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Northend United 0 Lisburn Ladies 3 Saturday 16th April 2016

Lisburn Ladies were two years older than the Ballymena boys and with four internationals in their staring line up there was some quality evident in their passing and movement off the ball. That said, Northend came into the game full of confidence following last week's excellent derby win, but failed to find the same level of performance in the opening ten minutes of this game. Lisburn took the lead after four minutes when a huge slice of luck saw a high ball into the box soar over everyone's head and fall into the goal at the back post. Northend gradually found their rhythm and went close on twelve minutes when Owen Campbell opened up the Lisburn defence with a pass that Kevin Cosgrove picked up and drilled a low shot towards the right hand corner which produced a brilliant save from the Lisburn keeper. The boys were dealing well with the difference in size between themselves and their opponents and as the game progressed they started to find some extra time on the ball. The move of the game came on seventeen minutes when Tyrone Mitchell picked up a pass in midfield and played a lovely lofted pass into the space behind the Lisburn left back, Owen Campbell sprinted onto the pass and smashed a wonderful first time shot across goal and towards the top right hand corner. The Lisburn keeper was again outstanding and acrobatically dived high to her right and flicked the effort over the bar. The boys were enjoying a good spell of possession but were dealt a sucker punch when a partially cleared corner was hammered home from the edge of the area with two minutes of the half remaining. Half-time 0-2

The second half was a really hard fought affair and very little time was being given on the ball. Lewis Hector went close with a half volley on twelve minutes which once again produced a good save from the Lisburn keeper. The referee wasn't having a great game but excelled himself on sixteen minutes when he disallowed a Callum McMurray goal for what was adjudges to be a foul on the keeper, (Callum had simply forced a loose ball over the line). Northend pushed to get themselves back into the game and were caught with second sucker punch with three minutes remaining when they once again failed to get enough distance on a clearance and Lisburn capitalised. Full-time 0-3

The boys played well in spells of the game but just need to remember to continue to work hard even when things may not be going their way.

Man of the Match: Owen Campbell - an unbelievable work rate throughout the game.

Panel: C Wilson, D McKay, J Adams, D Magill, T Mitchell, K Cosgrove, J McIlhatton, O Campbell, K Barr, L Hector and C McMurray

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Northend United 7 Carniny 0 Saturday 9th April 2016

Northend started slowly and took five minutes or so to really stamp their authority on the game. Jack McIlhatton started to find some room along the left wing and then proceeded to torment the Carniny defence for the remainder of the game with some brilliant attacking play. Northend scored their first goal on nine minutes when the hard working Owen Campbell intercepted a Carniny pass and found Tyrone Mitchell in space at the edge of the area. Tyrone slipped the ball past his marker and fired a cracking right foot shot into the far side of the goal. Northend started to dominate play and the defence of David McKay, Jack Adams and David Magill were outstanding as they quickly snuffed out anything Carniny could offer in attack. Kevin Cosgrove sent Lewis Hector through on goal, the striker was unlucky to see a delightful lob drift wide of the post and moments later Lewis was no more than an inch away from converting a cross from Jack McIlhatton. With nineteen minutes gone Jack McIlhatton fizzed another ball into the box and on this occasion Lewis Hector got his reward, sliding in at the far post to put his side two ahead. Jack McIlhatton then helped himself to a goal on twenty two minutes when he won the ball from a Carniny defender on the edge of the area, neatly drifted past another and then placed a neat finish into the bottom right hand corner of the net. Half-time 3-0

The second half saw Northend go into a different gear and Kai Barr produced some brilliant individual play along the right wing. The blues could have scored twice within the opening minute through Callum McMurray, but eventually notched their fourth in the third minute when a Jack McIlhatton cross was volleyed in off the crossbar by Peter Bristow. Kevin Cosgrove was next up when he gathered a loose ball in midfield and smashed a wonderful strike into the goal from the edge of the area. At the mid-point of the half Jack McIlhatton scored his second when he beat two players in the box and slotted home Northend's sixth. Northend were now relentless and further chances fell to Callum McMurray, Kevin Cosgrove and Peter Bristow. Kai Barr got a deserved goal with ten minutes remaining, picking the ball up on the half way line and beating three players with some excellent footwork before cracking home a great drive from the edge of the box. Carniny did mount a rare attack in the final minute and Sam McDowell made a brilliant double save to keep a well earned clean sheet for the blues. Full time 7-0

Once the boys got into their stride today they simply overpowered Carniny and could have won by a much wide margin had it not been for some great goal keeping by Carniny's Hanna. The work rate and effort off the ball was the key today and some brilliant performances across the team. That's three derby victories against Carniny this season.

Men of the Match: Jack McIlhatton and Kai Barr were outstanding along either wing. Some brilliant skills on display.

Panel: S McDowell, D Mc Kay, J Adams, D Magill, O Campbell, K Cosgrove, T Mitchell, J McIlhatton, L Hector, K Barr, C McMurray and P Bristow

Northend United 0 Chimney Corner 2 Saturday 2nd April 2016

The 2004s have been in really good form over the last couple of months and with a good display at the Larne Sevens under their belts they went into this game full of confidence. Northend had a few players absent through injury and it was noticeable how much physically larger this Chimney Corner side was to the one they defeated earlier in the year. The first half was a very tight hard fought game with very few clear cut chances for either side. Northend enjoyed the balance of the opening play and almost took the lead on five minutes when the Chimney Corner keeper failed to hold onto a Kevin Cosgrove shot and made a great recovery to stop Owen Campbell prodding the loose ball into the net. With fifteen minutes gone Peter Bristow laid a neat pass off to David McKay and his long distance shot went narrowly over the bar. A moment later Lewis Hector lobbed a ball behind the Chimney Corner defence for Kai Barr and the young striker had his shot saved by the keeper. Curtis Wilson looked in commanding form throughout the game and marshalled his defence well. Half-time 0-0

The second half was again a very tight and hard fought physical game with very few chances at either end. Lewis Hector beat his marker and fired a strong shot narrowly wide of goal in the fourth minute. David McKay, Sam McDowell, David Magill and Jack Adams looked well up for the physical side of the game and worked hard throughout. Callum McMurray almost scored with a half chance when he swivelled onto a breaking ball and saw his effort drift wide and moments later Kevin Cosgrove burst down the left wing and saw his effort hit the side netting. Chimney Corner took the lead with ten minutes remaining when Northend tried to over play the ball in the middle of the pitch and as the Blues went in search of the equaliser Chimney Corner scored their second (from what looked to be an off-side position) with a couple of minutes remaining. Full-time 0-2

A really hard fought game today and the boys just didn't seem to benefit from any luck at all. The work rate was again superb and on another day the result could have been quite different.

Men of the Match - Curtis Wilson, Kevin Cosgrove and Peter Bristow

Panel: C Wilson, D Mc Kay, J Adams, D Magill, O Campbell, K Cosgrove, P Bristow, L Hector, K Barr, S McDowell and C McMurray

Larne Soccer Sevens Monday 28th March 2016

Northend United U12's travelled to Sandy Bay on Easter Monday for the annual Larne Youth Soccer Sevens competition.

Northend 1 v Larne Youth 0

First up was a game with the host club. Northend continued their good form of late. The boys produced some excellent passing football and could have won by a greater margin had it not been for the outstanding Larne keeper. Kevin Cosgrove smashed home the winning goal from the edge of the Larne area to collect all three points.

Sion Swifts 1 v Northend 0

This was a tight game with very few chances at either end. Sion made the most of a half chance to edge themselves infront.

St Oliver Plunketts 1 v Northend 1 : The wee blues looked lively in the opening minutes of the game and almost took the lead when Kevin Cosgrove burst through on goal. Plunketts responded well and took the lead around the mid-point of the game before Tyrone Mitchell bursts through from midfield and drove an unstoppable low shot into the goal.

Northend 1 v TW Braga 0

This was proving to be an incredibly tight group with Northend, Plunketts and Sion all competing for the semi-final places. Nothing less than a win would be good enough in the final game and the 04's delivered with a strong performance. David McKay hammered home the winner early in the game. Unfortunately the other results left the boys 3rd in the group but a very good all-round performance against some very strong opposition.

Panel: S McDowell, D McKay, J Adams, D Magill, T Mitchell, P Bristow, K Cosgrove, L Hector, K Barr, C McMurray and O Campbell

Carniny 3 Northend United 5 Saturday 19th March 2016

United's 04s started this derby game at a blistering pace and could have been a couple of goals ahead in the opening minutes through efforts from Kai Barr and a cheeky lob from the half way line by Kevin Cosgrove. It was Jack McIlhatton who edged Northend ahead on the five minutes when he burst down the left wing before placing his effort across goal and neatly inside the far post. The Northend boys were producing some great football and had an excellent shape to their play. The defence of Sam McDowell, David McKay, Jack Adams and David Magill looked very solid. Tyrone Mitchell and Kevin Cosgrove were dominating play in the middle of the park and Kai Barr was linking play together with Jack McIlhatton and Lewis Hector in wide areas. With thirteen minutes gone, Tyrone Mitchell created space in the middle of the field and spotted Lewis Hector cutting in from the right wing. Lewis's first touch was excellent and he wasted no time in blasting the ball past the Carniny keeper. Two minutes later and the Tyrone/Lewis combination were at it again with an identical piece of play to make it three nil. The fourth goal came five minutes before half-time. It started with a strong run along the left wing by Jack McIlhatton and his cross into the Carniny goal-mouth was finished off by Lewis Hector for his hat-trick. Carniny notched a goal with a minute of the half remaining. Half-time 4-0

Northend started the second half with some purpose and the Carniny keeper was in excellent form to deny Kevin Cosgrove from close range. United once again dominate play until the mid-point if the half when they took their foot off the pedal for five minutes and lost their shape as they overcommitted going forward. During this period Carniny capitalised on two chances when Northend should have been quicker to close down the ball and clear their area. This was a much need jolt for Northend and they knuckled down to work hard for each other again with Peter Bristow showing some great energy in midfield. Once again United started to create a number of chances and it was another strong run along the left wing from Jack McIlhatton that created space for him to thunder an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. Full-time 5-3

The boys have been playing some great football in the last couple of months and a lot of this has been down to really upping the work rate and effort they're showing all over the pitch. For the first twenty minutes of the game they simply over powered Carniny, but the boys need to do this for a full game and not decide to stop working hard for spells of the game. This simply leaves work for others to pick up. But overall a really good performance today and a deserved derby win. Keep the hard work going boys!

Men of the Match: Lewis Hector (hat-trick), Jack McIlhatton (two goals and a good performance), Kai Barr (loads of really good work for the team).

Panel: S McDowell, D Mc Kay, J Adams, D Magill, K Cosgrove, T Mitchell, J McIlhatton, K Barr, L Hector and P Bristow

Northend United 3 Willowbank 3 Saturday 12th March 2016

The 2004's built upon their recent spell of good form with a battling performance against an aggressive Willowbank side. The Ballymena boys looked a little sluggish in the opening minutes before Callum McMurray finished off some good build-up play between Kai Barr and Kevin Cosgrove with seven minutes gone. Northend started to knock the ball about with growing confidence and a strong run from Jack McIlhatton almost added a second. Tyrone Mitchell went close on twelve minutes with a strong right foot shot as the Ballymena side enjoyed a period of sustained pressure. Callum McMurray scored his and Northend's second on eighteen minutes when he burst onto a through ball from Jack McIlhatton and delightfully chipped the on-rushing keeper. It was almost a three when Jack Adams crossed a fantastic free kick towards the back post only to see the ball get cleared after a goal mouth scramble. Half-time 2-0

Northend did make it three within the opening minutes of the second half, Jack Adams fired another dangerous free-kick towards goal and Kevin Cosgrove was on hand to blast the ball into the net. The game became quite physical in spells and the Northend boys stood toe-to toe with their Belfast counterparts. Willowbank pulled themselves back into the game with two relatively lucky strikes which soared high over Curtis Wilson in goal. David McKay and David Magill both worked hard in full-back positions and Sam McDowell covered a lot of ground in a striking role. The game really was in full flight and every breaking ball was being keenly contested. Willowbank drew themselves level after the referee waved play on following a heavy tackle on David McKay. This provided a much needed burst of energy for the Ballymena boys and in the dying minutes Jack McIlhatton was cythed down on the edge of the area as he burst through on goal. Jack's free-kick flew inches over the bar and the 2004's had to settle for a draw. Full-time 3-3

Another strong display and the boys were a great credit to their parents and the club in how they handled themselves both during and (most importantly) after the final whistle when they encountered some very unsporting conduct.

Man of the Match: Keeper Curtis Wilson looked good after returning from injury.

Panel: C Wilson, D Mc Kay, J Adams, D Magill, K Cosgrove, T Mitchell, J McIlhatton, K Barr, C McMurray and S McDowell

Northend United 3 Loughgall 1 Saturday 5th March 2016

The 2004's have been really impressive in recent weeks and despite making a slow start to the game they ran out comfortable winners in the end. Loughgall edged themselves in-front around eight minutes and this was the shock the Ballymena boys needed to find their stride. Loughgall's lead was short lived; Jack Adam's driven free kick was dropped by the keeper and Kai Barr reacted quickly to score from a tight angle. Jack McIlhatton returned from injury and was proving a throne in the side of the Loughgall defence with some excellent wing play. By the mid point of the half the Northend boys were firmly in control of the game and the back three of David McKay, Jack Adams and Owen Campbell looked very comfortable in possession. Half-time 1-1

Northend made a quick start to the second half and Lewis Hector almost beat the keeper in the opening minute when he raced through on goal. Sam McDowell was very assured in goal and marshalled his defence well despite only having a handful of efforts to deal with during the game. Northend matched Loughgall in the physical side of the game and scored their second after fifteen minutes. Tyrone Mitchell made a strong run from midfield before firing an effort into the bottom corner of the net. A moment later Kai Barr almost scored another but was denied by an excellent save from the Loughgall keeper. The Ballymena boys eventually put the game beyond doubt on twenty minutes when a goal mouth scramble saw Callum McMurray and Lewis Hector both having efforts saved by the keeper, Kevin Cosgrove and Tyrone Mitchell had shots cleared off the line, before Tyrone fired his next effort into the goal. Full-time 3-1

A deserved win for the boys and a lot of the recent form is down to a better all-round work rate. It's hard graft, but really paying off.

Men of the Match: Keeper Sam McDowell and the defence of David McKay, Jack Adams and Owen Campbell looked solid throughout the game.

Panel: S McDowell, D Mc Kay, J Adams, O Campbell, K Cosgrove, T Mitchell, L Hector, J McIlhatton, K Barr and C McMurray

Glenavon 2 Northend United 1 Saturday 27th February 2016

Despite the score-line this was a fantastic all-round performance from Northend. The Ballymena boys dominated the game from the first whistle and could have easily been three goals up in the opening six minutes. The pick of the early chances came from a set play when Jack Adams narrowly side footed a Kevin Cosgrove corner inches over the bar. It was Glenavon who edged themselves in-front with a swift counter attack around nine minutes; however Northend's response was fantastic and they repeatedly carved open the Glenavon defence. Callum McMurray was causing havoc with some intelligent work off the ball and it was only a matter of time before Northend brought the game level. The equaliser came on thirteen minutes when Kevin Cosgrove picked up a loose ball in midfield before ghosting past the Glenavon defence and firing the ball into the net. Owen Campbell, Lewis Hector, Kevin Cosgrove and Tyrone Mitchell were terrific in midfield and their work rate completely overpowered Glenavon. Further chances came Northend's way and had it not been for some outstanding defending the Ballymena boys would have been out of sight by the beak. Half-time 1-1

Northend immediately picked up the pace again in the second half and once again dominated the game for long spells. David McKay and David Magill were outstanding in defence, winning tackle after tackle for their team. Kai Barr retained possession well in a striking role and went close to scoring with a curling right foot shot that went narrowly wide of the far post. Sam McDowell was very assured in goal and was quickly off his line for any sign of a threat from the Glenavon attack. With eight minutes gone, Lewis Hector looked to have put his side ahead with a well struck left foot shot that shaved the outside of the post. Northend were producing their best football of the season and went close again when Owen Campbell almost proded a David McKay corner into goal. Glenavon delivered a sucker punch against the run of play with three minutes remaining, the Northend response was full of character and a terrific Owen Campbell half-volley smashed down off the bar in the final minutes, but just fell on the wrong side of the goal line. Full-time 1-2

The injury hit Northend squad produced an outstanding performance against a strong Glenavon side and the boys deserved so much more from the game. The 04's really showcased what they're capable of producing and that determination will take the boys a long way over the remainder of the season.

Man of the Match: Team Performance - with a special mention to David McKay at right back.

Panel: S McDowell, D Mc Kay, J Adams, D Magill, O Campbell, K Cosgrove, T Mitchell, L Hector, C McMurray and K Barr

Northend Youth 2 Crusaders 6 Saturday 20th February 2016

Injuries to goal keeper Curtis Wilson and midfielder Jack McIlhatton have stretched the Northend squad to the limit over recent weeks and despite a great effort from Sam McDowell in nets, the young Ballymena side felt the effect in this match with Crusaders. Both sides started the game brightly and Callum McMurray went close to scoring in the opening minutes with a volley from the edge of the area. Two whipped free kicks by Jack Adams tested the Crusaders keeper but the Northend boys were unable to capitalise on the breaking ball. With the game evenly poised, Crusaders were a bit fortunate to take the lead after fifteen minutes. The Belfast men doubled their lead moments later with a strong run from midfield and well struck shot that left Sam McDowell with no chance in goal. Half-time 0-2

Northend started the second half very strongly and they pulled the game back onto a level footing within three minutes. Both goals were scored by Tyrone Mitchell - the first being a contender for goal of the season - Tyrone won a 50/50 tackle in his own half before bursting through several challenges and finishing off his run with a neat left foot finish from the edge of the Crusaders penalty area. His second came moments later when some good up-field pressure by the Northend midfield saw Tyrone break through the defence and skilfully lob the ball over the on-rushing keeper. Crusaders were on the ropes and Northend looked good value to take the lead. Crusaders dug deep and with the benefit of a particularly poor decision from the referee (it wasn't an isolated incident) they took the lead around the ten minute mark with a corner kick that should never have been awarded in the first place. The Belfast side extended their lead before the final whistle and the Northend boys will feel frustrated by what could have been after they had worked so hard to pull themselves back into the game. Full time 2-6

The small United squad really have felt the absence of key players in important matches over recent weeks, although every one of the squad needs to continue dig deep to help themselves through this difficult patch. The Lisburn League really can be unforgiving with any errors being punished by your opponents.

Men of the match - Whole squad, a number of players are playing in unfamiliar positions and to their credit the boys have shown a great spirit over the past few weeks.

Panel: S McDowell, D Magill, J Adams, O Campbell, K Cosgrove, T Mitchell, K Barr, L Hector, C McMurray and D McKay

Northend United 0 Killyleagh YC 3 NIBFA Plate Saturday 13th February

With a quarter final place in the NIBFA Plate up for grabs, Northend got off to a strong start and controlled the play for the majority of the first half. Callum McMurray almost put the Ballymena boys ahead on three minutes when an attempted lob cleared the goal-keeper and went narrowly over the bar. Kai Barr was playing well in right midfield and won a free kick for his side at the mid-point of the half. Jack Adams fired the ball towards the goal and Northend almost scrambled the ball over the line. Curtis Wilson looked assured in goal and the defence of David Magill, Jack Adams and Owen Campbell were in control of the Killyleagh attack. Tyrone Mitchell thundered a long range volley off the Killyleagh bar and with tem minutes of the half remaining it looked certain that Northend would eventually edge themselves in front. Moments later Callum McMurray pulled a chance wide of goal and both sides went into the break on level terms. Half time 0-0

Killyleagh came into the game more at the start of the second half and started to put pressure on the Northend midfield. Kevin Cosgrove responded to the challenge and burst through the Killyleagh defence before smashing an effort narrowly wide. Killyleagh edged themselves ahead on seven minutes when Northend failed to clear a loose ball in the box. Tyrone Mitchell almost levelled the score from the kick off when a pass from Lewis Hector saw Tyrone's shot being deflected wide of goal. As Northend piled on the pressure, Killyleagh landed a sucker punch when they were allowed too much time on the edge of the area and doubled their lead. Sam McDowell slotted well into right back and David McKay started to cause problems for Killyleagh along the left wing. With moments remaining Tyrone Mitchell pulled a one on one chance wide of goal before Killyleagh notched third as Northend committed men forward. Full-time 0-3

The boys deserved much more from the game on their first half performance alone, although that does highlight the need to take your chances when you're on top. Lots of positives from today's game and a great response from the previous week in terms of everyone's work rate.

Men of the Match - Kai Barr had a very strong first half in the right mid-field, David Magill had a solid game in defence.

Panel: C Wilson, D Magill, J Adams, O Campbell, K Cosgrove, T Mitchell, K Barr, L Hector, C McMurray Sam McDowell and D McKay

Northend United 0 Portadown Youth 5 Lisburn Cup Saturday 6th February 2016

This LIYL Cup game was much more evenly matched than the score suggests and Northend only had themselves to blame for silly mistakes which gifted four goals to Portadown. Kevin Cosgrove was outstanding in defence and David Magill had a strong first half at left back. Callum McMurray held up play well in an attacking role and went close to grabbing a couple of goals. Half time 0-3

A further couple of really uncharacteristic mistakes allowed Portadown to extend their lead, but the boys will feel frustrated with the final score as this didn't reflect the closeness of the game. Full-time 0-5

Next week sees the boys play for a place in the quarter finals of the NIBFA Plate. A harder working performance will be required if the boys want to keep their hats in the ring for the next round. It's a team game and you have to work hard when you don't have possession!

Men of the Match: Lewis Hector and Callum McMurray.

Panel: C Wilson, S McDowell, D Magill, K Cosgrove, J Adams, T Mitchell, K Barr, L Hector, C McMurray and D McKay