Northend United 0 Roe Valley 1                                                             Saturday 6th December 2014

Northend United used the fixture to blend three new boys into the squad ahead of the scheduled NIBFA Cup game. Both teams started the game at a frantic pace, although it was Roe Valley who benefited from some better early possession and edged themselves in-front after three minutes when Northend only partially cleared their goal area from a corner. There was no lack of desire shown by either side and both sets of players were committed to a physical but fair game. Northend finally settled into their pattern of play around the ten minute mark when a Jack Adams free kick tested the Roe Valley keeper. Niall Devine and Niall McGarel were combining well in midfield and the back three of David Magill, Corey McMillan and Kevin Cosgrove were very impressive throughout the game. Another Jack Adams free-kick was again saved well by the keeper after sixteen minutes, before Niall Devine made a strong run into the box and was unlucky to see his shot blocked by a defender. Lewis Hector's pace unsettled Roe Valley and the young striker made an excellent run onto a through ball from Owen Campbell only to have his shot deflected into the side netting. Half time 0-1.

Northend picked up the pace again in the second half with David McKay, Rio Tsang and Cal O'Brien coming on to good effect. United were now controlling the game and enjoyed a number of openings. Lewis Hector went agonisingly close to an equaliser when a through ball from Niall McGarel set him free from the Roe Valley defence. As the keeper rushed of his line the young striker bravely went into the challenge and saw his effort shave past the post. Moments later the Roe Valley keeper was again quickly off his line to clear the ball from Owen Campbell and David McKay showed great vision to fire the clearance back to goal with his first touch, once again the ball went very narrowly wide of goal. David Magill and Cal O'Brien were both on top of their game in defence and Kevin Cosgrove was increasingly influential in dictating play from the back. Roe Valley still carried a threat and Curtis Wilson flicked a close range effort onto the post. United created a series of further chances but this just wasn't their day, although the overall performance was first class. Full-time 0-1

Man of the Match - It would have been impossible to single out anyone - the quality of performance from each of the squad was outstanding and reflects just how far this group of players have come during 2014. 

Panel: C Wilson, D Magill, K Cosgrove, C McMillan, N McGarel, J Adams, O Campbell, N Devine, L Hector, D McKay, R Tsang and C O'Brien

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