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Christmas Mini Tournament - Showgrounds Saturday 7th December 2013

With many of the youth leagues taking a winter break, Northend United hosted a Pre-Christmas U10's mini-soccer blitz at the Ballymena Showgrounds. Northend had no-less than three teams taking part, along with two from Carniny Youth and one from North Belfast United.

Northend United 2 North Belfast 1

United's opener was a very competitive game between two sides intent on playing attacking football. It was the Belfast side who edged their noses in-front on six minutes when a long range effort soared over Niall Devine's outstretched hand. Caolan Lennon made a number of strong runs down the left-hand side and as the pressure built, it was a well placed shot from Peter Bristow which levelled the score on ten minutes. Half Time 1-1.

Northend changed formation in the second half with David Magill and Corey McMillan playing well together as a back two. Kevin Cosgrove, Peter Bristow and Jack Adams were making a good impression in midfield and the wee blues gradually took control of the game. Owen Campbell's work rate gave the North Belfast side very little time on the ball and the Ballymena side played some very good football. North Belfast still looked dangerous on the break and struck Northend's bar before Kevin Cosgrove put the wee blues ahead with six minutes remaining. Full Time 2-1

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Northend United 5 Northend Youth 0

Next up was an inter-club game and both sides put in great performances for the large crowd of supporters. Caolan Lennon made a powerful run through the middle for the opening goal on four minutes with Peter Bristow adding a second three minutes later. United didn't get it all their own way and Youth looked dangerous on the counter attack. Half-Time 2-0.

Shortly after the break United extended their lead with an excellent strike from Jack Adams. Owen Campbell got a reward for his tireless running shortly after when he notched United's fourth and Kevin Cosgrove scored the last goal of the game following some excellent build-up play. Full Time 5-0.

Northend United 3 Carniny Youth 3

The next game was the first of two derby games against local rivals Carniny. The wee blues started well with Corey McMillan and David Magill creating space along both flanks and Northend were playing some delightful free-flowing football. It was Carniny Youth who took the lead a little surprisingly against the run of play on nine minutes after the wee blues had failed to convert a string of chances. Carniny scored a second moments before the break. Half-time 0-2.

Northend went with a back two for the second half and despite conceding a silly third goal the boys really were playing some great stuff. Within four minutes gone Peter Bristow won the ball in midfield and drilled a shot low into the bottom corner. By this point Northend were on fire and Owen Campbell pulled another goal back two minutes later with a neat finish. Within a minute Kevin Cosgrove smashed home a loose ball on the edge of the box and it seemed a matter of time before the wee blues went ahead. Despite creating a number of further chances and striking the woodwork on at least two occasions, United just couldn't take advantage of their dominance and the game finished all square. Full-time 3-3

Northend United 1 Carniny Amateurs 2

The final game was an absolute cracker between two very evenly matched sides. The first half was a very competitive affair with neither side giving up possession easily and chances were few and far between. Caolan Lennon forced a good save from the Carniny Keeper on six minutes and Owen Campbell saw an effort go agonisingly past the post with minutes of the half remaining. Half-time 0-0

The second half was no less of a close encounter with both sides looking for rare opportunities to score. It was Northend who edged ahead on six minutes when Peter Bristow was first to re-act to a breaking ball on the edge of the box and slotted home his fourth of the day. Carniny responded well and scored an equalizer two minutes later. Kevin Cosgrove was unlucky not to score Northend's second of the game following some excellent inter-play in midfield. With so few chances falling to either side it was Carniny who benefited from a stroke of luck when their striker saw a splendid save by Jack Adams fall favourably on the rebound and the ball being bundled into the goal. This was a great game between two good young teams. Full-time 1-2.

Player of the Tournament: Whole squad - A fantastic morning of football and the boys really underpinned just how far they have progressed from the start of the season. This group are really coming together as a team and show a fantastic attitude towards the game. With the Christmas break approaching the Coaches would like to thank the boys for all their hard work (and the parents for their continued support). A further blitz is being planned for the 4th January to help burn off a couple of those selection boxes. Happy Christmas boys.

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

Northend United 2 Oak Athletic 7 Saturday 30th November 2013

This was the U10s final league outing ahead of the winter break and the boys signed off with an impressive display, underlining the progress they have made during the first half of the season. The first half was a very hard fought, with neither team willing to concede possession easily. Oak got their noses in front on five minutes when their centre back rose highest to head home a corner. Two minutes later the Wee Blues were unfortunate not to pull the game level when Jack Adams fired a screamer towards the top corner, only to see the Oak keeper make an incredible finger-tip save. This brought added confidence to Northend's play and Caolan Lennon saw a low drilled shot stopped on the goal-line. Oak looked dangerous on the counter attack and the defensive trio of David Magill, Kevin Cosgrove and Corey McMillan looked up for the challenge. Peter Bristow created an opening for Adams who saw his effort drift wide and it was perhaps slightly against the run of play when Oak capitalised upon a half chance on the edge of the Northend box. With minutes of the half remaining Oak snatched their third. Half-time score 0-3.

Peter Bristow and Caolan Lennon were quick to pick up the pace in the second half and it was Bristow who powered past the Oak defence to fire a shot into the far right-hand corner. Niall Devine made a fine save from an Oak striker and injured a hand for his efforts but bravely continued in nets. Moments later a pass from Kevin Cosgrove found Jack Adams bearing down on the Oak goal - the young striker opted for power and was unlucky to see his effort rise inches over the bar. Oak scored their fourth of the game and breathed a sigh of relief following a pro-longed period of Northend pressure. The Wee Blues were undaunted and looked to play their way back into the game. Owen Campbell raced onto a through ball and beautifully placed his effort past the helpless Oak keeper. With the game finely poised it was Oak who finished the stronger and ran out winners in a highly entertaining game. Full-time 2-7.

The first half of the season has saw this group of players pitted against some very strong squads. Regardless of their league position at the mid-season break, the coaches are extremely pleased with everyone's progress and this has been clearly demonstrated in the recent weeks with a number of outstanding performances by each player. Keep up the hard work boys and the results will come.

Man of the Match: Niall Devine - the young keeper has been in outstanding form in recent weeks and showed tremendous courage to continue in this game after injuring his hand when bravely saving a shot from close range.

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

Northend United 1 Coleraine Academy 5 Saturday 23rd November 2013

Football can certainly be a cruel game and the U10s were desperately unlucky not to take anything from this fixture. The absence of Peter Bristow through injury was certainly a decisive factor, however the overall effort of the wee blues and quality of their football deserved so much more. Corey McMillan and Caolan Lennon were dominating midfield in the early exchanges and the defensive trio of Magill, Cosgrove and O'Neill looked very comfortable in possession. Coleraine took the lead against the run of play on eleven minutes with a well worked goal. Undaunted, the Wee Blues continued to play some excellent football and within three minutes Caolan Lennon made a great break down the right wing and crossed to the unmarked Jack Adams who coolly finished off the move. The remaining ten minutes of the half saw Northend drive forward in search of a second. Jack Adams beat two Coleraine players and was unlucky to see his effort saved. Caolan Lennon, Corey McMillan and Ben O'Neill each went close to scoring and the wee blues showed just how much they have developed in the first half of the season. Half-time score 1-1

Northend started the second half quite smartly but then suffered a crazy two minute spell where they leaked two goals to the bemusement of those watching the game. Owen Campbell was again working hard to pressurize the Coleraine defence and was unlucky not to deflect a long range effort from David Magill into the goal. Niall Devine looked in good form in nets and made a good stop to keep his team in the game, while Kevin Cosgrove again looked a class act at the back. The Wee Blues continued to drive forward and dominated the game for long spells. Corey McMillan went close on two further occasions, but luck just seems to evade the Northend boys at times. Full time score 5-1.

Men of the Match: Ben O'Neill, Kevin Cosgrove and David Magill -tireless work in defence. That said, what's more important is the overall improvement in each of the boys. You all deserve so much credit, the coaches and your parents are so proud of you, Just keep this going. Peter - All the boys wish you a speedy recovery and hope to see you back soon.

Panel: N Devine, D Magill, K Cosgrove, B O'Neill, C McMillan, C Lennon, J Adams, O Campbell, L Allen.

Ballymoney United 5 Northend United 1 Saturday 16th November 2013

Despite the final score-line, this was a fabulous display by Northend against a very talented Ballymoney side. From the very first whistle the Wee Blues pressurized their opponents and played at a tempo Ballymoney found hard to compete with. A defensive lapse on seven minutes allowed Ballymoney to edge ahead, however Northend's response was immediate when Peter Bristow won the ball in midfield before beating a defender and firing a low drive into the goal. Ballymoney edged ahead a few minutes later when a chipped through ball caught Northend's defence square and their striker gave Niall Devine no little chance with a clinical finish. The next five minutes saw some great play from both sides, and the Wee Blues went close with an effort from the hard working Owen Campbell. Corey McMillan and David Magill both defended well and as the Wee Blues built the pressure up against their opponent Jack Adams burst through the Ballymoney defence and saw his effort drift agonisingly past the post. Moments later Peter Bristow went close to getting his second and Kevin Cosgrove fired a cracking effort narrowly over the bar. The killer blow came just before half-time when Ballymoney took full advantage of two half chances to go 4- 1 ahead against the run of play. Half time score 4-1

The Wee Blues looked determined to make amends for the disappointing finish to the first half and quickly picked up the pace after the re-start. Each of the boys gave 100% and should be very proud of the effort they displayed. Caolan Lennon was making an excellent impression in midfield and Ben O'Neill allowed the Ballymoney defence no time to settle on the ball. As the game progressed the Wee Blues pressed hard to pull a goal back and looked more than a good match against a side who are arguably the best at this age group in the NWCDYL. Niall Devine was more than equal to anything that came his way and made good use of the ball when in possession. Kevin Cosgrove again produced an eye-catching display and marshalled his defence well, although the all-round display by Peter Bristow was outstanding. Full-time score 5-1

Man of the Match: Peter Bristow - In a nutshell, each of the boys were fantastic today and the coaches and parents were very proud of you all. Peter - you were on fire!

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

Limavady United 5 Northend United 0 Saturday 9th November 2013

On a bright but chilly morning in Ballysally, the U10's faced a high flying Limavady United side who are the joint leaders of the premier section. With one or two enforced changes due to illness, the wee blues showed great adaptability - and Jack Adams in particular made a good impression at right back. The opening minutes of the game were very hard fought and it was Limavady who took the lead on seven minutes when they scored from long range. Within minutes the wee blues found themselves two down as they failed to close a breaking ball on the edge of the box. The response by the young Northend side was excellent. Owen Campbell pressurised the Limavady defence to good effect and Peter Bristow went very close to pulling a goal back. As half-time approached, Niall Devine made an incredible save when he tipped a thunderbolt of an effort over the bar before the break. Half Time score 2-0

Ben O'Neill and Corey McMillan combined well to create an opening for Peter Bristow just after the re-start and were unlucky not to pull a goal back. As the game opened up during the second half Kevin Cosgrove was once again in commanding form and coped well with the challenge of playing against a much physically stronger opponent. Caolan Lennon worked hard to win the ball for the team and it was at the mid-point of the second half when Limavady sealed the win with a well worked third. Final score 5-0

Men of the Match: Jack Adams and Niall Devine. The teams overall response when they conceded a second goal showed a great deal of character. Jack Adams performance at the unfamiliar position of right back was worth a special mention, and Niall Devine's save before half-time had to be seen to be believed - sensational.

Panel: N Devine, J Adams, K Cosgrove, B O'Neill, C McMillan, P Bristow, O Campbell, C Lennon

IFA Newry Tournament Saturday 2nd November 2013

Northend United U10's were on their travels this week when they accepted an invitation to take part in an IFA Mini-Soccer Tournament in Newry.

A very early start and dreadful weather conditions when leaving Ballymena really, highlighted the dedication this young group of players (and this goes for their parents too!). The 3G surface and facilities at Abbey CBS Grammar School (Newry) were first class and the heavy rain gave way to sunshine (a minor miracle) just as the players arrived.

Northend United 4 Camlough 2

First up was a game against Camlough Rovers - Northend went behind to an early pile-driver from a Camlough midfielder before Owen Campbell worked hard to create a chance for Caolan Lennon to draw things level. The wee blues leaked a second moments later but immediately drew things level when Jack Adams created enough space on the edge of the area to drill the ball into the roof of the net. Half Time sore 2-2.

A strong wind was really influencing each game and with this to their advantage in the second half, the young Ballymena side never really looked like losing the game. Good defensive work and support given to the midfield and forward players saw two further goals for Northend, Caolan Lennon and Jack Adams both thundering home chances from distance. Full Time score 4-2.

Northend United 0 Glenavon 2

With little more than a two minute break between matches, Northend faced a Glenavon side who were playing their first fixture of the competition. Facing into the strong breeze the wee blues looked tired and conceded two very early goals. But, such was the spirit of the boys they really dug deep and went agonisingly close to pulling a goal back before half-time through Owen Campbell. Half-Time score 0-2.

With only a bare squad of seven players the wee blues re-charged their batteries at half-time and started the second half at a frantic pace. Corey McMillan was making a great impression in midfield and was unlucky to see an effort stopped inches from the goal -line. Niall Devine and David Magill worked hard to win possession for the team and Kevin Cosgrove again stood out as a class-act in defence. Corey McMillan and Caolan Lennon each produced a number of excellent saves from the Glenavon keeper and the Ballymena side were very unlucky not to get a least a draw from the game. Full Time score 0 - 2.

Northend United 0 Windmill Stars 2

The next game came along within five minutes and the boys were clearly feeling the effects of the earlier matches. Again facing into the breeze in the first half, the boys looked solid in defence (albeit a little tired) and posed a real threat going forward. Windmill's keeper was very impressive and is easily one of the best the coaches have seen at this age-group. The boys worked hard to gain an advantage but couldn't get their noses in front. Half Time score 0 -0.

With the wind at their back the wee blues tried to use this to their advantage, however it was clear that the lack of any substitutes and three games in very quick succession was always going to be a big challenge. In the end Windmill edged out the winners by two goals, but the boys should be very proud of their efforts and really took a lot from the whole experience. Full-time score 0-2.

Men of the Match: Team Performance

Panel: D Magill, K Cosgrove, N Devine, C McMillan, J Adams, C Lennon, O Campbell