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Maiden City 2 Northend United 12 Saturday 27th October 2012

After last weeks convincing win against Limavady United, Northend were determined to put in another good performance to keep the pressure on league leaders, Bertie Peacock. Northend started well and took the lead on four minutes, Ciaran Campbell beating a defender to his left, before lobbing the ball over the advancing Maiden City goalkeeper. Oisin O'Mullan made it two nil two minutes later when he finished neatly after the Maiden City goalkeeper, failed to hold a Harry Wylie shot. Christy McKillop made it three nil on eight minutes, from a Ciaran Campbell assist. The same player made it four nil on ten minutes, after being put through by Harry Wylie. At this stage, Northend were totally dominant and any Maiden City attacks were easily snuffed out by defenders Fiontan McQuillan and Calum Kilgore. This allowed Christy McKillop to make it five and a first half hat-trick from a Ciaran Campbell throw-in, with a well taken shot at the near post. Ciaran Campbell made it six nil on fifteen minutes after running onto a superb through ball, by Oisin O'Mullan. Just before half-time, Ciaran Campbell made it seven nil and grabbed his first half hat-trick after another great through ball, by Harry Wylie. Half-time score 7-0.

Two minutes into the second half, Christy McKillop grabbed his fourth goal, after being assisted again by Ciaran Campbell. Maiden City scored against the run of play shortly after this to make it 8 - 1. At this stage, Rhys Dennison, Caolan McCarroll, Cadyn McGall and Pat Ferris were all introduced within minutes of each other. Oisin O'Mullan made it 9 - 1 with a great header from a Harry Wylie corner. Harry Wylie finally got on the scoresheet to make it 10 - 1 ,with a 15 yard direct free kick, which went flying over the Maiden City goalkeeper, into the roof of the net. Cadyn McGall, Rhys Dennison and Caolan McCarroll all started causing the Maiden City defence problems with both their movement and passing, and on twenty-one minutes, these three players combined to score the goal of the game. Euan McSparran rolled the ball out to Pat Ferris at the back, he found Cadyn McGall free on the left, Cadyn McGall took one touch then crossed the ball to the far post and Caolan McCarroll coolly slotted the ball home to make it 11 - 1. Maiden City scored on twenty-three minutes to make it 11- 2 before Rhys Dennison scored Northend's twelfth and final goal, to finish the match 12 - 2.

Northend have now won six of their opening seven games and lie in second place in the league. In both this match and last weeks victory, they have played some great attacking football at times while looking really strong at the back. They are in a rich vein of form at the minute and eagerly await next week's fixture.

Man of the Match: Christie McKillop

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

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Limavady United 2 Northend United 8 Saturday 20th October 2012

Despite winning last week, Northend were definitely below par and went into this match determined to put in a much better performance. Northend started well passing the ball well and strong in the tackle. With Calum Kilgore and Fiontan McQuillan looking assured at the back, Northend's midfield three of Harry Wylie, Christy McKillop and Oisin O'Mullan took control of the match early on. Ciaran Campbell up front, along with the aforementioned midfielders played some great pass and move football, and created several chances. Oisin O'Mullan went close on eight minutes plus Calum Kilgore was denied by the crossbar shortly after. Northend's first goal eventually came on sixteen minutes, when Christy McKillop scored from ten yards out. The same player then turned provider for Calum Kilgore who scored with a header, from a corner, on eighteen minutes. Ciaran Campbell made it three on twenty minutes, after knocking in the rebound from a great Harry Wylie effort. Ciaran Campbell made it four from the penalty spot on twenty-three minutes. Oisin O'Mullan made it five with a great header, from a sublime cross from Christy McKillop , on the stroke of half-time. Northend were simply mesmerising in the first half, closing the opposition down quickly when not in possession and then tearing them open with their pass and move game throughout the first half. Half-time score 0-5.

For the first time this season for Northend, the referee applied the 'eight man rule' at the start of the second half (which is used when a team is losing by five goals at half-time), and Limavady started with eight men, instead of usual seven. In terms of possession, Northend still shaded the opening second half exchanges, but Limavady took full advantage of the extra man and scored seven minutes into this half. Limavady scored again two minutes after this and with the score 2 : 5, the referee removed Limavady's extra man, so the remainder of the game was played out on equal terms (seven versus seven.). Pat Ferris took full advantage of this and his shot from the edge of the box found the net shortly after, for Northend's sixth. The introduction of Caolan McCarroll and Rhys Dennison freshened up Northend at this stage, and Harry Wylie struck the crossbar with another great shot. Fiontan McQuillan scored on eighteen minutes from a Caolan McCarroll corner. Northend's best goal came with three minutes to go, when Oisin O'Mullan beat two men on the left, crossed to the far post with the outside of his right foot, and Christy McKillop tapped home from close range. Final score 2-8.

This was arguably Northend's best performance of the season so far, their pass and move football at times, a joy to watch. Also pleasing was the fact that three defenders got on the score sheet (Pat Ferris, Calum Kilgore and Fiontan McQuillan), meaning all Northend's outfield players have now scored, six games into the season. As each player contributed to this performance, it would be unfair to single one out, so Man of the Match this week is overall Team Performance.

Man of the Match: Team Performance

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

Coleraine Academy 1 Northend United 2 Saturday 13th October 2012

This top four match started at a slow pace, with Coleraine Academy just shading the game in possession terms for the first ten minutes. Despite this, Coleraine failed to create any clear chances on goal in this period. The best chance of the first half fell to Northend, when on fifteen minutes; Christy McKillop was put through by Oisin O'Mullan, but stumbled when about to shoot, allowing a Coleraine defender to block his shot. Northend did pass the ball better towards the end of the first half but Coleraine were definitely the better side in the first half. Northend's best player in the first half was Calum Kilgore. Half time 0-0.

Coleraine came firing out of the blocks at the start of the second half, and Northend goalkeeper Euan McSparran had to make two great saves early on, the first from a Coleraine free-kick, and the second from a Coleraine forwards shot from ten yards. Ten minutes into the second half, Christy McKillop almost put Northend ahead with a tremendous shot which rebounded off the post. On fifteen minutes, Coleraine took the lead after Euan McSparran saved two shots in succession, Northend failed to clear the ball, and Coleraine scored from close in. On top, Coleraine should have held this lead but three minutes later, Rhys Dennison beat two Coleraine defenders, and then coolly slotted the ball home to level the scores. At one each, this was anybody's game. On twenty minutes, Northend's goalkeeper Euan McSparran made another good save, after a tremendous block by Fiontan McQuillan in the same goalmouth scramble. On twenty-two minutes Coleraine were awarded a penalty from a referee, who in all honesty, had a very poor game. Fortunately for Northend, the Coleraine penalty -taker put the ball wide of the net. This injustice appeared to spring Northend into life, and some good pass and move play by Northend, enabled them to create one good chance after another. From a corner, Christy McKillop headed just wide then when Northend were awarded a free-kick shortly after, Ciaran Campbell finished neatly from Christy McKillop's free-kick. From then until the final whistle Northend defended well, and held on to win this match 1-2

Northend now have twelve points from a possible fifteen, but this was definitely their worst performance so far, and they were extremely lucky to collect all three points. Coleraine played very well, but Northend must take some heart from the fact that although they were well below par, they still held on and defeated one of the best teams in the league.

Man of the Match: Euan McSparran

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

Bertie Peacock Youths 2 Northend United 1 Saturday 6th October 2012

This top-two match was always going to be a close encounter, and for those present, both teams did not disappoint. Both teams had plenty of half-chances in the first fifteen minutes, with Bertie Peacock just having the edge in possession. It was Bertie Peacocks who were fortunate to take the lead on sixteen minutes. The referee got in the way of a Calum Kilgore back-pass, it fell nicely to a Bertie Peacock forward, and his deflected shot, beat Northend goalkeeper Euan McSparran, who on any other day would have saved it. From this point until half-time Bertie Peacock were the more dominant side, but Northend did catch Bertie Peacocks a few times on the break, but failed to beat their goalkeeper. Half-time 0-1.

A more determined Northend side appeared in the second half and from the first five minutes until full-time, they dominated the match. The Northend midfield of Oisin O'Mullan, Christy McKillop and Harry Wylie began to get a grip on the game, and Northend created chance after chance. Caolan McCarroll had two good chances to score, while Harry Wylie, Christy McKillop and Oisin O'Mullan all had chances too. As they pushed forward looking for the equaliser, Bertie Peacock caught them on the break. Northend did initially defend well against this break but a poor clearance, fell straight to the feet of a Bertie Peacock player, who found the corner of the net. At two nil down, Northend had no option but to push forward more. Ciaran Campbell and Pat Ferris were brought on at this stage. Pat Ferris added the necessary pace required at the back and Ciaran Campbell added that extra bit of know-how and skill to attack. It was Ciaran Campbell who pulled one back for Northend after the Bertie Peacock keeper failed to hold a Christy McKillop shot. Bertie Peacock appeared visibly shaken at this point and for the last ten minutes they could only defend against a Northend onslaught. Sadly, Northend failed to find at least one more goal, which would have earned them at least a draw, which their second half performance deserved. Full time 1-2.

Northend should not get too despondent over this defeat and should take much confidence from the fact that they finished this match much the better and stronger side. On another day, Northend would have scored at least three goals from the ten or so chances they created in the second half alone. This young side will come back much stronger from this defeat, with their performance today, proving to all present, that they are true title contenders.

Man of the Match: C Kilgore

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

Ballycastle United 0 Northend United 11 Saturday 29th September 2012

Northend eagerly anticipated this match against bottom of the table side Ballycastle United and saw it as opportunity to increase their goal difference, and move them up the table a few places. Northend did not disappoint and were two goals up within five minutes, both from Oisin O'Mullan. The same player scored one more for his hat-trick, Christy McKillop added two, then Harry Wylie and Ciaran Campbell added one more each before half-time to lead seven nil at the break. Half-time 7-0.

Northend played some good football in the second half and like the first, it was mostly shooting practice. Oisin O'Mullan scored his fourth, Christy McKillop got one more for his hat-trick, Harry Wylie scored one more and finally Caolan McCarroll found the net with his first, and Northend's eleventh of the match. Final score 11-0.

This was a totally dominating performance from Northend and they have now maximum points from their first three league games, and lie second behind Bertie Peacocks , only on goal difference. All players made a contribution towards this winning performance but Oisin O'Mullan with four goals, Christy McKillop with three goals and a four star defensive performance from the consistent Calum Kilgore, resulted in these three players winning the Man of the match award for this week.

Men of the Match: O O'Mullan, C McKillop, C Kilgore

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

Northend United 5 Portrush 0 Saturday 22nd September 2012

Northend started this match sluggishly and were slightly fortunate that Portrush did not create any real clear-cut chances in the first ten minutes. Despite being below par, Northend went one nil up through Ciaran Campbell on fifteen minutes. The same player made it two nil five minutes later and could maybe even have had a first half hat-trick, if he had despatched his easiest chance on the stroke of half-time. Harry Wylie and Calum Kilgore were easily Northend's best players in the first half. Euan McSparran in nets , was not found wanting, on the few occasions he was tested. Half-time 2-0

A different Northend appeared in the second half. Harry Wylie was moved into midfield and Fiontan McQuillan came into defence and this gave Northend the vital boost they needed. Northend created countless chances in the second half, and ended up scoring three more, but it could easily have been double that figure on another day. Oisin O'Mullan scored Northend's third, Harry Wylie made it four with an absolute cracker then the same player made it five with another great effort, five minutes before the end. Northend played some great pass and move football in the second half and Christy McKillop, Ciaran Campbell, Cadyn McGall and Caolan McCarroll all had great chances to increase the scoreline. Full-time score 5-0

This Northend side are always capable of scoring goals, but the most pleasing thing in this match, is that they did not look like conceding a goal, even with a shaky start. The credit for this must go to goalkeeper Euan McSparran and defenders on the day, Calum Kilgore, Fiontan McQuillan and then Patrick Ferris. Man of the Match was awarded to Harry Wylie who was superb on the day, first in defence, then in midfield, while also claiming his first two goals of the season.

Man of the Match: Harry Wylie

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

Ballymoney United 3 Northend United 5 Saturday 15th September 2012

Northend knew they faced a tough encounter in this first league match of the season, having narrowly beaten this strong and determined Ballymoney side, only a week ago, which was by far their toughest pre-season encounter. Northend were also glad to welcome back last year's goalkeeper Euan McSparran. Both teams started slowly each testing the goalkeepers with half-chances on goal. Northend gradually took control and deservedly went ahead after Harry Wylie slid through Oisin O'Mullan who easily shot past the Ballymoney keeper. Northend should have added to this lead but failed to do so and a defensive error on the stroke of half-time, let a Ballymoney forward clean through to score and equalise the match. Half-time 1:1.

Northend flew out of the blocks at the start of the second half and quickly scored a further two goals. Ciaran Campbell scored the first after the Ballymoney keeper parried a Caolan McCarroll shot. Cadyn McGall scored the third and the best goal of the day after receiving the ball from Christy McKillop on the left wing, cutting inside, and firing a curling left-footer into the top corner of the net. At this stage of the match, Northend mistakenly became complacent and Ballymoney scored two quick goals to equalise the match a second time.

In a gripping finale, it was Northend who again stepped up another gear and scored two further goals. The first one was scored by Christy McKillop, after being assisted by Ciaran Campbell. Christy McKillop then turned provider to assist Oisin O'Mullan for his second goal of the day. Northend then seen this match out comfortably to win by 5 goals to 3.

Northend's midfield trio on the day, Oisin O'Mullan, Christy McKillop and Ciaran Campbell outplayed , outfought and outpassed their Ballymoney counterparts with four of Northend's goals coming from this trio. New signing Harry Wylie, accompanied by Calum Kilgore, were superb at the back and was strong in the tackle and never wasted a pass all day. Their replacements Rhys Dennison and Patrick Ferris deputised well when they came on. Up front, Caolan McCarroll and Cadyn McGall always posed a threat on goal. At times in this match, this young side were a pleasure to watch, playing football in the proper way, but must learn to see out matches when ahead and not become complacent when well on top.

Man of the Match: Oisin O'Mullan

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

Northend United 2 Ballymoney United 1 Friendly Wednesday 5th September 2012

Northend United edged this closely fought encounter by two goals to one. Ballymoney United arrived with large contingent of players and elected to play two completely different teams in each half. In the first half of the match, Northend dominated play with their sharp passing and movement and created a catalogue of chances, eventually going two goals ahead through Christy McKillop and Caolan McCarroll. Their domination should have lead to a greater margin of goals but score remained 2 - 0 at half-time.

Ballymoney United started the second half with a bigger, more physical and direct team. At first, this did appear to confuse this young Northend team and rightly, Ballymoney scored a goal within seven minutes of the restart. This goal however seemed to rejuvenate Northend and gradually they started to apply pressure on their opponents and were unlucky not to score in the second half, after great chances from Caolan McCarroll and Cadyn McGall. Full-time score: 2 -1.

Panel: C McKillop, O O'Mullan, C Kilgore, F McQuillan, P Ferris, R Dennison, C McCarroll, H Wylie, C Campbell, C McGall

Ballymena United 3 Northend United 4 Friendly Thursday 30th August 2012

Northend eagerly awaited this friendly against their big rivals Ballymena Utd, and comfortably won this match by four goals to three. Although the scoreline reflects they only won this match by the odd goal, they went 4 goals ahead over the first two periods, then paid the price for relaxing and making too many substitutions in the final period, allowing Ballymena to score three goals.

Northend over the first two periods were simply sublime. They played some great pass and move football but unfortunately they failed to hit the net for the first fifteen minutes. They forced save after save and corner after corner until Oisin O'Mullan finally finished neatly after cutting in from the left wing. The same player made it two nil shortly into the second period after some great interplay from Harry Wylie, Ciaran Campbell and Christy McKillop. Ciaran Campbell scored Northend's third, again cutting in from the left hand side, after being slid through by Cadyn McGall. Caolan McCarroll scored a fine fourth goal just before the end of the third period. At this stage Northend were four nil up but it could have easily been double figures on another day, such was their dominance.

Northend made several changes before and during the third period, and this had some bearing on Ballymena scoring three goals. Northend having a regular goalkeeper may also have prevented this and special mention must go again to the three outfield players (Rees Dennison, Ciaran Campbell and Fiontan McQuillan) who kindly volunteered to do nets on the night.

Overall, this was a fine performance from this young Northend side and they will go from strength to strength. Defenders Calum Kilgore, Fiontan McQuillan, Patrick Ferris and Rees Dennison all performed well on the night. Midfielders Christy McKillop, Oisin O'Mullan, Cadyn McGall and Harry Wylie totally dominated their Ballymena opponents and played some great pass and move football throughout the match. Up front Caolan McCarroll and Ciaran Campbell created loads of problems for the Ballymena defence, and if not for the Ballymena goalkeeper, could each have had a hat-trick at least.

Panel: C Campbell, C Kilgore, F McQuillan, C McCarroll, C McKillop, O O'Mullan, C McGall, H Wylie, R Dennison, P Ferris, Triallist

Coleraine Youth Academy 1 Northend United 3 Friendly Tuesday 21st August 2012

Northend United put on a very impressive display to beat this Coleraine team on their home ground. With no goalkeeper signed yet for the ,forthcomng season, three Northend first-team players each took a turn in goal (Ciaran Campbell, Patrick Ferris and Caydn McFall). Despite this, Northend put on a dazzling display running out 1-3 winners in the end.

Northend started like a house on fire with the midfield trio of Christy McKillop, Oisin O'Mullan and Ciaran Campbell well on top. With their hard-pressed running combined with pass and move game, Northend dominated the first fifteen minutes. This domination led to Northends first goal. Some fine one-two play between Oisin O'Mullan and Christy McKillop on the right, led to the former crossing to Ciaran Campbell who easily slotted the ball by the Coleraine keeper. Northend continued to press and this led to another fine finish by Oisin O'Mullan to put Northend two up. Northend wasted several more chances to put this game beyond reach , but went into the break at two goals up. Half-time 0:2.

Coleraine came into the match in the second half, and with some determined defending by Calum Kilgore, Fiontan McQuillan and Patrick Ferris, Northend kept out their tricky opponents. Coleraine were now pushing forward in droves but Northend always looked threatening on the break, especially with the impressive Caolan McCarroll, causing all sorts of problems for Coleraine in defence. Midway through the second half, Coleraine found the net, reducing the deficit to one goal. On scoring, it looked highly likely that Coleraine would find an equaliser, but it was their opponents Northend who found another gear and went further ahead with a tremendous long range effort from Calum Kilgore. Northend then dominated this match until the end and eventually ran out convincing winners by three goals to one. Final score 1:3.

This was a superb win for Northend and all players contributed on the day. In defence, Patrick Ferris and, Caydn McFall looked assured. Fiontan McGall and Calum Kilgore were outstanding at the back but also a threat when they surged forward with the ball. In midfield and up front, Ciaran Campbell, Christy McKillop, Oisin O'Mullan and Caolan McCarroll caused havoc for Coleraine throughout the match, and all are a regular goal threat.

Panel : P Ferris, C Campbell, F McQuillan , C Kilgore, C McCarroll, C McKillop , O O'Mullan, C McGall , triallist.

Playing for the Future Tournament - Portadown Saturday 18th August 2012

Northend's 2003 team were off on their journey again, when this time they travelled to Portadown on Saturday morning to play in the 7-a-side Playing for the Future Competition. This competition, involving teams from as far away as Dublin and Dundalk was an excellent pre-season competition for the young Northend Boys. A large group of parents went along to support the boys and the U9 team did not let their supporters down with a day of great football with their game against Glentoran the game of the day which drew a large crowd with both teams putting on a fantastic display of football.

Northend's opening game was against Castlewellan Town FC and when Christy McKillop scored to give Northend a deserved lead. The same player then doubled the Blues lead before goals then followed from Ciaran Campbell and Callum Kilgore.

Rock Celtic FC from Dundalk was their next opponents and it took a great individual goal from Christy McKillop to separate the two teams when he turned and smashed his shot into the far top corner. Rock Celtic was playing well and it took a great team performance to win this match.

The game of the day was against Belfast outfit Glentoran FC and infront of a large crowd both teams knew whoever won this game would go through as group winners. The game started at a frantic pace with both teams attacking and it took the back line of Fiontan McQuillan, Reece Dennison and Caolan McCarroll to keep Glentoran at bay and with Ciaran Campbell in outstanding form all day in midfield it allowed Northend to pin the Glens team back with the surging runs of McCarroll and Dennison up the wings and Northend should of went infront when Reece Dennison was played through but instead of shooting at the Glens goal he passed inside to McKillop but this allowed the Glens players to get back to block any shot. The game when from end to end and with only minutes left the referee awarded the Glens a harsh free-kick after two Northend players blocked the ball and the Glens player fell over and from the resulting free-kick they scored after Callum Kilgore saved well but from the rebound the ball came back in and in a scramble a Glens player knocked the ball over the line to win the match.

Northend then played Bush Celtic FC from Dublin and after a minute they fell behind and in the warm heat they fell behind again when a Celtic player placed his shot into the far corner of the Northend goal. Northend never gave up and pulled one back late on in the game.

Saint Mary's FC from Portadown were Northend's next opponents and after playing five games in a row it took its toll when St Mary's scored early and it took a late goal from Kadyn McGall to draw level and in the last minute Oisin O'Mullan missed a great chance after he skipped pass two players and with only the keeper to beat his shot just went pass the post and wide to leave the score 1-1.

Panel: K McGall, C McCarroll, O O'Mullan, C Campbell, C McKillop, C Kilgore, P Ferris, F McQuillan, R Dennison