The Premier Intermediate League finally got up and running on Saturday and the division’s most high-profile player netted the winner in his first competitive fixture for his new club.
Former Millwall midfielder and Portadown legend Kevin Braniff bagged the only goal of the game at Planters Park to give Lisburn Distillery a winning start, although Dollingstown manager Stephen Uprichard had his doubts as to whether or not Braniff ’s speculative effort was actually meant.
“If it was anyone else but Kevin Braniff who had done it you’d say it was definitely a fluke,” said Uprichard.
“Only Kevin can tell you whether he meant it but all I know is three keepers wouldn't have kept it out.
“Lisburn Distillery are a very good side but I thought there was very little in the game.
“I thought we were maybe a wee bit leggy after beating Portadown on Tuesday night but that’s not an excuse, it just took a lot out of us.
“I had watched Distillery so I knew they would be good and I was under no illusions as to the task we faced on Saturday.
“Our guys know that they have to perform every week if they’re to take anything from matches in this league.
“There are so many good sides in the division – you only have to look at the likes of Braniff and David Scullion and guys like that playing here to see that.
Despite their defeat the Dollingstown boss was still upbeat about the season ahead, which is understandable given that his last bit of transfer business was the deadline day signing of former Portadown and Dungannon Swifts man David McCullough.
“We’re delighted to get Davy McCullough on board now and he gives me another string to my bow in midfield,” enthused Uprichard.
“He’s another player with great experience and that’s something we need to help bring the younger ladson.”
He added: “We’ve another difficult game this weekend against Limavady United but that’s the way it is, hard games every time.
“We’re very early in our season and getting byes in cups, as we have, doesn’t help because you’re looking for rhythm.
“The league is very stop-start until the turn of the year too which doesn’t help anyone so that makes the cups even more important to keep you active.
“The performance the boys put in against Portadown was exceptional and now they’ve got a trip to Ballymena United to look forward to which is going to be a great experience for them.
“They’re one of the best teams in the country so it’s going to be a hell of a challenge but that’s why you put all the effort in against Portadown – to get through and take on the next challenge so we’re looking forward to it.”
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