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Carrick Rangers U11s 0 Northend United U11s 3 Wednesday 16th May 2012

Northend faced Carrick Rangers in their last league game of the season. Having won the League ten days ago, this was the last of their three remaining fixtures. Carrick had to win this game to leapfrog Ballyclare Colts to finish runner-up in the league. As this was their final match, Northend rested some players plus changed their team round from goalkeeper to forward, trying everyone in different positions. Carrick started the better of the two teams and had three good opportunites in the first fifteen minutes to take the lead. Northend's defence of Eoin Hynds in goal, and back four of Conor Meneely, Ruairi Campbell, Stuart Lecky and Conor McGarry stood resolute and with this solid base, Northend gradually worked their way into the match, and earned a couple of good chances to score themselves, just before half-time. Half-time score 0-0.

Having failed to hit the target, and needing to win, Carrick appeared to get more nervous as the match wore on. Northend took full advantage of this. They went one up through Robbie McGaughey, from a Scott Sempey corner. Sean McKay then scored two great goals, assisted by Louis McAfee and again Scott Sempey. Northend played out the remainder of the match comfortably to claim victory in their last game. Final score 0-3.

Men of the Match: Ruairi Campbell, Eoin Hynds

Panel: E Hynds, C McGarry, S Lecky, R Campbell (c), C Meneely, S McKay, J Mitchell, P Kyle, S McCusker, M Willighan, R McCluney, S Sempey, R McGaughey, L McAfee

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Ballyclare Colts U11s 4 Northend United U11s 3 Saturday 12th May 2012

In their penultimate league match, Northend faced a determined Ballyclare Colts side who needed a win to have a chance of finishing runner-up in the league. Northend started well and quickly went one up through Conor Meneely. Ruairi Campbell added to this with a neat finish five minutes later. Eoin Hynds made it three nil with a delightful right footed chip with his right foot after fifteen minutes. At this stage Northend were on fire and this match looked like it could end in a cricket score. The Colts scored from a corner on twenty minutes and from this stage, Northend quietly faded away and the Colts were determined to get something from this fixture. Half-time score 1-3

Northend posed little threat to the Colts in the second half and the Colts went on to score three goals to win the match. The first of the three was controversial to say the least as the referee gave a goal from a Colts corner that never crossed the line. This goal visibly affected Northend, the Colts scented blood and went on to score two further goals to win the match. Final score 4-3.

Man of the Match: Ruairi Campbell

Panel: L McAfee, S Sempey (c), M Willighan, R McCluney, J Mitchell, S McKay, C Meneely, E Hynds, R Campbell, C McGarry, R McGaughey, S Lecky, P Kyle

Newington U11s 0 Northend United U11s 5 Wednesday 9th May 2012

Having won the League last Saturday, this was Northends first of their remaining three le ague fixtures. From the kick-off, Northend dominated this match from start to finish. Conor McGarry scored two plus one from Eoin Hynds gave Northend a three nil lead at half-time. Half-time score 0-3.

Sean McKay was to get back on the score-sheet with a great solo double in the second half. Robert McCluney was moved from defence to forward for the remaining quarter of the match, but sadly failed to add to Northends tally of five goals. Full-time 0 : 5.

Scott Sempey was Northend's best player in this match and starred in midfield both when defending and in attack.

Man of the Match: Scott Sempey

Panel: L McAfee, R Campbell, S McCusker, M Willigham, R McClune,; S McKay, S Sempey, E Hynds, C Meneely, R McGaughey (c), C McGarry, S Lecky, J Mitchell, P Kyle

Carrick Rangers U11s 5 Northend United U11s 5 Saturday 5th May 2012

Northend went into this match knowing that just a point was enough to claim the league title. In the end they claimed the point they needed, but came away slightly disappointed at having drawn this match. Carrick started the slightly better of the two sides, and went one up just after five minutes. This appeared to wake up this young Northend side and they equalised within minutes through Robbie McGaughey. Northend were now on top, but were caught out by a slick Carrick move on fifteen minutes and went two one down. Northend equalised shortly after with a Conor McGarry goal after some great play by Scott Sempey. Northend went up another gear at this stage and went 2 - 4 up at the break with a further two goals from Robbie McGaughey, to claim his hat-trick. Half-time score 2-4 to Northend.

Northend flew out of the blocks at the start of the second half and wasted several clear opportunities on goal, notably from Conor McGarry, Scott Sempey and Sean McKay, who all should have scored. As a result of this, Carrick were still in the match with twelve minutes to go. In five minutes of madness and due to a couple of Northend defensive lapses, Carrick brought the scores back to 4-4 with five minutes to go. Northend rightly went 4-5 up through Robbie McGaughey with one minute to go. At this stage the match appeared over and Northend had got the result they deserved but incredibly the referee elected to play six and a half minutes injury time. Just after the sixth minute of injury time, Carrick scored to equalise the match. The referee blew his whistle just after the restart to end the match. Full time score 5-5.

Northend had got the point to win the League title, but understandably were slightly aggrieved in the manner the match was drawn. Perhaps this was a sign of how far this young side has come, disappointed with only a draw against the probable league runners-up.

This has ended an incredible season for this Northend team and this week they have claimed both the Shield and the League title (with 3 league matches still to be played in the League). Since losing their second match of the season, they have remained unbeaten and their league title record reads P 23, L1, D2 and W20.

The manager and players would like to thank the players for their hard work and determination throughout the year, which has culminated in them making history and winning the double. Special thanks also to the parents who have been very supportive all year and to the other U11 supporters who have cheered the team on all year. Lastly, special thanks to the other Northend coaches and committee who also have offered incredible support all year, and organised a great trip for the boys to Falkirk, which was well received by boys and parents alike.

Man of the Match: Robbie McGaughey

Panel: L McAfee, R Campbell, M Willighan, R McCluney, S McCusker, S McKay, S Sempey, E Hynds, C McGarry, C Meneely (c), R McGaughey, S Lecky, P Kyle, J Mitchell

Northend United U11s 5 Ballyclare Comrades U11s 0 Wednesday 2nd May 2012

After Monday evening's Shield Final victory, Northend re-focused themselves for this league encounter against Ballyclare Comrades. Starting with the same eleven from Monday night's victory, Northend started well and went one up within ten minutes after a good finish by Robbie McGaughey. After going one up, Northend appeared to relax, take their foot of the pedal and the game slowed down,. This was most probably due to this being their fourth fixture in seven days and the exertion of Monday night's game. They created a few further half-chances before the break without failing to hit the net, but at the same time the Comrades had no goalscoring attempts at all. Half-time score 1 -0.

The second half started much like the first so Sean McKay, Sean McCusker and Eoin Hynds were all brought on to freshen the team up. These changes gave Northend the kickstart they needed as both Sean McKay and Conor McGarry each netted twice in the last twenty minutes of the match. There were assists for Sean McKay, Conor McGarry and Eoin Hynds. In the end, Northend ran out comfortable winners by five goals to one. Full-time score 5 -0.

Connor Meneely was the main driving force behind this victory, and for this reason, lifts the Man of the Match. This victory leaves Northend on 58 points with four games to play. Northend now just need one point from their four remaining games to win the League title. Northend eagerly await this Saturday's league match against Carrick Rangers, determined to make up for that cup-final loss, where nerves quite clearly, appeared to get the better of them.

Man of the Match: Connor Meneely

Panel: L McAfee, R Campbell, R McCluney (c), J Mitchell, M Willighan, S Lecky, C McGarry, P Kyle, S Sempey, C Meneely, R McGaughey, S McKay, E Hynds, S McCusker

Newington U11s 1 Northend United U11s 3 Shield Final Monday 30th April 2012

Against all the odds, and with only eleven players available to play on the night, Northend United turned in an incredible performance to beat top three side Newington, and lift the Shield. Missing top goalscorer Sean McKay, midfield maestro Eoin Hynds, top defender Sean McCusker and supersub Thomas McDowall, this young Northend team were up against it, few believing they could pull this result off. Forget Oceans Eleven, this was Northend's Eleven at its finest, and unlike Oceans Eleven, they turned in a performance for all those present, which they'll probably never forget.

Having played Newington three times already this season (W1, D1, L1), Northend's plan was simple. Set the team up to stop their main danger men on the left and right wings, match our midfield three against theirs and supply the forwards to score goals. Ruairi Campbell was brought back to right back and with the dependable Matthew Willighan at left back; Newington virtually created nothing from the flanks the whole match.

After losing the Cup Final to Carrick Rangers two weeks ago, the Northend coaches ensured the players were psyched up and raring to go from the first whistle, quietly reminding them of how losing that cup-final felt, a fortnight ago. For the first fifteen minutes, Newington rarely set foot in Northend's half, with the midfield trio of Scott Sempey, Connor Meneely and Robbie McGaughey, totally dominating their Newington counterparts. Up front, Conor McGarry, Stuart Lecky and Philip Kyle were causing Newington's defence all kinds of problems, with their constant closing down of the ball; on the few occasions Northend lost possession. This constant pressure was leading to panic in the Newington defence, and they conceded corner after corner in the first half. The only downside of the entire first half was how Northend failed to score from both open play and especially Scott Sempey's corners, which were brilliant on the night. Conor McGarry, Stuart Lecky and Robbie McGaughey each had great chances to put Northend in front, but sadly failed to hit the target. Half-time score 0- 0.

Like the first half, Northend continued to put pressure on Newington at the start of the second half, but unfortunately failed to score. What the Northend coaches feared would happen after missing so many chances, occurred when incredibly Newington scored from a mistimed shot from the edge of the box, the bounce on the uneven ground, catching out Northend goalkeeper Louis McAfee. At one nil down, and with no substitutes available, Northend altered things slightly swapping wingers Conor McGarry and Philip Kyle, to try and get the goal to get them back into the match. Great credit to the players, because their heads never dropped, and they increased the pressure on Newington even more. Northend's players were repaid for their effort within five minutes of Newington's goal with an absolute cracker from midfielder Connor Meneely. Conor McGarry had been creating havoc down the right and when his cross was headed clear by a Newington defender, Connor Meneely hit an unstoppable shot from twenty yards, which was still rising when it hit the back of the net. Northend's young players celebrated like it was the first goal they had ever scored, and when the game restarted, there was only ever going to be one winner.

Robbie McGaughey was moved up front, Stuart Lecky was moved left and Philip Kyle dropped back into midfield. Within a few minutes, Conor McGarry and Robbie McGaughey combined, setting free Robbie McGaughey on goal. His shot was parried by the superb Newington goalkeeper, but it was rolling towards the goal. Stuart Lecky chased down by a Newington defender, slid towards the ball and the ball ended up in the back of the net. The ball appeared to be over the line from Robbie and Stuart confirmed this shortly after, but at the time nobody appeared bothered, as the Northend players and line erupted at going one goal ahead. With ten minutes to go, Newington moved their big centre-half up front, and then bombarded the Northend defence with long balls. Credit must go to Northend's defence, who easily withstood all this pressure. Defenders Ruairi Campbell, Robert McCluney, Josh Mitchell and Matthew Willighan plus goalkeeper Louis McAfee were outstanding, especially during this critical period of the match.

Northend's final goal came with three minutes to go and started from a defensive clearance from Robert McCluney. Scott Sempey and Connor Meneely then combined and set free Conor McGarry on goal. Again, the Newington goalkeeper got a hand to Conor's well-taken shot but this time the ball was not heading for goal. While the Newington right back froze, Stuart Lecky nipped in front to slam home Northend's third goal, and seal the victory.

When the final whistle blew a few minutes later, the players, coaches, parents and supporters let out a tremendous roar, before the players gathered themselves together to collect the Shield trophy they richly deserved. This roar was only superseded by another mighty roar when back in the changing room. Special thanks must go to coach Charlie Kinney, who despite a bad knee led the players in a special rendition song and dance routine to 'Let's all do the Conga'.

Also special thanks to the parents, supporters and the other Northend coaches who turned up to cheer the boys on. Northend play Ballyclare Comrades in the League this Wednesday (2nd May), needing a maximum of four points from five matches to lift the League trophy.

Man of the Match: Team Performance, Robert McCluney

Panel: L McAfee, R Campbell, M Willighan, R McCluney (c), J Mitchell, S Sempey, C Meneely, R McGaughey, S Lecky, P Kyle, C McGarry

Willowbank U11s 1 Northend United U11s 7 Saturday 28th April 2012

Northend were caught sleeping when Willowbank went ahead just two minutes into the match. This seemed to temporarily stun Northend and for the first ten minutes, Willowbank were the better side. Northend gradually came into the match and it took three great finishes, one of them a retaken penalty from Robbie McGaughey to kickstart Northend's race for the title again. Half-time score 1-3 to Northend

Northend took complete control in the second half, the midfield passing the ball wide left and right, creating numerous chances. The best goal of the match involved three players, two passes and one shot. A goal kick was controlled by Conor McGarry on the left, then passed inside to Eoin Hynds. Eoin Hynds hit a simple first time pass wide left to Scott Sempey, who easily slipped past the Willowbank right back, ran clean through and passed the ball into the corner of the net. Both Robbie McGaughey and Scott Sempey scored another goal each, both finishing in great style to put the score at 1: 6. The final goal of the match came from a Josh Mitchell header, from a Scott Sempey corner.

After starting slowly, Northend won this match at a canter and this win now puts them three points clear at the top of the League. This win should also raise their confidence going into Monday nights Shield Final with Newington.

Best players on the day were Scott Sempey who had a great second half, Robbie McGaughey who scored four superb goals and Robert McCluney who held the defence together at the back, especially when under pressure early on.

Man of the Match: Robert McCluney

Panel: L McAfee, M Willighan, E Hynds, R McCluney (c), S McCusker, S McKay, R Campbell, C Meneely, S Sempey, C McGarry, R McGaughey, P Kyle, S Lecky, T McDowall, J Mitchell

Northend United U11s 0 Ballyclare Colts U11s 0 Monday 23rd April 2012

Northend drew this match, the draw being enough to take them into the Shield Final, date still to be decided.

Having beaten the Colts three times already this season, Northend were favourites on paper last night to make it four. Northend definitely started the better of the two teams and at first, three slight changes to the team appeared to give Northend the lift they were looking for. Sean McKay, Conor McGarry and especially Robbie McGaughey all had great chances to put Northend on front, but all failed to hit the back of the net. In the first half, the Colts only threat was a long punt forward from the back but Northend easily coped with this threat. Half-time score 0-0.

Northend again started the stronger side in the second half, but either failed to hit the target altogether or the Colts keeper prevented them scoring. As the match wore on, the Colts got stronger, becoming more physical, especially with three terrible tackles which the referee failed to punish. The match ended in a draw, and Northend still not firing on all cylinders, earned the draw to take them into the Shield Final.

Northend's defenders Matthew Willighan and Robert McCluney were the outstanding players in this match, with Robert just pipping Matthew to win Man of the Match.

Man of the Match: Robert McCluney

Panel: L McAfee, M Willighan, R McCluney, S McCusker, E Hynds, S McKay, C Meneely, R Campbell, S Sempey, C McGarry (c), R McGaughey, S Lecky, P Kyle, T McDowall, J Mitchell

Northend United U11s 2 Newington U11s 2 Saturday 21st April 2012

After this weeks disappointing Cup defeat, Northend went into this match hoping to put things right against league rivals Newington. Missing three first time regulars from their starting eleven, Northend started like a house on fire and went ahead on ten minutes after Conor McGarry got on the end of a great cross from Connor Meneely. The same player went close again with two separate attempts shortly after, but the Newington keeper unfortunately appeared to be in inspired form. Conor McGarry deservedly got his second when he converted another great cross from the right, this time from Scott Sempey. The midfield trio of Robbie McGaughey, Connor Meneely and Scott Sempey dominated the first half for Northend. Half-time score - 2-0 to Northend

Northend started the second half like the first half and can count themselves unlucky not to go three up. The match turned ten minutes into the second half when a poor clearance from Northend, found a Newington midfielder on the edge of the box, and he rifled an unstoppable shot by Northend goalkeeper Louis McAfee. This rejuvenated Newington and they gradually came into the match. A mix up between the goalkeeper and his defence, for the second game in a row, let in a Newington forward to score their second goal and equalise the match. From then until the final whistle, Northend created chance after chance, but failed to hit the net again before the final whistle.

Conor McGarry was Northend's best player on the day and deservedly wins the Man of the Match award. Northend should have won this match and remain joint top of the league with games in hand and still having lost less points than any of their title rivals.

Man of the Match: Conor McGarry

Panel: L McAfee, S McCusker, R McCluney (c), J Mitchell, R Campbell , P Kyle, C McGarry; S Sempey (c), C Meneely, R McGaughey, S Lecky, S McKay, M Willighan, T McDowall

Carrick Rangers U11s 1 Northend United U11s 1 2-1 AET in Cup Final Wednesday 18th April 2012

Northend sadly lost the first cup final of the season to a well organised and determined Carrick side. Carrick took the lead in this encounter after five minutes, after some slack defending by Northend, allowed a Carrick forward some space in the box, but his fluffed shot still somehow found the corner of the net. Until half-time few chances were created by both sides, Northend slightly unfortunate not to get a penalty when Conor McGarry was hauled down in the penalty box just before half-time. Overall in the first half, Carrick were still more dominant in terms of possession. Half-time score 1: 0.

Northend started the second half a bit brighter and for the first fifteen minutes forced their way back into the match. This increased possession led to the referee rightly awarding Northend a penalty when this time the player fouled in the box was Sean McKay. Robbie McGaughey stepped up and hammered the ball into the roof of the net to equalise the match. The turning point of the match occurred two minutes later when a superb 25 yard effort by Matthew Willighan, looked in all the way when struck, but unfortunately careered of the post for a bye ball. The match remained at 1 - 1, with Carrick just edging the second half and the game went to extra time.

At this critical stage of the match, it basically came down to who wanted to win the cup more. Carrick edged both halves of extra time and their winning goal came in the first half of extra time, when again Northend failed to clear the ball from their box, and when they eventually did , it rebounded into the net of one of their own defenders. Carrick held on to win the match 2 - 1 and deservedly lifted the cup.

Northend sadly were not at their best in this cup final, but incredibly they still could have won this match despite not playing to their usual high standard. The Northend back four of Matthew Willighan, Robert McCluney, Josh Mitchell and Scott Sempey were Northend's best performers on the day. Robert McCluney and Scott Sempey edged the other two to win Man of The Match.

Northend will have learned a lot from this match, mostly about how bad it feels to lose a cup final, but must not forget they have had a brilliant season to date. They currently top the League and will most likely contest another cup final (Shield) in the coming weeks. They have a great chance to rebound from this defeat with a League match against rivals Newington this Saturday, whom they beat convincingly 3 - 0 just 2 weeks ago.

Men of the Match: Robert McCluney, Scott Sempey

Panel: L McAfee, S Sempey, M Willighan, R McCluney, J Mitchell, S McKay, R McGaughey (c), E Hynds, C Meneely, C McGarry, R Campbell, S Lecky, P Kyle, S McCusker, T McDowall

Northend United U11s 3 Ballyclare Colts U11s 1 Saturday 14th April 2012

Having beaten Ballyclare Colts twice already this season in the League, Northend went into this Shield match quietly confident. From the kick-off, Northend went on the attack and missed several great chances early on before, Ruairi Campbell volleyed home from six yards out, after being assisted by Sean McKay. Robbie McGaughey made it two nil five minutes later with a superb solo run and finish, after being put through by Matthew Willighan. Half-time score 2-0 to the Blues.

Northend failed to add to their tally early in the second half, despite having many more opportunities to score. Comfortably ahead at this stage, the referee then awarded Ballyclare Colts two penalties in the space of ten minutes. The first penalty at best was dubious, the second penalty clearly was not a penalty. Fortunately for Northend, the Ballyclare Colts player drove the first penalty high over the bar. Within a few minutes, Northend deservedly went three up through Sean McKay, after a defence cutting pass from Robbie McGaughey. Ballyclare Colts pulled one back after they scored their second penalty of the day. Northend then seen this match out with ease, creating a couple more chances to score, but failing to beat the Colts goalkeeper. Final score - Northend United 3- Ballyclare Colts 1.

This result means one more win will take Northend into another cup-final, with Newington being their likely opponents in the Shield final. Northend are still on course to win three trophies this season, their first cup final (U11 Cup) taking place this Wednesday evening (18th April) at Mallusk versus Carrick Rangers.

Men of the Match: Robbie McGaughey and Matthew Willighan

Panel: L McAfee, S McCusker, M Willighan, R McCluney, J Mitchell, S McKay, S Sempey (c), C Meneely, R McGaughey, C McGarry, R Campbell, S Lecky, P Kyle, E Hynds, T McDowall

Northend United U11s 7 Cavehill Colts U11s 0 Saturday 31st March 2012

Northend won this match at a canter to go seven points clear at the top of the League. Northend got off the mark quickly after three minutes when a Cavehill clearance was caught perfectly by Scott Sempey, his shot flying into the corner of the net. At 1-0 ahead , Northend wasted several good chances to add to their tally and it took a goal-line clearance from Matthew Willighan to keep Northend deservedly in front. Ruairi Campbell scored Northend's second, taking advantage of a lapse in the Cavehill defence, to nip in front of the Cavehill keeper and slot the ball home.

Northend scored the third just on the stroke of half-time. Credit for this goal mustgo to Sean McKay whose goalward bound cross come shot was knocked into his own net by a Cavehill defender. Half-time score: 3-0.

Northend played superb football in the second half, and Cavehill were fortunate to limit them to seven goals. The second half goals included a brace by Conor McGarry, one by Eoin Hynds and another by Sean McKay. Northend were much the better side in this match, and most importantly kept another clean sheet, their sixth on the trot. All Northend's players contributed to this victory. There were some eye catching performances on the day from Scott Sempey and Robert McCluney in defence, Conor Meneely in midfield and Sean McKay and Conor McGarry up front. Special mention also to Josh Mitchell and Matthew Willighan, who looked assured in defence all day.

Man of the Match: Scott Sempey

Panel: L McAfee, S Sempey (c), M Willighan, R McCluney, J Mitchell, S McKay, E Hynds, C Meneely, R McGaughey, C McGarry (c), R Campbell, P Kyle, S Lecky, T McDowall, S McCusker

Northend United U11s 3 Newington U11s 0 Saturday 24th March 2012

Northend United progressed to the final of the U11 cup after comfortably beating league rivals Newington at Mallusk. Northend started like a house on fire and missed three great chances before Conor McGarry put them ahead on eight minutes. Scott Sempey broke down the right wing, and on delivering a great cross to the back post, Conor McGarry neatly dispatched the ball into the net. Both Northend wingers, Conor McGarry on the left and Sean McKay on the right, were causing all kinds of problems for Newington, and their defenders simply could not cope with them. Great play by Conor Meneely in midfield led to his assist for Northend's second goal which was scored by fellow midfielder Robbie McGaughey. Northend continued to press for their third and almost got their wish with a great shot by Eoin Hynds but unfortunately his shot struck the post. Half-time score - 2-0 to Northend

Against the wind in the second half, Northend played brilliantly, keeping the ball on the ground, and always causing Newington problems. They scored their third , six minutes into the second half, after a great cross from the right by Sean McKay ,was volleyed home again by Conor McGarry. As they were well on top at this stage, Northend created numerous more chances. The best of these fell to Philip Kyle who seen a superb right foot shot career of the post. In the end, Northend won this match convincingly and meet Carrick Rangers in the Cup Final, date still to be decided.

This was a great win by Northend who have now reached the final of the first trophy of the season, are lying four points ahead in the league and have still to play in the Shield. In this match, Northend were far superior to Newington, in all areas of the pitch. All players must take credit for this win, especially the goalkeeper and defenders who have now kept five clean sheets in a row. Robert McCluney and Scott Sempey were the pick of the defenders, both performed brilliantly at the back. In midfield, Conor Meneely was back to his best, breaking up play, keeping it simple and feeding his forwards. Up front, Sean McKay and Conor McGarry were outstanding and caused Newington numerous problems from start to finish.

Men of the Match: Scott Sempey, Conor McGarry

Panel: L McAfee, S Sempey, M Willighan J Mitchell, R McCluney, S McKay, C McGarry, E Hynds (c), R McGaughey, C Meneely, R Campbell, S Lecky, P Kyle, S McCusker, T McDowall, T McAuley

Chimney Corner U11s 0 Northend United U11s 4 Saturday 17th March 2012

A win in this quarter-final cup-tie would see Northend face their main opponents for the League, Newington, in the semi-final. In the end, Northend ran out comfortable 4-0 winners in this exciting cup-tie at Woodburn, Carrickfergus. Northend started this match slowly and although Northend went in one nil up at the break, they were perhaps slightly fortunate to be ahead. Northend took the lead on fifteen minutes from yet another superb 25 yard free kick from Sean McKay. Despite being under par, Conor McGarry should have put Northend two nil up just before the break, volleying wide from 5 yards when he should have headed the ball into the net. Half-time score - 1-0 to Northend

Northend took control of the game in the second half and dominated the match completely. Stuart Lecky put Northend two nil up five minutes into the second half, after being nicely set up by Sean McKay. Eoin Hynds scored Northend's third with a brilliant header from a Sean McKay corner. The same player made it four nil with a great shot from just inside the box, after being put through with a defence splitting pass by Philip Kyle, leaving the final score 4-0 to the Wee Blues.

This was Northend's fourth clean sheet in a row. All in defence, most notably Robert McCluney, never looked like conceding a goal in this cup-tie. This match was evenly balanced, until the Northend midfield took complete control in the second half. Eoin Hynds, with yet another two goals from midfield, is starting to look like the complete midfielder, the Northend coaches hoped he would be. With another great display, Eoin Hynds deservedly won Man of The Match.

Man of the Match: Eoin Hynds

Panel: L McAfee, S Sempey, M Willighan, R McCluney, J Mitchell, S McKay, C McGarry, R McGaughey, C Meneely, E Hynds (c), S Lecky, P Kyle, T McDowall, T McAuley

Antrim Rovers U11s 0 Northend United U11s 6 Saturday 10th March 2012

Northend needed a win to maintain their 100% away record in the league, and in the end they did not disappoint. Northend scored six goals in this fixture, also keeping a clean sheet, for the third game in a row.

From the kick-off, Northend went on the attack, creating several good chances with the forward line of Conor McGarry, Ruairi Campbell and Sean McKay, all failing to hit the back of the net. After Sean McKay was upended when clean through on ten minutes, the same player failed to hit the target from the penalty spot.

It was left to captain on the day, Eoin Hynds to open the scoring, finishing from eight yards after the ball fell at his feet, inside the box.

Ruairi Campbell scored the second, finishing off nicely from a Scott Sempey and Sean McKay move on the left. Eoin Hynds scored his second just on half-time, after striking the crossbar just one minute before this. Half-time score 3-0 Northend

Sean McKay scored two goals in the second half to maintain his incredible goal scoring record this season, with Philip Kyle finishing nicely from a Northend corner, to make it six.

This was a good solid display of attacking and defending from Northend, scoring six goals while conceding none. This victory keeps Northend top of the league with still a game in hand. In this match, Robert McCluney was the pick of Northend's defenders, Robbie McGaughey and Eoin Hynds dominated the midfield battle, while Sean McKay was a constant threat up front. Eoin Hynds though just edged these other three players to scoop Man of the Match, for the second game in a row.

Man of the Match: Eoin Hynds

Panel: L McAfee, S Sempey, M Willighan, R McCluney, J Mitchell, S McKay, C McGarry, E Hynds (c), R McGaughey, C Meneely, R Campbell, S Lecky, P Kyle, T McAuley, T McDowall

Upper Ardoyne Juniors U11s 0 Northend United U11s 14 Saturday 3rd March 2012

Northend knew that a league win here, against bottom of the table side Upper Ardoyne, would put them top of the table for the first time this season. Northend did not disappoint, and won this match 0 - 14, with plenty to spare.

Northend went on the attack from the first whistle, missing a catalogue of chances, before leading goalscorer, Sean McKay put them ahead with a classy strike. With Northend well on top, they added three more goals before half-time. Ruairi Campbell added the second, after some good approach play from Sean McKay and Conor McGarry. Conor McGarry added the third, before Sean McKay made it four, hitting a first time shot into the top corner, just on the stroke of half-time. Half-time 4-0 to Northend.

At four nil down, Upper Ardoyne looked drained off confidence. This seemed to spur on Northend more and the whole second half, they attacked in droves, scoring ten more goals. Sean McKay added one more for his hat-trick. Conor McGarry scored a second-half hat-trick, one a superb header, to add to his first half-goal. Both Robbie McGaughey and Eoin Hynds each scored two second-half goals. Scott Sempey notched one plus full-back Matthew Willighan, arguably scored the goal of the game, with a 25 yard screamer, which went in off the crossbar.

This was a good all-round team performance from Northend. The pick of Northend's players on the day were midfielders Robbie McGaughey and Eoin Hynds, plus forwards Conor McGarry with four goals and Sean McKay with three. Eoin Hynds just edged out these three to win Man of The Match. This win puts Northend top of the table by a point, with one game in hand. Yet another very convincing away win for Northend, who are hitting form at the right time of the season, and this sets them up nicely for their Shield match, against league rivals Newington next week.

Man of the Match: Eoin Hynds

Panel: L McAfee, S Sempey, M Willighan, R McCluney, J Mitchell, S McKay, C Meneely (c), C McGarry, E Hynds, R McGaughey, R Campbell, S Lecky, P Kyle, T McDowall