The Whites get back to winning ways

Lisburn Distillery played host to basement side Dundela in the first of a double header of league and cup ties against Mark Snodden’s side.

On the day the Whites were without manager Tommy Kincaid who was absent on a pre-planned trip to Old Trafford so it was coach Nick O’Neill who held the reins for what was an important game for both sides.

After a fairly even opening period it was the visitors’ Dale Patton who had the first shot of the game when he tried an ambitious strike from outside the box which sailed wide, and then shortly afterwards Distillery had their first chance when Sean Southam ran into the box before shooting into the side netting.

Distillery, who went into the game still awaiting their first win of 2015, really needed a win but so did Dundela who will need to lift themselves quickly if they are to avoid relegation.

Their need for urgency showed as Matthew Ferguson let fly for the visitors but the ball just flashed wide of goal and this was a missed chance that they would regret as Distillery took the lead when the Duns ‘keeper Macauley Cairns came out and air kicked the ball leaving Lisburn Distillery striker Darren Smyth to turn the ball into an empty net on eighteen minutes.

Distillery were forced into an early change when Colm Kirgan had to replace skipper Darren Nixon who had to leave the field of play due to a nasty gash on his hand which was to require hospital treatment.

As the Whites reorganised Dundela missed a good goal scoring opportunity as McBride closed down the attacker Nathan Jones the Distillery keeper being beaten by the attacker only for his shot to hit the crossbar on 33 minutes.

Dundela had a great chance to level in the second half when a cross was whipped in low to the backpost but David Gibson’s shot was well saved by McBride.

Whites midfielder, and stand in skipper, Joe McDonnell was excellent in midfield all day as he made some crunching challenges and set up quick Distillery counter attacks and it was no surprise when he added the home sides second goal tapping in a cross from close range past Cairns.

The visitors were struggling to pose any real threat although Kyle Dillon volleyed over the crossbar when well placed to score.

Substitute Stephen Doyle made the points safe after he spectacularly left the advancing Cairns with no chance by placing the ball low into the corner of the net following a great through ball which saw him beat the offside trap.

Three-nil then to the hosts, with the Whites coming away with an important three points their first league points in 2015.

• The Distillery Supporters Trust will be running a Quiz Night at Lisburn Distillery on Friday March 6. Starting at 8pm promptly. Entry will be £5 for Adults, and £3 for Kids. There will be a supper buffet served, as well as prizes for the winning team, and spot prizes. Everyone is welcome.