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Northend United 2 Limavady Colts 3 Saturday 23rd May 2015

The sun actually does shine at Ballysally and came out in full force for the U11's final game of the season. A minutes silence was respectfully paid by both sides ahead of the game following the sudden loss of the IFA's youth development coach Wes Gregg. The Northend boys started brightly and dominated the first half with some excellent football. David McKay and Lewis Hector put the Limavady defence under some early pressure and almost capitalised upon a mistake. Peter Bristow was having a strong game in midfield and dictated most of the play for the Ballymena side. Some of the hard work in training almost paid off on eleven minutes, when a Jack Adams free kick was met with a glancing header from Owen Campbell and went narrowly wide of goal. The sustained period of pressure saw the boys get their deserved lead on thirteen minutes when a strong burst from defence by Kevin Cosgrove created an opening for Lewis Hector to fire a cross towards the on-rushing David MacKay, who deftly flicked the ball over the stranded Limavady keeper. Owen Campbell's unselfish work for the team continued to trouble his opponents and the midfielder almost connected with a well-worked corner from Jack Adams. David Magill and Corey McMillan were outstanding in their work to defend the United goal and threw themselves into a number of meaty challenges. The Northend boys went close to extending their lead with further efforts from Lewis Hector and Jack Adams which tested the Limavady keeper. Half time 1-0

The opening period of the second half once again saw the Northend boys dominating play. Jack Adams curled a free-kick narrowly wide of the upright and Callum McMurray saw an effort saved by the keeper. United's confidence on the ball was actually to prove to be their downfall as they tried to play themselves out of trouble and conceded possession on the edge of their box. The response was almost immediate and the United boys regained their lead on thirteen minutes when David McKay lashed a half volley past the keeper flowing some good build up play between Corey McMillan and Kevin Cosgrove. Limavady forced two further goals as Northend tried to play their way out of trouble, however the quality of passing and movement on show today was a mark of how far this group of players have come over the last twelve months. Full time 2-3

Today saw the final game of a long season which dates back to preparations starting in June 2014 for last year's Foyle Cup. The most pleasing aspect for Robert and Uel has been the continued development of the players, the recruitment of new talent and fantastic support from the parents. The last twelve months has seen a huge step forward for his small group and they have made a strong showing against the top sides in the NWCDYL. Next season may take this group into the Lisburn League and if that is the case Stevie Crowe and the NWCDYL have produced a magnificent platform for these young players to learn the game. Have a good break boys and come back for next season with that same enthusiasm and determination.

Man of the Match: The whole squad for a brilliant performance today and great attitude throughout the season.

Panel: Curtis Wilson, David Magill, Kevin Cosgrove, Corey McMillan, Peter Bristow, Jack Adams, Owen Campbell, David McKay, Lewis Hector and Callum McMurray

Northend United 4 Coleraine Olympic 3 Saturday 9th May 2015

This weeks game saw the Northend United squad being stretched to its limits, with two players missing from the group, a number of the boys being asked to play in unfamiliar positions and an amazing second half comeback showing the quality of this small group. The game started at a fast pace and the wee blues didn't waste any time with Corey McMillan hitting a nice left footed shot just wide of the goal. On the five minutes mark, some brilliant midfield play saw jack McIlhatton chip a nicely weighted pass over two defenders and into the stride of Lewis Hector. The young striker looked sharp and smashed an unstoppable effort into the top corner with the outside of his right foot . The wee blues were really on form against a tough Coleraine side. Both jack Adams and Kevin Cosgrove were having an excellent game creating some brilliant chances with shots that went just wide and another hitting off the cross bar. Calum McMurray upfront was putting the keeper under serious pressure from some smart long range throw-ins from Corey McMillan. Owen Campbell looked strong in an unfamiliar defensive role and Curtis Wilson had little to worry about during the half. Young David McKay covered every blade of grass along the right wing and marked his opponent out of the game. Half time 1-0.

The wee blues need to learn a lesson that they cannot afford to switch off against the stronger teams in the NWCDYL and within ten minutes Coleraine had pulled back three good goals from a mixture of quick thinking and some physical play. However the Northend boys showed great grit and determination and turned on the pressure again, David McKay, Owen Campbell and Kevin Cosgrove fought tirelessly to stop Coleraine. Jack McIlhatton was fired up and took on four Coleraine players before firing home a cracking right foot shot. The wee blues were not going down without a fight. The Coleraine keeper was in good form but with less than ten minutes remaining the wee blues forced a corner; with great movement and pressure on the keeper, Calum McMurray got his reward, forcing a headed effort over the line. The game was now all square and the large crowd of Northend supporters were urging the boys towards victory. With only three minutes remaining the wee blues kept on the pressure. Coleraine went close with a long range effort and as play resumed, the Northend midfiled picked up the ball and found Calum McMurray in space. The striker neatly beat his marker, spotted an intelligent run from Lewis Hector and made and inch perfect cross to his team mate. Lewis made no mistake in firmly planting the ball into the back of the net and adding another goal towards his growing tally as top scorer for the Ballymena squad.

An amazing game of football showing what can be achieved with determination to come back from 3-1 down to take a well deserved 4-3 victory against an excellent Coleraine side. Final score 4-3

Man of the Match: The whole squad for a brilliant performance.

Panel: Curtis Wilson, Owen Campbell, Kevin Cosgrove, Corey McMillan, Jack Adams, Jack McIlhatton, David McKay, Lewis Hector and Callum McMurray

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Northend United 1 Coleraine Academy 5 Saturday 2nd May 2015

It was a chilly May morning at Ballysally, although the Northend United squad looked fired up for their game against Coleraine Academy 04's. Every single one of the Northend boys looked hungry for the ball and worked hard for their team. The determination to improve upon their previous game was clear to see and the Ballymena side almost took an early lead when a Jack Adams shot hit the side netting on three minutes. Coleraine responded well and forced a good diving save from Curtis Wilson on eight minutes. Moments later Peter Bristow burst through the Coleraine midfield and played a well weighted pass in-behind the defence to pick out an intelligent run from Lewis Hector; the young striker outpaced his marker and saw his effort go narrowly wide. Coleraine took the lead on thirteen minutes when a well worked free-kick was headed back across goal from the far post and an unmarked player forced the ball over the line. Both sides were playing some excellent football and there were some great battles taking place all over the pitch. As the half drew to a close Jack McIlhatton dribbled the ball past five players and forced a finger-tip save from the Coleraine keeper. Half-time 0-1

Both sides kicked into top gear again for the start of the second half although it was Coleraine who enjoyed two huge slices of luck within the opening six minutes. The first saw a long range effort being saved by Curtis Wilson and the breaking ball fell kindly to a Coleraine striker. Moments later Northend cleared a corner and as a Coleraine player fired a shot wide of the goal, the ball bounced off the shoulder of a Northend defender and into the goal. Northend bounced back and Jack McIlhatton forced a great save from the Coleraine keeper on thirteen minutes with a well struck free-kick. Once again the boys produced some great football and returned to the form they have shown over the last three months. Callum McMurray ran onto a long up-field ball and as the Coleraine keeper stormed off his line to make a challenge, David McKay was on hand to place a first time shot into the goal from round thirty yards - and what about the celebration!! Full-time 1-5

This was a fantastic advert for the NWCDYL, both sides were fully committed and yet showed each other a great deal of respect. The Northend boys came away having played some great football but having just missed out on a little bit of fortune that can sometimes swing games your way. Very well done boys, very much improved on last week's performance. Robert and Uel are very proud of you.

Man of the Match: Jack McIlhatton.

Panel: C Wilson, D Magill, K Cosgrove, C McMillan, P Bristow, J Adams, J McIlhatton, O Campbell, L Hector, D McKay and C McMurray

Northend United 1 Coleraine Academy 3 Saturday 25th April 2015

A bright and breezy morning at Ballysally saw a game of two halves for the Northend boys. A sluggish performance in the opening period saw possession being given up far too easily and very little in the way of passing and movement going forward. Northend did however go close to scoring in the opening five minutes when David McKay made a good run behind the Coleraine defence and lifted the ball over the on rushing keeper and inches over the bar. Coleraine were being allowed far too much time on the ball and with an apparent unwillingness to both closedown, track back and match the effort of their opponents; the pressure was always going to test the resilience of the defence. Coleraine capitalised upon this and edged themselves in front on eight minutes. David McKay again went close on eleven minutes when he forced a good save from the Coleraine Keeper. Jack Adams moved into a central midfield roll at the mid-point of the half and started to make a difference by simply taking control of the ball and linking up play. As the half drew to a close a crazy two minute spell saw possession being conceded high up the pitch and Coleraine broke forward in numbers to extend their lead. Half-time 0-3

A couple of positional changes at half-time made a world of difference and Northend set about pulling themselves back into the game. Callum McMurray retained possession in a striking role and began to link well with Jack Adams and Peter Bristow in central midfield. Jack McIlhatton started to enjoy time and space along the left flank and early chances fell to Peter Bristow and David McKay. David Magill made a number of meaty challenges to win possession for Northend and Owen Campbell also made a good impression in an unfamiliar left back roll. Northend pulled themselves back into the game on fourteen minutes when Callum McMurray followed up an effort from Peter Bristow and scored a deserved goal. Further chance fell to Peter Bristow and Callum McMurray and despite dominating play for the majority of the second half the boys paid the price for a lacklustre performance at the start of the game. Full time 1-3.

Today's result could have been so much different had the boys simply worked harder to match the effort of Coleraine in the opening period. The quality of football that has been evident over the last two months did come back in the second half, but it was simply too little too late. In a nutshell, a valuable lesson today in being prepared to work hard all over the pitch when your team loses possession - you can't leave it to others.

Men of the Match: Owen Campbell and David Magill.

Panel: C Wilson, D Magill, P Bristow, J Adams, K Cosgrove, J McIlhatton, Owen Campbell, Lewis Hector, David McKay and Callum McMurray

Northend United 5 Ballymoney Athletic 1 Saturday 11th April 2015

Northend got off to a strong start in this game, Peter Bristow saw an effort smash off the bar before Callum McMurray forced a good save from the keeper and Lewis Hector hit the side netting when he intercepted a poor kick out - all within the opening three minutes. A strong wind and hail shower made playing conditions very difficult for both teams in the next ten minutes although Callum McMurray stood out in a forward roll, keeping possession and attempting to link up play in as the wind and hail forced the ball upfield. The Northend boys took a deserved lead on fourteen minutes when Lewis Hector neatly beat two players on the edge of the box before firing the ball past the Ballymoney keeper. Callum McMurray again linked up play well and created a chance for Kevin Cosgrove, Kevin struck his shot well, although the Keeper was on hand to make a good stop. Northend dominated the play throughout the half and had a dubious decision against them when Lewis Hector beat his marker on the wing and fired a shot on goal, the keeper spilt the effort and Peter Bristow forced home the loose ball but was adjudged off-side. An inevitable second goal did come when David Magill lobbed the ball back into the goal area from a partially cleared corner; Peter Bristow gathered the ball and coolly beat three players before walking the ball into the goal. Half time 2-0

Playing into the breeze in the second half, Northend again started brightly and a long range effort from David Magill went narrowly wide with two minutes gone. It's fair to say that the referee didn't have a particularly good game and this was probably best demonstrated in the fifth minute of the half when a by-ball was allowed to be kicked from the Ballymoney Keeper's hands; the long up-filed kick found their striker a good ten yards off-side and with play waved on Ballymoney pulled a goal back. Northend scored their third from the kick-off when Lewis Hector notched his second of the game. Owen Campbell and David McKay were enjoying some space along either flank and forced a succession of corners from strong running along each wing. Jack Adams and Corey McMillan each had good games in defence and with the exception of one further attack Curtis Wilson had a pretty quiet day in goal. Northend mounted a series of attacks and Lewis Hector narrowly missed out on adding two further goals to his tally when well placed at the back post. The hat-trick did come on seventeenth minute when Lewis pounced upon a breaking ball before thumping an unstoppable shot into the goal. Two minutes later David McKay scored Northend's fifth with a well taken chance at the back post. Full time 5-1

The boys dominated this game from start to finish and while it was nice for the boys to get a win, the overall quality of football was certainly below what they have produced in the last few months. The biggest positive was Callum McMurray's performance in the first half - some really intelligent link-up play.

Men of the Match: Callum McMurray and the hat-trick hero - Lewis Hector.

Panel: C Wilson, D Magill, J Adams, C McMillan, P Bristow, K Cosgrove, O Campbell, L Hector, C McMurray and D McKay

Northend United U11s 3 Northend United U10s 0 Saturday 28th March 2015

With fixtures in the NWCDYL being cancelled on Friday evening, a hastily arranged friendly saw the U10's entertain the U11's. Some great football was played by both sides and several family grudges were contested in good spirit. The U11s eventually ran out 3-0 winners against a very determined U10 squad with goals from Callum McMurray (2) and Lewis Hector (1).

Panel: D Magill, P Bristow, J Adams, K Cosgrove, J McIlhatton, O Campbell, C McMillan, L Hector, D McKay and C McMurray

Northend United 1 Coleraine Olympic 2 Saturday 21st March 2015

This was an incredibly tight game right from the kick-off with every loose ball being keenly contested. Coleraine edged ahead on three minutes when a partially cleared free-kick resulted in a goal-mouth scramble and a Coleraine toe forced the ball over the line. Northend responded well and took the game to their opponents with some excellent passing play. Owen Campbell was working hard for the team and forced several mistakes from the Coleraine midfield. Lewis Hector drew his side level on eleven minutes when he picked up a loose ball on the half way line and neatly beat two players before spotting the goal keeper off his line; the young striker coolly flicked the ball into the air and sent a half volley soaring high over the Coleraine keeper and into the net from all of 30 yards. Kevin Cosgrove was now dictating the play in midfield and with the defence of David Magill, Peter Bristow and Jack Adams looking very solid and it was Northend who controlled the play until half-time. Half-time 1-1

For some unknown reason the Ballymena boys really struggled to get going for the opening five minutes of the second half and conceded a silly goal from a corner kick when they appeared to have possession of the ball. Once the boys settled back into their pattern of play they again started to cause all manner of problems for Coleraine. Callum McMurray made a good burst through the Coleraine defence, beating two players in the centre of the pitch and seeing his effort blocked by the final defender. David McKay worked hard along the left wing and looked to bring some width into the Northend attack. The Ballymena boys created several further chances but just couldn't find the deserved equaliser. But what an advert for the NWCDYL - A real thriller until the final whistle. Full-time 2-1

A very good display by the boys today and their form over the last month has been very impressive. The quality of football is now consistently at a level well beyond anything they have produced over the last three years and this is the most pleasing aspect for the coaches. All the hard work is really paying off and this side are an excellent match for any of the teams in this league. Keep it going until the end of the season boys.

Men of the Match - Owen Campbell and Kevin Cosgrove. Owen's work rate was outstanding and Kevin simply dictated the game in midfield.

Panel: C Wilson, D Magill, P Bristow, J Adams, K Cosgrove, J McIlhatton, O Campbell, C McMillan, L Hector, D McKay and C McMurray

Northend United 4 Maiden City 4 Saturday 14th March 2015

The Northend boys looked to build upon last week's impressive display and did so with a fine performance against some very strong opposition. The Ballymena boys made a bright start to the game and almost edged ahead on five minutes when Kevin Cosgrove's free kick was tipped over the bar by the keeper. From the resulting corner, Kevin Cosgrove swung an excellent cross towards the far post and into the back of the net. The age old adage that you're most vulnerable when you have just scored proved true yet again when the Blues failed to close down a Maiden City attack from the kick-off and surrendered their early lead. Neither side was willing to give an inch in this game and the back three of David Magill, Peter Bristow and Jack Adams were in the middle of some pretty meaty challenges. Maiden City scored a second on fifteen minutes when the blues again allowed an attacker too much time at the edge of the area. Lewis Hector was having an impressive game and was rewarded for his hard work in closing down the Maiden City defence when he seized upon a mistake to pull his side level. The momentum was now very clearly with the Ballymena side and as Owen Campbell made a good break down the right the ball broke to Lewis Hector; the young striker fired an effort on goal and when the keeper spilled his effort Kevin Cosgrove was on hand to put his side ahead at half time. Half-time 3-2

Northend started the second half with some purpose and scored their fourth on two minutes when Corey McMillan chipped a pass behind the Maiden City defence for Lewis Hector. Lewis's pace was too much for his opponent and he wasted no time in scoring his second of the game. Just as they did on the first half, the Northend boys allowed Maiden City to pull a goal back within a minute of the kick-off. On this occasion the boys conceded possession too easily from their own corner and a swift counter attack by Maiden City created their third of the game. Jack McIlhattan was having another good game in midfield and almost created chances for Callum McMurray and David McKay. With ten minutes gone, Lewis Hector produced a great piece of skill when he juggled the ball at the corner flag before putting a deep cross into the back post, Owen Campbell tried to meet the cross and was unlucky to see his effort go narrowly wide. Both sides were producing some excellent football and it was Maiden City who pulled level when they were again allowed too much time on the edge of the Northend area. The blues dug deep in the final five minutes of the game and looked to have secured the points when Kevin Cosgrove fired a half volley on goal; unfortunately on this occasion the Maiden City keeper produced an excellent finger-tip save to deny the Ballymena boys a deserved winner. Full time 4-4

The coaches would also like to thank Euan McSparron for stepping into goal at short notice for this game.

Man of the Match: Lewis Hector - The young striker played to his potential today and was in unstoppable form.

Panel: E McSparron, D Magill, P Bristow, J Adams, K Cosgrove, C McMillan, O Campbell, J McIlhatton, L Hector, C McMurray and D McKay

Northend United 0 Dungiven Celtic 2 Saturday 7th March 2015

Games between these two teams have proved to be very closely fought over the last three years and this was no exception. Northend had the benefit of a strong breeze in the first period and made a bright start to the game. With two minutes gone a strong up-field run from Peter Bristow caused havoc amongst the Dungiven defence and the ball was forced narrowly wide following an almighty goal-mouth scramble. The Ballymena boys were playing some really nice football in this opening period with Jack McIlhatton and Kevin Cosgrove forming a really good understanding in midfield. Making good use of the width on each flank, the Wee Blues piled the pressure onto their opponents and went close to scoring on eight minutes when Corey McMillan's half volley forced an excellent save from the Dungiven keeper. The new look back three of David Magill, Peter Bristow and Jack Adams were outstanding again and looked to support the play at every opportunity. On eighteen minutes Owen Campbell's run and cross from the right wing found Corey McMillan at the back post and the young midfielder's shot produced another stunning save from the Dungiven keeper. From the resulting corner kick, Kevin Cosgrove's cross was headed clear towards David Magill, who struck a cracking effort narrowly over the bar. With five minutes of the half remaining Lewis Hector created space for himself in the box and fired an effort toward the bottom corner; once again the Dungiven keeper produced a miraculous save from close range to deny the Ballymena boys a deserved lead. As the first half drew to a close Curtis Wilson was forced into action and made a great stop from a rare Dungiven attack. Half-time 0-0

Playing into the breeze in the second half the Northend boys tried to keep the ball on the ground and produced some really good flowing football. Some neat inter-play on the edge of the area saw Kevin Cosgrove burst through on goal and poke an effort towards the bottom left hand corner. Yet again the Dungiven keeper produced an excellent save with an outstretched leg. On six minutes Lewis Hector burst onto an up-field pass from David McKay and was unlucky to see his effort hit the side netting from a tight angle. With nine minutes gone Curtis Wilson was again called into action when Dungiven went close from a corner kick. Moments later a Dungiven player made a strong forward run from defence and evaded three Northend tackles before passing to an unmarked (and off-side) teammate who put his side ahead. The Northend boys bounced back immediately and produced arguably the best move of the game when the ball was played from Curtis Wilson, across the defence, from right midfield into Jack McIlhatton, who produced a peach of a pass to release Corey McMillan on the left flank. Corey took an excellent first touch and fired a shot come cross towards the far post where the on-rushing Callum McMurray was inches from forcing over the line. Dungiven surged forward again and capitalised upon a loose ball on the edge of the area to fire home their second. With eight minutes remaining the Ballymena boys again dug-deep and looked to pull themselves back into the game. Several further chances were created with the pick falling to Kevin Cosgrove who again saw the Dungiven keeper produce an incredible stop from close range. Full-time 2-0

This goes down as a defeat but was anything but in terms of the quality of football played by the Northend boys. A much higher standard of play today and arguably the best football this group have played in the last three years with great passing, movement, support play and some really good defending/goalkeeping. The boys deserve to take great encouragement from this performance and hopefully will build upon this going forward

Man of the match - Corey McMillan and Curtis Wilson. On another day (and against a different keeper) Corey would have walked away with a hat-trick. Curtis Wilson was simply outstanding.

Panel: C Wilson, D Magill, P Bristow, J Adams, K Cosgrove, J McIlhatton, Owen Campbell, Corey McMillan, Lewis Hector, David McKay and Callum McMurray