Whites earn fine draw on trip to Dergview but it could have been more

It was no surprise when the hosts took the lead on 17 minutes as Nathan Cashel beat the Whites’ offside trap before coolly rounding the keeper and stroking the ball into the gaping goal.

Instead of deflating the Whites, however, the goal seemed to energise the visitors and slowly but surely they worked their way back into the game and were unlucky to see two efforts from up and coming youth player Rhys Grainger being blocked by, firstly the home keeper Wilson, and then secondly by a late block by a home defender.

On 39 minutes the visitors were awarded a free kick just outside the area which was blocked by the home defence in the penalty area but which clearly seemed to have been charged down by a hand in the process.

The referee was having none of the ensuing protests, however, although from the ongoing play Chapman was unlucky not to score as his effort was blocked by some last ditch defending.

Dergview responded well and could indeed have had a two goal cushion only for the crossbar to come to the Whites rescue as they failed to clear a corner in the dying seconds of the half.

Half time then and the Whites were trailing 0-1 but this was to change as early as the second minute of play in the second period when a flicked on header from a corner was powerfully headed into the net by central defender Patrick Pearce to level the game.

This was Pearce’s first goal for the club and a good reward for a man of the match performance from the defender.

Distillery tails were up by this stage and further efforts were to follow from Pearce and Grainger but on both occasions through some last ditch defending the home defence kept them at bay.

The hosts were well marshalled throughout the second half creating virtually no chances and in the end it was Lisburn Distillery who will have ended the game disappointed not to have claimed all three points.

Go ‘Green and White’ at Distillery

Lisburn Distillery are delighted to announce details of a very special “Live at the Distillery” event ahead of Euro 2016 as they host a ‘Green and White Night’ on Saturday 14th May at the Social Club at New Grosvenor.

As Northern Ireland prepare to make their first appearance in the European Championships the club are calling on all fans and supporters of the Green and White Army to join them for the evening.

The host for the event is broadcaster Michael Clarke, the voice of local football on Radio Ulster and Lisburn 98FM. Michael will be joined by Northern Ireland legend and former Distillery manager Billy Hamilton as they look back on Northern Ireland’s road to France, ahead to the group games against Poland, Ukraine and Germany and the other key players, games and nations taking part.

In the second half of the event, there will be stories and a chance for the audience to ask questions about Billy’s World Cup exploits and his career and Michael’s own views on all things football.

The event will also feature a raffle and an auction of football memorabilia.

Tickets are priced at £10 per person and are available for purchase at any future Lisburn Distillery game or online via the club website.