Untitled

Northend Colts 2 Ardoyne FC Colts 1 Cup Final Saturday 18th April 2026

Northend United were crowned cup champions after a hard-fought and emotional 2–1 victory over Ardoyne Colts at the Blanchflower Stadium, producing a performance full of resilience, character and quality when it mattered most.

The first half was a tense and difficult affair, with the occasion perhaps getting to the Northend players early on. Ardoyne started the stronger side and enjoyed much of the possession, but Northend’s defence stood firm. Bobby, Myles and Noah were outstanding at the back, showing great determination and composure under pressure, while Jack in goal did everything required of him, dealing confidently with anything that came his way.

In midfield, Northend initially struggled to get control of the game, but as the half wore on they began to settle. A couple of well-earned corners towards the end of the half showed signs of growing belief, and the teams went in level at 0–0. Half time 0-0

The half-time break came at the perfect moment for Northend, giving the lads a chance to reset, refocus, and come out with renewed energy for the second half. That response was clear from the restart, as Northend began to play with more confidence and purpose, getting on the ball and asking questions of the Ardoyne defence.

The breakthrough came on 31 minutes from a moment of real quality. A free kick in a dangerous position presented captain Archie with an opportunity, and he delivered in style, striking a fantastic effort over the wall and into the top corner to give Northend a deserved 1–0 lead.

The momentum stayed with Northend, and almost immediately they struck again. Another set-piece caused problems, with Archie delivering a dangerous ball into the box that J-J reacted to quickest, prodding home to make it 2–0 and spark celebrations among the Northend supporters.

With a two-goal lead, Northend knew the job was far from done. Ardoyne, a strong and physical side, pushed forward and were rewarded with a superb free kick on 37 minutes to make it 2–1 and set up a tense final period.

What followed was a display of grit and determination. Northend dug deep, with every player working tirelessly for the team. In midfield, J-J, James and Archie put in huge shifts to protect the defence, while Oscar led the line brilliantly, working selflessly, making runs, and providing a constant outlet under pressure.

Despite the nerves, Northend still looked dangerous on the counter and nearly restored their two-goal cushion when Archie produced an audacious bicycle kick that rattled the crossbar — inches away from a spectacular goal.

The final whistle brought scenes of joy and relief as the Northend players celebrated a well-earned victory. They had battled through a tough first half, shown quality in key moments, and demonstrated incredible resilience to see out the game. Full Time 2-1

At the back, Jack, along with Noah, Bobby and Myles, were immense throughout, earning their rewards with a disciplined and committed defensive display. Across midfield, Noah Wright, Daniel, Kavan and James worked tirelessly, showing the determination and desire needed to win a cup final.

J-J and Archie combined hard work with moments of real quality, both contributing decisively to the goals that secured the win. Up front, Oscar delivered a mature and selfless performance, leading the line with intelligence and effort, always offering an option and keeping the opposition under pressure.

It was a performance that showed how far the team has come - they showed resilience, teamwork and belief in abundance.

The coaches couldn’t be prouder of this group. They are a fantastic bunch of lads and a real pleasure to coach every week. This cup win is nothing less than they deserve for their hard work, commitment and attitude all season.

A big thank you also goes to all the parents and families for their continued support in getting the players to training and matches. We hope you all enjoyed the day as much as we did.

Northend United are cup champions — a fantastic achievement and fully deserved.

Player of the Match: Archie Gordon - the captain once again show his quality leading the team to victory. His goal was a moment of real class and he almost topped it with a bicycle kick!

Panel: Jack Thompson, Noah McAleese, Myles Hardy, Bobby Millar, James McGroggan, Daniel McNeilly, Kavan Kerr, Noah Wright, Archie Gordon, Oscar Fagan, J-J Dunlop

.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Northend Colts 3 Wellington Rec 3 (Northend win 3-1 on penalties) Saturday 11th April 2026

Northend United booked their place in the cup final after a dramatic and hard-fought semi-final against Wellington Rec, coming through 3-1 on penalties after an incredible 3-3 draw in difficult conditions.

Northend made a perfect start to the game, taking the lead inside five minutes. Oscar was played through and finished with real composure to make it 1-0. He doubled the lead midway through the half with a brilliant solo effort, showing great determination and quality to make it 2-0.

Wellington Rec responded quickly, capitalising on a ball over the top and a moment of confusion in the Northend defence to pull it back to 2-1. Despite that setback, Northend remained positive going into the second half. Half time 2-1

The second half continued at a high tempo, and it was Oscar again who struck, breaking forward and finishing superbly to complete a fantastic hat-trick and restore a two-goal cushion at 3-1. However, Wellington Rec showed their quality and resilience, scoring a composed goal to make it 3-2 and set up a tense final period.

What followed was a huge defensive effort from Northend, with every player battling and working tirelessly to hold onto the lead. The commitment and resilience on display were outstanding, but with just minutes remaining, Wellington Rec found an equaliser to make it 3-3 and send the match to penalties. Full time 3-3

Northend nearly snatched it at the end, with Bobby unleashing a powerful effort that came close, but it wasn't to be, and the game went to the dreaded shootout.

In the penalties, it was Northend who held their nerve. Jack produced a brilliant save to deny Wellington Rec's first penalty, setting the tone. Oscar, Bobby and J-J all stepped up with confidence to convert their spot kicks, securing a 3-1 shootout victory and sparking huge celebrations as Northend marched into the final. A special mention must go to all the lads who bravely stepped forward to take a penalty - it takes real courage in those moments.

Jack was outstanding throughout the game, showing bravery and athleticism when it mattered most, and his save in the shootout proved decisive. In defence, Bobby, Myles, James and Kavan worked relentlessly to contain a strong Wellington Rec side, showing great organisation and determination.

Across midfield, Dominion, Noah, Daniel and Matei all put in tremendous effort, covering ground and supporting both defence and attack in tough conditions. Archie once again led superbly as captain, driving the team forward and showing real composure and creativity as usual.

The standout performer on the night was Oscar, who delivered a sensational performance. Leading the line with strength and intent, he was a constant threat and finished with a superb hat-trick to earn a fully deserved Player of the Match award.

This was a game that demanded resilience, teamwork and courage, and the lads delivered all three in abundance. In difficult conditions and against a very good side, they battled to the very end and got the reward their effort deserved. Northend are through to the cup final - a fantastic achievement and one to be incredibly proud of.

Player of the Match: Oscar Fagan

Panel: Jack Thompson, Myles Hardy, Bobby Millar, James McGroggan, Daniel McNeilly, Kavan Kerr, Noah Wright, Archie Gordon, Oscar Fagan, J-J Dunlop, Dominion Moses, Matei Barbu

Northend Colts 6 Greencastle Rovers Colts 2 Saturday 28th March 2026

Northend produced an excellent all-round performance to secure a deserved 6–2 victory over Greencastle Rovers Colts at Mallusk, booking their place in the cup semi-final in style.

The game started brightly, with Northend on the front foot, and it was Daniel who opened the scoring after 13 minutes with a fantastic left-footed finish. It was a goal that set the tone for the team’s attacking intent. Greencastle responded well and had their moments, but Jack was equal to it, pulling off an excellent save on 20 minutes to ensure Northend went into the break with a 1–0 lead. Half time 1-0

The second half began with a setback as Greencastle found an equaliser from a header early on. However, the response from Northend was immediate and impressive. Just minutes later, Oscar restored the lead with a brilliant strike from outside the box, showing both confidence and quality.

From there, Northend took control of the game. Daniel, who was a constant threat all day, was fouled in the box, and captain Archie stepped up to confidently convert the penalty and make it 3–1. Soon after, Daniel was at it again, bursting through on the break and showing great determination to score after his initial effort was saved, extending the lead to 4–1.

Daniel continued to cause problems for the Greencastle defence and was fouled again in the box, with Oscar stepping up this time to slot home the penalty and make it 5–1. A brief lapse in concentration allowed Greencastle to pull one back, but Northend quickly refocused, and Oscar completed his hat-trick with a composed finish on the break to seal an excellent 6–2 win. Full time 6-2

At the back, Myles, Bobby and James were outstanding, providing a solid and dependable defensive platform throughout the game. In midfield, Noah and Kavan worked tirelessly, balancing their defensive responsibilities with supporting the attack and helping to keep Greencastle contained.

In goal, both Jack and Harrison played their parts, commanding their areas well and giving confidence to the team in front of them.

Going forward, the attacking trio of Daniel, Archie and Oscar were a constant threat. Archie led superbly as captain, showing composure and quality throughout, while Oscar’s movement and finishing earned him a well-deserved hat-trick.

However, the standout performer on the day was Daniel, who was simply superb. Scoring twice, winning two penalties, and causing relentless problems for the opposition, he fully deserved the Player of the Match award for an incredible display.

A fantastic team performance and a great result sees Northend progress to the cup semi-final — a brilliant achievement for the lads.

Player of the Match: Daniel McNeilly

Panel: Harrison Moore, Jack Thompson, Myles Hardy, Bobby Millar, James McGroggan, Daniel McNeilly, Kavan Kerr, Noah Wright, Archie Gordon, Oscar Fagan

Northend Colts 7 Wellington Rec 0 Saturday 7th March 2026

Northend Colts produced an excellent team performance this week wit a convincing 7-0 wi over Wellington Rec. From the first whistle the boys played with great energy, teamwork and determination

Northend took the lead early in the 7th minute. A great throughball from Bobby split the defence and Oscar confidently made it 1-0. The boys continued to play some lovely football and doubled their lead on the 24th minute. Archie delivered a superb pass forward which found Oscar, and he finished well again to give Northend a 2-0 lead. Half time 2-0

The defensive trio of Bobby, Myles and Noah were outstanding throughout the game. They were incredibly solid at the back, reading the game well, breaking up attacks and giving Wellington very few opportunities. In midfield Kavan had a very strong gameworking hard defensively while also creating chances going forward with some great passing and vision.The midfield effort was well supported by J-J whose work rate helped the team keep control of the game.

In goal Jack and Harrison each played a half and both were superb when called on, showing great composure and handling

Northend really pushed on in the 2nd half. After 10 minutes, Oscar grabbed his hattrick. Just 4 minutes later he struck again to make it 4 and he wasn’t finished yet, adding a fifth goal to put Northend 5-0 ahead.

Northend continued to press and were rewarded again when james McGroggan reacted quickest to a loose ball and finished brilliantly to make it 6-0. The scoring was rounded off by captain archie, who took advantage of a defensive mix-up and calmly slotted home to complete a superb 7-0 victory.

It was a fantastic team performance across the pitch, with great passing, strong defending and excellent teamwork throughout. Full time 7-0

Player of the Match: Oscar Fagan – a superb performance with five excellent goals and a constant threat going forward

Colts Panel: Harrison Moore, Myles Hardy, Oscar Fagan, J-J Dunlop, Noah McAleese, Archie Gordon, Bobby Millar, James McGroggan, Kavan Kerr, Daniel McNeilly, Jack Thompson, Matei Barbu