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

Report from Andy Stevenson

A difficult away trip to begin the campaign but even after going behind, the Whites battled their way back in to the game. Nyal Walsh levelled the scores in the 65th minute and custodian Chris McCluskey, with a string off great saves, secured a valuable point

.
Team: McCluskey, Healy (McGarry 70), Sullivan, Ralph, Stewart, McMahon, Hyslop, Stone, Elliott (Miller 70), Walsh (Neill 80).

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

Report from Andy Stevenson

After conceding within the first few minutes, goalkeeping hero from the previous week, Chris McCluskey had to leave the game with two fractured fingers. Deaglan McMahon took the gloves and after Mark Patton equalised from the penalty spot in the eighth minute things looked as if they would settle down.
A lack of concentration following a Lisburn Distillery free kick gave the ball to Dungannon, who broke swiftly and extended their lead. The conversion of two penalties before the break left the Whites 4-1 down and a mountain to climb in the second period.

The visitors snatched an early goal within minutes of the restart and fearing the worst the Whites made wholesale changes. Rather than sitting back and with nothing to lose Stephen Elliott and Matthew Neill were added to the attack, their inclusion proving vital as the visitors were pushed back deep into their own half.

Neill headed home first from a Patton cross to give a ray of hope, then Elliott reduced the deficit to only two when he smashed his volley beyond the Swifts keeper to set up a frantic last ten minutes. A combination of good goalkeeping and the woodwork ensured the victory for Dungannon but the response from the Lisburn Distillery players during the second half was by far the biggest positive of the game.

Team: McCluskey (Healy 10), Hogg, Sullivan, Ralph (Elliott 45), McVea, McMahon, Price, Stone (Neill 45), Mallon, Patton, Dixon.

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

Report from Andy Stevenson

Portadown went ahead after only 20 seconds, scoring a fabulous curling effort from the left, direct from the kick off.

The game was evenly matched and neither keeper was kept too busy with most of the play concentrated in the middle third.

After the break Lisburn Distillery had the better chances, the home team sitting back defending their lead. Deaglan McMahon made a positive run through the heart of the Portadown rearguard only to be fouled as he was about to strike the ball. Gary Stone slotted the resulting spot kick past the keeper with 56 minutes gone and as the Whites pushed for the winner they became more frustrated until Michael Healy let his emotions get the better of him and received a red card for retaliation.

The remaining 20 minutes were much more open than at any other time in the game but the score remained unchanged and the points were shared.

Team: Armstrong, Hogg, Sullivan, Ralph, Healy, McMahon (Neill 66), Stone, Baker, Walsh (Elliott 66), Mallon, Price (McGarry 80).

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

Report from Andy Stevenson

After gaining their first win last week the Whites were high on confidence and for once they got their noses in front.

Total domination of the early exchanges led to a fantastic opener when Matthew Stitt pounced on a loose ball from a corner, his volley soared into the roof of the net through the busy Cookstown penalty area giving the home side a deserving lead with only 20 minutes gone

A relentless period of pressure on the Cookstown goal should have produced more goals but a combination of resolute defending and some fine work between the sticks kept the lead to a single goal. Lisburn Distillery added to their total after 33 minutes when Nyal Walsh slipped his marker and ran onto a through ball from Mark Patton. The busy striker lifted the ball over the oncoming keeper giving the Whites a comfortable lead at the interval.

Cookstown offered little resistance after the break keeping large numbers behind the ball but their game plan was holding up as they proved a hard nut to crack. Running out of ideas, Lisburn Distillery introduced some fresh legs to try and break the visitors down, Padraig Baker and David Hume replaced Mark Patton and Deaglan McMahon in midfield while Kyle Stevenson was given his debut replacing Nyal Walsh in the forward line. Even with their youthful exuberance and pace Cookstown held firm and the Whites had to be content with their two first half goals.

Team: Armstrong, McGarry, Sullivan, Hogg, Ralph, McMahon (Hume 80), Stitt, Stone, Walsh (Stevenson 80), Patton (Baker 60), Mallon.

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

Report from Andy Stevenson

The fine form and results continued as the Whites travelled to Fermanagh to play Ballinamallard. Taking an early lead again as Stephen Mallon finally found his shooting boots in the fifth minute. The usually potent forward hadn't looked like scoring since his move from Glentoran but when Sean Price crossed to the back post after a great run, Mallon never took his eyes off the ball and smashed his half volley into the corner of the net.

Positive and direct play kept the Whites camped in the opponents half. In the 20th minute Gary Stone floated a corner to the back post, the ball was cleared as far as Conor Sullivan on the edge of the area, his shot deflected off the referees boot and Nyal Walsh simply headed the ball unchallenged into the net.
Lisburn Distillery completely outclassed the home side moving the ball around effortlessly, most of the play being channelled through Padraig Baker, whose vision and control belied his sixteen years. The half time whistle arrived and the only concern for the Whites was a head injury to defensive stalwart Chris Ralph who had to be replaced by Michael Healy.

The second period saw the continuation of Lisburn Distillery's one and two touch passing, opening holes in the home teams defence at will. In the 53rd minute Gary Stone found Stephen Mallon wide on the left, he knocked the ball first time into the box and Matthew Stitt rose highest of all to power a header past the outstretched keeper and put the game beyond Ballinamallard.

The final half hour saw the introduction of Danny Ferris and Deaglan McMahon but even with sustained pressure the final goal of the game came as a consolation for Ballinamallard who in the dying minutes forced a series of corners and converted one with almost the last kick of the game.

Team: Armstrong, McGarry, Sullivan, Hogg, Ralph (Healy 45), Baker, Price, Stone, Stitt (Ferris 60), Walsh (McMahon 65), Mallon.

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

Report from Andy Stevenson

Our recent run of form was brought to an abrupt end by a Glentoran side who simply wanted the win more than we did.

After squandering an early chance to go ahead the Whites found themselves defending for long periods and eventually fell a goal behind. Then Glens were stronger and well organised but a battling performance got the Whites to the interval still only one down.

Matthew Stitt was replaced by Nyal Walsh as the Whites pushed for an equaliser but it was the visitors who extended their lead. Michael Healy was introduced to the home side's defence to add a little steel and when Nyal Walsh lifted the ball over the Glens keeper on 58minutes the game became a much more evenly contested affair. As the Whites gradually got on top and looked very much like they would snatch an equaliser Gavin Walsh replaced Dan McGarry, to give some added pace on the right but with just over ten minutes remaining the Glens scored twice in a frantic three minutes to put the game beyond the Lisburn lads.

Team: McCluskey, McGarry (G. Walsh 65), Sullivan, Hogg, Ralph (Healy 50), Baker, Price, McMahon, Stitt (N. Walsh 45), Ferris, Mallon.

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

Report from Andy Stevenson

A few changes, some forced but the majority of these were to give a game to the fringe players in an attempt to evaluate their worth to the squad. From the opening moments a lack of leadership and, probably more damaging, a failure to communicate caused major problems for the Whites.
Glenavon set the tempo and gained control early in the game and never looked troubled. Two unanswered strikes in the first period and the third goal arriving mid-way through the second gave the Lurgan blues a fully deserved 3 points as their effort and desire by far outweighed that of the Lisburn lads.
The only positive from the day was the performance of the Under16’s keeper Chris Stewart, drafted in at the eleventh hour, and even though he was beaten on 3 occasions he showed great resolve and presence and will definitely be one to keep an eye on.

Team; C Stewart, G Walsh, A Chambers, C Stewart, R O’Hare, L Cathcart, D McMahon (T Craig 42), P Baker (C Ralph 65), S Price, N Walsh, S Mallon (M Stitt 65).

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

Report from Andy Stevenson

A scrappy affair on a tight pitch that both teams struggled to cope with. Even after Padraig Baker gave the Whites an early lead, his scissor kick volley from 30yds was straight out of the top drawer, neither team seemed able to sustain any periods of pressure. Lisburn Distillery extended their lead after 15minutes, a loose ball falling to the predatory Nyal Walsh who calmly chipped the ball over the on-rushing keeper into an empty net. Chris Ralph was unable to run off a knock to his knee and was replaced by Conor Sullivan.

Loughgall with nothing to lose began to over-run the Whites and certainly played the better football. They gained their just reward after half an hour when they reacted quickest to a bouncing ball and smashed home from close range.The game was levelled after 41minutes when the visitors smashed a volley beyond Armstrong but a low driven corner from Tom Craig was turned into the net by Greg Hall right on the stroke of half time to restore the lead for the Whites.

With that late goal confidence was high as the second period began. Plenty of direct play down the flanks created opportunities and Deaglan McMahon floated an inch perfect cross to Matthew Stitt and he drove the ball through a crowded box to give the Whites a two goal cushion with half an hour to go.

Loughgall again rallied and pulled one back after Distillery failed to clear from a 65th minute corner.Greg Hall had to retire following a foot injury and was replaced by young forward Kyle Stevenson.

Team; Armstrong, McGarry, O'Hare, Hall (Stevenson 70), Ralph (Sullivan 25), Hume, Baker, McMahon, Walsh, Stitt, Craig.

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

Report from Andy Stevenson

A cold, wet, windy day at New Grosvenor but nothing could dampen the spirits of the youth team as they cruised to an emphatic victory.

With less than 30 seconds on the clock Man of the Match Padraig Baker put the Whites ahead.

Stephen Mallon added a second after 17minutes, winger Mark Patton was unlucky having his effort tipped onto the crossbar but Mallon reacted quickest and simply headed home from close range. In the 20th minute Greg Dixon began and finished a great sequence of short, sharp passing that cut through the heart of the visitors defence to give the home side a third.

Continued pressure led to a fourth goal before the break when Nyal Walsh slipped the ball passed the outstretched keeper.

Chris Murdock was replaced by Dan McGarry for the start of the second period and Steven Mallon made way for Conor Sullivan. The Whites remained well on top but it took until the 65th minute before they added to their total. Mark Patton forced another save from the Armagh keeper but Scott Davidson smashed the rebound into the unguarded net.

Deaglan McMahon replaced Baker with 25minutes remaining and was involved immediately combining with Blaney and Patton, forging down the left flank the move being finished by Ryan Blaney as his low drive cut across the keeper into the far corner of the net.

Patton was the provider again as his 77th minute corner was headed powerfully home by centre back Glenn McVea.

Scott Davidson, moved out wide on the right, caused Armagh all kinds of problems in the last ten minutes. Crossing on 82minutes for Greg Dixon to score with his head and just two minutes later Davidson crossed again only for the Armagh centre half to turn the ball into his own net.

Nyal Walsh completed the rout when in the last minute he was left with a simple tap-in after good work from Mark Patton.

Team; Armstrong, Murdock (McGarry 45), Blaney, Hall, McVea, Baker (McMahon 65), Davidson, Dixon, Walsh, Mallon (Sullivan 60), Patton, Hume.

Web-note - Youth Team boss Andy Stevenson also thanked all those who turned up to support the Youth team on Saturday.

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241107 - Carnegie Youth League - Section A - Dungannon Swifts 3 Lisburn Distillery Youth 0 Match Report

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

Report from Andy Stevenson

A disappointing result but over the ninety minutes the home side fully deserved the points.

For the second time in this fixture the Whites lost their keeper during the early stages and as before Deaglan McMahon pulled on the gloves. He also as before had to face two penalties, both converted one, in each half. But if it wasn’t for some heroics from McMahon between the sticks the score-line could have been embarrassing. Dungannon took advantage of the Whites pushing to get back into the game and netted again but at no time did the Lisburn lads drop their heads. A spirited performance epitomised by man of the match Ryan O’Hare who drove the team on right until the final whistle.

Team; Armstrong (Stone 20), McGarry (Stitt 55), Sullivan (Hume 75), Hall, O’Hare, Walsh, Baker, McMahon, Walsh, Mallon, Craig.

Web-note - Andy Stevenson, the staff and players wish goalkeeper Mark Armstrong a speedy recovery. Mark damaged ligaments in his right ankle and could be out for some time.

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

Report from Andy Stevenson

Even after taking an early lead the Whites never looked comfortable. Deaglan McMahon headed home from a Thomas Craig corner in the eighth minute but from that point onwards Donegal Celtic were very much on top. After continued pressure through quick, direct, attacking play the Celtic lads equalised and then just before the break took a well deserved lead.

A few home truths during the interval seemed to have the desired effect as the Whites got themselves back in the game within minutes of the restart. Dean Moore volleyed the equalising goal after 47 minutes and should have given the visitors the lead but for some smart work from the Celtic Keeper.

Andy Chambers replaced Perry McIlroy and Daniel Ferris made way for Matthew Harper as the Whites pushed for the win.

In the 72 minute the referee saw a foul on Deaglan McMahon and awarded a penalty. Gary Stone slotted the ball home from the spot and it looked like all three points were going home with the Lisburn lads but with almost the last kick of the game Donegal Celtic snatched a third giving them a share of the points and an altogether fairer score line.

Team: McCluskey, McIlroy (Chambers 60), Sullivan, Hume, O’Hare, McMahon, Stevenson, Stone, Moore, Ferris (Harper 65), Craig. Stewart.

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

Report from Andy Stevenson

An encouraging victory after nearly a month without any competitive football. After a frantic opening period the Whites settled and took control of the game. Dean Moore opened the scoring on 16 minutes after a through ball from Conor Sullivan split the defence leaving Dean with the keeper to beat from 8yds.

Dean turned provider for the next goal skipping past the last defender to square the ball for fellow strike partner Nyal Walsh to tap-in on the half hour mark.

The game was over as a contest when on the stroke of half time Deaglan McMahon slid in at the far post to poke home a cross from Sean Price.

Immediately after the restart Nyal Walsh was fouled just inside the Loughgall penalty area and skipper Gary Stone converted from the spot giving the Whites a four goal cushion in the 47th minute.

Loughgall grabbed a consolation goal with around 30minutes remaining but never looked like threatening after that.

From the restart Lisburn Distillery broke down the left and Conor Sullivan smashed his long range effort past the Loughgall keeper who was rooted to the spot.

Deaglan McMahon and Ryan O’Hare were replaced by Conor Platt and Jonny Miller before Man of the Match Sean Price sealed the victory with a well struck drive in the 65th minute. Continued pressure brought plenty of opportunities but the Whites couldn’t take advantage of their dominance and add to the tally.

Another positive was the return of Padraig Baker who after a lengthy spell on the treatment table returned for the last 10 minutes after Dean Moore took a knock.

Team: McCluskey, G. Walsh, Hall, McVea, O’Hare (Miller 65), Price, McMahon (Platt 65), Stone, N. Walsh, Moore (Baker 80), Sullivan.

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

Report from Andy Stevenson

Definitely a game of two halves but overall a fair result. With only a couple of minutes played Gavin Walsh smashed a long range effort off the bar and Nyal Walsh had the simple task of tapping in from the rebound. The visitors were clearly shocked and the Whites controlled much of the first period eventually extending their lead in the final minutes of the half. Conor Platt lifted the ball neatly over the last defender for the run of Dean Moore who took his shot early and slotted the ball home.

Perhaps a case of thinking the job was done but all credit to Ballinamallard they had a real go in the second period and thoroughly deserved the draw. In the dying minutes of the game the Lisburn lads had two great opportunities to snatch a victory but both teams can be happy with the result and it sets up a great league cup tie in two weeks time between these two teams.

Team: Armstrong, Walsh G, Cole, O’Hare, Sullivan, Platt (Harper 60), Baker (Hume 70), McMahon, Walsh N (Stevenson 80), Stitt, Moore. Smyth.

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

Report from Andy Stevenson

This promised to be an interesting encounter with both sides fielding previously untried players drafted in from their respective under 16s.

The game, although competitive, was in no way dirty and the Whites took the lead very much against the run of play. Dean Moore dispossessed the Glens keeper after a back pass was poorly controlled and simply tapped in from close range.

Still on the back foot the Lisburn lads spent long periods in their own half but strong defensive play throughout the team got the Whites to the interval with their lead intact.

Early in the second period David Hume replaced Gavin Walsh after he failed to recover from an injury. Glentoran continued to pile on the pressure but it was the Whites who extended their lead after Glenn McVea scored from a Seamus McDonnell corner.

Dan McFadden and Michael Foster replaced Danny Ferris and Ryan Cole with around half an hour remaining. All was well and it looked like the Whites would collect the points but with less than 15 minutes to go the Glens dug deep and scored twice in quick succession to level the game.

Team; McCluskey, Cole (Foster 70), Sullivan, O’Hare, McVea, Platt, Walsh G (Hume 55), Harper, Moore, McDonnell, Ferris (McFadden 65).

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

Report from Andy Stevenson

The Lisburn lads could have been forgiven for having one eye on the semi-final next week but still they managed to grind out a result even if it wasn’t easy to watch.

With the majority of possession and constant pressure on the Cookstown goal the Whites took the lead with only 13 minutes on the clock. Daniel Ferris found himself unmarked on the edge of the penalty area and when Tom Craig’s corner fell to him he volleyed first time and sent the ball through the crowded goal mouth into the net.

Chance after chance fell to the Lisburn lads but they were unable to extend their lead. Frustration began to creep into the Whites play as they found it hard to break down the home defence.

In the 35th minute Gavin Walsh eased the pressure when he neatly guided the ball in from 20yds after a smart pass from Dean Moore, his first goal for the club since his move from Linfield.

The second period should have been about how many more goals were scored but Cookstown dug in and their battling performance took the game almost to the final whistle. They were unlucky to concede a penalty in the final minute and Danny Ferris converted the resulting spot kick and capped his Man of the Match performance with a second goal.

Team; Armstrong, McGarry, Bonney (McVea 75), Hume, O’Hare (Price 80), Harper, Ferris, Walsh G, Moore, Walsh N (Sullivan 10), Craig.

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

Report from Andy Stevenson

On a day when the conditions proved to be as much of a test as the opposition, both teams struggled to play with any pattern or purpose.

It was the visitors who with the slightest of wind assistance created the better chances during the opening exchanges and they took a deserved lead after 25 minutes.The weather deteriorated as the half progressed and the score remained unchanged largely due to the performance of Chris McCluskey in the Whites' goal.

Within minutes of the restart Glenavon had doubled their lead, another long ball down the middle and a neat finish seemingly putting the game beyond the Whites.A double substitution through injuries saw Conor Sullivan and Ryan O’Hare replace Jonny Miller and Padraig Baker releasing young Dan McFadden to play in a more attacking role.

McFadden lofted the ball over the Glenavon back four releasing Seamus McDonnell and the nippy winger made no mistakes smashing the ball past the Lurgan Keeper on 52 minutes.Clearly rocked Glenavon sat further back inviting the Whites forward and with half an hour remaining Sean Price unleashed a powerful strike from 35yds, the ball soared into the top right hand corner of the net.

With the game level it was all to play for and the decisive goal arrived in the 65th minute. Dean Moore ran the left channel skipping past the full back, he centred to Seamus McDonnell who converted from close range to seal the game for the Whites.

Team; McCluskey, McGarry, Cole, McVea, Miller (O’Hare 48), McDonnell, Baker (Sullivan 50), Harper, McFadden, Moore, Price

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

Report from Andy Stevenson

An emphatic win put the Whites into the hat for the third round of the Harry Cavan Youth Cup.

The visitors made the Lisburn Distillery lads work hard for the victory, never dropping their heads and remaining competitive until the final whistle.

After an early scare the Whites worked their way into the game, plenty of possession and adventurous attacking play kept the Lurgan Celtic boys deep within their own half. Positive direct play down the left flank gained its reward when after a series of close efforts the home side took a 17th minute lead. Greg Dixon rose unchallenged to meet a Sean Price corner from the left and powered his header beyond the hapless keeper.

Constant pressure should have enabled the Whites to extend the lead but some resolute defending and a lack of composure in the final third kept the score line unchanged.

It took until the 25th minute before Greg Dixon converted another Sean Price corner and doubled the home sides lead.

The Lisburn back four although not under any sustained pressure proved more than capable when required, Glen McVea especially showed strength and control when called upon. After half an hour Sean Price delivered another inch perfect corner from the left this time it was McVea who won the header sending it back across the goal area giving Nyal Walsh a simple tap-in to give a three goal lead at the break.

The second period began as the first had ended, Lisburn Distillery bossing the game and creating opportunities. Man of the Match Sean Price made a powerful 60 - yard run evading numerous challenges before crossing to the hard working Danny Ferris who smashed his volley home from close range putting the tie beyond the Lurgan lads in the 54th minute.

Comfortably on top, Mark Patton replaced Nyal Walsh and Michael Healy went on for Danny Ferris. With the game becoming a little stale Lurgan Celtic pushed forwrad and only for a fantastic save from stopper Chris McCluskey they nearly grabbed a consolation from a well struck free kick.

Stephen Mallon made way for Chris Ralph in an attempt to see out the game with the clean sheet intact and with five minutes remaining the tricky Mark Patton lost his marker in the box and provided an inch perfect pass for Sean Price to seal the game and a wonderful performance with the fifth and final goal of the game.

Team: C McCluskey, C Murdock, R Blaney, K Hogg, G McVea, D Hume, S Price, G Dixon, Nyal Walsh (M Patton 55), D Ferris (M Healy 65), S Mallon (C Ralph 80), K Stevenson, D McGarry.

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

Report from Andy Stevenson

What could have been a tricky fixture turned out to be a comfortable victory seeing the Youth team through to the last eight of the Harry Cavan Youth Cup.
The task was made easier when the visitors were reduced to ten men during the first period but the result was never in doubt. Two goals either side of the break from Man of the Match Nyal Walsh and a brace from fellow strike partner Mark Patton capped a fantastic team effort. Apart from conceding in the latter stages this was a near perfect performance and the lads go into the quarter finals brimming with confidence.

Team: McCluskey, Murdock, Blaney, Hall (O'Hare 65), McVea, Baker (Walsh. G 55), Davidson (Stevenson 70), Stone, Walsh. N, Patton, Sullivan. McGarry, Hume.

Scorers: Walsh N 4, Patton 2.

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

Report from Andy Stevenson

With a place in the Semi finals at stake the Whites needed little motivation for this one. Complete domination from beginning to end with no less than six players sharing the goals that eased the Lisburn lads into the final four.

Team: McCluskey, Murdock (Sullivan 50), Hall, McVea, Blaney, Price, McMahon (Baker 50), Dixon, Patton, Walsh (Stevenson 50), Ferris.

Scorers: Walsh 5, Patton 3, Dixon 3, Hall, Blaney, Ferris.

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Match summary (reproduced with permission and thanks) Copyright Lisburn Distillery.net, Andy Stevenson and Jonathan Irwin

Report from Andy Stevenson

A special night at Seaview as the Whites roared into the final of the Youth League’s Blue Ribbon event.

It was a nervous experience for the majority of the players but especially the Lisburn Lads who, with three 16 year olds in the squad, went into the game as slight underdogs.

The Whites got off to the perfect start when after just three minutes Mark Patton gave them an early lead. Greg Hall’s clearance dropped behind the Red’s high back line and as the Cliftonville keeper rushed out to meet the nippy forward he was left helpless as Patton’s early strike sent the ball into the far corner of the goal.

The tie was fast and furious and there wasn’t much for the spectators to watch other than hurried clearances and thumping tackles. With the two teams cancelling each other out all over the pitch it was difficult to see were the next goal was coming from. The Whites forced a corner in the 25th minute. Cliftonville were organising players in the penalty area when Danny Ferris went short and unchallenged, had time to turn and slipped the ball back to Mark Patton who smashed his shot through the crowded box, past an unsighted keeper, to double the lead.

Perhaps a case of believing the job was done or probably the need for the Red’s to lift their game, whatever it was Cliftonville rallied and in the remaining minutes of the first period scored first through Marty Jones and then again through Conal Burns to level the game and nearly took the lead but for upright coming to the Whites rescue.

Danny Ferris had a golden opportunity to put the Whites in front again but his effort was blazed over the bar just before the break.

The half time interval was very much welcomed by the Whites and it proved to be a most productive time out as immediately after the restart they regained the lead.

The goal of the game came in the 48th minute. Danny Ferris controlled a high ball and volleyed to Scott Davidson, his first time touch lifted the ball over the last defender and Man of the Match, Mark Patton, guided a volley over the keeper from 25yds with the outside of his right foot.

With the wind in their sails the Whites pushed on and captain Mark Cooling put the game beyond Cliftonville in the 53rd minute. He latched onto a Conor Sullivan throw, using his body he turned inside, evading a challenge and his driven shot nestled in the bottom left hand corner of the net.

Again Cliftonville waited until they were two goals behind before putting any serious pressure on the Whites' goal but unlike the first half a strong performance from Greg Hall snuffed out any real threat and his defensive partner Glenn McVea was on hand to help with a timely goal line clearance to ensure the two goal cushion.

Ryan Blaney took a knock and was replaced by David Hume to prevent any long term damage and as the period progressed the Whites began to dominate and create goal scoring chances. With just under 20 minutes remaining Sean Price received the ball on the edge of the area, he turned and squared the ball to Danny Ferris who made no mistake this time and placed the ball into the left hand corner past the outstretched keeper.

Padraig Baker replaced Sean Price after the winger broke down with cramp.Still, the Whites pushed on and their reward was a sixth goal when Scott Davidson released Mark Cooling in the dying minutes. Cooling skipped past the last defender and calmly slotted the ball home for the final goal of the game.

Mark Patton took a standing ovation as he was replaced by Deaglan McMahon, Patton’s hat-trick was the highlight of a wonderful team performance and the lads can now look forward to enjoying their day out at the final.

Team; McCluskey, Murdock, Blaney (Hume 70), Hall, McVea, Davidson, Price (Baker 75), Cooling, Patton (McMahon 89), Ferris, Sullivan. Armstrong.

Scorers; Patton 3, Cooling 2, Ferris.

Web note - Andy and the team would like to thank the support they got at Seaview and hope that you can also make the final.