Final joy for local sides

Youth had three teams in the Shield finals, which were held at Ballymacoss Playing Fields, but after winning the first two they missed out on penalty kicks against Shankill Juniors.

The club started with a 6-3 win in the Under-12s over Ballymena Youth. They were 3-2 up at half-time and went on to win comfortably with Ross Hunter getting four of the goals and Oisin Barr and an own goal completing their tally.

In the Under-14 final, Lisburn were 1-0 down to Annagh Utd Youth at half-time but came back with two goals each for Ross Hull and Caoimhin McConnell to win 4-1. McConnell won the man of the match award.

Lisburn Under-15s led 2-0, 3-1, 4-2 and 4-3 but had to settle for a 4-4 draw with Shankill Juniors, who went on to win 5-4 on penalties with the local side again always ahead until the last kick.

Lisburn scorers were Ben Curran, James Thompson, Micheal Burns and Nathan McShane and there was consolation for Youth when Ben Curran received the man of the match award.

The only goal of the game from Josh McKee in the first-half gave Hillsborough Boys Under-13s victory over Portadown Youth. Hillsborough’s Thomas Rea won the man of the match award.

In the other final, Under-16, Bloomfield Youth beat Willowbank Youth 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Lisburn Youth Vice Chairman Barry Black commented: “We are delighted at the level of performance of all three teams. With two teams winning and the Under-15’s runners up on sudden death penalties - all the boys performed excellently in very testing weather conditions.

“I’d like to give a mention to the ambulance staff who treated Ross Hunter from the Under-12’s, who collapsed with hypothermia. Thankfully he’s back 100% and there are no lasting effects.”