Lisburn Shield glory for five-star United under-11s

BALLYMENA United under 11s brought the Lisburn League Shield back to the Showgrounds once again after a 5-0 demolition of Shankill Juniors in the New Year’s Day final.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Jan 2011, 09:07 BST

A large following of family and friends for both sides made for a great atmosphere which seemd to to spur the Braid boys oarly on. They suffered a major setback, however, after five minutes when key player Leon Carley had to be carried off after an unfortunate mistimed challenge by a Shankill player.

There was some concern for Leon but after treatment from medical staff in attendance, he was able to watch the rest of the game from the sidelines.A

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ll the play early on was in the Shankill half and after excellent build up play,the opposing keeper made a slip which ace marksman Lee O’Brien capitalised on rushing in to fire in the rebound.

United continued to press and the influential Lorenzo Dawkins’ excellent cross was met by O’Brien who laid off to the incoming Jack Millar, firing the Sky Blues two clear.

On the right Jack O’Mahony was itching to push forward at every opportunity and after collecting the ball the Randalstown ace jinked in and out,rounding three defenders before firing home for a brilliant solo effort.

Full backs Anthony Smith and Lewis Allison were working tirelessly and United’s excellent build up play from the back paid dividends once again as playmaker Dawkins fed Mark Cochrane who sent O’Brien clear to fire in his second and United’s fourth.

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Into the second half and the Skies seemed to rest on their laurels somewhat. Mark Cochrane was not to be denied, however, and scored his first goal after returning from injury with an accustomed brilliant volley finish with ten minutes to go as United sealed the win.

The Man of the Match award was awarded by the officials to the excellent Lorenzo Dawkins as captain Lee O’Brien lifted the Shield.

A superb team display all round,United travelled with a squad of 17 on Saturday who have all played their part in clinching this first silverware of the season.

United U-11: Mark Wilkinson, Lewis Allison, Anthony Smith, Callum Ross, Andrew Heaney, Lorenzo Dawkins, Leon Carley, Jack O’Mahony, Joshua Galloway, Mark Cochrane, Lee O’Brien, Jack Millar, Jack McMurray, Jamie Houston, Ronan Laverty, Harvey McClerkin, Andrew Kyle.