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NWCDYL PLATE FINAL TOURNAMENT Saturday 24th May 2014

Northend United 0 Dungiven Celtic 2

The opening game of the NWCDYL Plate Final saw the Wee Blues face Dungiven Celtic. There was little to choose between either team, although it was Dungiven who made the most of a limited number of chances. Curtis Wilson was in commanding form and brought a confidence to the rest of the squad. Corey McMillan was full of running and worked hard along the left flank.

Northend United 5 Coleraine Alexander 1

Northend's second game of the day was against Coleraine Alexander. The Wee Blues took a little time to settle into their rhythm, although once Owen Campbell edged his side in front on eight minutes they took control of the game. Lewis Hector smashed an effort off the cross bar before further goals from Peter Bristow (2) and Kevin Cosgrove (2) put the game beyond doubt.

Northend United 2 Limavady Youth Colts 1

The Wee Blues started strongly and dominated the game from start to finish. After a sustained period of pressure, Northend took the lead on eight minutes when Peter Bristow fired home a low drive into the bottom corner. Moments later the Wee Blues thought they had extended their lead but had the goal cancelled when the referee judged the ball had gone out for a corner before being crossed into the goalmouth. From the following corner kick Peter Bristow leapt above his marker at the back post to head home the Wee Blues second. The game became quite a physical battle for the remainder of the game and the Wee Blues were more than equal to anything that came their way. Limavady pulled a consolation goal back before the end of the game but it was too little too late as the Northend boys booked their place in the final.

Northend United 0 Dungiven Celtic 0 PLATE FINAL Dungiven Celtic won on golden goal rule in extra time.

The NWCDYL Plate final saw Northend United playing Dungiven Celtic. The game started at a cracking pace and there was so little to choose between either side. Owen Campbell was looking lively in attack and his hard running certainly looked to unsettle the Dungiven defence. The Wee Blues were starting to dominate the midfield area and looked increasingly dangerous going forward. Half chances fell to both Jack Adams and Kevin Cosgrove; however both boys were closed down quickly and afforded little time to get their shots on goal. Niall Devine and David Magill were winning a physical battle with the Dungiven forward line and looked in no mood to let their rivals get the better of them. The match drew to a nail biting end and although the managers of both teams would have willingly shared the cup, the league rules stated that the golden goal rule would apply in extra time. Unfortunately for the Wee Blues this wasn't going to be their day as Dungiven edged themselves in front and claimed the Plate Trophy.

In summary, this young squad have taken a massive step forward since the Winter break and their continuing development is clear for all to see. Each of the boys should be very proud of their achievements, and today's place in the Plate Final is all down to their hard work in training. It's been a real pleasure for Robert and Uel to coach this squad throughout the year. Bring on next season!!!!!

Men of the Match: Every single player made an outstanding contribution and it would be impossible to single out any individual performances.

Panel: C Wilson, D Magill, N Devine, C McMillan, P Bristow, K Cosgrove, J Adams, L Hector and O Campbell

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Northend United 3 Carniny Youth 1 Saturday 26th April 2014

The Wee Blues booked themselves a spot in the NWCDYL Plate semi-finals with a victory over local rivals Carniny Youth. Northend started the game slowly and looked a little out of sorts for the opening five minutes. Once the Wee Blues settled into their rhythm they started to make better use of their possession and chances started to come their way. Jack Adams saw a half volley fly inches over the bar and moments later forced a good save from the Carniny keeper. Corey McMillan saw a long range effort go narrowly wide of the post and it only seemed a matter of time before Northend would take the lead. The back three of David Magill, Niall Devine and Corey McMillan were very assured and looked to join into the attacking play. Cutis Wilson was forced into action at the mid-point of the half and distributed the ball well to both full backs during the match. With thirteen minutes gone, Northend forced a corner and Peter Bristow headed home Jack Adams cross at the back post. With their noses in front, the Wee Blues started to play some delightful football, although it took until the seventeenth minute before Peter Bristow added a second following some good build up play between David Magill and Kevin Cosgrove. Half-time 2-0

Playing into the breeze in the second half, Northend looked to extend their lead and Owen Campbell came into attack. Owen worked hard to unsettle the Carniny defence and took a blow to the head during a challenge. He had to leave the field but returned minutes later (sporting a black eye). Niall Devine was playing well in his defensive role and Kevin Cosgrove was causing havoc amongst the Carniny midfield with his strong running. Northend's third came after ten minutes and was arguably the best of the day. A goal kick from Curtis Wilson was collected by Corey McMillan and a good infield pass to Owen Campbell saw the young striker hold up play. Owen made a lay off to Peter Bristow, and as Peter burst through on goal he unselfishly played a pass to Kevin Cosgrove who smashed the ball into the net. A terrific piece of play! With the game now beyond doubt, the Wee Blues continued to play a good passing game. Carniny pulled a goal back very late in the match but by that stage the Northend boys were already looking forward to their place in the semi-finals. Full-time 3-1.

Carniny Youth deserve a great deal of credit for their performance but Northend United were just that little bit stronger on the day. Very well done boys, your parents and coaches are all very proud of you.

Men of the Match: Every player was outstanding.

Panel: C Wilson, D Magill, N Devine, C McMillan, P Bristow, K Cosgrove, J Adams and O Campbell

Northend United - Larne Soccer Sevens Easter Monday 21st April 2014

Northend United U10's travelled to Sandy Bay on Easter Monday for the annual Larne Youth Soccer Sevens competition.

Larne Youth (Black) 0 v Northend 1: First up was a game with the host club. Northend looked to continue their good form of late and in doing so produced some excellent passing football which led to them collecting all three points.

North Belfast 0 v Northend 1. North Belfast did not complete the fixture.

Crusaders 1 v Northend 1: The Wee Blues looked lively in the opening minutes and took an early lead following a sustained period of pressure around the Crusaders goal-mouth. Northend should have put the game well beyond and paid a heavy price for not converting their chances when Crusaders made the most of a rare attack.

Carniny 2 v Northend 2: The final game of the group stage saw the two Ballymena sides pitted against each other for a place in the semi-finals and what a cracker this turned out to be. Northend went in front early in the game only to see Carniny pull themselves level. The Wee Blues went ahead again moments later before conceding a soft goal from the re-start which saw them finish second in the group and ruled them out of the semi-finals.

This was a great tournament and the boys certainly done themselves and their parents proud with their performance.

Panel: C Wilson, D Magill, B O'Neill, C McMillan, P Bristow, J Adams, K Cosgrove, E McLaughlin, N Devine and O Campbell

Northend United 6 Ballymoney Minis 0 Saturday 12th April 2014

With the influential Kevin Cosgrove falling ill on the morning of the game, the wee blues were forced to make a few changes ahead of their cup tie with Ballymoney. Northend looked a little out of sorts in the opening moments of the game until Jack Adams fired home from the edge of the box on four minutes. Moments later, David Magill broke-up a Ballymoney attack deep in his own half before making a good run down the right flank and passing to Owen Campbell; Owen beat his marker and cut the ball back from the bye-line towards the unmarked Peter Bristow who smashed his shot high into the net. The Wee Blues were now firmly in control of the game and with ten minutes gone Owen Campbell collected a loose ball in the box before placing a side-footed effort into the bottom corner. David Magill, Corey McMillan and Ben O'Neill were more than equal to anything that Ballymoney could offer and each took the opportunity to assist their midfield and attacking team mates going forward. Jack Adams scored his second of the game on fourteen minutes when his goal bound effort was deflected into the net off a Ballymoney player. With the game now beyond doubt, the Wee Blues were producing some excellent flowing football and the hard work in training to create width was certainly shining through. Peter Bristow scored Northend's fourth when he controlled a cross from Ben O'Neill before placing his shot beyond the keeper. With sixteen minutes gone Jack Adams played a wide pass to Peter Bristow and Peter's excellent cross into the box saw Owen Campbell smash a first time volley off the underside of the bar. As the ball bounced in front of the open goal, it was Owen Campbell who re-acted the quickest to force the ball over the line. Ballymoney were now able to field an extra player although the overall movement and quality of the Northend play saw the Ballymena side continuing to enjoy the greater share of possession. Half-time 5-0.

Northend continued to dominate the game in the second half and the most pleasing part of today's game was the discipline shown by each of the boys to retain their shape and to try to bring some width into their play. Curtis Wilson was called into action during the mid-point of the half and produced a good save from close range. The defence were again very much on top of their game and Peter Bristow, Jack Adams and Owen Campbell were relishing the time and space being offered by Ballymoney. With five minutes remaining Peter Bristow made another strong run through the middle of the pitch and found space behind the Ballymoney defence before finishing off an excellent bit of play. Full-time 6-0.

Today's victory puts the Wee Blues into the final stages of the NWCDYL Plate competition and will hopefully make Kevin Cosgrove feel a little better. Get well soon from all your team mates, Robert and Uel.

Men of the Match: Jack Adams, Owen Campbell and Peter Bristow notched up two goals each and David Magill won tackle after tackle in defence, however it would be harsh not to credit each of the boys for the part they played - therefore a team performance.

Panel: C Wilson, D Magill, B O'Neill, C McMillan, P Bristow, J Adams and O Campbell

Northend United 1 Oak Athletic 6 Saturday 29th March 2014

This was a tough draw for the wee blues in the NWCDYL Cup, but for the first half of the game there was absolutely nothing to choose between these sides. Northend started the game brightly and took the lead after two minutes. Corey McMillan continued his rich goal scoring run with a cool finish after Peter Bristow had pressurised the Oak defence. Jack Adams was having a good game in midfield and was working hard to retain possession. Oak drew themselves level after ten minutes when a little hesitation in the Northend defence allowed their opponents too much time. The game was finely balanced at this point and Oak threatened with some excellent wide play and good delivery into the Northend box. Curtis Wilson was however in outstanding form and was more than equal to challenge. With three minutes left in the half Oak edged themselves ahead. The wee blues failed to compete for a corner kick and allowed their opponents the freedom to jump highest and head the ball into the goal. Half time 2-1.

With everything to play for in the second half, the wee blues simply failed to turn up and looked a completely different side to the opening part of the game. Too much time was given to their opponents and they paid a hefty price for not closing down their opponents by conceding two goals in the early part of the half. Jack Adams continued to look bright and lively and Curtis Wilson was producing a fine display in goal. Oak scored two further goals to put the game beyond doubt. The frustrating thing was that things could have been so much different with a little harder work to close down their opponents. Full time 6-1.

Men of the Match: Jack Adams and Curtis Wilson.

Panel: C Wilson, D Magill, K Cosgrove, C McMillan, P Bristow, J Adams, O Campbell and B O'Neill

Northend United 7 Ballysally Youth Club 0 Saturday 22nd March 2014

Following on from last week's good performance, Northend United faced a much older and physically stronger side in the form of Ballysally Youth Club. The wee blues started strongly and let their older opponents know straight from the kick-off that they were prepared to battle for every ball. Corey McMillan flicked a low drive into the Ballysally goal after two minutes and this seemed to settle the young Ballymena side. It was the wee blues who were producing the better football and Peter Bristow crisply fired home the second of the game following some good build up play around the ten minute mark. Northend were now firmly in control of the game and the back three of David Magill, Kevin Cosgrove and Ben O'Neill were producing a near perfect display. Curtis Wilson was called into action only once in the first half when he deflected a long range effort onto the post, before Corey McMillan scored his second of the game with a neat finish after a strong run past the Ballysally defence. The forth came on twenty minutes and was arguably the best of the day. Ben O'Neill and Owen Campbell played some excellent football down the left hand side and then cut the ball in-field to Peter Bristow. Peter controlled the pass and made a neat lay-off for Jack Adams who smashed the ball into the far right hand top corner from fully twenty five yards. As half-time approached Corey McMillan notched up his hat-trick to put the game beyond doubt. Half-time 5-0.

The wee blues started the second half strongly and Owen Campbell's work rate was proving too much for the Ballysally defence. Owen's link up play with the rest of the team played a big part in today's success. The back three continued to thwart anything that came their way and done well to stand up to older opponents. Peter Bristow, Jack Adams and Corey McMillan were dictating play and clearly enjoyed the time they were being given on the ball. Ballysally produced a good save from Curtis Wilson and it was clear the young goal-keeper was in no mood to give up a clean sheet. Peter Bristow scored his second of the game at the mid-point of the half after Owen Campbell forced a mistake from the keeper. Minutes later Corey McMillan rounded off a fantastic performance with his FOURTH of the match. Full-time 7-0.

Men of the Match: This goes to the whole team. Every one of the boys played their hearts out today and stood up to a real physical battle. The quality of the play was however the most pleasing part for the supporters and the coaches; and shows the progress being made by this talented young group. I certainly think there's more to come from these wee guys in the coming weeks.

Panel: C Wilson, D Magill, K Cosgrove, B O'Neill, C McMillan, P Bristow, J Adams and O Campbell

Northend United 5 Northend Youth 1 Saturday 15th March 2014

The fixture list threw out an inter-club game this week and with both sides agreement the match was moved to Friday evening for a floodlight game at Clough 3G. Youth started the game more brightly than United and within the first five minutes they had hit an upright and had another effort cleared off the line. United gradually played their way into the game and Corey McMillan started creating space along the left flank. The first goal came on nine minutes when Jack Adams played a pass in behind Youth's defence for Corey McMillan. Corey set himself up with a good first touch and then neatly placed his shot into the far corner. Corey Mellon made a good save from a Peter Bristow drive and Jack Adams went close we he deflected a corner narrowly over the bar. Ben O'Neill and David Magill were breaking up a number of Northend Youth's attacks, and Kevin Cosgrove was once again looked very assured in defence. United's second goal came on nineteen minutes when Peter Bristow made himself some space on the edge of the area before firing the ball into the goal. Half time 2-0.

Youth started the second half with a strong wind at their backs and once again looked lively. Owen Campbell worked hard to close down the Youth defence and was staring to drop a little deeper and link up play with United's midfield. Peter Bristow scored United's third within four minutes of the re-start when some good build up play down the left hand side saw Peter make the most of a half-chance and notch his second of the game. Youth kept their heads up and pulled a goal back moments later when Cal O'Brien was left unmarked at a corner and wasted no time in cracking home a chance from 10 yards. The game went from end to end for some time before Jack Adams controlled a loose ball in the middle of the park and fired a home thunder-bolt from distance. Jay McKeown forced Curtis Wilson into making a good save before some excellent play between Peter Bristow and Corey McMillan created a chance for Owen Campbell. The United striker burst through on goal and calmly placed an effort beyond Youth's keeper. His effort looked goal bound but re-bounded off the upright and rolled across the goal. Like all good strikers, Owen followed up his effort and fired the loose ball into the net. Full-time 5-1

Men of the Match: Both teams.

Panel: C Wilson, D Magill, K Cosgrove, B O'Neill, C McMillan, P Bristow, J Adams and O Campbell

Northend United 1 Portrush 3 Saturday 8th March 2014

Northend once again gave themselves a mountain to climb with two soft goals in the first half of this game. With a strong wind at their backs, the boys failed to capitalise on the opportunity to test the Portrush Keeper in the opening period although they did retain the balance of possession. It was completely against the run of play when a swirling up-field ball broke to an unmarked Portrush player who wasted no time in putting his side ahead. To their credit, the wee blues tried to keep the ball on the ground and pass their way back into the game. Peter Bristow saw a shot skim of the cross bar from a tight angle and Corey McMillan hit a cracking long range volley that went inches wide. A rare up-field break saw Portrush win a corner and when the cross was only partially cleared the wee blues took far too long to close the ball and were punished with a second goal. Half-time score 0-2.

Northend started the second half strongly with Kevin Cosgrove and David Magill winning tackle after tackle - both boys were in outstanding form today. Owen Campbell was having a good game, pressurising his opponents and working tirelessly up-front to retain possession. With pressure steadily building upon the Portrush defence it looked a matter of time before the wee blues would pull themselves back into the game. Corey McMillan was once again putting in a good performance and it was his pass on the edge of the box which saw a Jack Adams 'rocket' being spilt by the keeper and Owen Campbell was on hand to force the ball into the net. Minutes later Owen Campbell made a great front post run to meet a driven Peter Bristow corner and his effort went inches wide. The turning point of the game came with eight minutes remaining. Corey McMillan won a 50:50 tackle in the middle of the pitch and as Northend broke forward with a three on one advantage the referee curiously called back play to allow a Portrush player to receive treatment. Ordinarily, the game would have been re-started with a dropped ball, however on this occasion the referee gave Portrush a free-kick from which they scored a third. The wee blues worked until the final whistle, but this just wasn't their day. Full-time score 1-3.

Man of the Match: Owen Campbell.

Panel: C Wilson, D Magill, K Cosgrove, C McMillan, P Bristow, J Adams, O Campbell, J McKeown

Northend United 1 Dungiven Celtic 6 Saturday 1st March 2014

Northend went into the game full of confidence following last week's excellent win. A sluggish start saw the Wee Blues gift two early goals to Dungiven and it took until the seven minute mark before the boys settled into any sort of rhythm. When they did, Northend started to create chances and were unfortunate not to score when both Owen Campbell and Jack Adams saw efforts go narrowly wide. Peter Bristow forced the Dungiven keeper into action and Owen Campbell again went close when a he got a toe to a loose ball in a goal-mouth scramble, only to see the ball creep past the upright. At this point in the game you began to wonder if the Wee Blues would ever turn one of these chances into a goal and Kevin Cosgrove pushed forward to help bolster the numbers in midfield. Dungiven scored their third with a well taken effort from the edge of the box before Corey McMillan hit a thunderous shot effort from within his own half and David Magill saw two long range efforts test the Dungiven keeper. Half-time score 0-3.

In an effort to pull themselves back into the game, the Wee Blues went with a back two for the remainder of the match, further chances came and the Dungiven keeper looked unbeatable when he either deflected or held onto volleys from Jack Adams, Corey McMillan and Kevin Cosgrove. Corey McMillan certainly looked to have regained the 'eye-catching' form that he displayed towards the end of last season and his defensive partnership with David Magill saw the boys work tirelessly to win the ball. Peter Bristow pulled a goal back for Northend with a great piece of skill, taking the ball out of the air and beating his marker with one touch before placing the ball into the net. Full-time score 1-6.

The difficulty today was Northend's failure to convert the chances that came their way and at least three to four goals were gifted through silly mistakes when the Wee Blues had possession. The Dungiven keeper was outstanding and despite the score-line the back two played really well together, although they were occasionally overran with opponents when Dungiven broke up-field.

Men of the Match: Corey McMillan and David Magill.

Panel: C Wilson, D Magill, K Cosgrove, C McMillan, P Bristow, J Adams and O Campbell and B O'Neill