Northend United 0 Lisdrum Youth 0   Saturday 16th November 2024

United Youth started brightly with the midfield and forward line all linking up well together with quick, sharp passing. Eoin Walkers pace, Holly O’Neills trickery, Caleb Crillys craft and Shay Termonia’s guile were causing havoc in opening minutes of the first period but with the opposition playing three at the back they just couldn’t seem to get that clear cut opportunity on goal. At the other end Preston Balmer and Oisin Logan had their work cut out for them against a speedy and skillful Lisdrum centre forward but both performed admirably, restricting him to runs down dead alleys and shots from distance.

In the second period, Lisdrum were starting to take charge of the game with their striker becoming more of a handful. Lewis Hill was matching him for speed with Logan using his strength to outmuscle his opponent. Then came the pivotal moment in the game, when the forward finally got in behind, he was bearing down on Northend’s no.1. With a goal seemingly the only outcome, Sam Stewart showed all his agility by somehow getting down to his right post and pulling off a magnificent fingertip save. O’Neill succumbed to injury which presented Daryn-Shae Brett with the opportunity to get minutes under his belt for this Utd Youth side. The eager Brett showed no sign of nerves and put about very well, in a less known, forward position.

The final period continued in a similar vein as the last, with the midfield trio having to concentrate more on their defensive responsibilities rather than offensive. Balmer, who was back on for the injured Hill, alongside the impressive Logan were working well as a defensive duo to restrict efforts on their keeper's goal but Stewart was becoming the flavour of the day. An array of saves were made using any part of his body, including one brave save with his face. Midway through the last period, Northend got a rare opportunity as Walker was unlucky not to connect, a difficult chance with his head, from a Termonia corner. In the remaining minutes, Balmer, who welcomes a foot race, as his grit and determination usually mean he won’t be beat, decided to take one for his team with a “tactical foul” when a goal would have been a certainty. Lisdrum weren’t done as Stewart had to pull off another cat like save, very late on, earning his side their first point in the top division. Full time 0-0

Utd Youth were used to winning comfortably in the second tier but this is a step up and two games in, the kids are still adjusting to the speed and intensity. This is where they want to be though and are seemingly dealing with the pressure. Two thirds of the game was backs against the wall stuff but all 9 kids today were a unit and did their bit for the cause. That being said, there was one kid that his teammates needed to thank the most as he was absolutely outstanding every time he was called upon. To win games you need to stop the opposition scoring and time and time again he made sure that never happened with a 10/10 performance

United Panel: Sam Stewart, Preston Balmer, Oisin Logan, Shay Termonia, Caleb Crilly, Eoin Walker, Holly O’Neill, Lewis Hill, Daryn-Shae Brett

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................