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Northend United 2 Andersonstown Community Ravens 2 Saturday 27th April 2024

Final league match of the season this afternoon in Lisburn saw the Wee Blues play Andersonstown Community Ravens, who we beat in the cup semi-final to make it into the cup final next on Saturday, May 4th.

The boys started better and had the first few opportunities but were unable to capitalize. When Andersonstown had the ball we gave them time and space instead of putting pressure on them. They scored the first goal of the match after a clearance from a Northend attack and pushed forward down the right side. We stood off and let their forward get a shot on goal, this low hard toe poke found its way into the net off the near side post.

Northend were struggling to take chances in the final 3rd, we didn't release the ball early to get our forward players in on goal. We kept taking that extra touch meaning opportunities were lost and resorted to long range efforts. Due to this we didn't play football like we are capable of and create clear cut chances.

As we settled into the half the boys started to pass and support each other in spells. This resulted in a few more chances being created along with plenty of corners but we couldn't level the score. Half time 1-0

Northend started brighter in the 2nd half, closing down better and getting forward. Unfortunately, we couldn't capitalize and found ourselves 2-0 down against the run of play. Andersonstown forward hit an early shot from distance that flew into the top corner giving Callum no chance.

Credit to our boys, they kept their heads up and showed determination to get back into the match. We pulled one back after some good forward play. Cormac picked up the ball just inside the box and managed to get a shot away which went past the Andersonstown keeper. Their defender almost cleared it as he swung a leg at it but the ball went through his legs into the net.

Northend pushed on from this putting Andersonstown under pressure. Their keeper was kept busy and made plenty of saves in the 2nd half. When Andersonstown did get forward in the 2nd half Callum was on hand to make a save, pick up the long ball or clear the danger to ensure we didn't concede another goal.

With time running out Northend continued working hard to get forward and level the score. This left us open at the back but Caelan was available to clean up with Callum ready if the long ball went past. Into the last few minutes Andersonstown got forward from a long ball. Callum picked it up at the edge of his box and immediately sent a long ball up to our forward line putting Andersonstown on the back foot. They didn't clear the ball, Cormac picked it up, side stepped a defender and struck a good shot into the far corner of the net giving their keeper no chance and making it 2-2 with a minute remaining.

From the kick-off we pressed fast, won the ball back and were awarded a free kick just inside their half. Cormac took the free kick, stuck it well but went just wide. Final whistle went before the goal kick could be taken. Full time 2-2

Player of the Match: Callum Quinn - Displayed great attitude and urgency to get us forward and put pressure on Andersonstown defence to enable us to remain high up the pitch and get that equaliser.

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

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Northend United 3 Newry City 2 Saturday 20th April 2024

We were up against a well organized Newry City team today. From the warm-up the boys were up for this challenge with their attitude on point. The boys were asked to be tight to their opponents, provide support for each other and work hard off the ball to cover when out of possession. Then get into space when we are in possession and be available to receive the ball.

From kick-off the boys displayed great team spirit and showed maximum effort. It was great to see them executing our plan and delivering strong performances all over the pitch. The boys put Newry City’s defence under pressure with Cormac, Dawid, Fionn and Michael working as a unit not allowing an easy pass, winning the ball back and forcing Newry to make mistakes. Conal and Conan were controlling the midfield while Charlie was standing strong in defence along with Jack and Caelan.

This team effort reaped rewards in the 15th minute when we went 1 nil up after Conal passed to Dawid on the right, he took a shot which was blocked but Cormac was on hand to finish into the bottom corner giving the keeper no chance.

From the restart Newry City were pushing forward trying to find the equaliser but couldn't break through our defence. Charlie was winning every ball down the middle with Caelan and Jack covering the wings while working up and down.

Northend were playing some great football, finding the right pass and looking for the return ball. Cormac was linking up with our midfield and making it difficult for Newry. It was great to see the boys back playing nice attacking football. Our lead doubled in the 20th minute after some great individual skill by Conal. He won the ball on the left side, cut inside taking on a Newry defender and stuck a lovely shot from just outside the box. The Newry City keeper managed to get a finger tip to it but couldn't stop the ball skimming the underside of the crossbar and into the net making it 2 nil to Northend.

Credit to Newry who didn't let their heads drop, they worked hard to get forward and pull one back. They got into our box and had a chance on target which was well saved by Noah resulting in a corner. From the corner a Newry City forward managed to get a shot off but was cleared off the line and eventually put out for another corner right on the stroke of halftime. From this corner in the 24th minute Newry City scored after the ball dropped to their player whose shot found its way into our net. Half time 2-1

After the restart Newry worked hard and showed determination to get forward. They were well matched by a strong Northend team. Conal was leading by example, he didn't let up and was winning every tackle, breaking up their attacks and getting us forward. Caelan was supporting Conal in midfield in the 2nd half with strong tackles and good passing. Conan went into nets for 2nd half and Noah defended well at right back.

Fionn was causing problems down the wing and looking for the through ball to break forward. In the 35th minute Conal found Fionn on the right who took on his man and crossed to Michael who finished well by striking the ball over the keeper and into the net putting Northend 3-1 up.

Michael was pressing high and looking dangerous while providing an option for a through ball when we were on the attack. Fionn continued to be a nuisance in and out of possession with Dawid working hard on the left along with Jack. Cormac slotted into midfield to win the ball and support Conal.

Newry created a few attacks which Charlie dealt with well and cleared the danger. Noah was working hard on the right, staying tight to his man and winning the ball down the right all half. Another opportunity was created by Newry in the 47th minute from a long ball which we didn't clear due to miscommunication, the ball fell to a Newry forward who was through on goal and slotted the ball into the bottom corner making it 3-2.

With a few minutes remaining we created another opportunity to extend our lead further when Conal picked up the ball in midfield, played a fantastic through ball splitting the Newry defence and putting Fionn through on goal. Unfortunately, his effort went just wide of the post. Newry pushed forward one last time and were looking to make it honours even but no further goals before the final whistle with the match ending 3-2 to our Youth team.This was a great team performance with everyone working hard and putting in a shift ensuring we came away with the win. Special thanks to Noah and Conan for taking a half each in nets as our keeper Callum was on holiday. Full time 3-2

Player of the Match: Conal Devlin- due to his all-around play today. Great battling, breaking down attacks and pushing forward all topped off with a good goal after some lovely skill and great strike.

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

Northend United 4 Windmill Stars 4 Saturday 13th April 2024

We played against Windmill Stars U11 team this morning in an open and competitive match. Northend started strong with some good passages of play and opportunities to go in front early on. Unfortunately, we didn't capitalize on those opportunities and surprisingly found ourselves 2 nil down not long after with Windmill Star capitalizing on 2 chances enabling their forward to score both.

The boys showed strong resilience and worked hard to get back into the match. The comeback began from a free kick in the middle of the Windmill half after Conal was fouled. Conan struck it well with the ball flying into the right hand corner of the net to make it 2-1. We were on the front foot, pressing and trying to get the equalizer. We created another chance down the left after Dawid passed down the wing for Conal to run on to, he took on the defender, dribbled into the box and passed the ball to Cormac who slotted the ball into the bottom left corner of the net to make it 2-2.

We created additional chances from range and scrambles in the box with their defense managing to thwart our efforts. Windmill also created additional half chances from long clearances which we struggled with. Callum was on hand a couple of times to make the save and clear the danger keeping it 2-2 going into half time. Half time 2-2

The 2nd half was open with both teams having chances. We didn't completely settle into the match today and play the free-flowing football like we have shown in recent weeks. The boys did battle hard, showed heart and willingness to win. We were finding some success out wide. Jack playing a pass down the wing to Fionn who made a run down the line and won us a throw-in. We took it quick with Conal playing it back to Conan to cross the ball into the box where Cormac got up well in the middle of the box and headed into the far corner putting our Youth team in front, 3-2 Northend.

From the restart Windmill Star continued to cause us problems with long balls. We struggled to deal with these most of the match due to us standing off, not getting tight enough and allowing their forward players to run in behind. Windmill found an equalizer from another long ball which we didn't deal with and their striker took an early shot ending up in the back of the net, 3-3. For most of the match the ball was in our opponents half which seemed to end up suiting them due to their success on the counter attack. Windmill created a chance from another clearance which ended in a corner for them. They struck the post directly from this corner, the ball fell to their player whose shot was very well saved by Callum pushing it wide of the post.

We cleared the resulting corner and created another chance to go in front but this was saved. Another corner was put into their box which was well defended and cleared long. Their striker got in behind our defence, struck a strong low shot just inside the box on the left-hand side that went under Callum and into the net putting them back in front, 4-3. Callum was called on again from another break and he made another good save to ensure we didn't go 2 behind. Our Youth team showed good character and resilience.

The boys worked really hard for the last 10 to push forward and try to level the score. We worked the ball well down the left with Dawid taking on his man with good skill and a cross into the box, Fionn made a run to the front post to slot the ball into the bottom corner, 4-4. No further goals before the final whistle with the match ending 4-4. This was an entertaining match for a neutral with plenty of action and goal scoring opportunities. Full time 4-4

Player of the Match: Cormac McGill due to his attacking play and 2 well taken goals.

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

Northend United 3 Crewe United 0 Saturday 6th April 2024

Northend U11s played Crewe United this week in very difficult conditions due to storm Kathleen which wreaked havoc for players as well as spectators! The game plan was to keep the ball on the ground, provide passing options and press as a team while winning the 2nd ball and not allowing Crewe United time on the ball. The boys executed very well with everyone playing their part throughout the match.

The Blues played in Crewe’s half for most of the match due to them struggling to cope with our high press and work rate to win back possession and push forward.

When Crewe managed to get out of their half our defensive unit of Charlie, Caelan and Jack stood strong and won every battle they were involved in. This meant Callum had a quiet day in goal.

We had handfuls of corners and attacking opportunities in the first half, finally breaking the deadlock with a very well worked goal.

Conan played Conal through on goal and he made a lovely unselfish pass to Michael as the keeper was closing him down. Michael slotted the ball into an open net to make it 1 nil. After numerous other opportunities to extend our lead we eventually went 2 nil up. This came from another corner into the box, a shot was well blocked and cleared. The ball fell to Conan on the right just outside the box, he struck a powerful shot which hit the back of the net.

Northend were on the front foot pushing for more goals. Cormac, Michael and Dawid were causing problems for the Crewe defence with Conan and Conal controlling the midfield, closing down and winning the 2nd ball all match. Half time 2-0

The boys went into the 2nd half with the same intensity, winning 2nd ball and not giving Crewe any time on the ball. Crewe did manage to have a few attacking opportunities in the 2nd half but these were dealt with very well by Charlie, Caelan and Jack. Callum was called upon only once and he was well up to the challenge making a good save from a shot on the right side.

Northend created additional chances but didn't manage to convert to extend our lead. Fionn & Dawid were causing problems throughout the 2nd half down the wings with good skill on display taking on the defender and getting crosses in to Michael and Cormac.

From these attacks we won additional corners and eventually got that 3rd goal. Conan played a short corner to Cormac who put in a good cross which was half cleared, falling to Conal who shot into the left corner of the net. 3-0 to our Youth team.

We had other opportunities to score more from corners and free kicks. No further goals before the final whistle with the match ending 3-0 to our Youth team. The boys played very well as a team today with everyone playing their part enabling us to win comfortably, regardless of the conditions. Full time 3-0

Player of the Match: Conan Goodall due to his battling, work rate and forward passing

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

Northend United 3 Andersonstown Community 1 Saturday 23rd March 2024

Our Youth team played in the league cup semi-final today against Andersonstown Community Ravens 2013. The boys were up for it in difficult weather conditions due to strong winds and intermittent showers.

From the first whistle they were determined to get on the front foot and put pressure on our opponent. This determination worked and Andersonstown struggled to cope as they had no time on the ball and couldn't settle.

Northend were keeping the ball on the ground, passing and moving for each other. Callum didn't have much to do in the first half, even against a strong wind. When called upon he came to collect any through ball clearing and danger to get us back on the attack.

Our defensive players: Charlie, Caelan, Jack and Noah defended very well and played out from the back. Conan, Conal, Cormac were providing options for the forward pass with Dawid, Fionn and Michael moving into space and making good runs.

We created at least a handful of clear goal scoring opportunities throughout the first half. This was down to us playing some great football, especially in those weather conditions as well as winning the 2nd ball which didn't allow Andersonstown many opportunities to get forward. Unfortunately, we didn't take advantage of these opportunities and the score remained 0-0 at half time. Half time 0-0

We started the 2nd half our heads up, playing with the wind the boys were determined to get that elusive goal. The boys continued to be the better team due to everyone performing well all over the pitch. With that being said we saw ourselves go 1 nil down against the run of play. Andersonstown finally managed to get into our box and get a shot off. Callum made a good save but the Andersonstown forward was first to react to slot the ball into our net. 1-0 Andersonstown.

Our Youth team showed great character, and didn't let their heads drop as Andersonstown started to push forward. Callum was called on after another attack and he made a great save to ensure we didn't go 2 down. The boys continued to push forward creating additional chances. From a resulting corner on the left side, Conan crossed well, a goalmouth scramble ensued and Conal managed to place the ball into the bottom corner to even the score. 1-1, Game on!

Our defence continued to cancel out attacks down the wings with midfield and forwards pressing high. We were looking dangerous and working hard to get that 2nd goal. It finally came from another corner, this time on the right with Conan putting in another good cross, their keeper came to collect but fumbled, it dropped to Noah who picked out Conal around the penalty spot, he took a quick touch and shot into the corner of the net. 2 -1 Northend!

We had a few other opportunities to extend our lead further from corners, free kicks and long range shots. Cormac then broke down the right and got a shot off which the keeper saved, Fionn was first to react this time and passed the ball into the net making it 3-1 with a few minutes remaining.

No further goals before the final whistle with the match ending 3-1 to our Youth team who secured a spot in their first cup final which is scheduled to be played on May 4th. Full time 3-1

Player of the Match: Jack Curry Solid at the back, picked the right forward pass and coped very well under pressure.

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

Northend United 3 Oxford Sunnyside 1 Saturday 8th March 2024

The Youth team were on the wrong side of this fixture previously losing 3-2 so we knew this was going to be a competitive match. The boys accepted the coaches' challenge to exact revenge and be on the right side of the result today. The challenge was accepted and the boys did not disappoint.

From the first whistle we showed great attitude, work rate and determination all over the pitch. This soon paid off as we took the lead with good play in midfield, out to the right and a through ball by Dawid to Cormac, who managed to stay just onside and finish well into the roof of the net.

With their heads up Northend continued to be the better team, defended well and played nice attacking football. Our lead doubled after a corner was cleared by the Oxford defence with Caelan picking it up just outside the box and striking a good effort which took a slight deflection past the Oxford Sunnyside keeper.

Oxford Sunnyside had a few attacking opportunities in the first half but these were dealt with very well by Charlie, Caelan and Jack. Callum made a couple of good saves and collected a few long balls. Half time 2-0

After the restart we continued on the front foot playing good football. Conan and Conal were winning midfield battles with Fionn and Noah playing wide and being a threat.

Northend created additional chances but couldn't convert to extend our lead. Oxford Sunnyside had to resort to long balls down the middle which were dealt with well by Charlie.

Caelan and Jack continued to thwart Oxford Sunnyside attacks down the right and left with Cormac and Noah supporting and being an outlet for a forward pass.

Michael was pressing high and looking dangerous while providing an option for a through ball when we were on the attack. Fionn continued to be a nuisance in and out of possession.

Oxford Sunnyside had another attack which Charlie dealt with well and sent a long ball up the pitch. Michael flicked on to Conal who controlled well, put the Oxford defence on the back foot, cut inside and slotted the ball nicely onto the bottom corner from outside the box. Northend deservedly 3 nil up.

As Northend continued to press high not allowing Oxford Sunnyside defence any time on the ball they had no option but to send long balls down the pitch. From one of these, their forward player got in behind our defence which was well saved by Callum, we didn't manage to clear the ball on this occasion. The ball fell to an Oxford Sunnyside forward who shot well into the roof of the net to make it 3-1.

We had a few other opportunities to extend our lead further from corners and free kicks. No further goals before the final whistle with the match ending 3-1 to our Youth team. Full time 3-1

Player of the Match: Caelan Donnelly - flawless first half performance topped off with a goal and a solid second half.

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