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Willowbank U11s 0 Northend United U11s 9 Saturday 29th October 2011

On paper, this appeared a tricky away fixture for Northend at Mallusk, against an in-form Willowbank side. Northend started this match slowly, and although they had plenty of possession, never really created any clear cut chances. This changed on fifteen minutes after a good run down the left from Conor McGarry, created an opening for Eoin Hynds, who coolly slotted the ball home.

Northend visibly settled after going one up with Sean McKay making it two within a few minutes. The same player made it three just before the break after a long ball up field from Josh Mitchell, was easily dispatched past the Willowbank keeper. Half-time score 0-3 to the Blues.

Northend totally dominated the second half from start to finish. Conor McGarry made it 4-0 within five minutes of the restart then Philip Kyle was rewarded for his good play, after finishing well when put through by Robbie McGaughey.

Northend then brought on their three subs and the remainder of the match turned into the Ruairi Campbell show. Firstly, Sean McKay made it six nil with a great header from a Conor McGarry cross, to get his hat-trick before Ruairi Campbell scored three absolute crackers for another hat-trick, in the space of seven minutes.

At 9-0 down, Willowbank sadly lost their discipline and resorted to continuous fouling, but to Northend's credit, they continued to play their good football and easily ran out nine nil winners.

This was a fine team display from Northend making it six league wins on the trot, five straight wins in the month of October, this keeping them in second place in the League. All players, including subs, played their part in this match but Ruairi Campbell snatched the Man of The Match from Sean McKay, with his second half hat-trick.

Man of the Match: Ruairi Campbell

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

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Chimney Corner U11s 1 Northend United U11s 2 Saturday 22nd October 2011

On paper, this looked like a banker away win for Northend. Northend went into this match in a confident mood having won their last four league matches in a row, but in the end were glad to come away with three points. The match started very evenly and very few chances were created in the first ten minutes. With the wind at their backs, Chimney Corner began to gain more possession of the ball, but the Northend defence stood firm, restricting Chimney Corner to few scoring chances. Although they has less possession of the ball, Northend created the better chances in the first half and Stuart Lecky, Eoin Hynds and Conor McGarry all had chances to put Northend ahead. Half-time score 0-0.

With the strong Mallusk wind in their favour for the second half, Northend started well, again creating chances but failing to put any of these away. Chimney Corner took complete advantage of this and went one nil ahead after the Northend goalkeeper, Louis McAfee, uncharacteristically let in a Chimney Corners forward miskicked shot. This goal seemed to spring Northend into life and they drew level five minutes later with a Conor McGarry goal. Sean McKay put Northend 2 - 1 ahead with five minutes to go and Northend held firm to the final whistle to claim a very welcome three points.

This match was an eye opener for Northend and a Chimney Corner side, rejuvenated by their four new signings, were unlucky not to get at least a point on the day. After dominating and winning their four previous league encounters, this was a nervous test for Northend but they did show fight and determination to still win the match, despite not being at their best. Josh Mitchell just edged Robert McCluney in defence to win Man of The Match.

Man of the Match: Josh Mitchell

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

Northend United U11s 3 Carrick Rangers U11s 1 Saturday 15th October 2011

This top four clash appeared evenly matched based on results to date, but in the end, Northend finished comfortable winners by three goals to one. The game started quite slowly, with both sides cancelling each other out. Northend gradually won more possession of the ball, but lacked that little bit of invention in the final third to get that opening goal. Carrick were to go one goal up after fifteen minutes, direct from a free-kick and this seemed to be the catalyst to spring Northend into life. For the last fifteen minutes of the first half they started to create chances and were rewarded when Sean McKay fired a curling shot from the corner of the box, into the top corner of the net. Half-time score 1: 1

Northend dominated possession in the second half and this was to lead to two further goals. Northend's second goal was scored by Eoin Hynds on forty-five minutes, a great chip over the keeper from just outside the box, after being put through by Sean McKay. Sean McKay scored the third goal on fifty minutes, again with a screamer from outside the box, after hitting the crossbar a few minutes before. Northend created several more chances in the last ten minutes and in the end, seen this game out comfortably, to jump above Carrick Rangers in the table.

This was a fine performance from Northend resulting in their fourth league win on the trot. All players performed well on the day and aside from Carrick's only goal direct from a free-kick, Carrick never really looked like adding a second. In defence, Thomas McAuley had an outstanding game at right back and nullified Carrick's main danger man on the left wing. Eoin Hynds scored a great goal in his first start for Northend, and this could prove to be a major signing, to boost Northend's title charge. However, Sean McKay again snatched Man of the Match not only for his one assist and two great goals, but also his impressive work rate and willingness to help his team-mates in defence and midfield.

Man of the Match: Sean McKay

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

Barn United U11s 0 Northend United U11s 9 Saturday 8th October 2011

There was nothing between these teams for the first ten minutes, each team trying to find the others weaknesses. Northend struck first with a Sean McKay strike on thirteen minutes, his previous two efforts shortly before this, careering off the crossbar. This goal seemed to inject confidence into Northend and Stuart Lecky added the second on twenty-two minutes, after a great cross from Conor McGarry. Northend went ahead 0 - 3 after a Sean McKay corner was turned into his own net by a Barn United defender. Conor McGarry added a fourth, on the stroke of half-time, again from a Sean McKay corner, giving the Blues a 4-0 half time advantage.

Exuding confidence, Northend totally dominated the second half. Sean McKay added his second on fourty-five minutes followed by a Ruairi Campbell header on fifty minutes. Sean McKay scored his third on fifty-five minutes to get his hat-trick and then added a fourth on fifty-nine minutes, to make it 0 - 8. Robbie McGaughey completed the scoring, just before the whistle, to make it 0 - 9.

This was a superb performance from Northend with good performances from one to fifteen. Louis McAfee kept his first clean sheet of the season, twice coming off his line to prevent Barn United scoring. Back four of Robert McCluney, Josh Mitchell, Matthew Willighan and Thomas McAuley were totally dominant in defence, aided by subs Thomas McDowall, Sean McCusker and Ruairi Campbell. Midfield three of Scott Sempey, Robbie McGaughey and especially Conor Meneely, ran the midfield from start to finish. Front three of Conor McGarry, Stuart Lecky and Sean McKay, aided by Philip Kyle, will cause all teams problems this year with their forward play. Overall, Sean McKay with his four goals, was the outstanding player on the day.

Man of the Match: Sean McKay

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

Northend United U11s 6 Ballyclare Comrades U11s 1 Saturday 1st October 2011

Northend sent out a clear message to the rest of the League with this convincing win against top four side Ballyclare Comrades.

Northend raced into a 3 - 0 lead in the first twenty minutes. Robbie McGaughey scored from just inside the box to make it 1 - 0. The same player added his second five minutes later after a Sean McKay corner was punched away by the Ballyclare keeper, straight to Robbie McGaughey, who found the corner of the net.

Stuart Lecky added the third , after some great work by Sean McKay and Conor McGarry. Ballyclare scored shortly after this from their only corner of the match, after Northend failed to clear the ball.

However, Northend responded immediately with a Conor McGarry header after another Sean McKay corner. Half-time score 4-1.

Northend dominated the second half and added two further goals. Sean McKay added the fifth with a penalty after being up-ended in the penalty box. Sean McKay scored his second and Northend's sixth, after Ballyclare could not respond to the constant bombardment from Northend. Final score - Northend Utd 6 : Ballyclare Comrades 1

This was a convincing display by Northend and all performed well on the day. Matthew Willighan and Robert McCluney were outstanding at the back. Scott Sempey, Conor Meneely and Robbie McGaughey dominated in the middle. Stuart Lecky, Conor McGarry and Sean McKay caused the visitors all sorts of problems up front, and Ballyclare could simply not handle them. New signing Eoin Hynds also made an impressive second half debut.

Man of the Match: Matthew Willighan

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

Northend United U11s 6 Willowbank U11s 3 Saturday 24th September 2011

After having dominated least weeks match, yet finished on the losing side, it was important for Northend to approach this game in a positive manner. Northend nerves settled after ten minutes when a Sean McKay cross was toed in by Conor McGarry. Despite going one nil up, Northend then missed several chances, and just like last week, let their opponents score easily and get back into the game. Despite this set-back, Northend pushed forward again and scored five minutes after the equaliser. A Matthew Willighan throw-in was trapped by Stuart Lecky, who skilfully turned the Willowbank defender, crossed to Sean McKay, who brilliantly dispatched the ball into the bottom corner. Northend scored their third shortly after. The impressive Sean McKay and Scott Sempey combined well on the right, Sean McKay hit a great cross into the middle and Conor McGarry volleyed into the top corner of the net. Half-time score 3 : 1.

Northend started the second half like the first, repeatedly winning corners in their opponents half, but failing to add to their tally. However, they did score their fourth with a great thirty yard free-kick from defender Robert McCluney, his first of the season. Northend added to this not long after with great strikes from Conor McGarry for his hat-trick and Sean McKay. At 6 - 1 ahead, Northend made all their substitutions within minutes, and this plus, taking their foot off the pedal, allowed Willowbank to score two late goals. Final score: Northend 6 Willowbank 3

This was a hard earned victory for Northend, and after last weeks disappointing result, was just the lift they needed to move them up the League table. For Northend, Matthew Willighan and Robert McCluney were the pick of the defenders, Conor Meneely worked especially hard in the midfield engine-room, and up front Stuart Lecky, Sean McKay and Conor McGarry, each gave Willowbank's defenders a testing time.

Man of the Match: Robert McCluney

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

Newington U11s 1 Northend United U11s 3 Saturday 17th September 2011

After last weeks convincing win, Northend were full of confidence going into this match against League leaders, Newington. From the first whistle, Northend went on the attack , forcing corner after corner and save after save.

Stuart Lecky put Northend one up after ten minutes after some great play on the left from Conor McGarry.

Northend dominated possession but failed to put their chances way. Stuart Lecky, Conor McGarry, Scott Sempey and Robbie McGaughey all wasted great chances to add to their lead. After Robbie McGaughey put a great header against the bar then Newington scored on the break just before half-time, Northend were starting to think maybe this was not their day. Half-time score 1 - 1.

Northend started the second half as they had the first, pressing forward but could not find the net, despite having numerous chances. Like the first half, Newington defended well and only really threatened Northend on the break.

Newington went ahead after a poor goal kick early in the second half then scored a third with ten minutes to go. Northend eventually lost this match 1 - 3. Northend must wonder how they lost this fixture, but should take some comfort in that they totally dominated this match from start to finish, against the League leaders.

With some better finishing and perhaps a slice of luck, Northend could easily have won this match and will surely learn from this defeat.

Man of the Match: Robert McCluney

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

Cavehill Colts U11s 1 Northend United U11s 16 Saturday 10th September 2011

Northend approached this game with a cautious attitude, despite winning two out of their three pre-season matches. Missing two key players, R Campbell and S McCusker, Northend elected to start with five in midfield. but as the game unfolded, they may just have stumbled on a winning formation.

Northend shook off their pre-match nerves, in their first East Antrim League Match, by going ahead with a Conor McGarry goal after one minute. Two minutes later, the same player scored again after some great work by Conor Meneely, Scott Sempey and new signing, Robbie McGaughey in central midfield.

With their two wide midfield players, Sean McKay and Conor McGarry assisted by striker Stuart Lecky, Northend were causing all kinds of problems for Cavehill Colts in attack. When they lost possession, Northend immediately put pressure on their opponents, winning the ball back quickly.

Through hard work from all players, defending and attacking, Northend went into the break ten goals to one ahead. This included another goal from Conor McGarry for his hat-trick, two from Scott Sempey, a debut goal from Robbie McGaughey and four from last year's star player, Sean McKay. These goals were assisted by Stuart Lecky, Sean McKay, Conor McGarry and Scott Sempey.

The second half started as the first and Northend went onto the attack straight away. Sean McKay added two more to finish with two hat-tricks, Scott Sempey added one for his hat-trick, Conor McGarry and Robbie McGaughey scored one more each and Conor Meneely finished the scoring with a well taken effort.

Although the goals corers will take most of the glory in this result, Northend's defence of Louis McAfee, Thomas McAuley, Matthew Willighan, Josh Mitchell and Robert McCluney (later assisted by Thomas McDowall) were all outstanding on the day. Philip Kyle also performed well when replacing Conor Meneely late on.

Overall this was a great first league result for Northend and they eagerly await their second league match at home next Saturday.

Man of the Match: Sean McKay

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