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Northend United 1 Willowbank 6 Saturday 26th October 2013

Northend Utd Under-12s travelled to Wallace Park in Lisburn to face Belfast side Willowbank FC in expectant mood, having put in a convincing display in their previous outing. The game was only two minutes old however, when Willowbank went 1-0 up, with the Northend defence caught napping early on. On Willowbank's next attack, a dubious free-kick was awarded just outside the Northend penalty area. The Belfast team's big number 12 duly dispatched to make the game 2-0 with only five minutes gone. Northend never really regained their composure after this. The Willowbank number 12 continued to terrorise the Northend rear-guard for the remainder of the half and was the major difference between the two sides. Half time 5-0

As has been the case in recent matches, the Under-12s regrouped at half-time and emerged for the second half in inspired form. The introduction of Ross Gamble created some much needed impetus and Matthew Stewart and Callum Forsythe were beginning to threaten down the middle. Jay Kirkpatrick, who had been rock solid in defence in the first half, continued where he left off in the second.

As the game ebbed and flowed, Matthew Stewart appeared to be brought down in the penalty area, after a clever through ball from Charlie Metrustry, but the referee waved away all protests. Northend were beginning to dominate at this stage with Oisin Connolly and Conor McDonald taking a strong foothold in midfield.

The breakthrough the Blues undoubtedly deserved eventually came as the game entered the final quarter, when Matthew Stewart was put through on goal again and duly dispatched with a well-placed finish. Willowbank quickly responded however with their sixth and the game petered out to an all too familiar conclusion. Full time 6-1

The boys were disappointed with their first half performance on the day. The Lisburn League has been a steep learning curve this season, where the boys have encountered teams at a later stage in their development. There is however a strong inherent belief that these boys are a far better group of footballers than recent results suggest and the boys need to maintain this belief as they continue to develop. Man of the match on the day was Jay, who just pipped Conor McDonald to the award.

Man of the Match: Jay Kirkpatrick

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

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TTBS Juniors 6 Northend United 1 Saturday 19th October 2013

It was an early start for the U12s on Saturday as they went to Lisburn for a 9.30 kick off against a team pushing to catch the league leaders at the top of the table. Unfortunately for the management team they were down to the bare minimum of eleven players so therefore team selection wasn't a problem!

Despite of the very early start and shortage of numbers the Northend boys put in their best performance of the season getting back to playing their passing brand of football which had gone astray in the last few weeks. The young Northend boys should have been one nil up after five minutes with Matthew Stewart passing up a great chance after an excellent through ball from Jude Scullion. But yet again after good early pressure and looking the most composed team when in possession, Northend conceded a goal against the run of play. Two more goals followed for the Lurgan side before Northend got the break they so richly deserved. After a sustained period of pressure around the TTBS penalty box, the ball fell to Charlie Metrustry who struck a beautiful right foot shot high into the net giving the Lurgan goalkeeper no chance.

This gave the boys the confidence they had been lacking in recent weeks and they bombarded the Lurgan side's goal for the next period of the game. Credit must be given to TTBS as at this point they defended well and gradually clawed their way back into the game and with their superior finishing ability scored three quick goals before the end of the half. Half time score 6-1

The second half was a similar hard fought affair and with Oisin Connolly becoming more dominant in midfield and Conor Mc Donald dictating the pace of the game with his wide range of passing ability Northend more than held their own and squandered numerous chances during a half which was a very entertaining.

Every player played their part in a performance that if replicated in the coming weeks will surely prove fruitful and that elusive victory surely cannot be far away. Final score 6-1

Man of the Match: Oisin Connolly

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

Northend United 0 TW Braga 6 Saturday 12th October 2013

The Northend Utd U12s approached this game at Wallace Park in confident mood, having at their disposal a full squad for the first time in weeks. Unfortunately however, the recurring frailties which have become all too common this season ensured an all too familiar result.

The game began brightly for the young Blues and they enjoyed the lion's share of possession. Matthew Stewart was unlucky not to score when going through "one-on-one" with the Braga keeper; and Oisin Connolly skimmed the post with a fierce strike from a sharp angle on the right. The team's inability to take their chances was punished when Braga scored their first completely against the run of play, fifteen minutes into the game. The Northend boys' dejection was palpable as they sensed an all too familiar outcome. Joseph Lyness and Josh Coates battled bravely in midfield but it was the Braga team who were playing the better passing football and it wasn't long before they extended their lead to 4-0 as the half drew to a close. Half time 4-0

The second half began brightly for the young Blues but another lapse in concentration in defence allowed the Braga team to extend their lead and the Northend heads began to drop. Conall Killough performed well when he came on but it was damage limitation by that stage, as the game drew to a close. Full time 6-0

Credit must go to a referee who allowed the game to flow and encouraged both teams throughout. Credit also to a sporting TW Braga team who are at a stage in their development where the Northend boys aim to be.

It should be noted and credit given to this young Northend side, that even in the midst of regular defeats in this difficult league, there is a genuine camaraderie within the group. There is a willingness to learn and an aspiration to compete at this level. Better days will come if they remain strong and united as a group, continuing to develop. If the team can somehow convert the possession demonstrated in the first quarter of every single game they play, into scores, the end results will soon begin to improve.

Man of the Match: Joseph Lyness

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

Northend United 0 Carrick Rangers 6 Saturday 5th October 2013

Northend U12s played Carrick Rangers in the first round of the Lisburn Youth League cup on Saturday morning at Wallace Park Lisburn.

The Northend boys started very well showing an enthusiasm and appetite that has been lacking in previous performances in this very competitive league. They dominated possession for large periods of the first half and were unlucky not to score after a corner from Connor Meeke was adroitly flicked on by Charlie Metrustry only to skim the back post and go wide.

But unfortunately as has been the case so far this season the young Northend boys contributed to their own downfall and conceded two careless goals in quick succession . Credit must be given to the boys as at this stage they rolled up their sleeves and fought hard to find a breakthrough but unfortunately due to bad luck and poor finishing they could not find away past the Carrick goalkeeper. Two more goals followed for Carrick and the half time score was a very unjust 4-0.

With Ross Gamble showing the desire that is required at this level, the boys fought hard for the third quarter of this match but again the back of the net maintained elusive. As the game came to a close the boys ran out of steam and became a little disheartened as they new as well as the rest of the spectators that the score was not reflective of the ability of both teams and their performances. As a result they conceded three more late goals and the game was beyond them.

The boys must focus on the positives of this game which were that they can compete at this level and with a little luck and a bit more composure a win is surely not too far away. Credit must be given to Sean Higgins in nets Oisin Connolly and Conall Killough but the man of the match award was given to Ross Gamble for his work rate throughout the game. Final score 6-0

Man of the Match: Ross Gamble

Panel: S Higgins, C Killough, O Connolly, C Meeke, J Coates , C Forsythe, C Metrustry ,C McDonald, M Stewart, R Gamble, J Lyness, j Scullion

Oxford Sunnyside 6 Northend United 3 Saturday 28th September 2013

The Northend Utd U12s continued to chase their elusive first win in the Lisburn league when they faced Oxford Sunnyside FC at Wallace Park on Saturday morning. The boys approached this game with confidence having played out a close match with the same Lurgan side in a pre-season friendly.

The Blues were slow to get into their stride and the early morning kick-off appeared to have caught a few of them napping, as Sunnyside, who were clearly more 'up for it', raced into an early two goal lead. The Northend boys were to their credit beginning to create several goal scoring chances but poor control in front of goal and a vigilant keeper were thwarting the score they deserved. That goal did however arrive when Matthew Stewart, who was working really well to get into goal scoring positions, scored his first to bring the deficit back to the minimum. Almost immediately however, the Lurgan side reclaimed their two goal advantage just before the short whistle. Half time 3-1

The Northend boys began the second half lethargically, with only Josh Coates showing the level of determination required at this level. Josh was an injury doubt before this match but gave a display of heart and passion that his team mates would do well to take note of.

Sunnyside went 4-1 up ten minutes into the second half but Matthew again, was played through on goal and made it 4-2 with a well taken finish. The Lurgan side responded immediately with determination and were now beginning to completely dominate proceedings in midfield. Almost inevitably the Blues conceded twice again in quick succession. Matthew to his credit did get his third in a performance he can be proud of but this was to be the final score and the game petered out to a disappointing 6-3 defeat for the young Blues.

The U12s are a team in transition this season and even though results haven't been going their way so far, the coaches and the ever present parental support do appreciate the weekly improvement in this team as the boys get to grips with the Lisburn League. Matthew for his hat-trick and Josh for his display of sheer determination shared the man of the match award on the day.

Men of the Match: Josh Coates and Matthew Stewart

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

Northend United 0 Windmill Stars 6 Saturday 21st September 2013

The Northend United U12 team's build up, to what was always going to be a difficult fixture, was hampered by injuries to key personnel. Hoping to capitalise on a promising midweek performance, the skeleton squad took on the high-flying Windmill Stars FC from Newry, on a perfect morning for football.

The Northend boys carried on positively from where they left off midweek and completely dominated the opening quarter. Sean Higgins in goals and the back four were comfortably dealing with any threat on goal from the Newry side. Almost inevitably however, the sucker punch occured and Windmill Stars scored to go one nil up on 20 minutes, quickly followed by two nil. The second goal typified the misfortune this young side have been having this season, as a high, looping cross eluded the Northend defence and ended up dropping in, just below the crossbar. This obviously affected the boys' confidence, as heads began to visibly drop all over the field. This was quickly compounded by another goal making it three nil, just before the break. Half time 3-0

A period of reflection and a reshuffle of the midfield made for a positive opening to the second half. The defensive frailties which had been exposed at the end of the first period were again in evidence however as the Windmill attack sythed through the Blue's defence to go six up midway through the second half. By this time, Northend were playing for pride. Credit must go to Conor McDonald, Oisin and Sean, the walking wounded, who remained on the pitch, battling to the end. A few half chances in the final ten minutes were almost predictably blocked out by Windmill City, as the Northend boys struggled to salvage something postitive from this game.

Man of the Match: Sean Higgins

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

Northend United 0 Hillsborough Boys 2 Wednesday 18th September 2013

Northend under-12s dominated this midweek fixture against Hillsborough Boys for long periods but were unable to convert their possession into scores.

The game started brightly for the young Blues with the hardworking Josh Coates dominating midfield in a new, more advanced role. Josh's work ethic seemed to rub off on the boys around him as the whole team lifted their game against a good Hillsborough side. Ross Gamble and Charlie Metrustry were creating chances, cutting in from the flanks but time after time the big Hillsborough centre-half was thwarting all attacks on goal. The new look back four were solid in defence and Sean Higgins in goal was rarely troubled. Callum Forsythe was assured at right back and is entitled to feel content with his overall display. The first goal was scored against the run of play just before half time. Half time score 0-1

The second half began brightly for Northend. Oisin Connolly moved in to refresh the midfield and the boys pushed hard for an equaliser. As the half progressed, it seemed that it would only be a matter of time before the elusive goal would come, however disaster struck again when they were caught with a goal on the break. The Hillsborough centre-half who had been a thorn in their side all evening appeared at the edge of the Northend penalty box to power home a superb headed goal, giving Sean Higgins no chance. To their credit the Blues did not allow their heads to drop but unfortunately that was to be the game's last goal. Full time score 0-2

The entire team deserve great credit for this battling display. The weekly progress is evident for all to see as this group comes to terms with the Lisburn league format and the first win, when it comes, will surely be the catalyst for a change in this team's fortunes. Although the whole team performed well on the night, special praise must go to Callum, who in an unfamiliar position did everything that was asked of him in his usual calm, controlled manner.

Man of the Match: Callum Forsythe

Panel: S Higgins; C Forsythe; J Kirpatrick; O Connolly (c); C Meeke; J Coates; C McDonald; C Metrustry; J Lyness; R Gamble; M Stewart

Northend United 2 Lurgan Town 6 Saturday 14th September 2013

Following their excellent second half display against Lisburn on Monday evening, Northend U12s went into this fixture with a renewed confidence and were keen to build on the progress they had made over the first couple of weeks.

The boys were a bit slow into their stride and conceded early possession too easily to a Lurgan side who to their credit were trying to pass the ball quickly and were at times playing some nice football. Their dominance was rewarded early in the first half when following a long ball over the top the Lurgan striker raced in on goal and finished passed the helpless Sean Higgins.

At this point there was wave after wave of Lurgan attacks but the Northend defence held strong and caught the Lurgan attack offside on numerous occasions as they slowly got to grips with the offside rule. Despite some great saves from Sean Higgins the Lurgan side got a second goal just on the half time whistle. Half time score 2-0

The second half started well for Northend and they got an early break through when a superb ball over the top from Connor McDonald was taken in his stride by Matthew Stewart who raced through on goal and coolly finished in the bottom corner. This should have given the boys the impetus to go and dominate the second half but strangely they retreated again and conceded two goals in quick succession to trail 3-1. Three more goals followed from Lurgan. Northend did get a consolation goal when Charlie Metrustry was upended in the box and the resulting penalty was despatched by Oisin Connolly. Full time score 6-2

Man of the Match: Oisin Connolly.

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

Northend United 2 Lisburn Distillery 4 Monday 9th September 2013

Northend U12s continued their league campaign on Monday evening against Irish League Academy side, Lisburn Distillery.

This young side were low in confidence following a defeat the previous Saturday but despite that they started the game well and had the Whites on the back foot from the kick off, particularly Ross Gamble who was giving the Lisburn left back a lot of problems down the right hand side.

Their dominance was rewarded early in the first half when an excellent through ball from Oisin Connolly was finished superbly by Charlie Metrustry to give Northend the lead.

Despite battling well for the rest of the half and some good defending from Josh Coates and Jay Kirkpatrick, Northend couldn't keep the Lisburn team at bay and went in at the interval 3-1 down.

The second half was a much tighter affair and Northend put in a much improved performance battling hard and working for their team mates. This work ethic was rewarded when Joesph Lyness played a sublime through ball to Matthew Stewart who dispatched the ball excellently to the bottom corner.

Although they conceded a late goal this was a much improved performance and this young team proved that they could compete in this very competitive league. Full time score 4-2

Man of the Match: Sean Higgins

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

Loughgall 6 Northend United 0 Saturday 7th September 2013

On Saturday morning the Northend Utd U12s made their Lisburn League debut. It was very evident that the transition from small-sided games in the Coleraine League last season to the Lisburn League senior format, will take some time to adapt to for the U12s.

On the day the boys were given a footballing lesson by a Loughgall FC side who are an established Lisburn League side, well accustomed to this format.

The game got off to a bad start when the boys lost the toss and Loughgall opted to play down the significant slope. The Armagh team attacked the Northend goal in waves and were it not for a catalogue of good saves from stand-in keeper Harry Wylie the result would have been a lot worse. Harry was given no chance with three first half goals which were lobbed over his head. The Northend boys looked nervous throughout and showed their more illustrious opponents too much respect. Half time score 3-0.

This pattern continued throughout the second half with Loughgall often finding it too easy to penetrate the Blue's defence. Full time score 6-0.

The boys will learn from this experience. They will have better days and will improve as they did last season, once they regain their confidence. Best on the day were Jay Kirkpatrick, and newcomers Conor McDonald and Joseph Lyness. However they were pipped to the 'man of the match' award, as chosen by both the Northend and Loughgall coaches, by the stalwart Josh Coates.

Man of the Match: Josh Coates.

Panel: H Wylie; M Stewart; J Kirkpatrick; C Meeke; J Coates; R Gamble; C McDonald; C Forsythe; O Connolly (c); C Metrustry, J Lyness, C Killough, J Scullion