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Carrick Rangers Colts 2 Northend Youth 4 Monday 13th May 2013

This was a funny sort of game, if the first half was a fire cracker the second half was a bit of a damp squib. The boys now playing their 32 game of the season looked a bit tired with some of the squad almost pedestrian on the night. However with that said the victory was well deserved on a 3G pitch that was terrific to play the passing game that the young blues are well known for.

The first half kicked off with near perfect weather conditions, it was pretty even for the first five minutes nevertheless after that Northend caused all sorts of problems for the Carrick defence. However against the play Carrick broke and forced a great save from the Northend keeper. The see saw game went back and forth but Northend were beginning to apply the pressure and the Carrick defence were forced time and again to pressurised clearances that resulted in the ball coming straight back at them compelling them to be boxed into their own half. Then on 12 minutes a long ball down field from the Northend keeper, the defender slipped, the ball bounced kindly to McGaughey who was racing down the pitch, seeing that the keeper was well out of his box, lifted the ball neatly over the stranded keeper to nestle sweetly in the corner of the net a terrific start and well deserved. McKay narrowly missed extending the lead just 4 minutes later when a snap shot just skimmed across the face of goal, this was followed up with shot by Meneely, McGaughey and McGarry. Then on 22 minutes, McKay collected the ball neatly from a good pass, turned the defender and powered a swerving shot into the roof of the net. On 23 minutes Carrick struck from a nothing situation when the defenders failed to clear a tame shot. But immediately Northend hit back on 24 minutes with another goal from McKay, who again coolly collected the ball in the box with his back to goal, turned to make himself room for the shot and smashed home a great goal. The goal scoring did not stop there, on 24 minutes McGaughey struck again a cross field pass from Meneely was taken by McGaughey who gathered the ball, dribbled past one defender and placed the ball into the corner of the net. It was now all Northend and they should have increased their lead further but luck and good defending prevented the score from ballooning. Northend moved the ball well on the slick passing surface and Carrick were chasing shadows for the remainder of the half. Half time 1-4

The second half was very uneventful compared to the first half, Carrick did score against the run of play late in the second half, but Northend really did what they had to do win the game, they worked hard for the most defending well, the keeper pulled off a couple of very good saves to keep the dominance of Northend in tact. Again some very lucky defending, the post, the bar and sometimes the keeper kept Northend from really putting the game to bed.

Northend continued to play good football and with the game won ran down the clock till the final whistle. Full time 2-4

The second half compared to the first was very quiet, but in a way the Northend team showed great professionalism and a mature spirit well beyond their age to stifle the play and prevent Carrick from really threatening the goal. A very well deserved victory.

Man of the Match: Sean McKay and Robbie McGaughey

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

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Newington 4 Northend United 3 Wednesday 8th May 2013

These two teams met yet again, on a very cold wet night on a pitch more akin to a grazing pasture the grass was so long. These conditions did not favour Northend's style of play but the lads gave their all for this the first game of the shield.

At first it was quiet, even with the usual hard physical and midfield battle that Northend had come to expect from Newington. Slightly against the run of play Northend hit first, McGaughey was put through from midfield and from the angle he rifled home the shot a terrific finish on a terrible surface. Newington then went on the attack and the Northend defence had to be strong first with a goal line clearance which was cleared for a corner, but Newington scored from the resulting corner with a scrappy, congested scramble in the box. Three minutes later a penalty to Newington and it was 2-1. It was now all Newington who were trying to overcome the last league defeat, they piled on the pressure, with the long ball tactic which was pinning the young blues in their own half. The keeper pulled off a couple of good saves and the defence were clearing their lines only for the ball to come straight back at them. On 29 minutes it was 3-1 to Newington when the defence could no longer hold the line. Half time 3-1

The second half kicked off in the same horrible conditions, but the pressure from Newington continued. Northend were strong in defence and midfield and rode the storm, then hit back with McKay who struck a fierce shot only to have it rebound but blaze over the rebound. Northend began to fight back and the tackles were flying from both sides. McKay had another opportunity with a free kick which was well saved by the keeper. But the young blues got their reward when another midfield through ball to McGaughey was collected and hammered home to make it 3-2. The boys instead of pressing the advantage of scoring against the pressure, seemed to hold back and this allowed Newington back in to the game and they made Northend pay just 4 minutes later with a real top class finish. Northend then stirred and began to turn the screw, pressure and wave after wave of attack putting the Newington boys under the cosh. On 22 minutes, McGaughey got his hat trick with a fine finish 4-3 and all to play for. Newington were now on the back foot, scrambling shots and clearances as Northend took the game by the scruff of the neck. In the dying seconds McGaughey almost got the equaliser with a brilliant shot which was scrambled away after a wobbly few seconds of flapping and misclearances in the Newington defence. Full time 4-3

This was a real gutsy display by the Northend lads, who gave everything on the night. The conditions were horrendous for playing football but they made the best of the situation and almost continued their unbeaten run from the league to the shield. Once again the young team had stepped up and given their all so no one could comment on their commitment or their effort. A great performance which unfortunately did not pay off, but each one could hold their heads with pride on the shift they had put in.

Man of the Match: Robbie McGaughey

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

Northend United 3 Newington 0 Saturday 4th May 2013

This meeting between the two clubs was a typical beefy affair, but the support of the crowd and another excellent performance on the pitch gave the boys a well deserved, although hard fought victory.

The young team moved the ball about well in the early stages of the game but the pitch was bumpy and Newington were playing their usual physical game, breaking up the play with plenty niggling challenges, that did not contribute to Northend's usual flowing passing game.

The boys were matching Newington in all areas of the park and were creating the chances, on 5 minutes Northend scored the opening goal. McAuley was played into the box, banded the ball in low and hard which ricocheted off the keeper back to McAuley who drove in a low hard shot past the keeper with his weaker foot. A great start and McAuley celebrated in his usual manner with a front flip. On 10 minutes, Northend had a good goal ruled offside, but the young blues were now beginning to turn the screw on Newington who were clearing their lines only for the ball to come straight back at them. The second goal arrived on 20 minutes, a terrific cross field pass from Meneely deep in his own half to McGaughey who was on the edge of the box, McGaughey controlled the pass and fired in a early shot that fizzed past the keeper. On 23 minutes, the Newington keeper pulled off a brilliant save from McAuley who was on fire.

Newington were playing the long ball that the defence and keeper were dealing with brilliantly, the keeper owned the goal area and the defence were standing up to some physical and challenging Newington play but they were matching the Newington strikers and played their way out of any danger, a very confident performance. Half time score 2-0

The second half kicked off and again the boys were playing some great early football, pressuring the Newington goal time and again. However when the goal came it was an absolute screamer, again Newington's keeper was put under pressure, the defence managed to clear the line but only as far as Campbell who for the second week running from a full 25 yards out, lashed a thunderbolt of a shot which hit the top corner of the net, a brilliant goal from a player who had worked hard all game. On 9 minutes it was an unfortunate bobble which prevented McGaughey extending Northend's lead when the ball bobbled up just as McGaughey was about to unleash a shot only for it to screw off his boot and out.

After this the game became a very scrappy affair with lots of tough tackling, with no real flow to the game and although Northend did try to keep the ball on the ground and play it was not a game for the football purist. Every player had to be fully committed and the entire team put in a full blooded effort that matched Newington man for man. The defence and keeper should be specially mentioned for the way they held the line and the keeper on being first to everything, it was a terrific defensive display, but every single player was excellent. Full time 3-0

This was a good win to round off a great season and the conclusion to the league, the boys now move onto the Shield games beginning on Monday night, but with this style of performance should fear no one.

Men of the Match: R McCluney and O Hampshire

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

Northend United 5 Cavehill Colts 0 Saturday 27th April 2013

The pressure was off the young team which had been crowned league champions the previous week and it showed in the manner in which they approached this game. Although a little scrappy in places it was a very one sided affair and the Northend boys passed the ball with confidence and again each player put in a full shift.

The manager had changed the team around with a number of players not in their usual role. However from the kick off the boys put Cavehill under constant pressure and the team did not look changed at all. After just 2 minutes, McCluney had the first attempt, when he latched onto a pass from midfield ran in on net but only for the keeper to make a good save. Northend continued to create chance after chance with unfortunately no result but when the goal came, what a strike! On 15 minutes, Northend was again pressuring the goal, the goal mouth was cleared only to Campbell who was on the edge of half way circle, he collected the ball and coolly put in a looping shot over the keeper and straight into the back of the net a brilliant goal from about 40 yards out. This goal had been coming but the manner of the goal was brilliant. This settled the boys who were getting frustrated at not scoring from so much pressure, after this, is was all Cavehill could do to contain the continuous waves of attack. Campbell was again denied by the post, but the team were in complete control of the game. The keeper, McAfee and defence of McAuley, McGarry, Meneely and McGaughey were breaking up any attack that Cavehill could muster. The second goal came by way of a penalty on 26 minutes. Referee awarded a penalty for tripping in the box and up stepped Meneely. Meneely settled himself and then laced the ball sending the keeper the wrong way, a well taken penalty and doubled Northend's lead. Half time 2-0

The second half kicked off and the pressure created by the young Blues did not fade, the passing was excellent, crisp and accurate with rarely a misplaced pass. The midfield was splitting the Cavehill defence constantly and the Cavehill defence was failing to contain the Northend attacks. Campbell, McKay, Willighan, Sempey and Hampshire were pulling the Cavehill boys all over the park, bossing the game, it again got a little scrappy as the Cavehill boys, through frustration began to get very physical as they could not get the ball. On 40 minutes it was three, great play saw McKay put a pass into McCluney who ran onto it to finish well, leaving the keeper stranded. On forty five minutes it was 4-0, Northend attacked down the centre, passed out to the wing and there were four Northend players waiting for the final pass, the ball missed the first three and landed at the feet of Sempey who tapped in from two yards out. It was now a matter of playing out the last 10 minutes of the game, but still the young Blues kept on creating chances with the hunger for more goals not abating. All the subs were brought on but this did not interrupt the flow of the game. Northend continued to pass the ball cleanly and confidently and on fifty minutes the final goal was scored by McCluney. Another great move starting with a deft pass from Fullerton to McCluney who created space for himself on the edge of the box and fizzed the ball low and hard past the keeper an excellent finish. As the game came to an end the boys continued to pass the ball crisply and refused to let Cavehill an opportunity. Full time 5-0

This was another terrific performance with a result that was very well earned in the quality and style of play, nothing more than they deserved for the effort and commitment they had shown not only during this game but the entire campaign.

Men of the Match: Connor Meneely and Ruairi Campbell

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

Ballyclare Colts 0 Northend United 3 Saturday 20th April 2013

Northend Under 12 Champions, League winners, second year in a row. This was an amazing achievement which was only capped by the manner in which the young blues won the game to ensure victory and retain the title.

For the second Saturday in a row, these two teams faced each other, however the Colts had played mid-week beating Northend's closest title contenders. From the kick off the Northend boys were revved up and put a strangle hold on the game that the Colts were unable to deal with. The pitch was in great order, but a strong breeze and the sun in the keepers eyes for the first half made football difficult, however it was very clear that the entire team was determined to win the game. The first effort on target came on 5 minutes, when McKay put in a low cross which was only dragged wide by McGaughey, however on 10 minutes Northend got a penalty for a hand ball. McKay stepped up and blasted the ball over the bar. But everyone knew that the pressure Northend were exerting would eventually pay dividends. Only 1 minute later, the inevitable breakthrough, a good cross was not cleared and McGarry, who was back to his best, followed the ball up and poached a great goal. The tension was lifted and the boys began to play free flowing football, football that that most senior teams would have been proud of. The pressure continued and the entire team were terrific, the passing and movement both on and off the ball had the Colts chasing shadows. The midfield in Willighan, Meneely, Sempey, McGarry and McGaughey were first to every ball, and the passing was precise and to feet every time, with barely a misplaced pass. Northend pressed for more goals but excellent goal keeping, some last ditch defending and luck kept the score at 0-1. McGaughey, McKay, McGarry, Sempey and Willighan all had efforts on target. Half time 0-1

The second half started but the pattern of the game had not changed, the Northend boys exploded out of the blocks not giving the Colts any chance to get going. On 33 minutes it was 0-2, another fantastic passing move, saw, McKay pick up the ball and drive at the defence unleashing an unstoppable shot. Northend were persistent in their attacking mentality, not letting the Colts out of their own half. It was now shooting practice and if not for the keeper having another terrific game it would have been a tennis score. On 48 minutes, the third and final goal, a run down the right was driven into the box and McGarry hammered home to finish off a great move. Hampshire was taken off with a shoulder injury, Gordon his replacement. After the third goal there were so many chances from the entire team there is too many to individually mention but Campbell, McGaughey, McKay, Gordon, Meneely, Fullerton, McGarry all had shots saved, defended or bounce off the wood work. The best way to sum up the remaining fifteen minutes of the game would be as a shooting in fest, but the chances could not be converted, thanks to the keeper, the post, the crossbar and some last ditch defending. The final whistle blew much to the relief of the Colts, what a terrific display from every player. Full time 0-3

Then the news came through that everyone wanted to hear, the closes contenders had been beaten and Northend Under 12s victory against the Colts was sufficient to take the title for a second consecutive year, with two games still left to play in the league.

This was a clinical display of just how good this team is, every player put in a good shift, worked hard and played excellent football, rarely giving the ball away cheaply and if it did happened were up and chasing the ball down quickly. Not one man on the field had a poor game, everyone did their job well and although the result flattered the opposition this was the most one sided game of the entire campaign. The strikers were relentless in their attacking prowess, the midfield refused to let anyone pass and continually picked defence splitting passes, the defence and keeper were untroubled but when called upon were terrific, snuffing out any danger and the keepers timing and clearances were excellent. This performance typified the team and the type of football they played all season, it may not have been the biggest squad but the spirit, determination and refusal to allow bigger, more physical teams beat them has been well and truly answered. This is a day that the boys should be very proud of what they have achieved.

Well done to the team, the coaches, the manager, parents for all your tremendous support (we always outnumbered other supporters) and of course the lucky jumper and socks.

Men of the Match: Thomas McAuley and Oliver Hampshire

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

Northend United 3 Ballyclare Colts 2 Saturday 13th April 2013

Another important game as the Northend boys pushed for another league title, but the result did not reflect the dominance of Northend in this match.

Northend began like a house on fire and within the first 5 minutes had created 2 fantastic chances, which were well saved by the Ballyclare keeper. The boys continued to pressure the Ballyclare defence who were putting in a last ditch defence against relentless Northend pressure. However, Ballyclare struck first totally against the run of play, a lapse in concentration in the Northend defence, who were under no pressure, gifted the ball to a striker who from 20 yards out lopped the keeper, to make it 0-1.

This fired the boys up and McGarry who already having a brilliant game, continually leaving his marker cold harassed the wing all afternoon and put in some great defence cutting crosses, went on yet another run, a great cross forced yet another top class save from the keeper. The blues equalised on 16 minutes, a wonderful move involving 3 players and 3 passes, saw the ball move from defence to attack, McGaughey played through McAuley who rounded the keeper and from an acute angle slotted the ball home for a well deserved equaliser. On 19 minutes it was 2-1, again good pressure saw the Northend boys pressure the defence the ball was whipped in from a free kick by McKay who was also having a great day, the keeper was put under pressure and McGarry scored a great header and nothing more than he and the team deserved.

Ballyclare reverted to the long ball and powered it down the pitch, but the defence were strong and passed the ball out of defence, turning defence into attack time after time. Northend were flying and the entire team were having a storming game but the Ballyclare keeper who was by far their best player was having a terrific game pulling off no less than 4 saves before the end of the half. McGaughey, McKay, McGarry and McAuley were all linking well and tearing the Ballyclare defence apart. Half time 2-1

The second half started and Northend refused to let up the pressure, the boys moved the ball well and were calling the shots literally. Midfield and defence were very strong and had to in the face of some very beefy challenges, but they continued to feed the ball to the front men who inturn terrorised the Ballyclare defence. The play making culminated in Northend's third goal. A brilliant sole effort by McKay, saw him collect the ball just outside the box, run through 4 challenges and bury the ball past the keeper into the back of the net, a dream of a goal and again nothing that the boys did not deserve. Northend's defence and keeper were rarely called on but dealt with the Ballyclare long ball threat comfortably. On 20 minutes Campbell, who was another player having a really good game, cut into the box and unleashed a ferocious shot but again the keeper pulled off a brilliant save denying Campbell and Northend again. McKay sent in the resulting corner with real power and precision which was well met by McGaughey but only to be cleared again. On 24 minutes the referee denied Northend a clear cut penalty when McKay was hauled down in the box when he only had the keeper to beat, one of several poor decisions. McKay although hurt was able to continue, but was notably shaken by the heavy tackle. Northend had shots saved from McGaughey, McKay, Fullerton and McGarry all in the dying minutes of the game. On 29 minutes, Ballyclare pulled a surprise goal out of nothing. As the ball was taken to the centre the referee blew his whistle for full time and Northend took another valuable 3 points.

This was a terrific performance by every player, a great game of football which was matched by the Northend spirit and style of play. Several players put in notable performances but this should not detract from the overall performance of the team who all contributed to this victory. The boys should take great confidence from this performance as they move into the final few games of the season, well done to every player.

Men Of the Match: Thomas McAuley and Robert McCluney

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

Newington 0 Northend United 3 Saturday 6th April 2013

This was a top of the table clash that promised to be a cracker of a game based on the previous encounters. Northend, who had been out of sorts in the last few matches had found their winning ways and team spirit at the Larne sevens tournament.

The boys looked up for the game and confidence was high, the manager had made a few changes to the shape of the team when the whistle blew for the kick off. From the start, Northend launched into a series of attacks, with McKay being the first to be denied by a defender who blocked the shot on the line. Northend scored first on 5 minutes, again a good attack was not cleared by the defence, the ball was pushed out to Sempey who unleashed a shot low through a maze of legs into the bottom corner of the net, fantastic start and a big confidence boost. Northend were relentless in attacks and had the Newington team pinned into their own half, McKay was again just denied when a shot was dragged just wide of the post with the keeper beaten. On 12 minutes, Northend scored again. McGaughey had the ball played out wide to him, ran into the box leaving the defence behind him, put in a great swerving cross to the waiting attackers, but a defender in the box stuck out a leg to steer the ball past his own keeper, a cruel blow for Newington but nothing that Northend did not deserve from the pressure and chances that they were being creating.

After the second goal the game settled down into a more even battle, with Newington reverting to the long ball down field that was very comfortably dealt with by the defence and the keeper who was having an excellent game. Campbell almost made it three on 25 minutes, a mazy run into the box saw him unleash a thunder shot at the near post which was very well saved by the keeper. Northend gathered themselves and finished strongly with Campbell, McGaughey, McKay, McAuley and Sempey all running the defence ragged, while the midfield, defence and keeper snuffed out any danger, again the keeper made a few timely and crucial interceptions to keep a clean sheet. Half time score 2-0

The second half kicked off and the game again went into stalemate with each side cancelling each other out. Very few chances were created by either side but Northend continued to play football on the ground and broke up the Newington play with some beefy challenges. Meneely, McCluney, Lecky, Gordon and Hampshire were busy but again dealt with any threats professionally, the keeper was full of confidence and guarded the net with a real presence. The midfield was having a real battle and worked tirelessly to break up play and try to push the play about to create something in the packed midfield area. The parents walked the side line nervously as the boys fought hard on the pitch. Northend created several chances in the middle of the second half winning a string of corners and pressuring the defenders in the box who were finding it difficult to clear the lines without having the ball coming straight back at them. Then on 16 minutes the break through in the second half, another corner was failed to be cleared by Newington, the resulting half clearance landed to McKay who fizzed in a low drive almost along the goal line to beat everyone and nestle into the back of the net. The boys erupted into celebration as did the parents, and Northend's dominance had been rewarded. After this Northend again went into attack mode and played some lovely football pulling the Newington players all over the pitch. Campbell, McKay and McGaughey were running relentlessly and were beginning to tire. The subs were brought on and continued with the pace of the game. McGarry, running the line strongly, knocking in a number of dangerous crosses which were nervously dealt with by Newington. Meneely had a shot outside the box which was easily gathered, McKay, McGaughey, McAuley and Sempey all had shots cleared or saved. Newington however did not just lay down and created a number of chances which although were clearly off side, Newington failed to convert, again the keeper had to step in on at least three occasions to disrupt the play and clear his net. As the game began to run out of time Fullerton was played through, with a defender at his back he rifled in a blistering shot but the keeper pulled off another great save to deny Fullerton his first goal for Northend.

The boys put in a great shift to eventually come out winners. This was another very hard game against opposition that have been nipping at the heels of Northend all season. Every single player put in a great performance and the spirit that had been missing was back with bags to spare. A terrific display that the boys should be very proud of, every player ran themselves ragged and every player got the result that they deserved. Well done Northend U12.

Men Of the Match: Thomas McAuley and Connor Meneely

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

Larne Soccer Sevens Tuesday 2nd April 2013

Northend lads took part in this seven aside tournament for the first time and put in a brilliant performance that saw them advance through to the final only to be beaten on penalties.

The U12s went into the competition on the back of a poor run of form but in this competition they completely acquitted themselves with what was a truly excellent string of performances against some very good opposition.

There was a total of six teams in the group, Eddie Irvine, Limavady, Causeway Colts, Larne Youth, Rosario and Northend. The boys started off slowly and found it difficult to adjust to the rules which were very different from the normal games, ten minute games, no off side, small nets and so on. The boys lost their first game unfortunately 1-0 to Causeway Colts, however after this the young team established themselves and played excellent pass and move football that most of the teams found impossible to play against, creating masses of chances. The lads drew with Eddie Irvine 1-1, in what was a great game of very entertaining football.

Limavady was next and were a good side, but the boys were now brimming with confidence played well winning 1-0. Rosario were up next a team that looked sharp and had a very good panel of players, but Northend were more than a match for them and some of the play was simply fantastic on small pitches the Northend team ran endlessly keeping the ball on the deck, looking more like the old Northend again. The blues ran out 1-0 winners. Northend were unlucky to be denied a 3rd straight win against Larne, after creating all the chances and the play they were denied with a long ball up the pitch which the boys failed to defend, the only time the defence had been breached. This was enough to get the team through to the Semi Finals.

Again they met Rosario, and again they played excellent football, the passing and movement by the entire team was very good the boys ran all morning and looked fresh and up for the competition. This display was crowned by a three pass move from defence to finish, this was equally matched by some terrific defending and catapulted the team into the final.

The final, against Larne Youth, was again a terrific display of football by Northend, keeping the ball on the ground passing not showing any fear. The boys created chance after chance but on this occasion the finish was missing unfortunately and the fifteen minutes ended in a 0-0 draw, with Larne hardly troubling the Northend defence.

So to penalties, in front of a crowd close to 200 people which was more nerve wrecking for the parents than the players. The rules stated that only the players that had been on the pitch at the final whistle could take the penalties, including the keeper. Northend took some great penalties which were matched by Larne, Northend's keeper hammered home a penalty, but could not stop the Larne youth boys from keeping pace. Eventually Larne took the win 8-7, but Northend played the better football through the tournament and were acknowledge as being the best team to have lost.

A truly terrific performance from every single player who pulled on a Northend shirt and the spirit and pride was back again. This was an excellent team performance and one that everyone could be proud of. Well done.

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

Northend United 2 Carnmoney FDC 3 Saturday 16th March 2013

The first half of the Blues match with Carnmoney FDC was a pretty sterile affair and again a lack of finishing was to prove the undoing of the team. Willighan tested the keeper early on with a looping shot from outside the box, after this there was little to report until Meneely took the game by the scruff of the neck, collected the ball on the half way line, drove into the box avoiding three tackles and unleashed a cross angle shot, across the keeper and curled it into the net, a great goal but was this the start of the fight?

The young Blues had chances that were well saved by the keeper who was in excellent form or could not finish, Lecky, McKay and Campbell all had shots but were either off target, weak, driven straight at the keeper or in the majority were well saved by the keeper who was having a blinder. The second goal came on 28 minutes, McKay, who again was running his socks off hammered in a great shot which rippled the back of the net. Northend seemed to stir from their slumber but a few more efforts were again well saved or the finishing was very poor. Half time score 2-0

The second half started and the Northend lads were still in the blocks, the first Carnmoney attack of the game resulted in a goal, the inability to clear the ball saw a shot belted into the net to leave the score 2-1. A free kick was well taken by McKay but again the keeper was well up for the attempt. On 20 minutes, it was 2-2, again the defence folded and left Carnmoney players unmarked, the ball was thumped off the cross bar but landed to another forward who did not miss from only 5 yards. After this Northend chased the game in a group, exposing the defence again and again, the entire team seemed edgy and on 25 minutes, the finale, a penalty awarded to Carnmoney for being brought down in the box, it was tucked away and Northend trailed.

This seemed to spur the lads on and some of the players now realised they were in a game of football. On 29 minutes a lifeline, Campbell was hauled down in the box penalty. Campbell stepped up and crashed the effort off the cross bar. The Northend boys were now even more deflated and played out the remaining game looking flat and creating nothing. Carnmoney wanted this much more that Northend and demonstrated that in spades on the pitch.

The Northend boys played in patches and did not look hungry for this game. It is unfortunate that the 'Northend spirit' was missing as this was a game that could have been so easily different.

Man of the Match: Connor Meneely

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 Fullerton, R McCluney, C McGarry

Carrick Rangers 3 Northend United 1 Saturday 9th March 2013

Northend stood on a rain soaked, cold pitch facing a team who had always contested very game against Northend robustly. However this game was to be 'one of those games' where Northend hit the post five times, had a perfectly good goal ruled offside and the keeper made four very good saves.

The first half was a quiet affair, both teams sussing each other out, and Northend looking very comfortable. The only real note of any attack was Campbell who collected the ball in midfield and went on a mazy run into the box only to hammer the ball off the post, the first of five that was to prove Carrick's saviour. Northend had the ball in the net through McGaughey who was clearly on side but the ruled offside, first of many poor referring decisions. It was a niggly game to, with silly tackles and a poor referee breaking up any footballing flow. The first half was beginning to play out with neither side really creating any further chances; there were a few high looped crosses but nothing on target. Then Carrick got the break, a long, high ball looped into the box with no real danger, the keeper couldn't hold and fell to a Carrick player who was clearly offside and he tucked the ball away, poor decision, but that again was to be the story of the day. Half time score 1-0

The second half started very quietly with little or not play making, the ball being knocked long and returned to the keeper but again little real action. Then another hammer blow 2 minutes into the second half, Carrick's corner was knocked in half cleared but fell sweetly to Carrick who nodded in from close range. After that Northend began asking the questions of Carrick, time and again they were denied through great goal keeping and that goal post. Four times in the second half Northend blasted at the post without any success, the last time a brilliant run by McKay leaving the defence wanting only to see the shot blast off the post and fall to a defender. Hampshire, McGaughey and McKay all had shots bounce off the post, 'one of those days'. On 54 minutes, at last Northend finally scored. Ball was played out to McKay on the edge of the box and he released a brilliant shot across the box and into the corner of the net. It was all Northend, Carrick were backs to the walls and defending for their lives. Lecky had a shot cleared off the line; McGaughey had another shot well saved by the keeper. Then disaster struck with the final nail in the coffin for Northend. With no danger in defence, the ball was played back, the keeper called, the ball was left, the keeper froze and there was a Carrick forward to pick up the loose ball and run it into the net. It was a terrible gift of a goal that really killed the game, at a time where Northend were pressing for and fully deserved an equaliser, having been the only team in the second half. Unfortunately not to be, the whistle blew and the game was lost.

Northend played well but again poor finishing and just bad luck prevented them from getting a result. With the final run in of the league in sight it is now up to the boys to focus on one game at a time and begin to sort out the current blip affecting the team. Northend spirit that proved so inspirational last year will carry the team on. Keep the heads up lads.

Men of the Match: Thomas McAuley and Sean McKay

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 Fullerton, R McCluney

The U12s coaching team would like to pass on their thanks to Steven Fullerton for sponsoring them an indoor training football.