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Northend United 3 Moyola Olympic 1 Saturday 24th May 2014

On Saturday morning Northend U12s travelled to Ballysally and ended their season on a high by winning the Shield competition in the U12 NWCDYL in convincing manner.

They had two games to play to achieve this and did so by beating Moyola Olympic 3-1, coming from a goal behind. Oisin Connolly bagged himself a hat-trick in an all round good team performance.

Man of the Match: Oisin Connolly

Northend United 3 Roe Valley 0

In the second game Northend U12s started quicker and ran out convincing winners with another excellent all round display. Goals from Matthew Stewart, Ross Gamble and Conor McDonald, as well as an excellent defensive display, especially from Conall Killough provided Northend with a convincing win.

Man of the Match: Conall Killough

The coaching staff of Conor Connolly and Desy Metrustry would like to take this opportunity to thank the players and their families for the support throughout the year.

Panel: S Higgins, J Kirkpatrick (c), C Mc Donald, C Meeke, C Forsythe, M Stewart, C Forsythe J Coates, O Connolly, C Metrustry, R Gamble, C Killough, J Scullion

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Northend United 2 Coleraine Olympic 0 Saturday 12th April 2014

Northend Utd U12s played their penultimate league game of the season on Saturday morning against high-flying Coleraine Olympic U12s. Coleraine Olympic were in second place before this game and still contesting the league title. Northend Utd were in third spot, hoping to overtake them into second place. The Northend Blues were missing their talisman Jay Kirkpatrick, who has been in tremendous form of late but such is the renewed belief within this young group that they approached this top-of-the-table clash in confident mood.

Northend U12s started brightly as has been the pattern in recent weeks. Matthew Stewart went close after only five minutes and was rewarded for his efforts shortly after when he came out on top in a 50/50 challenge with the Coleraine keeper, poking the ball home to put Northend into the lead. Matthew's desire to follow up on seemingly 'lost causes' typified the mood of this young team. Midway through the half, Charlie Metrustry stretched the Blues' lead when he volleyed home from a Conor McDonald corner to put Northend two goals up at the break. Half time 2-0

The second half began with the boys playing against a strong headwind. Coleraine were more resilient in attack as the half progressed but the Northend defence of the "three Con's" (Conor, Conall and Connor) were keeping them at bay. Ross and Jude were introduced to refresh the Blues' attacking options with immediate effect. Oisin, Callum and Josh were working hard in midfield and were on the brunt of some physical challenges as the game entered the final quarter. The final whistle was met with great relief as the Northend boys took all the points, leapfrogging Coleraine Olympic into second spot in the NWCDY U12 League. Full time 2-0

Northend Utd U12s can be very proud of this performance in the league run-in. This was a very competitive game between two excellent sides and credit must also be given to the referee's performance. Conor McDonald was his usual immense self at the heart of the Northend defence. Oisin Connolly ran himself to a standstill in midfield, ably assisted by Josh Coates and also Charlie Metrustry who just pipped the trio to the game's Man of the Match award.

Man of the Match: Charlie Metrustry

Panel: S Higgins, C Killough, C Mc Donald, C Meeke (c), C Forsythe, O Connolly, J Coates, C Metrustry, M Stewart, J Scullion, R Gamble

Northend United 2 Bertie Peacocks Youths 2 Saturday 5th April 2014

After last weekend's exit from the CDYL Under-12 Cup, Northend United U12s were given a quick opportunity to avenge that defeat when they were again paired with Bertie Peacock Youth U12s in a league match. The cup encounter between these two sides was an exciting affair with the Northend Blues feeling their performance had merited more and the rematch didn't disappoint.

Northend started brightly and laid seige on the Peacock's goal. Jude Scullion went close within minutes and Conor McDonald also tested the Peacock's keeper with a fine effort. Good work between Charlie Metrustry and Matthew Stewart set up Josh Coates for the game's opener as he blasted home when well placed midway through the half. The game was swinging from end to end and a superb finger-tip save from Sean Higgins ensured the Blues went into the break ahead by the solitary goal. Half time 1-0

The second half began and both sides were playing some great football. Northend Utd U12s were playing some of their best football this season but the Peacock's defence was resolute. Against the run of play, Peacock's grabbed an equaliser and it seemed as if lightning was going to strike twice, as flashbacks of the previous week's 2-1 defeat crossed the Northend players' minds. Conor McDonald had different ideas however. As the game entered the final quarter he was awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area. The Bertie Peacock defence initially defended well as the ball rebounded from their wall but Conor was on hand to poke home and put the Northend U12s into a deserved lead. At this stage it seemed that the boys could hold out and win the game but Peacocks were pushing hard for their second equaliser. Conall Killough, Jay Kirkpatrick and Connor Meeke were all having superb games at the heart of the Northend defence and could not be faulted when the Peacock's midfielder hit an unstoppable free kick to the roof of the Blue's net with minutes remaining. Oisin Connolly thought he had won it at the death, as the Blues bombarded the Peacock's goal for the remainder of the match but the winning goal would not come. Full time 2-2

In truth Northend U12s will feel they deserved to win this match, having held the lead for most of the game. Take nothing away from Bertie Peacocks who themselves were superb and contributed to what was an epic encounter, which both sets of players will remember for a long time. Josh Coates and Callum Forsythe epitomised the desire to win within this group but for the third week on the trot the 'Man of the Match' award must go to Jay Kirkpatrick. Jay had another immense game at the centre of the Northend defence and in the various physical encounters he was involved in, he held his cool and emerged victorious by playing hard but fair football.

Man of the Match: Jay Kirkpatrick

Panel: S Higgins, J Kirkpatrick (c), C Mc Donald, C Meeke, C Forsythe, O Connolly, J Coates, C Metrustry, M Stewart, C Killough, J Scullion, R Gamble

Northend United 1 Bertie Peacocks Youths 2 Saturday 29th March 2014

On Saturday morning Northend U12s travelled to Ballysally with confidence on the back of a long unbeaten run, stretching back to last November. Here they met Bertie Peacocks U12s for the first time this season in the first round of the CDYL Under-12 Cup.

Northend were unlucky not to go into an early lead as Matthew Stewart blazed a shot just wide of the Peacock's post. This was to become the pattern of the first half, characterised by wave after wave of Northend attacks. The corner count was six to one, when another typically sublime corner from Conor McDonald was met by a Josh Coates header putting the young Blues into a deserved lead. As they pushed for a second, they were unfortunately caught on the counter attack as the impressive Peacock's centre forward capitalised on Northend's defensive indecision to make it level at the break. Half time 1-1

The second half began and Northend dug deep looking for a winner. Bertie Peacock's were weathering the storm well however and were obviously growing in confidence as they continued to stifle the Blues' attacks. Conor McDonald blazed a free kick over the crossbar and there was a growing sense of frustration that the second goal was proving so elusive. To their credit, Northend battled for every ball up front. In midfield, the boys were controlling proceedings and the defence was resolutely controlling the 'final third'. Sean Higgins in the Northend goal was rarely troubled such was the Blues' dominance. As the game entered the final quarter, the match was becoming frantic as the threat of extra time and the dreaded "golden goal" loomed. As the game swung from end to end, it was the Bertie Peacocks boys who were celebrating when the pendulum swung their way and they went into a 2-1 lead. The Blues battled bravely from the restart but were unable to penetrate a stubborn Peacock's defence. Within minutes, the referee signalled the end of the game and with it the U12's Cup chances. Full time 1-2

All good things must come to an end and the boys were visibly downhearted at the final whistle as their unbeaten run came to an end. However, when their disappointment subsides the Northend U12s will take heart from a spirited display which certainly merited more than the scoreline suggests.

Man of the Match: Jay Kirkpatrick

Panel: S Higgins, J Kirkpatrick (c), C Mc Donald, C Meeke, C Forsythe, O Connolly, J Coates, C Metrustry, M Stewart, C Killough, J Scullion

Northend United 3 Roe Valley 1 Saturday 15th March 2014

Northend United U12s continued with another good performance on Saturday morning with an impressive win against Roe Valley U12s who themselves have been on a good run.

The Northend boys began brightly and had the lion's share of possession throughout an enjoyable first half. In defence, Conall Killough, Connor Meeke, Conor McDonald and Jay Kirkpatrick were a match for anything the Roe Valley boys threw at them. In midfield Callum Forsythe, Oisin Connolly and Josh Coates were dictating the play, breaking up their opponents' attacks and playing some sublime offensive football. The team were playing some of the best football they have played all season but the elusive first goal would not come. Half time score 0-0

The second half began in a similar fashion with the young Blues dominating proceedings. Sean Higgins in the Northend goal was barely called into action such was their dominance. The deadlock was eventually broken five minutes into the second half. Oisin Connolly, who had just been reintroduced after leaving the pitch earlier due to injury, picked up a pinpoint Charlie Metrustry pass just outside the penalty area and hit an unstoppable shot, just out of reach of the unfortunate Roe Valley keeper. The Roe Valley boys' heads went down as Northend Utd doubled their lead when Jay Kirkpatrick, who was having a superb game, was on hand to convert a Conor McDonald corner as the game entered the final quarter. Matthew Stewart and Ross Gamble were creating havoc up front and were also unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. The scoring was complete when Oisin Connolly again was on hand to convert a rebounded effort, when Callum Forsythe saw his powerful headed attempt come off the Roe Valley crossbar. Full time score 3-0

In truth the three goal win was no more than the Northend United U12s deserved. On another day, with better score conversions, the difference could have been even greater. This young team are visibly improving week by week. All over the pitch they are brimming with confidence. Charlie, Josh and Oisin were all contenders for the 'Man of the Match' award but were just pipped by Jay Kirkpatrick, who has been impressing all season.

Man of the Match: Jay Kirkpatrick

Panel: S Higgins, J Kirkpatrick, C Mc Donald (c), C Meeke, C Forsythe, O Connolly, J Coates, C Metrustry, M Stewart, C Killough, R Gamble

Northend United 1 Moyola Park 1 Saturday 8th March 2014

Northend Utd U12s made their weekly trip to Ballysally on Saturday morning to face Moyola Park U12s for the second time in three weeks. On the previous occasion the Northend Blues took all three points from the league leaders, with an emphatic 4-2 victory. The Northend boys were therefore expecting to face a determined Moyola side with revenge on their minds. Moyola Park are perched at the top of the Coleraine U11/12 League and are a quality side with a physical presence throughout.

Although the rain stayed away, there was a blustery gale sweeping across Ballysally, which would have made it difficult for the mighty Barcelona to play possession football! Northend Utd however quickly settled into the game and had a few long range efforts which the Moyola keeper comfortably dealt with. Matthew Stewart and Charlie Metrustry chased every seemingly 'lost cause', which paid dividends on more than one occasion. Oisin Connolly was leaving his marker under no illusions that he was up for a midfield battle and this sentiment permeated throughout the entire Northend team. Callum Forsythe and Josh Coates on the flanks were causing the Moyola team all sorts of problems with both their attacking and defensive play. It was the ever-dependable Conor McDonald however, who broke the deadlock after ten minutes, with a rare left-footed drive from the edge of the penalty box, giving the Moyola keeper no chance. The first half drew to a close with Northend Utd dominating proceedings but unable to add to their solitary goal. Half time score 1-0

The second half began in a similar vane. Northend Utd had all the possession and on the rare occasions when the mid-Ulster team threatened, Sean Higgins in the Blues' goals was there to save the day. Conall Killough, Ross Gamble and Jude Scullion were introduced in a bid to unlock the Moyola defence for a second goal. The Northend rearguard of Jay Kirkpatrick, Conor McDonald and Connor Meeke were marshalling the Blues' defence with ease and as the game entered the final quarter, the three points seemed secure. Then disaster struck. In a rare foray forward a Moyola Park midfielder had a long range effort parried by the Blues' keeper. Unfortunately the rebounded opportunity fell to a Moyola striker who equalised from close range. With ten minutes left to play, Northend threw everything forward in search of a deserved winner. Jay Kirkpatrick had a good chance which just glanced over the crossbar and Oisin Connolly had another good chance saved on the line. The winning goal did unfortunately prove elusive and the Northend team were left dejected. Full time score 1-1

Such has been the measure of improvement in this young side, that Northend Utd were the team more visibly disappointed with a draw against the league leaders. Results such as this however will stand the boys in good stead in their development.

Man of the Match: Conor McDonald

Panel: S Higgins (c), J Kirkpatrick, C McDonald, C Meeke, C Forsythe, O Connolly, J Coates, C Metrustry, M Stewart, C Killough, R Gamble, J Scullion