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Northend United 1 TW Braga 3 Saturday 3nd March 2024

This week the 2013 Youth team had a Friday night match, under the lights, against TW Braga. In the first half the Youth team pressed high and put Braga under a lot of pressure. We were creating opportunities and playing nice football. Fionn was working hard and was a threat with his passing and movement off the ball.

We took advantage of this with a good move by Fionn, putting Michael through on goal who was well closed down by Braga keeper to make a save. Fionn was on hand to slot the ball into the net from the rebound.

Harrison and James were working hard in midfield breaking down attacks and looking for the right pass. Oscar was creating space on the right and making good forward runs with Dawid winning the 2nd ball and getting us on the attack.

Braga had opportunities to push forward and were trying to break down our defence with some good skills on the wings and crosses into the box but Noah, Caelan and Jack stood firm and defended well. Half time 1-0

The boys continued to play good football, especially on the left side with Jack supporting Fionn who continued to link up well with Michael. Northend started to allow Braga too much space and time on the ball. They were picking their passes and creating chances. The initial chances were dealt with well by our defence and Callum in nets.

Braga took advantage of their next chance and levelled the score. It was a closely tested contest from then on with both sides having chances. Braga went on to score an additional 2 goals. Northend boys had chances to score. James was unlucky after he won the ball in midfield, made a great run and good shot from outside the box which struck the post.

Fionn was close at the back post but couldn't reach the ball from an outstretched leg. Noah stuck the side netting from a through ball. Unfortunately, we couldn't pull a goal back and the match ended 1-3. Full time 1-3

Player of the Match: Fionn McGarry for his battling, forward play and work rate.

Panel: Callum Quinn, Caelan Donnelly, Dawid Radziwonka, Noah McGarry, Fionn McGarry, Jack Curry, Michael Killough, Oscar McGlone, James Mullen, Harrison Smyth

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Northend United 8 Oxford Sunnyside Colts 1 Saturday 24th February 2024

Another impressive team performance today by Northend United Youth U11s. From the start, Northend were up for it, working hard, pressing and putting Oxford on the back foot. But against the run of play, Oxford got the ball forward with the ball ending up in our net to put them one up.

The Blues responded well, with great passing and movement creating lots of chances. We soon levelled the score with good play in the middle of the park and a through ball to Dawid who slotted it into the Oxford net.

Our defence stood strong when required with Charlie clearing the danger and playing out from the back along with Noah and Caelan. More goals were certain to come with how the boys were passing out from the back and movement off the ball. The 2nd came from Fionn after some great play down the right.

Conal's vision and link up play was creating additional chances for the Northend forward players. Dawid scored the 3rd after another great passage of play and good finish. Great work and effort continued in midfield by Conal and Conan and down the wings by Dawid, Fionn and Cormac with Caelan and Noah providing support.

Michael popped up to score the 4th after another great passage of play from Conan, Conal and through ball from Caelan put Northend 4 up. A 5th came from Cormac with a good finish just before halftime after a great one two. Half time: 5-1

The second half saw Northend continue to pile on the pressure creating chance after chance. Another goal came via a through ball by Conal to Cormac who finished well into the bottom corner. Oxford were struggling to get out of their own half due to a high press by Northend forward players, when they did manage to get forward our defence stood strong and worked as a defensive unit. Charlie kept calm under pressure with Callum having a quiet day!

Northend continued to play great football, this time down the left with an inside pass to Conan whose shot stuck the top of the cross bar. The 7th came from good support play by Caelan into midfield, over to the left and through ball putting Fionn in, the ball was cleared and fell to Conal who cut in on his right and shot from outside the box into the top corner.

Cormac was causing Oxford problems and got his hat trick when he was put through after a great one two with Conal. He was first to react from his shot to pass the ball into bottom corner. Full time 8-1

Player of the Match: Conal Devlin

Panel: Callum Quinn, Cormac McGill, Conal Devlin, Conan Goodall, Caelan Donnelly, Dawid Radziwonka, Charlie Herald, Noah McGarry (c), Fionn McGarry, Michael Killough, Jack Curry

Northend United 0 Lisburn Rangers 1 Saturday 10th February 2024

Northend started slow and were lethargic for the first 5 letting Lisburn push forward and put us under pressure early on. They created half chances which were dealt with well by our defence and keeper.

The boys woke up and grew into the match. They began to win possession, play football and push forward. Good work in midfield and by our wide players allowed us to create good goal scoring opportunities. Unfortunately, we couldn't manage to put the ball into the net!

We continued to put Lisburn Rangers under pressure by playing nice football on a pitch that was very bumpy. There was good passing and movement from the back through midfield and up to our attacking players. We had some great chances in the first half but couldn't put the ball in the net. Half time 0-0

We started the 2nd half well, remaining solid at the back and controlling the midfield. There was more good attacking play from Northend. The boys were battling hard and pushing for that elusive goal yet again. We had a lapse in concentration from a Lisburn Rangers long ball which found their striker through on goal. He slotted it into the far corner to put them ahead with 10 minutes left.

The boys continued to display their ability and never give up attitude. They continued to limit chances being created by Lisburn Rangers and were pushing forward, trying really hard to get that goal they deserved.

Northend continued to look for the right pass and support their teammates all over the pitch. They created additional chances but it turned out to be another one of those days with the result going against us, which the boys didn't deserve at all. Full time: 0-1

Player of the Match: Noah McGarry

Panel: Caelan Donnelly, Cormac McGill, Conal Devlin, Conan Goodall, Charlie Herald (c), Dawid Radziwonka, Noah McGarry, Fionn McGarry, Jack Curry, Michael Killough

Northend United 0 Hillsborough Boys 2 Saturday 3rd February 2024

Today's game was competitive. Northend had a lot of possession and created the better chances in both halves. The boys started strong and pushed forward early on creating good opportunities to score but couldn't take advantage. We got punished around 10 minutes in as Hillsborough went one ahead with their first chance created after some good play down the right.

Northend boys kept their heads up and continued to play good football. The back line of Caelan, Charlie and Noah were solid and cancelled out Hillsborough attacks when they managed to get out of their own half. Callum made good saves from the few half chances Hillsborough took from range.

There was good passing and movement in the midfield with Cormac and Conan supported by Fionn and David who were making runs on the wings while Michael was up front looking for the through ball. We had some great chances in the first half but couldn't put the ball in the Hillsborough net. On another day we would have been a couple of goals ahead before the end of the first half but we weren't clinical enough. Half time 0-1

The start of the second half saw Hillsborough come into the match as we stood off them and didn't win the 2nd ball. The 2nd half was more even due to this with both teams battling well and creating chances. Callum was up to the task and made more good saves to keep us in the match. Charlie was winning the through balls and their long clearances, cancelling out Hillsborough attacks.

There was more good attacking play from Northend during the 2nd half with Conal battling really well, winning possession and pushing forward. The boys were still fighting hard and pushing for that elusive goal. Unfortunately, yet again it wasn't to be after more opportunities missed in front of goal. Jack was pushing forward and putting the ball into the box.

Cormac and Conal had good headers blocked or saved with goalmouth scrambles ensuing which Hillsborough finally cleared. From another Northend corner, Hillsborough broke on the counter attack to score again shortly before the end. Full time: 0-2

Another strong performance from the boys who had most of the possession throughout the match and best chances created. We are just missing that killer instinct in front of goal but that will come!

Player of the Match: Charlie Herald

Panel: Callum Quinn, Cormac McGill, Conal Devlin, Conan Goodall, Caelan Donnelly, Dawid Radziwonka (c), Charlie Herald, Noah McGarry, Fionn McGarry, Jack Curry, Michael Killough

Northend United 0 Colin Valley 1 Saturday 27th January 2024

Northend U11s Youth team were up against table toppers Colin Valley at Lisburn Rec at the weekend. The Wee Blues started well, taking control from kick off and playing attacking football which Colin Valley struggled to deal with. We put pressure on Colin Valley all over the pitch when out of possession working hard to win the ball back.

Northend had a few chances falling to Cormac, Dawid and Michael with efforts being saved or just wide of the post. Another attack created down the right was not properly cleared, the ball fell to Conal who hit a smashing long range effort that rocked the crossbar.

Colin Valley got forward a few times but couldn't break through our solid defence. Our backline of Caelan, Charlie and Jack were working as a unit. Colin Valley did manage to get some shots off during the first half which Callum dealt with easily.

Conal and Conan were controlling the midfield and linking well with Fionn, Cormac and Noah. Dawid was a threat down the right-side causing problems for Colin Valley defence with Michael working hard upfront. We went into half time the better team but unable to capitalize on the chances we created. Half time: 0-0

Northend started 2nd half like they finished the first, remaining solid at the back, controlling the midfield and remaining a threat up front. It was great to watch the boys performance all over the pitch with great work rate and support for each other.

Colin Valley had shown glimpses of their dirty tactics by making deliberate and at times nasty fouls but we were up to the task at hand and continued to let the football do the talking as well as battling hard, tackling well and continuing to press forward.

Unfortunately, the Blues couldn't get the goal we deserved. Michael hit the post and Conal hitting the bar for a 2nd time after further chances were created from corners and good forward play. Dawid continued to make good runs down the right causing problems as well as Fionn on the left, both being well supported by Caelan and Noah.

Showing their ability and never give up attitude the boys continued to limit chances being created by Colin Valley and were trying to get that goal they knew we needed and deserved. Into the few last minutes it looked like we were going to have another one of those days where we were the better team, should come away with the win but it wasn't to be.

After our final push forward, Colin Valley cleared the ball and broke from midfield. They got through to the final 3rd and we cleared the ball. The ref then blew for a free kick to Colin Valley after he played advantage, for what I am still not sure. From 30 yards out the Colin Valley player hit a high ball towards our goal which seemed to stay in the air for longer than normal, eventually coming down off the post and into the net!

The ref blew for full-time less than a minute after the restart with us losing the match that we fully deserved to win. But that is football for you! Full time: 0-1

Player of the Match: Dawid Radziwonka

Panel: Callum Quinn, Cormac McGill, Conal Devlin, Conan Goodall (c), Caelan Donnelly, Charlie Herald, Dawid Radziwonka, Noah McGarry, Fionn McGarry, Jack Curry, Michael Killough

Northend United 1 Oxford Sunnyside Dynamos 3 Saturday 20th January 2024

Northend Uited U11s were in action this week against Oxford Sunnyside Dynamos at Crewe United 3G. Oxford Sunnyside started well and had the first few opportunities but couldn't break down the Northend defence with Charlie, Noah and Jack standing firm with Caelan making a few good saves as our stand-in keeper during the 1st half.

Northend initially struggled to push forward and play football like they are capable of. We stood off and didn't put pressure on the ball, this allowed Oxford Sunnyside time on the ball to look for the right pass and get forward. They pressed high and got the 1st goal of the match after an attack down the left side.

As Northend settled into the half the boys started to pass and support each other. Noah and Jack linking well with Dawid and Fionn who were dangerous down the wings creating problems for the Sunnyside defence. This resulted in a few chances being created but we couldn't level the score. Half time 0-1

Northend started brighter in the 2nd half, closing down much faster, pressing high and creating chances. Unfortunately, we couldn't capitalise and found ourselves 2-0 down after a counter attack from Oxford Sunnyside. Soon after the restart we conceded again after another counter down the right that we didn't deal with, enabling the Sunnyside forward to get clear and finish into the roof of the net.

Credit to Northend they kept their heads up and were determined to get back into the match. They pulled one back after good one two between Cormac and Conal down the left with an inside pass to Conan who shot from distance into the bottom right corner.

Northend pushed on from this and created additional chances and long range shots. Dawid and Michael linked up well down the right to put Michael through on goal. Their keeper came out to make a good save to prevent Michael from pulling another one back for Northend.

The Blues were now playing good football all over the pitch, their passing and movement making it very difficult for Oxford Sunnyside. When they did gain possession the work rate from Northend was very good, winning back the ball fast and putting us on the front foot.

Northend continued to look for the right pass and support their teammates all over the pitch. Conal played a through ball for Michael to get another shot off which was saved and eventually cleared. Further chances were created by Northend but didn't manage to take advantage. Full time 1-3

Player of the Match: Conan Goodall

Panel: Cormac McGill, Conal Devlin, Conan Goodall, Caelan Donnelly (c), Charlie Herald, Noah McGarry, Fionn McGarry, Jack Curry, Michael Killough, Dawid Radziwonka

Northend United 3 Andersonstown Community 0 Saturday 13th January 2024

This week our U10s Youth Team played against Andersonstown Community Ravens. From the start, Northend were up for it, working hard, pressing and putting Andersonstown under pressure.

The boys played simple football with superb passing and link up play. This created multiple chances early on. A good one two between Conal and Conan in the middle of the pitch saw Conal in space at the edge of the box. His shot was saved but dropped to Noah who finished well to put our Youth team in front. This set the scene for the rest of the match.

The Blues continued to play good football all over the pitch, their passing and movement making it very difficult for Andersonstown to gain possession and get forward. More goals looked certain to come. The 2nd did come after some great play by Cormac and another shot on target which was followed up and put into the net by Michael. Conal's linkup play with Conan continued and through balls put the Blues on front foot with Noah and Michael working hard down the channels and Cormac causing problems up front.

Great work and effort continued down the wings with Jack and Caelan providing support and cleaning up any danger on the counter with Charlie cleaning up in behind. Half time: 2-0

The second half saw Northend continue to pile on the pressure which meant Andersonstown struggled to get into the final 3rd. When Andersonstown did get forward Northend defence stood strong and worked as a defensive unit while looking for a forward pass to get us back on the attack. Andersonstown managed to get a few chances to shoot from long range, Callum in goal was there making some great saves.

Northend continued to look for that right pass and move to support their teammates box to box. After another opportunity for Northend and good work down the right by Fionn, Andersonstown defense cleared the ball which was put back into the box via a high ball, this saw the Andersonstown defender misjudge his header which looped over their keeper to make it 3-0. Cormac made a good run and got a shot off which went just wide of the post.

Andersonstown were awarded a free kick at the edge of the box, this was well taken and heading into the left hand corner if it wasn't for Callum making another great save ensuring he didn't concede a goal today. Further chances were created by Northend with the Andersonstown keeper making more good saves and some last ditch defending kept Northend from extending the lead. Full time 3-0

Player of the Match: Caelan Donnelly. His defensive play, cover and decision making today was outstanding.

Panel: Callum Quinn, Cormac McGill, Conal Devlin (c), Conan Goodall, Caelan Donnelly, Charlie Herald, Noah McGarry, Fionn McGarry, Jack Curry, Michael Killough

Northend United 2 Oxford Sunnyside 3 Saturday 6th January 2024

The first match of 2024 saw the wee Blues play Oxford Sunnyside Colts at Crewe United 3G. Northend started off brighter, pushing forward and putting our opponent under pressure but could only create a few half chances. Against the run of play Sunnyside scored from a long ball over the top which we couldn't deal with and a nice finish by the forward making it 0-1

We continued to press and put their defence under pressure leading to a Corner. Cormac's crossed ball was well finished by Conal Devlin who leapt like a salmon at the front post to head into the corner, levelling the score. Sunnyside had opportunities to get forward on the break via long balls which we struggled to deal with.,

Northend won a free kick after Conal was fouled around 25 yards out. Cormac had an effort which just went the wrong side of the post. A few more half chances were created by both teams but the score remained 1-1 at halftime. Half time: 1-1

The 2nd half started slow with Sunnyside finding space all over the pitch. They won a throw down the right side, from that we had chances to clear the ball but didn't, it fell to a Sunnyside forward at the edge of the box who struck a good shot into the roof of the net putting them up by one (1-2).

From the restart we pressed forward looking for the equaliser. We won another free kick around 20 yards out. Conan took this one which was deflected out for a corner. The resulting corner was taken short, a one two with Finn who crossed the ball into the box. The ball hit a Sunnyside defender's raised hand causing the referee to award a penalty.

Conan Goodall stepped up to take the penalty which he scored to make it 2-2.

Almost immediately Sunnyside created an opportunity from yet another long ball which Northend defence struggled to deal with throughout the match. A Sunnyside forward got in-behind and ended up scoring putting them in front. There were only a few minutes remaining with neither team creating any additional chances. Full time: 2-3

Player of the Match: Conal Devlin

Panel: Seth O Mulvenna, Callum Quinn, Cormac McGill, Conal Devlin, Conan Goodall, Caelan Donnelly, Charlie Herald, (c), Noah McGarry, Fionn McGarry, Jack Curry (c), Michael Killough