Lisburn Youth prove too strong for Carrick Colts U12s

Going into the match, there was just two points between the teams and second place was up for grabs. But the Lisburn lads, unbeaten so far this season, proved to be a major test.

The opening 15 minutes was cagey, although Aaron MacFarlane was called upon with a couple of smart saves for Carrick.

Just when it seemed Colts had a foothold in the game they fell behind when a Lisburn player was not picked up at the back post and he buried the chance to make it 1-0.

This gave Lisburn impetus with a very potent forward line and they doubled their lead quickly afterwards. At this stage there was very little between the teams and Lewis Patterson reduced the deficit with a free-kick from 35 yards.

Carrick dominated the remainder of the half and Patterson was extremely unlucky to see another terrific strike cannon off the bar.

Several other chances came and went, with MacFarlane pulling off a couple of amazing saves.

Perhaps the game’s defining moment came just on half-time when, against the run of play, Lisburn went 3-1 up after an unfortunate defensive mix-up.

The second half saw Lisburn really up the ante and play some wonderful football, stretching Carrick’s midfield and defence and they were rewarded with three goals in the first 15 minutes.

Although Carrick were second to the ball too often, they never gave up and striker Scott Wilson, who had been starved of possession for much of the game, finally got a chance to show what he’s made of as he outpaced the defence to beat the keeper with an unconventional finish for his 23rd of the campaign.

Andrew Martin came on and provided more bite in the tackle in midfield which was up against the best opposition by far this season.

MacFarlane took another knock and could not have been faulted in any way as Lisburn struck twice before the end to make it 8-2 and complete a bad day at the office for the Colts. Man of the Match: Dylan Hanley.

Squad: MacFarlane, Swain, Patterson, Hanley, Hall, Devine (c), Gardner, Baird, Long, Mulholland, Wilson. Subs: Martin, Anderson, McMillan, Rees.