Untitled

Ballyclare Colts U13s 3 Northend United U13s 5 Saturday 25th February 2012

The U13s travelled to 6 mile Leisure Centre in Ballyclare to play the Colts in a Premiership match. Having playing out a draw in their last meeting this season a close game was always on the cards but the Blues wanted to build on their win last week with a good performance.

The Blues started the game well and had the Reds on the back foot for the first fifteen minutes but every ball played through was being blown up for offside much to the disappointment of the sideline. On twenty minutes Ballyclare broke through and scored when some hesitancy in the backline let the striker in to shoot past Eamonn Elliott. More woes for Northend five minutes later when Ballyclare struck again to go two up and this could of got worse for the Blues but for a shot coming back off the

Pos. Even at this, United's heads didn't go down and they kept plugging away and this paid off when Conor Grahams flick on header was slammed into the net by Johnston Kirkpatrick just before half time. Half time score 2-1

At half time Jordan Todd replaced Conor McHugh who had been injured in a block tackle midway through the first half. Robbie Dennison went to centre half and Todd went to right back. The Blues were told to up the tempo and keep it tight and they could get something out of this game.

The second half got underway and within five minutes the Blues had equalized. Philip Maybin swung in a corner and there was Kane Gibson to head the ball past the keeper. Northend now had the upper hand and soon went in front, Ryan McKenna playing the ball through for Kirkpatrick to hold off the defender and blast the ball low into the goals.

Harry McNally replaced Kane Gibson. The Blues were now playing the attacking football they are renowned for and went further in-front. The ball was played out to Andrew Milligan on the left and his first time pass to Zack Herbison split the defence for Herbison to hold off a challenge, control and shoot across the keeper to go 4-2 up.

Stephen Olliver replaced Andrew Milligan. To be fair to the Colts they did score again this time their forward blasted past Elliot to give them some hope but this was only short lived as Herbison flicked a delight pass through for his striking partner Kirkpatrick to sprint clear of the defence and thunder his shot past the helpless keeper for a 5-3 lead.

Tom Stockdale replaced Ryan McKenna. Northend did have a couple more efforts but the keeper kept them at bay.

This was a good spirited second half performance and definitely a game of two halves. The boys upped their game in the second half and ran out winners but they need to play the first half with as much determination as they do the second.

Full Time

Men of the Match: Johnston Kirkpatrick, Robbie Dennison

Panel: E Elliott, R Dennison, R McKenna, C McHugh, J Galbraith, P Maybin, C Graham(c), K Gibson, J Kirkpatrick, Z Herbison, A Milligan, H McNally, J Todd, G Downey, S Olliver, T Stockdale, A O'Neill

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

Northend United U13s 3 Loughside U13s 1 Saturday 18th February 2012

The Blues welcomed Loughside to the Smithfield pitch for their premiership match. Loughside were a bigger team and Northend were told to keep the ball on the ground play the football they were capable of, as in recent weeks the boys haven't been up to their best.

Northend won the toss and Loughside started the match but the Blues were in Loughside's faces from the start and putting pressure on them and fighting for every ball. After four minutes Northend took the lead when Kane Marshall, making his first start for Northend, played the ball down the right to Johnston Kirkpatrick who cut inside the box, where the ball fell to Zack Herbison who flicked it on to Philip Maybin and the big fella held off a challenge to drill the ball in to the corner of the net.

1 0 to the Blues but as in recent weeks the boys seem to sit back for part of the match and after fifteen minutes Loughside equalized when a speculative shot from distance squirmed under Eamonn Elliott's body off the wet surface and rolled into the net.

Northend upped the pace but as usual the two defences were getting on top and dealing with the threats of the opposing attacker. The score remained level until the break. Half time score 1-1

Northend were told at half time to use the wings more and some players needed to raise their game if they wanted to get anything out of the match and they duly obliged by putting in their best half performance in a few weeks. Now the boys were getting the ball down and playing the football they are capable of and it didn't take them long to regain the lead. Kirkpatrick received the ball out on the right where he crossed the ball and Andrew Milligan timed his run to the back post perfectly to volley the ball home giving the keeper no chance 2 1 to Northend. In the second half Elliott in the blues goals only had a couple of long range shots to deal with which he did with ease. It was all Northend attacking and the only way for Loughside to stop them was by some scathing tackles. This gave Maybin a few chances at testing the keeper but unluckily for him his free kicks just flew over the bar. Things got better for Northend as they went further in front. Conor Graham, who had a quiet first half was know on top form, won the ball in midfield and looked up to thread a great ball through to Kirkpatrick and he let fly from fifteen yards beating the keeper at his near post.

Harry McNally replaced Kane Marshall who had put in an excellent first start for the Blues with his neat play and passing game. Northend had a couple more chances to stretch their lead with McNally's shot just going wide and a low cross from Kirkpatrick was just missed by a couple of outstretched legs.

Things got worse for Loughside near the end when after a bit of a scuffle between their no9 and Maybin both boys were booked but as this was his second yellow the big no9 was then shown the red card.

Northend won this hard physical match. This is the sort of second half battling performance the boys need to put in every week to compete against the top teams in this league.

Thank you to the parents who helped put up the nets and thanks to the parents and supporters who cheered on the boys.

Men of the Match: Conor Graham, Kane Marshall

Panel: E Elliott, R Dennison, R McKenna, C McHugh, J Galbraith, P Maybin, C Graham(c), K Marshall, J Kirkpatrick, Z Herbison, A Milligan, H McNally, G Downey, O Boyle, A O'Neill

Northend United U13s 1 Newington Youths U13s 1 Saturday 11th February 2012

The U13s welcomed Newington Youth to the Smithfield pitch to play their premiership match, having already played Newington 3 times this season in various competitions with one win each and a draw this was always going to be a tight match. Things didn't help the coaches when Captain Conor Graham pulled out of the team just before kick off due to illness. This has been an ongoing frustration in recent weeks not been able to put out the U13s strongest team with key players being sick or injured but well done to the boys who've came in and done a decent job....

The match got underway with the Blues going straight on the attack and battling for everything and after five minutes took the lead. Robbie Dennison crossed the ball in from the right and as Zack Herbison battled the defender and keeper the ball took a ricochet and headed towards goal and Johnston Kirkpatrick, on his first start, prodded the ball home.

Northend were well on top and should have doubled their lead with Kirkpatrick through on goal but the keeper made a terrific save diving down to his left. Gradually Newington got more into the game but couldn't break through Northend's defence.

Northend were playing some good football but the big defence of Newington were getting to grips with the pace of Herbison and Kirkpatrick and putting in some fiesty challenges. From a long ball out of defence Newington levelled the game when their no7 latched onto the pass and held off a couple of weak tackles before blasting the ball past Eamonn Elliott in goals. Half time score 1-1

The second half started with both teams going at each other but the two defences were well on top. Dennison was making some strong runs on the right wing but some great defensive tackles just held him up. Andrew Milligan replaced Johnston Kirkpatrick who had a back injury.

Milligan nearly put Northend back in front when a cross from the right was missed and Milligan's first time shot rebounded back off the post. Kane Marshall replaced Robbie Dennison. The two teams played out the rest of the game for a well fought draw.

The boys have to get back to that winning feeling and hopefully next week will have a near full squad to choose from, with the exception of Oliver Boyle who's still recovering from major surgery and due to go for another operation soon and it was nice to see Oliver at the match yesterday cheering on the team and we wish him all the best for his recovery and hope to see him in a Northend top soon....

Men of the Match: Johnston Kirkpatrick, Ryan McKenna

Panel: E Elliott, R Murdock, R McKenna, C McHugh (c), J Galbraith, G Downey, P Maybin, R Dennison, J Kirkpatrick, Z Herbison, H McNally, A Milligan, K Marshall, J Todd, S Olliver

Larne Youth U13s 2 Northend United U13s 1 Saturday 4th February 2012

The Blues travelled to the Sandy Bay pitches on Saturday to play Larne in the Premiership without a couple of players due to sickness and things didn't get much better when centre half Conor McHugh pulled out of the squad just before kick off as he wasn't feeling well and was replaced by Robbie Dennison who was playing his first game after re-signing for the team on Monday night..

The match got underway but the ball seemed to get bogged down in midfield with no teams getting their foot on the ball. However Larne did break the deadlock after seven minutes when the ball was hit over the Blues defence for their player to run on to and slot it past O'Neill in goals. Northend started to get the ball more and if not for a couple of great saves from the Larne keeper, especially one from a Maybin free-kick, and good defending the Blues would of equalised but Larne held on to lead at half time. Half time score 1-0

Larne kicked off the second half and as the first half had ended it was the Blues who were doing all the attacking and this paid off after five minutes. Maybin and Milligan played a great one two and when Maybin drilled a shot in the keeper done brilliantly to save but there was Harry McNally on hand to hammer the rebound home. It was all one way traffic but as in the first half, the defence and keeper were on top form keeping the Blues at bay.

Larne did have a couple of long range efforts but nothing to trouble O'Neill. Andrew Milligan was replaced by new signing Johnston Kirkpatrick.

Northend went on the attack again with Herbison playing the ball to Kirkpatrick but he was slightly off balance and his shot rebounded off the post and his second shot was once again superbly saved by the keeper, Larne suddenly broke upfield and played the ball out to their right winger who raced towards goal and slipped the ball under the advancing O'Neill to once again take the lead.

Reece Murdock replaced the injured Stephen Olliver who had been off the pitch receiving treatment when Larne took the lead. The Blues kept going but just couldn't find that second equaliser and Larne held out for the win.

Men of the Match: Philip Maybin, Zack Herbison

Panel: A O'Neill, J Todd, R McKenna, R Dennison, J Galbraith, P Maybin, C Graham(c), S Olliver, H McNally, Z Herbison, A Milligan, T Stockdale, R Murdock, J Kirkpatrick, E Elliott

Northend United U13s 0 Larne Youth U13s 0 Saturday 21st January 2012

The U13s travelled to Mallusk for the second week running to play a match in the Shield, this time their opponents were Larne Youth.

On a very blustery morning with the strong wind blowing diagonally from corner to corner this was always going to be a hard match for both teams to get hold of the ball and this proved to be the point as the wind controlled the match and to be fair to both sets of players this was the spoiler to be what should of been a good game off football between these two top U13 opponents.

Both sets of defences were on top form giving nothing away but the couple of chances when these were broke through the two keepers did their jobs and the match finished scoreless. Final score 0-0

Men of the Match: Conor McHugh, Conor Graham

Panel: A O'Neill, J Todd, R McKenna, J Galbraith, C McHugh, P Maybin, C Graham(c), S Olliver, H McNally, Z Herbison, A Milligan, G Downey, K Marshall, R Douds

Northend United U13s 2 Newington U13s 2 Saturday 14th January 2012

The U13s travelled to Mallusk to play Newington Youth in the first game of the Shield, this is the competition where the top four teams in the league play each other in a mini league and the two with the most points play the final.

This obviously was going to be a difficult game for the Blues and things didn't help with three first team players missing but gave the boys coming in a chance to prove their worth.

The game got underway with both teams playing decent football and Northend were definitely edging the play but with a couple of chances going begging and some good defending it was Newington ,against the run of play, who broke the deadlock.

The referee failed to spot the striker in an offside position when he received the ball and as he spun he hit a terrific shot into the top corner giving young Anthony O'Neill no chance in goals.

The boys as usual just upped their game and soon equalized when Philip Maybin crossed in a free kick from the left and when the ball fell to Harry McNally he gave the keeper no chance from ten yards. Now Northend were well on top and should of had a penalty when the keeper brought down McNally from behind but once again the young referee failed to give the correct decision and played on much to the

dismay of the Blues line but this spurred on the Blues and ten minutes later they took the lead and once again Maybin was involved.

This time he swung in a great corner and there was his midfield partner Conor Graham to flick his header past the big keeper. The score stayed 2 1 until half time.

Newington started the second half the brighter and it wasn't long before they pulled level. Their big forward had his shot blocked inside the box but cruelly for Northend it fell to another Newington player who slotted the ball into the net. Jordan Todd replaced Murdock.

Northend once again got the ball down and were playing some of their best football this year but just couldn't break down the big Newington defence. Harry McNally did break through but the referee awarded a dubious penalty when he was tackled in the box. Herbison set the ball on the spot but the big keeper guessed right and dived to his left making a decent save and the danger was cleared.

Once again the Blues went on the attack and when Downey crossed the ball from the right wing in came Milligan, past two defenders, to slam the ball home, only for the ref to blow for offside from the centre circle.

This was one of the best footballing displays of the season by the team against good opposition.

The match finished 2-2 but for some better finishing and some very dodgy refereeing decisions the scoreline could of been very different but the boys and coaches will take a lot of positives from this match and hopefully put them to good use.

Thanks to the subs who due to a close game, didn't get to play but cheered the boys on. Thanks also for the supporters who come every week to cheer for the team and help out.

Men of the Match: Philip Maybin, Ryan McKenna

Panel: A O'Neill, R Murdock, R McKenna, C McHugh, J Galbraith, P Maybin, C Graham(c), G Downey, H McNally, Z Herbison, A Milligan, J Todd, R Douds, M Hare, T Stockdale

Northend United U13s 4 Carrick Rangers U13s 2 Saturday 7th January 2012

The U13s welcomed Carrick Rangers to the Showgrounds on Friday evening to play their league match under the floodlights. Carrick won the toss and opted to play with the slight breeze at their backs putting the blues backline of Ryan McKenna, Jack Galbraith, Conor McHugh, Reece Murdock and keeper Eamonn Elliott under the cosh from the start,

Northend couldn't seem t get the ball down and play the football they're renowned for. On the couple of occasions that they did break through into Carrick's half their shots were straight at the big keeper. Carrick were throwing every at the Blues and from one of their numerous corners did take the lead. A great ball into the box was powerfully headed into the net by the big midfielder past the helpless Elliot. The score stayed 1-0 until half time.

The second half got underway with Northend being told to up the tempo, which they duly obliged and soon levelled the score. McKenna took a quick throw to Philip Maybin who flicked the ball over his opponents head and unleashed an unstoppable shot from twenty five yards giving the keeper no chance. Now the Blues were searching for a second and it didn't take long to come. Conor Graham played the ball through to Zack Herbison in the Carrick box and he was brought down, PENALTY!!, Herbison got off the ground to dispatch the ball low past the keeper sending him the wrong way to put Northend in front. Back came Carrick and soon equalised when the ball broke to their forward who held off a challenge to blast the ball past Elliott into the net.

This seemed to get the Blues backs up as they now were battling for everything and putting the pressure back onto Carrick's defence and the inevitable happened when Maybin broke into the box and was brought down from behind, PENALTY.

Once again Herbison placed the ball on the spot, this time he blasted the ball down the middle and put Northend back in front.

Gareth Downey and Stephen Olliver replaced Murdock and Todd.

The Blues went further in front, this time Herbison turned provider, playing in his striking partner Harry McNally to finish off a well worked move.

Tom Stockdale and Ryan Douds replaced Ryan McKenna and Harry McNally.

Now Northend were bossing the game and played out the remainder for a hard fought win against a good Carrick team.

Well played to the boys and hopefully this match will have blown away the cobwebs and stand them in good stead for the rest of the season.

Men of the Match: Zack Herbison, Philip Maybin

Panel: E Elliott, R Murdock, R McKenna, J Galbraith, C McHugh, P Maybin, C Graham(c), J Todd, H McNally, Z Herbison, A Milligan, S Olliver, G Downey, R Douds, T Stockdale, A O'Neill