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Bertie Peacocks Youths 1 Northend United 0 Saturday 2nd March 2013

Berties started the first half stronger in this match, with Northend slowly creeping into the match. At the back, Calum Kilgore and Ciaran Campbell coped well with Berties forwards, and generally restricted them to long-range efforts. Gradually Northend started to get their passing going, with Caolan McCarroll and Oisin O'Mullan causing problems for Berties on the left hand side. Christy McKillop tested Berties keeper with a free-kick before Harry Wylie, Oisin O'Mullan and Caolan McCarroll caused Berties headaches with good link-up lay both in midfield and attack. The first half was a close-knit affair. On goalscoring chances, Northend probably just edged the first half and were more than equal in matching them physically also. Half-time 0-0.

Unsurprisingly, the second half started a more open game, and both sides had good chances early on. Euan McSparran was really called on for the first time early in the second half and made two good saves to keep Berties out. Northend also pressed Berties with Ciaran Campbell starting the majority of Northend's attacks from the back. Harry Wylie was unlucky with a long range effort before Christy McKillop forced a great save from the Berties keeper. With Northend just on top, Berties took the lead, Northend giving away a scrappy goal, after having numerous chances to clear their lines. At one nil down, Rhys Dennison, Pat Ferris and Fiontan McQuillan came on to give Northend some fresh impetus. Fiontan, like Calum, was strong and assured and played some good balls down the right hand side to both Pat Ferris and Rhys Dennison. Northend had some half-chances towards the end, but sadly, yet again, Berties came out on top to edge this game by one goal to nil. Full time 1-0.

This was a much better display from Northend this week and in terms of skill, physical effort and will to win, they were a match for Berties today. Northend competed in every single challenge today and were unlucky to lose this game. The difference today was that Berties had that wee bit of luck, which is needed in big games, which unfortunately Northend did not. Only criticism today, although this game was played at an incredible pace, was that Northend lacked that wee bit of creativity in the last third and more composure when in front goal. Even though they lost this game, they were much improved and this game will give them the confidence to finish this season very strongly, as there is still plenty of silverware to play for.

Men of the Match: Calum Kilgore, Christie McKillop, Oisin O'Mullan

Panel: E McSparran, C Campbell (c), C Kilgore, O O'Mullan, C McKillop, H Wylie, C McCarroll, R Dennison, P Ferris, F McQuillan

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Bertie Peacocks Youths 5 Northend United 0 Saturday 16th February 2013

To defeat any Bertie Peacocks sides, you need to do many things. You have to compete with them physically, you need a strong referee, you need a team full of desire and effort to win and you need to take your chances when they come. Unfortunately for this young Northend side, they had none of these things today and were well beaten not only by a physically stronger side, but also by an extremely good footballing side.

Northend started well enough but some slack defending down the left, let in Berties easily to go one nil up on three minutes. Caolan McCarroll and Ciaran Campbell worked hard up front and on the right, but both found it extremely difficult, to find a way through a resolute Berties defence. Berties scored their second goal from a penalty after a Northend player handled in his own box. Northend's best chance in the first half fell to Christy McKillop, who hit a post, after some good work by Oisin O'Mullan and Ciaran Campbell. Half-time score 2-0.

With the introduction of Fiontan McQuillan and Calum Kilgore at half-time, Northend started the second half slightly better and created several half-chances, before Harry Wylie hit the cross-bar from fifteen yards. Even at this stage, it looked like it would not be Northend's day. Shortly after, Berties took full advantage and made it three nil. Northend tried valiantly to get back into the match but when they pushed forward, they left openings at the back and Berties scored two more goals to win the match five nil. Final score 5-0.

This Bertie Peacock side certainly push the physical side of their play to the edge and sometimes over it, this best evidenced by the fact that the game was stopped nine times in the second half, for Northend players to get treatment. Despite being a very physical side, there is no doubting the talent Berties have at their disposal. Most of their players were excellent today and Northend's young players should take note of the fight, desire and hard work, shown by all Berties players, to ensure they won this match. Northend were dealt a harsh lesson today, and what should have been a top two close encounter, turned into a demoralising defeat for Northend. There is no doubt Northend will learn from this defeat. This defeat will hurt, but there is no doubt, they will come back a much better and stronger side because of it.

Man of the Match: Ciaran Campbell

Panel: E McSparran, P Ferris, H Wylie, O O'Mullan, C Campbell (c), C McKillop, C McCarroll, C Kilgore, F McQuillan

Northend United 3 Ballymoney Academy 2 Saturday 9th February 2013

As Northend were determined to put last weekend's dismal friendly defeat behind them, they were raring to go from the first whistle. Northend started well and early on Caolan McCarroll, Christy McKillop and Ciaran Campbell caught the eye, interchanging well both in midfield and attack. Northend created several chances in the first ten minutes with first Harry Wylie with a long-range shot, then Christy McKillop with a glancing header then Ciaran Campbell with a shot from close in. Northend were restricting Ballymoney to very few chances and at the back, Harry Wylie and Pat Ferris looked at ease. On twelve minutes, Northend deservedly took the lead when Christy McKillop raced through clear on goal, from a Euan McSparran kick-out, and tidily slid the ball past the Ballymoney goalkeeper. At one nil up, Northend turned up the pressure and forced several corners, in a matter of minutes.It was from an Oisin O'Mullan corner, that Christy McKillop volleyed his second goal (with his left foot), to put Northend two nil up. Euan McSparran made a good save from a Ballymoney half-chance, shortly before the break. Half-time score 2-0

Northend did not start the second half as well, and allowed Ballymoney to gradually work their way into the game. Oisin O'Mullan had just missed a half-chance to put Northend 3-0 up, when Ballymoney broke clear to score. At 2 - 1 up, Calum Kilgore came on for the unusually quiet Oisin O'Mullan. After some slight adjustments, Northend looked more solid again and both Ciaran Campbell and Caolan McCarroll started causing the Ballymoney defence all sorts of problems again. This pressure forced Ballymoney to concede more corners, and Christy McKillop score with a right foot volley this time, from a Caolan McCarroll corner. Northend had just finished celebrating this goal to go 3-1 up, when Ballymoney scored an excellent goal within one minute, to put the score at 3-2. At this critical stage of the match, Calum Kilgore made several strong and assured tackles to keep his side in the game. Euan McSparran in nets also looked strong and assured, and made some good saves in the closing minutes. Fiontan McQuillan was introduced at this stage for Harry Wylie and aided Calum Kilgore well, to see out the match. The last few minutes of this match was end to end stuff, and when Christy McKillop put Caolan McCarroll clean through in the last minute, everyone held their breath. Sadly, the Ballymoney keeper made a great save from Caolan, but more importantly, Northend held on, to gain a very important three points. Full-time score: 3-2

Northend were much better today and played some great football in the first half, and were unlucky to go in at the break, leading by only two goals. In the second half, Northend showed great desire and effort, and competed well with a very good side, to snatch victory here. All players were tremendous today, but three stood out for the manager. Christy McKillop was clinical today in front of goal and worked hard for his team. Euan McSparran again made several good saves, at critical stages of the match, to inspire his team. Finally, Ciaran Campbell had a magnificent game, working tirelessly up front for the first half, and then must have covered every inch of the pitch, when he dropped back into midfield, for the last quarter of the match.

Men of the Match: Christy McKillop, Ciaran Campbell and Euan McSparran.

Panel: E McSparran, P Ferris (c), H Wylie, C McKillop, O O'Mullan, C McCarroll, C Campbell, C Kilgore, F McQuillan

Portrush 4 Northend United 2 Friendly Saturday 2nd February 2013

Northend were deservedly beaten in this friendly match by a well organised and much improved Portrush side. Northend started this match in second gear and this allowed Portrush to be first to every second ball in the first half. A series of mishaps and calamities (including one own goal), both in midfield and especially defence, allowed Portrush to go three up by half-time. Despite appearing nervous at the back every time they got the ball, Northend were still creative in the few occasions they had possession, and with more composure in the last third and better finishing, could have scored at least three goals themselves. Half-time: 0 -3

With the changes rang at half-time, Northend started the second half much better and initially, worked hard at closing their opponents down. They enjoyed more possession and this pressure led to Northend scoring twice in five minutes from first Christy McKillop and then Ciaran Campbell. Up to midway in the second half, Northend slowly improved, but an injury to Pat Ferris, appeared to disrupt their rhythm, and slowly Portrush crept back into the match. Portrush scored again with two minutes to go, and seen the match out to win by four goals to two. Final score :2 - 4

Northend were well below par for this friendly and never really looked like winning this match. They did string some nice passing moves together at times, but overall their attitude did not appear right, they did not compete enough nor work hard enough for their managers liking, and this was reflected in the scoreline. They will have to be much better next weekend when the League resumes once again.

Panel: E McSparran, F McQuillan, C Kilgore (c), H Wylie, C Campbell, O O'Mullan, C McKillop, R Dennison, P Ferris

Coleraine Academy 0 Northend United 7 Saturday 26th January 2013

As this was their first competitive match since 01 December 2012, this was always going to be tricky first encounter for Northend. In this match, Northend started well, appeared to tire during the middle period of the match, and then finished strongly to win 0 - 7. Northend went ahead five minutes into the match after Northend passed the ball from the back, through the midfield, to front-man Ciaran Campbell, who slammed the ball into the net from eight yards out. Northend's second goal was almost a replica of their first, but this time it was Oisin O'Mullan who added the finishing touch. At 0 - 2 ahead, Northend appeared to relax slightly and this allowed Coleraine to get into the match, with Euan McSparran making two good saves midway through the first half. During this middle period of the match, Northend's defenders Calum Kilgore and Fiontan McQuillan made vital challenges, both trying to kick-start Northend into playing better. Although still in second gear, Northend still created far more chances then their counterparts, and went into half-time, comfortably two goals up. Half-time score 0 - 2.

Within 30 seconds of the restart, Harry Wylie forced a great save from the Coleraine goalkeeper. From Oisin O'Mullan's corner, the impressive Calum Kilgore put Northend three up. Shortly after this, a Coleraine forward broke clear, rounded Northend goalkeeper Euan McSparran, shot towards an open goal, turned to celebrate but miraculously, Calum Kilgore somehow got a foot to the ball, which careered off the crossbar, and bounced clear. Calum Kilgore's never say die attitude appeared to spring Northend into life again and they played some superb football for the remainder of the match. Caolan McCarroll put Northend four up after the Coleraine goalkeeper done well to get a hand to another Harry Wylie piledriver. Christy McKillop went close with a header, before Harry Wylie finally got on the scoresheet to make it 5-0, after an Oisin O'Mullan shot rebounded off a post. At this stage, Coleraine played with eight men, for the reminder of the match, as Northend were five goals ahead. All Northend's attacks were starting at the back and Calum Kilgore, Fiontan McQuillan, and then Pat Ferris deputising for Fiontan, were instrumental in starting all these attacks.

Harry Wylie put Northend six nil up after latching on to a parried Fiontan McQuillan shot. Harry Wylie made it seven nil, scoring his first ever Northend hat-trick, two minutes from time. Final score 0-7.

This was a good work-out for Northend and this will stand them in good stead for next week's match. This wee team now enter the 'business-end' of the season, and the league now splits into two, with Northend firmly lodged in second place in the top half, tucked in behind Bertie Peacocks. At times today, Northend played some superb football but they will need to do this for fifty minutes if they are to carry away any silverware this season. One thing is for sure, they have the ability and are certainly capable enough. All players played their part today, but as Calum Kilgore was superb throughout and Harry Wylie dominated the midfield as the match wore on, plus added a second half hat-trick, both these players scooped Man of The Match.

Men of the Match: Harry Wylie, Calum Kilgore

Panel: E McSparran, F McQuillan, H Wylie (c), C Kilgore, C McKillop, O O'Mullan, C Campbell, P Ferris, C McCarroll