Untitled

Northend United 2 Newington 2 2-4 aet Saturday 2nd March 2013

This was always going to be tough test for the young side and it proved to be again. Both teams were very evenly matched in the opening ten minutes of the game, with all the play in the middle of the park and few chances. Newington made the break through on eleven minutes, with no danger at all from a back pass, it all went wrong with a breakdown in communication which lead to the keeper bringing down the Newington striker - penalty. The resulting penalty was tucked away, 0-1 to Newington. From the kick off Northend looked more hungry and began piling forward in waves, this resulted in a goal on fifteen minutes, the ball was whipped in from the edge of the box a scramble in the goal mouth Lecky finished off from close range, one all.

It was still all to play for and was an incredibly tough game, Newington breaking down the Northend play and restricting the game play to long ball and a real midfield battle. However Northend took the lead on twenty minutes. McKay sent in a looping shot high over the keeper, 2-1. Northend were now in the driving seat and took control of the game, creating a number of chances that were failed to be converted. Were these missed opportunities going to bite Northend? Half time score 2-1

Second half Newington came out the more determined and chased down the game quickly not allowing Northend time to get their passing game going at all. However Northend continued to generate the better chances but again failed to make it count. The game seemed to be drifting but then disaster, another horrible mistake from the keeper and Newington's only chance in the entire second half was converted. After that it was played out in the midfield with Northend's defence barely tested, however the lack of accuracy in front of net proved to be the undoing of the team. Full time 2-2

Extra time

A further ten minutes each way was now in prospect and the manager was out talking tactics. Again the game was being played in the middle of the park and Northend were being closed down quickly both sides were tiring but again on eight minutes Newington struck from nothing. A back pass to the keeper hit a bobble and went over the keepers foot and trundled into the back of the net, deflating. The boy's heads dropped, but played out the first half.

Second half of extra time, the keeper was changed but was now all defence from Newington, the Northend boys attacked and attacked but each one was broken down with the entire defence and midfield bursting with players. Little had happened from goal mouth action but as the second half began to fade, Newington hit again, a mazy run was finished low and hard. The game was over. Full time score 2-4.

This game should not have been lost but a missing finish to the usual standard and some poor keeping decisions gave the game to Newington who had created only 1 of the goals themselves. It was a hard lesson for the boys, but it was also only their second defeat this season after 20 games, so no one should get too down hearted. Time to chalk it up to experience and move on to the next game.

Man of the Match: Ruairi Campbell

Panel: L McAfee, O Hampshire, C Meneely, R McGaughey, M Willighan, T McAuley, S McKay(c), S Lecky, R Campbell, S Sempey, C Gordon, C McGarry, C Fullerton

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

Glentoran 5 Northend United 1 NIBFA Cup Saturday 16th February 2013

This was a game of many firsts, first time to play Glentoran, first time to play on a 3G pitch, first time in the third round of the NIBFA cup and Northend was first to score against Glentoran, but the dream ends there.

Northend arrived at the game full of confidence and looking forward to playing against a top rated side. The Northend panel was small, some of the players were out of place due to illness and during the warm up the boys realised just how different a 3G surface was compared to grass. The kick off was immediately turned into attack by Northend, Northend scored in the first minute. Campbell struck a low drive in the box which was defended well but the rebound landed to McKay who was well placed on the right side of the box, he hammered in a low shot through the defence into the bottom of the net, a terrific start to the game. But Glentoran started to knock the ball about very smoothly on a surface that was very quick. This began to flat foot the Northend boys as they could not judge their passing game and attacks broke down as passes skimmed away for throw ins or straight to the opposition.

Glentoran soon equalised with a high shot that the keeper let slip through his gloves, the ball bounced to an oncoming attacker and he was deadly accurate in front of the net despite good pressure from McAuley to defend the shot. Glentoran continued to attack and their passing and movement began to have Northend chasing the game, but Northend stuck to the game plan and frustrated the Glentoran attack. Glentoran scored again on 20 minutes after a good move saw a curling shot ripple the back of the net leaving the keeper stranded. The defence especially were busy but worked hard to maintain the score line, McAuley did particularly well in close marking his man forcing him time and again to play the ball back or forcing the thrown in such was his determination. Meneely, also playing in defence was kept busy but each time he released a pass the pace was too much for the forwards and the moves broke down. Glentoran scored their third goal with another lovely move from midfield, out to the winger who delivered a pin point cross onto the head of the attacker, leaving the defence and keeper out done. After this third goal the game settled a little, but Northend could not find the cutting pass, and the defence was kept busy, McCluney and Willigan both holding the line, clearing the ball but the pace of the ball on the surface was difficult to control and measure, but the boys kept running to the whistle blew. Half time score 3-1

The second half began slowly with Northend trying to stifle play in the middle of the park, the Northend front runners had survived on nibbles from the midfield and defence but had run their guts out in the first half with little to show for it. After beginning to establish themselves a bit more in the game, a hammer blow to the plan, Glentoran scored their fourth on 35 minutes. Good passing undid the Northend boys and the move was rounded off by a well taken goal. The fifth and final goal came on 40 minutes again a good move and pacey cross undid the defence and keeper and a header completed the move. Northend by now were playing for pride and did create a few chances which were snuffed out by the Glentoran keeper who was very quick and dominated the goal area the entire match, although not the tallest of keepers. The busier of the two defences was Northend and the boys did well to keep Glentoran to the score line. McKay, McGaughey, Gordon and Sempey tried to get moves going but the Glentoran defence were alert to the threat that was created and packed the defence blocking any attempts the boys made. McGarry, Lecky and Campbell could not find the pass to break the deadlock for Northend but all the boys put in a good shift. Final score 5-1.

It was a good run in the cup while it lasted, the Northend boys did well in reaching this stage and can take heart from the effort they put in, but on the day the 3G pitch and a very good Glentoran side ended the run. This was another learning experience for the young team and the boys can take tough lessons from it, but it is now back to a steely focus on retaining the silverware won last year.

Man of the Match: Connor Meneely

Panel: L McAfee, O Hampshire, R McCluney, C Meneely, R McGaughey, M Willighan, T McAuley, S McKay(c), S Lecky, R Campbell, S Sempey, C Gordon, C McGarry

Cavehill Colts 1 Northend United 7 Saturday 9th February 2013

On a cold, wet, heavy pitch the Northend team lined up against Cavehill at the Grove pitches in Belfast. This was going to be a different game to the previous week, this week the pitch was heavy and full of puddles.

Despite the indifferent weather conditions, the game started lively enough and soon Northend were hitting their stride pushing forward and testing the keeper and the Cavehill defence regularly. The first goal came after 6 minutes, McGaughey played a precision pass through the middle of the defence to McKay who was running into the box, McKay not breaking stride collected the pass and thumped the ball past the keeper. This opening goal signalled the beginning of a purple patch for Northend. On 11 Minutes, it was two nil, Sempey who had been running the wing and floating in great crosses, duly obliged again and McGarry stooped for the header which was saved by the keeper only to fall to McGaughey who tapped in. On 13 minutes, Meneely placed another terrific pass to McKay on the right, McKay cut in and unleashed an unstoppable shot past the keeper. Two minutes later it was three, McKay again collected a pass outside the box, seeing nothing on, looped a high shot over the keeper and into the net. On 24 minutes, the best goal of the game through passing and movement, as the boys turned defence into attack, with a 5 pass move from a Cavehill corner involving all elements of the team. This pass and move climaxed in the final ball to McGaughey who finished with a belter of a strike to round off a brilliant move. The Northend pressure was relentless with the Northend defence and midfield collecting any Cavehill defensive clearances and instantly turning a Cavehill breakout back into a Northend attack, pinning the Cavehill team in their own half for large periods of the first half. On 29 minutes, Sempey scored with a low drive that ricocheted into the net. A minute later a poor challenge by a Cavehill defender was rewarded with a penalty, the resulting penalty produced a terrific save from the keeper to deny Campbell. Half time score 0-6

The second half began much in the same as the first, the rain had continued to fall and the pitch was cutting up with the ball sticking in the soggy ground. Despite the weather conditions it was still all Northend, but the boys still had to be on their toes as Cavehill looked to break through their left wing who was very pacey. Just as Cavehill were beginning to get into the game, McGarry scored from close range, a throw in was taken by McGaughey who floated in a cross to the far post and there was McGarry to collect and tap in, this settled the blues, but it was going to prove a second half of almosts, the boys who had all run tirelessly and been so accurate in front of nets were not showing the clinical finishing of the first half, opportunity after opportunity failed to be converted, build up play was excellent but the finish was missing. Northend's domination of the game in every section of the park could not be over emphasised with consistent pressure and relentless attacking. However on 55 minutes, Cavehill got a goal back completely against the run of play, a slip in defence allowed the attacker to take the ball into the box, Northend's keeper challenged but the attacker took the ball round him and hammered home. Northend had the ball in the net thanks to Kyle, but the goal was disallowed because of an offside decision. The Northend team was excellent all day, from keeper to strikers they worked hard for each other and the covering play shown continued to negate the efforts of Cavehill. The subs all played their part and added to the game and did not interrupt the flow of the game, each man knew what they had to do and did it, an excellent performance. Final score 1-7

This was a very good win for Northend who continue to remain in top spot in what is becoming a very competitive premier league. All the boys played good football in what were very challenging conditions for both teams.

Man of the Match: Oliver Hampshire

Panel: L McAfee, O Hampshire, R McCluney, C Meneely, R McGaughey, M Willighan, T McAuley, S McKay(c), S Lecky, R Campbell, S Sempey, C Fullerton, C Gordon, C McGarry, P Kyle

Northend United 3 Loughgall 1 NIBFA Cup Saturday 2nd February 2013

This was a terrific cup tie with both teams sitting top of their respective leagues and the game did not disappoint with the sides playing excellent football on the day, it was a great footballing spectacle for such young teams to exhibit.

The kick off was slightly delayed due to the weather but when the whistle blew the game took off at a blistering pace, with both sides displaying a maturity of how to play football on the ground well beyond their years. Great pace was matched by skill and initially Loughgall had the upper hand with some lovely quick passing and movement off the ball, the Northend defence and keeper had to be alert to extinguish the danger, but dealt with any threat comfortably. Northend slowly began to get a foot hold in the game and on eleven minutes McGaughey collected a great pass on the right wing, ran into the box and released a good shot across the keeper but just wide.

It was a very tight match with both teams cancelling out each other's strikers and the midfield working tirelessly. Northend midfield, which was being well marshalled by Campbell, were now beginning to edge the battle, tackling hard and releasing a number of very good passes through to the strikers who were also starting to get the upper hand on the Loughgall defence. However a body blow on seventeen minutes when a cross field pass cut the Northend defence, Loughgall's striker collected cleanly and unleashed a great strike into the net on the keepers near side. This stirred Northend into action and the team were showing some steel in their play. On twenty-two minutes Northend made it 1-1 through Campbell, who collected the ball about thirty yards out and fizzed in a high looping shot, over the keeper to nestle in the back of the net a fantastic strike. The entire Northend side were showing fantastic commitment to the game, the defence were snuffing any attacking play, the keeper was excellent in collecting the ball, clearing his lines and organising the defence. The midfield kept putting through great passes that Loughgall were struggling to defend against and the forwards were running endlessly, great effort and determination from every single player. First half score 1-1.

The second half started with the same scintillating pace that the first had closed on, Northend were really pushing for the second goal and on 33 minutes they got their reward. A great move from midfield to McGaughey, who turned his way into the box, delivered a sweet pass to McKay who rifled a shot over the keeper into the top corner of the net, a great move with a goal finish. Only one minute later McKay had another chance when a defended shot by McGaughey ricocheted to McKay who fizzed in a reactive shot only wide of the keepers right hand post. Northend were moving the ball well and Loughgall began to chase the game, this resulted in the first corner of the game on forty-two minutes, a good ball in by Sempey was just flashed wide. On forty-seven minutes, the first sub was made Gordon for McAuley who had been in the middle of the action from the kick off. Again the pace did not slow and the passing from Northend was picking holes in the Loughgall defence who were struggling to contain the Northend front men. The game continued to produce some excellent football with great interplay between the players, who looked very comfortable, the second substitution was made, Lecky for Willighan. Again this move did not disrupt the flow of the game, Lecky took over the role given to him and began passing the ball and running at the defence. The action did not abate and McAfee pulled off an excellent save from a Loughgall cross, palming the ball away from danger and the defence mopping up clearing up field. On fifty-two minutes Northend got their third and the games last goal, again a great move starting from the defence, to midfield who pushed the ball out to McGaughey, who fired in a low shot, the ball was not cleared by the Loughgall defence and landed at McGarry's feet who blasted a low powerful shot into the bottom corner. The Northend crowd roared and the thirty plus supporters sounded like three hundred.

The Northend goal knocked the fight out of Loughgall who could not break the Northend midfield or defence despite their best efforts. The last sub was made Fullerton for McGaughey. By now Northend were knocking the ball around but still looked dangerous and the Loughgall defence were wary of the pace of the front men who had by now ran them ragged. The final whistle blew and the home support roared their delight in what was a very hard fought but extremely well won result.

Every player was magnificent, not one single player put a foot wrong and played their hearts out for the shirt. A very good team in Loughgall, who are top of the Lisburn League, came to Northend and although both teams played fantastic football which any neutral would have been entertained by, the Northend team to a man gave their all and were victorious. The young lads march on to the next round but every one of them can be proud of what they achieved today and how they achieved it. Congratulations to you all.

Man of the Match: Ruairi Campbell

Panel: L McAfee, O Hampshire, R McCluney, C Meneely, R McGaughey, M Willighan, T McAuley, S McKay(c), S Lecky, R Campbell, S Sempey, C Fullerton, C Gordon, C McGarry

Carnmoney FDC 1 Northend United 7 Saturday 12th January 2013

Northend continued to cement their position at the top of the table with a good win over Carnmoney.

The start of the match was close as both teams psyched each other out. However after a few minutes Northend took control and did not let go until the game was finished. With the managers talk still ringing in their ears from last week Northend looked a much tougher unit and after ten minutes it was one nil. A throw in was gathered by Sean McKay who put a pass across the box only for McAuley to appear on the left hand side of the box and blast past the keeper, McAuley celebrated this goal with a front flip! This sparked the blues into life and Sean McKay scored Northend's second thanks to a long floated free kick from Oliver Hampshire, which was collected by McAuley who passed to McKay who hammered home, 0 - 2. Robbie McGaughey made it 0-3 when he pounced on a poor back pass and slipped a low shot past the keeper. Northend continued to pile on the pressure with the defence and midfield keeping the Carnmoney boys quiet and restricting them to only one shot from long range. On twenty minutes Sean McKay made it 0-4 when he took the ball into the box, danced through three defenders and rifled the ball into the net a great solo effort. Northend could have extended their lead with efforts from Matthew Willighan, Ruairi Campbell, Robbie McGaughey and Sean McKay. Just before the break Carnmoney scored, the only defensive lapse of the game to date by Northend and they were punished with a good finish. Half time score 1-4

The entire team had played very well and were putting in a great performance. Ruairi Campbell was having a great game in midfield and was supplying Sean McKay and Robbie McGaughey with great goal scoring opportunities. On thirty-nine minutes it was 0-5, a great cross by McGaughey was spilled in front of nets by the keeper and McKay tapped in from close range. It was all Northend pressure with Sempey, Meneely, Campbell and McAuley were all delivering defensive splitting passes, Robert McCluney, Oliver Hampshire, Conall Gordon and Matthew Willighan were containing the attack well and the keeper was controlling the box and clearing well. Sean McKay scored his fourth of the game on forty-four minutes. Another great through pass by Campbell was neatly collected by McKay who tidily placed the ball past the keeper. The Northend forward line continued to harass the Carnmoney defence and fire in some very good crosses that kept the defenders very busy and the ball firmly in the Carnmoney half. On fifty-four minutes Northend finished the scoring, with a penalty, Robbie McGaughey collected the ball at the half way line, and went on a mazy run into the box, the defender, struggling to catch him made a rash tackle and the referee awarded a penalty for the challenge. McGaughey stepped up and lashed the ball into the corner of the net, with the keeper almost pulling off a terrific save. Full time 1-7.

This was a great team performance rightly reflected in the Man of the Match award. Every single player no matter where they were asked to play put in a great effort. Carnmoney's danger players were marked out of the game and kept the attacks to a minimum. The boys played very good football on a difficult pitch and the end result was a very convincing win against a good footballing team.

Man of the Match: Team Performance

Panel: L McAfee, O Hampshire, R McCluney, C Meneely, R McGaughey, M Willighan, T McAuley, S McKay(c), S Lecky, R Campbell, S Sempey, P Kyle, C Gordon

Northend United 3 Carrick Rangers 1 Saturday 5th January 2013

This top of the table clash saw Northend consolidate their position as league leaders with a hard fought win over close rivals Carrick Rangers.

The first ten minutes was a very tight affair with most of the football being played in the middle of the park. Northend were tested with a number of hard challenges in midfield but created a number of half chances early on. The breakthrough came on 10 minutes, thanks to some good play by the midfield who controlled the ball sent through a good pass to Conor McGarry on the edge of the box, he ran in on goal only to be squeezed out by two Carrick defenders and was adjudged to have been unfairly dispossessed - penalty. Ruairi Campbell stepped up and slotted the resulting penalty low and hard into the bottom corner, 1-0 Northend.

After this Northend began to gain more possession and create more chances, but again the midfield was packed and it became a crowded area to try and play any real football. However Northend continued to pressure, with a raft of corners that caused all sorts of problems for the Carrick defence and keeper. Northend's second came on twenty minutes, when a free-kick was drifted into the box by Sean McKay and after a few miskicks and poor defensive clearances, Stewart Lecky pounced on a shot and slammed the ball low past the keeper. This spurred the young team on and they now continued to create chances opening the Carrick defence at will, Northend thought they had another goal, but it was disallowed. This fired up the Northend team and on twenty-six minutes, it was 3-0. Robbie McGaughey who had worked hard was played in on goal by Sean McKay who again had not stopped running, Robbie did not miss from close range and Northend looked very comfortable. Half time 3-0.

The second half began and Carrick turned the game into one of true attrition, Carrick had packed the midfield and kept the defence high, this made it difficult to pick passes out and the ball ping-ponged between the two teams. The Northend defence dealt comfortably with any chances that Carrick created, but Carrick began to gain the upper hand in what was fast turning into a real slog for both teams with Carrick hammering the ball long for the front players to chase and preventing any sort of passing taking place. With both teams cancelling each other out, Carrick got the only goal in the second half with a long ball over the top to the left winger, who bore down on Louis McAfee's goal and placed the shot past the keeper. Northend then created a good chance almost from the kick-off, a great pass by Connor Meneely released Ruairi Campbell who ran three quarters of the pitch into the box only to see his shot be turned round the post by the keeper. Connor Meneely was carried off the pitch after a horrendous off the ball tackle which the referee missed and went unpunished. With time ticking away Carrick continually launched the long ball hoping to catch out the Northend defence but all the boys held fast and cleared the danger time and again. If Northend had remained level headed in front of nets they could have scored at least two more goals thanks to quick breaks for Scott Sempey and Robbie McGaughey, but it was not to be. Final 3-1

The boys put in a real shift today in what was a hard clash and Northend had to win ugly as opposed to playing the type of football they were used to. The midfield, defence and keeper slogged out a result and kept Carrick in check, but it was a hard game and not one for the football purist but Northend got the result that keeps them five points clear at the top of the table.

Man of the Match: Scott Sempey

Panel: L McAfee, O Hampshire, R McCluney, C Meneely, R McGaughey, M Willighan, T McAuley, C McGarry, S McKay(c), S Lecky, R Campbell, S Sempey, P Kyle, C Gordon

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