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Northend Youth v Dungiven Celtic Saturday 2nd December 2017

Under 11 Youths had an early kick off against Dungiven Celtic. Despite missing 4 regulars this was to be one of the best performances of the season so far.

In a first half where defences dominated the Baby Blues came closest scoring through a Feargal McKay header and a snap shot from Harry Livingstone. Michael O'Donnell was leading the defence line alongside the solid Fintan McKillop. A scoreless first half was a fair reflection on an entertaining 25 minutes of tenacious football.

The second half saw the Baby Blues push for a goal, a great pass from Jack Stewart to Feargal McKay whose first-time ball sent Cavan Cully through on goal, only for the wee man to be denied by a fine save. In a rare defensive mix-up Dungiven sneaked ahead against the run if play. Not to be outdone the baby blues rolled the sleeves up and pushed forward at every opportunity, a breaking ball on the edge of the area fell to Jack Dowds and his first-time effort found the bottom corner. The momentum was with the Baby Blues and in a frantic last 5 they should have nicked a winner.

This was an outstanding team effort against a quality Dungiven side. In defence Fintan McKillop and Michael O'Donnell were outstanding the later picking up Man of the Match. Jack Stewart was solid in midfield and the game turned on the introduction of Cavan Cully.

Subway Man of the Match: Michael O'Donnell

Panel: Paddy Murphy, Michael O'Donnell, Fintan McKillop, Callum Watt, Jack Stewart, Jack Dowds, Harry Livingstone, Feargal McKay and Garron Donnelly. Subs Cavan Cully and Oran McCambridge

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Northend Youth v Limavady Colts Saturday 18th November 2017

The Baby Blues faced a physical and well organised Limavady at the HGFYL on Saturday. The boys dominated the early exchanges but found the Limavady defence a tough nut to crack. Stand in keeper Jack Stewart looked as comfortable in his new role as his normal midfield holding one. Just on the stroke of half time a piece of individual brilliance saw Fintan McKillop skip round 4 players and slot home from close range.

The second half started at a frantic pace with both defences on top, the back 3 of Callum Watt, Jamie Boyd and Seb Smyth were solid. In a rare moment of hesitation Limavady levelled the game. The introduction of Jack Nellins up front gave the Baby Blues a lift and only for some courageous defending they should have been in front.

With the game heading for a draw there was to be a final sting in the tail as a long ball fell kindly to the Limavady left winger and his low shot found the bottom corner.

This was a much better performance from the Baby Blues, Jack Stewart was assured in goals the defence played well with Callum Watt deservedly picking up man of the match. Fintan McKillop and Oran McCambridge were the pick of the midfielders.

Subway Man of the Match: Callum Watt

Panel: J Stewart, C Watt, S Smyth, J Boyd, O McCambridge, F McKillop, J McKay, H Livingstone, G Donnelly, J Nellins

Northend Youth v Ballymoney Athletic Saturday 11th November 2017

The Baby Blues missing a few regulars due to the start of the school transfer tests faced a strong Ballymoney side at the HGFYL on Saturday. The boys dominated the early exchanges creating a host of chances, only to be denied by an in-form Ballymoney keeper. Just before the break, Jack Stewart turned home a Fergal McKay corner.

The second half was one to forget, Ballymoney scored two quick goals to take a deserved lead. The Baby Blues looked off the pace and conceded a further 3 goals in a second half performance to forget.

Panel: P Murphy, C Watt, F McKillop, J McKay, J Stewart, F McKay, J Dowds, H Livingstone, G Donnelly, O McCambridge

Northend Youth v Portrush Colts Saturday 4th November 2017

The Baby Blues were back in action in the HGFYL on Saturday against Portrush Colts. The boys dominated the early exchanges and created some good chances. They broke the deadlock when a long range free kick from Feargal McKay was spilled by the Portrush keeper, Joseph McKay reacted quickest to score from close range.

The second half saw the Baby Blues continue to dominate but not capitalise on the scoreboard. Very much against the run of play the sides were level when a long range free kick slipped through the keepers grasp on the wet surface. Within two mins the Baby Blues were ahead again, a surging run down the right by Feargal McKay set up a great chance for Jack Nellins who was denied from close range. The resulting corner saw Fintan McKillop score from close range. The Baby Blues continued to dominate but could not add to their goal tally. In the last 5 mins 2 free kicks saw Portrush steal the victory. This was a solid performance from the blues defence with Seb Smyth, Callum Watt and Jamie Boyd outstanding. The midfield worked hard with Joseph McKay giving a man of the match display. After a quiet first half Jack Stewart and Feargal McKay were outstanding with the latter tormenting the Portrush defence.

At the end of the day goals win games and the boys missed too many chances and paid the price.

Subway Man of the Match: Joseph McKay

Panel: P Murphy, C Watt, S Smyth, J Boyd, J McKay, J Stewart, F McKay, H Livingstone, G Donnelly, J Nellins, M O'Donnell, F McKillop