ground right to the end

Ian Titterington

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Matches summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Ian Titterington

The boys got off to a slow start this week against Hillsborough, which resulted in a one nil reverse from a long range effort towards the end. In our second match we went one nil down to an own goal before fighting back well and equalising through Colin Wilson. The boys pushed forward for the winner and were unlucky to concede a penalty near the end that cost us the game.

In the next game with Ardoyne B we finally got into our stride and despite again going a goal down two goals from Brandon Falconer took us into the lead before a Colin Wilson effort clinched the match.

The last match with Donegal Celtic A was as usual a very good and highly competitive game between two good sides. Both teams fought hard and created chances. The Whites' defence and midfield was excellent in this game and it was centre back Mathew McKensie who sealed victory with a long range shot.

Ian Titterington

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Matches summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Ian Titterington

This was our last series of games before the mid-winter break and the boys made sure that we went out with a bang. Their performances all day were exceptional recording three wins and a draw. Once again they triumphed over fellow Carnegie Premier League side Donegal Celtic and had a brilliant display in the match with Ardoyne, recording their best win to date.

The draw against St Marys was a very tight affair but again the boys showed their determination and skill.

Colin Wilson put in a fantastic display of finishing, scoring 8 goals, some of his goals had the watching parents gasping and in the last game he even scored direct from the kick off. However he could not have scored without the ammunition provided from a midfield of Aaron Lyons, Sam Titterington and Brandon Falconer who dominated all morning. Brandon also scored a brilliant long range effort against Ardoyne.

The defence of goalkeeper Mathew Gillen, Mathew McKensie and Ben Wightman also put on a great show only conceding one goal and that was in the final game.

Ian Titterington

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Matches summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Ian Titterington

Lisburn Distillery A got off to a bad start on Saturday but showed great character to turn around from a heavy defeat in their first game and come away with 3 magnificent victories and a draw in their next games.

The scorers were Thomas Ryan 3 , Ryan Ferguson 2 , Mthembe Khumalo 2, Paul Maghie 1

Lisburn Distillery B had a tough day having lost four players from their usual squad, two being promoted to the under tens and two were absent. Two boys Scott Thompson and Josh Tipping were brought in from the under eights and performed admirably, Scott scoring the winner in the first game and Josh doing some heroics in nets.

Overall it was a very pleasing day, considering the majority of our boys are 8 and 7 year olds and were competing against a lot of 9 and 10 year olds in some teams it showed the level of performance the boys are putting in

Ian Titterington

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Matches summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Ian Titterington

Lisburn Distillery A had things slightly tougher this week with one win a draw and three defeats. Their luck deserted them in front of goal, but there was some good performances throughout the team particularly Thomas Ryan whose midfield play was excellent.

Lisburn Distillery B had a good day with three wins one draw and one defeat .A bit more luck in the game against Lower Maze would have resulted in a deserved fourth win, the boys hit the post on numerous occasions in this one. There were good displays all over the park, from Sam Titterington who played every game in nets because of an injury and only conceded in one game, to all the goal scorers. Mathew Mckensie also played well in his first games for two months and Lee Blaney was excellent in midfield all day

Ian Titterington

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Matches summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Ian Titterington

It was an excellent day at Queens for the Whites, with both teams performing brilliantly all morning. This resulted in a record of 7 wins and a draw from 8 games. our two highest goalscorers were Ollie Magowan on loan from the under tens and Brandon Falconer.
Although these two scored most of the goals the rest of the players were also magnificent, and for both sides only to concede 2 goals between them in eight games was also a great achievement. So well done to the lads and hopefully they can carry on the good work for the rest of the season.

Ian Titterington

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy

Matches summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net and Ian Titterington

It was a pretty good day all round for the under 9 teams at Queens. Mthembe Khumalo had a great day in front of goal for the A team scoring 4 times in 3 games.The C team also had a good win over Orangefield with Michael Ferguson scoring a fine effort.
Lisburn Distillery B team were once again undefeated, the boys have now gone on an amazing run of 17 games without a defeat . Included in this run was a fine victory at the easter tournament at Cregagh were 5 wins in their 5 games saw them lift the cup. The tournament also saw Lisburn Distillery win the plate final. So a big well done to everyone and keep up the hard work.

Ian Titterington

Sponsor of Lisburn Distillery Youth Academy