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Northend United U13s 3 Comber Rec U13s 1 - Shield Final Monday 14th May 2012

The Blues met Comber Rec at Mallusk in the Shield final on Monday evening. Comber having piped the Blues to the league and the Blues having beat Comber in Knock Out Cup both teams knew that someone would walk away with a double and both teams were confident it would be them.

Comber won the toss and elected to play with the wind at their backs and so Northend kicked off the final match of a very long season. Northend started the stronger but it was Comber who had the first chance when they won a free kick on the edge of the box but the big midfielder sent his shot well over the bar. After five minutes Zack Herbison broke through the defence but the big Comber keeper saved well to his left to thwart the Blues striker. Northend were doing all the attacking now and it wasn't long before they broke the deadlock. Good play by Harry McNally and Johnston Kirkpatrick on the right and when the ball was played to Herbison just inside the box his first time shot was once again well saved by the keeper but this time Andrew Milligan followed up to blast the ball into the net to a loud cheer from the Blues supporters. The game went from end to end with Conor McHugh and Robbie Dennison dealing with everything that was thrown at them and in centre midfield skipper Conor Graham and Philip Maybin were battling for everything. On the half hour Maybin burst into the Comber box only to be brought down -PENALTY!!!! The referee had no hesitation and pointed to the spot, but their seemed to be a bit controversy as the penalty spot didn't seem to be visible and so the ref started measuring it out. Once again the pressure mounted for Northend's penalty taker, but as before Herbison handled it and dispatched the ball into the net sending the big keeper the wrong way and sending the Northend's line even happier as the half time whistle signalled the break. Half time score 2-0 to Northend

The second half got underway and once again Northend were quickest out of the blocks and were putting pressure on Comber with McNally and Milligan having strong runs down each flank backed up by Jack Galbraith and Ryan McKenna who had swapped sides in a tactical move. Herbison and Kirkpatrick weren't giving

Comber's defence a minute's peace and indeed it was these two who produced Northend's third goal. Herbison played the ball through to Kirkpatrick and his strength held off the defender before rifling the ball past the keeper and home, 3-0 to the Blues.

Comber gave themselves a bit of hope midway through the second half when a free-kick was awarded just outside the box. This time their left winger hit a cracking shot high into the net giving Eamonn Elliott no chance. Stephen Olliver and Oliver Boyle replaced McNally and Milligan on the wings to give fresh legs.

Northend were still dangerous on the attack and if not for another couple of fine saves from the Comber keeper would have certainly stretched their lead. Anthony O'Neill and Jordan Todd came on for Elliott and McKenna to give everyone a run out in the final.

Congratulations to the boys for another good cup win to end the season with the Cup Double. This is the second year running the team has achieved this....

Thank You to all the parents, families and all supporters, including coaches from other Northend teams and coaches from other clubs who came to support the team on.

Man of the Match: Conor Graham, Team Performance

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

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Comber Rec U11s 2 Northend United U11s 3 Saturday 5th May 2012

The Blues met Comber Rec in a Shield match at Ballysillan knowing only a win would see them reach the final and what a match the supporters were in for.

Comber kicked the game off but it was Northend who were applying the pressure from the start and after a couple of minutes took the lead, the build up was done down the right and when Harry McNally played the ball over Andrew Milligan out on the left knocked it back in to the danger zone where Zack Herbison was on hand to control and fire the ball home and put the Blues 1 nil up. Time and time again Northend went on the attack but just couldn't find another way past the big Comber keeper and this helped Comber start to get back into the match and it was them who scored next five minutes before the break when their big midfielder broke into the box and rode a few tame challenges before squaring the ball to his forward to give Eamonn Elliott in Northend's goal no chance and taking the game to the break evens..Half time score 1-1

The second half got underway with still all to play for. Both teams were putting the effort in but the back lines were holding tight and giving the forwards nothing. Midway through the second half Comber were awarded a penalty when the Blues defender just mistimed his tackle and the referee pointed to the spot. The big left winger slammed the ball into the corner to send the Comber line wild. Jack Galbraith was replaced by Jordan Todd.

Northend knew they were up against it and time was running out but this seemed to spur the boys on again and with ten minutes to go Johnston Kirkpatrick, who was having a quiet game, held off a couple of tackles before blasting the ball low past the keeper to put the match all square and this time send the Northend line wild with joy. Oliver Boyle Replaced Milligan, but Northend knew they had to score again and time was still running out for the boys and with less than a minute to go a Blues player hit a shot towards goal and a Comber player blocked it with his hand inside the box. The referee pointed straight to the spot, as Herbison put the ball on the spot the referee had to go over and speak to the Comber line but eventually when the referee did blow his whistle the wee man kept his nerve and dispatched the ball into the corner to this time send the Blues line hysterical with delight. Comber took the kick off and a few seconds later the referee blew his whistle for full time and Northend marched into the final of the Shield after a nail biting encounter. Well done to the boys for reaching another final...

Men of the Match: Conor Graham, Zack Herbison

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

Northend United U13s 8 Larne Youth U13s 2 Saturday 28th April 2012

The U13s took on Larne Youth at Mallusk in the Shield on Saturday knowing after their slip up last week they had to win if they wanted any chance to stay in this competition. Larne have been playing well recently and are sitting third in the league so Northend weren't taking anything for granted having been beaten already this season by the Reds. The boys were told they needed to show more character and determination than in their last couple of matches and try to keep the ball on the ground and play football.

The match got underway and it wasn't too long before Northend were on the attack with some nice passing between the midfield and attackers and if not for some great defending and brave goalkeeping, the Blues would of surely taken the lead in the first few minutes but it wasn't long before Northend did break the deadlock. A cross from Conor Graham fell to Harry McNally in the box but his shot rebounded back off the post but Zack Herbison was quickest to react and lash the ball into the net. Herbison soon turned provider for Johnston Kirkpatrick to blast the ball home to put the Blues 2-0 up. Kirkpatrick added a third just before half time this time McNally flicking the ball too the big man and he gave the keeper no chance from 15yards. Half time score 3-0 to Northend.

The Blues were warned about complacency at half time and told to keep the tempo up and play the football they were playing and this is what they did and after 5 minutes they went further in front. A nice pass from Graham and Philip Maybin hit an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box past the keeper. Harry McNally took on his man and crossed the ball from the bye-line for Kirkpatrick to hammer in for his hat-trick and Northend's fifth.

Jordan Todd replaced Harry McNally, who had had a super game on the right wing.

Todd fitted in at right back moving Ryan McKenna over to left back and pushing Andrew Milligan up to the left wing with Stephen Olliver crossing to the right wing.

Larne kept going and scored next, when a slight mix up on who was marking who and the Larne winger beat the offside trap to slip the ball past Anthony O'Neill in Northend's goals. This didn't hinder the Blues and Maybin picked out Milligan who shot past the Larne keeper for the Blues' sixth.

Oliver Boyle, still trying to regain his fitness, replaced Stephen Olliver who had put in a strong performance on both wings. Larne's heads still didn't drop and they went upfield to score their second. This spurred the Blues on again and when Herbison played the ball over for Milligan he stuck away his second of the day. More was to come from Milligan who popped up five minutes from time to hammer home Northend's eighth and complete his first hat-trick for Northend.

An all round good display from the boys today and some of the passing was the best this season to keep them in the Shield and hopefully can perform like this against Comber in their next game and reach the final.

Men of the Match: A Milligan, Team Performance

Panel: A O'Neill, R McKenna, A Milligan, R Dennison, J Galbraith, P Maybin, C Graham(c), H McNally, J Kirkpatrick, Z Herbison, S Olliver, J Todd, O Boyle

Northend United U13s 2 Newington U13s 4 Saturday 21st April 2012

The U13s met Newington Youth at Mallusk on Saturday in a Shield match,with all still to play for in this top four competition a win for both teams would take either of them a step closer to a place in the final.

Newington kicked off the match but Northend couldn't get to grips with the breeze at their backs and their final ball through to the forwards seemed to be just too heavy. Eventually the Blues did get a bit of their passing game together and after 20 minutes opened the scoring. Johnston Kirkpatrick won the ball and laid it off to Zack Herbison who burst through the middle before blasting the ball past the keeper into the corner of the net. Five minutes later they doubled their lead when a corner floated over by Philip Maybin beat everyone except Herbison who headed the ball goalwards and the big defender on the line couldn't manage to keep the ball out. Just before the half time whistle Newington pulled a goal back. The Blues failed to cut out a ball down their left and when it was crossed into the box no one wanted to take control and the big forward slammed it past Eamonn Elliott and into the net. Half time score 2-1 to Northend

Newington came out the second half in confident mood and with the wind at their backs put Northend on the back foot from the kick off and soon found themselves on level terms when once again the Blues failed to put in tackles and the forward had time to blast the ball into the net. Newington used the wind well and quickly scored two more goals to take a 4-2 lead with their No10 giving the Blues backline

a torrid time with his pace.

Jordan Todd, Harry McNally and Oliver Boyle replaced Galbraith, Olliver and Milligan. Northend finished the game strong but couldn't hit the net again and Newington ran out 4-2 winners. This was a disappointing finish to the week after a great cup win on Wednesday. The boys know they have to play better and harder than this if they want to reach the final of this competition and hopefully will take this onboard for Monday's league match.

Men of the Match: Zack Herbison, robbie Dennison

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

Comber Rec U13s 1 Northend United U13s 5 Knock-Out Cup Final Wednesday 18th April 2012

The U13s met Comber Rec at Mallusk on Wednesday evening to contest the Knock Out Cup Final, having already played each other twice and with one win a piece this was always going to be a good game of football between these two top teams.

Comber started the match the brighter pushing the Blues back but couldn't break through the defence of Ryan McKenna, Robbie Dennison, Jack Galbraith and

Conor McHugh. Having not played for nearly three weeks the Blues, not surprisingly, seemed to be a bit off the pace and it took them a while to start getting into the game.

Comber had the first chance at goal after fifteen minutes but the forward's header went well over the bar. This was the wake up call Northend needed and soon they were on attack with Zack Herbison being put through on goal only for the big keeper to save his shot but it wasn't long before the Blues did take the lead. A corner was swung in by Philip Maybin and Captain Conor Graham was quickest to the near post to flick his header home. Comber did try to break through a couple of times but Eamonn Elliott was quick off his line to gather the ball from danger. The half time score was 1-0 to Northend

The second half got underway with Blues getting the upperhand and after five minutes doubled their lead, with Johnston Kirkpatrick hitting a great shot only to watch as the ball smacked against the bar but as the two defenders tried to clear it Zack Herbison pounced to fire the ball into the net. Now the boys were starting to settle down and before long they had hit a third. Great work out on the right by Stephen Olliver was rewarded when the ball was played inside to Kirkpatrick, this time the big fella was making no mistake as his shot from just inside the box found the corner.

Comber were next to get on the score sheet by pulling a goal back. A throw in by Northend in line with their 18 yard box was flicked on but the ball just fell to a Comber player who hit an unstoppable volley from 25 yards giving Elliott in the Northend goals no chance. Harry McNally replaced Stephen Olliver.

McNally had a hand in Northend's fourth goal as his chasing down won a corner. Maybin played the ball in, Comber thought they had cleared the danger but the ball fell to Maybin on the edge of the box, he took a touch and then blasted the ball past the keeper to put the Blues 4 1 up. Kane Gibson replaced Andrew Milligan who had played a steady game on the left wing.

The Blues still weren't finished and added another goal. Great play in the middle of the park and when the ball was played out to the right to Gibson his first time pass set Herbison off down the right and he shot across the keeper and into the net for his second and Northend's fifth.

Anthony O'Neill, Oliver Boyle and Jordan Todd replaced Elliott, Maybin and Galbraith to give everyone a run out in the final. Well done to all the team for a very good win to retain the cup they won last year.

Thank you to all the support from families and friends who cheered on the boys.

Men of the Match: Zack Herbison, Team Performance

Panel: E Elliott, R Dennison, R McKenna, C McHugh, J Galbraith, P Maybin, C Graham(c), S Olliver, J Kirkpatrick, Z Herbison, A Milligan, H McNally, J Todd, K Gibson, O Boyle, A O'Neill.

Carnmoney Colts U13s 1 Northend United U13s 3 Saturday 31st Match 2012

The Blues were playing up at the Grove pitches for the second Saturday in a row. This weeks opponents were Carnmoney Colts in the Premiership and in recent weeks the Colts have been putting in some good performances against the top teams and Northend knew they would have to be on top of their game if they wanted to come away with the points.

Northend put pressure on Colts from the start, with Philip Maybin and Conor Graham fighting for everything in the middle of the park, Johnston Kirkpatrick and Zack Herbison up front and wingers Stephen Olliver and Oliver Boyle giving the Carnmoney defence no time at all on the ball. The first chance of the match fell to Herbison but his first time shot from Kirkpatrick's cross just went narrowly wide. Moments later it was Kirkpatrick's turn when he outmuscled his marker only to see his powerful drive flash over the bar. Herbison had the defence scrambling again as he beat the keeper to the ball only to see his flick cleared off the line. As of last week it was the opposition who went in front, against the run of play. As the ball was played through the centre of defence some players hesitated and Carnmoney's No10 ran through and slotted the ball past Eamonn Elliott. The score stayed 1 nil to Carnmoney to half time.

The Ballymena Boys were told to keep playing the way they had been, keep passing the ball around, keep the tempo up and eventually the goals would come as they were creating the chances. Oliver Boyle, who is still trying to regain his fitness after his recent surgery, was replaced by Harry McNally on the right wing.

Northend started the second half the brighter and once again were putting pressure on Carnmoney but the big keeper and defence were dealing with the Blues attacks. However as discussed at half-time, it wouldn't take long for the goals to come and it was a great one to wait for. Philip Maybin picked the ball up just inside his own half and went on a storming run beating three players before blasting the ball past the keeper from just inside the box, 1-1. The blues upped the tempo even more after this and soon took the lead. McNally and Kirkpatrick exchanged passes out on the right before playing the ball in field to Herbison and he in turn played a great ball into Stephen Olliver's path, who hit an excellent first time shot, giving the keeper no chance, 2-1 to Northend.

Carnmoney now hunting an equalizer were getting no joy from Ryan McKenna, Jack Galbraith, Conor McHugh and Robbie Dennison in Northend's defence and with Elliott's constant talking and awareness there was just no way through for the Colts. This was Northend's best defensive display in recent weeks. The Blues added a third soon after when McNally out on the right played in Johnston Kirkpatrick and he thundered the ball past the Colts keeper.

Jordan Todd and Kane Gibson replaced Jack Galbraith and Stephen Olliver.

Northend were well on top playing some great football and finished the game 3-1 in front to take the 3 points. This was a great all round display from all the boys.

Man of the Match: Team Performance

Panel: E Elliott, R Dennison, R McKenna, C McHugh, J Galbraith, P Maybin, C Graham(c), O Boyle, J Kirkpatrick, Z Herbison, S Olliver, H McNally, J Todd, K Gibson, A O'Neill

Carrick Rangers U13s 2 Northend United U13s 5 Monday 26th March 2012

The U13's took on Carrick Rangers at Mallusk on a lovely Monday evening knowing that a win was essential to keep the pressure on the teams around them at the top of the table. This was always going to be a big test against an Irish league teams youth setup who have been finding some form lately.

The match got underway with both teams cancelling each other out but it was Northend who started to take control and had to watch as a few half chances flew wide but it was just a matter of time before they went in front. The first goal came in the 22nd minute when a ball played in from the left, Zack Herbison somehow scrambled the ball back across the goal for Conor Graham to blast the ball home and give the Blues a 1-0 cushion.

Soon afterwards they doubled their lead when Andrew Milligan crossed to Johnston Kirkpatrick and the big man had to slightly swivel but hit a cracking shot into the top corner. The Blues were now in the driving seat but as on Saturday they took their foot off the pedal and let Carrick pull a goal back by wondering out of position and not competing for the ball. Some slack defending let in the forward to slot the ball past Eamonn Elliott to send the teams into the break with Northend 2-1 in front.

The boys were told they needed to up the pace and stop making silly mistakes if they wanted anything out of this game. Oliver Boyle, who was starting his first game since having major surgery, was understandably tiring and was replaced by Stephen Olliver on the right wing at half time.

The second half started with the boys putting the pressure on Carrick. A foul led to Northend's third goal. Philip Maybin placed the ball down with only one intention and duly obliged by steering the ball over the wall and into the top corner,3-1 to the Blues. Now the boys were starting to play some nice passing football and this formed Northend's fourth goal when a great ball into the box from Milligan and big Kirkpatrick produced a stunning overhead kick which sailed past the keeper,4-1 to Northend.

Carrick were still trying to attack at every opportunity and with one of these attacks pulled another goal back when once again a bit of slack defending let in the striker to slot the ball past Elliott and bring the score back to 4-2 but straight from the kick off the Blues got the ball to Herbison who managed to get into the box only for his shirt to be pulled and the ref awarded a penalty. Herbison got up and dispatched the ball past the Carrick keeper to put the blues 5-2 up.

Harry McNally, Jordan Todd and Anthony O'Neill replaced Milligan, Galbraith and Elliott.

Northend played the rest of the game in control and took another three points in the Premiership with a fine 5-2 win.

Men of the Match: Johnston Kirkpatrick, Conor Graham, Conor McHugh

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

Loughside U13s 3 Northend United U13s 4 Saturday 24th March 2012

The boys travelled up to Belfast to the Grove Pitches where they had to entertain Loughside in the semi final of the Knock Out Cup, knowing a place was at stake the boys knew they needed to be on top of their game against Loughside who have been in great form recently.

Loughside kicked the match off but it was the Blues who were on the attack first and had a couple of great chances to take the lead but unlike recent weeks Northend just couldn't put the ball in the net. Loughside were starting to get more into the game and after fifteen minutes they managed to take the lead, when the ball played through for the striker to hold off a couple of weak challenges before thumping the

ball past the advancing Eamonn Elliott in Northend's goals. This was a bit of a wake up call for the Blues and five minutes later they drew level. An excellent corner by Philip Maybin was met by a splendid Conor Graham header. This seemed to spur the team on and soon after they took the lead. Great inter passing by Zack Herbison and Andrew Milligan out on the left and Milligan crossed for Johnston Kirkpatrick to burst through the defence and thunder the ball past the keeper. Northend were applying a lot of pressure now and it wasn't long before they went further ahead. Another super corner from Maybin was flicked home by Kane Gibson at the near post for the Blues to go 3 1 up but as this Loughside are not a team to give up they plugged away and pulled a goal back just before half time, when a ball played over the Blues defence for the big striker to chip the ball over the advancing Elliott and into the net. Half time score 3-2 to Northend

Northend started the second half but it was Loughside who were now on top and the Ballymena Boys looked very ragged and couldn't seem to get their passing game together.

Oliver Boyle replaced Andrew Milligan, who had gone over on his ankle. Although the play went from end to end it was Loughside who eventually scored to pull the scores level. Once again it was the big striker causing the problems and he got away from his marker and blasted the ball high over Elliott's head, which sent the Loughside line wild with delight. Stephen Olliver replaced Kane Gibson.

This match was now on a knife edge and with the clock running towards extra time the next goal would surely be the winner. Conor Graham pumped a high ball upfield for the Blues and as Kirkpatrick chased the keeper ran out to punch the ball away only to see the ball come back off Kirkpatrick and big Kirkpatrick hammered the ball into the empty net. Now it was Northend's line to celebrate.

Harry McNally replaced Johnston Kirkpatrick. Elliott produced a brave save and Northend held on to the lead in an excellent match for neutrals and progressed into the Knock Out cup final. Well done the Ballymena Boys!

Men of the Match: Johnston Kirkpatrick, Eamonn Elliott

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

Northend United U13s 10 Barn United U13s 3 Saturday 17th March 2012

The U13s had to travel to Mallusk on Saturday where they were up against Barn in the Knock Out cup and a place in the Semi's was awaiting the winners. Recently Barn have been blowing hot and cold so the boys new they had to come out of the blocks first and with not playing last week hopefully the team weren't a bit rusty.

To the joy of the coaches and supporters the boys were in no mood to give up the cup they won last year and from the start they were up for it.

Barn kicked off the match but the Blues as in recent games were a real threat going forwards and after eight minutes were ahead. A great through ball from Philip Maybin had Johnston Kirkpatrick sprinting towards goals and as the keeper came out the big striker blasted the ball home. Northend soon doubled their lead when Kirkpatrick played Zack Herbison through and this time he placed the ball past the advancing keeper.

Harry McNally was next to get on the score sheet when after a bit of pinball in the box his goalbound shot took a slight deflection before nestling in the corner.

Barn gave themselves a glimmer of hope when they scored from a corner but this was short lived as Kirkpatrick added his second of the day and Northend's fourth, as the keeper tried to clear a back pass, Kirkpatrick put pressure on him and the ball cannoned off the striker and he was quick to react to blast the ball into the net.

Maybin added no5 when he picked up a loose ball on the edge of the box and his shot was just too good for the keeper to save. Just on the stroke of half time Barn went up-field and added a second when a free kick was won out on the right and the ball was blasted into the roof of the net giving Eamonn Elliott in goals no chance.

Half Time score 5-2 to Northend

The second half got underway with the Blues once again going on the attack and Kirkpatrick completed his hat-trick as he outpaced the Barn defence and slid the ball home. Maybin fired his second of the day when the keeper could only get a hand too it as it sailed over his head.

Stephen Olliver replaced Harry McNally. Barn added a third when a corner wasn't cleared and the players shot took a big deflection sending Elliott the wrong way. However this didn't hinder Northend as Herbison doubled his tally with Ryan McKenna picking him out with a great pass and Herbison holding off a challenge before slipping the ball past the keeper.

Elliott in goals was replaced by McKenna and Jordan Todd came on at left back. Barn had another opportunity to pull a goal back when the referee pointed to the spot after a challenge but Ryan McKenna did brilliant to guess the right way and pull off a great save. Kane Gibson replaced Andrew Milligan. The Blues weren't finished yet and as Maybin was tackled, the referee played advantage as Herbison picked up the loose ball on the edge of the box to burst through a couple of defenders and shoot home for his hat-trick. With only a couple of minutes to go, Maybin also

got his hat-trick when Kirkpatrick played the ball through to him and he casually flicked it past the keeper for Northend's tenth.

Men of the Match: Zack Herbison, Philip Maybin, Johnston Kirkpatrick

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

Comber Rec U13s 0 Northend United U13s 3 Saturday 3rd March 2012

The boys were playing in the Shield competition today against Comber Rec at the Loughside pitches on the Shore Road. Having already played out two draws in this competition the boys knew a win was a must against top team Comber Rec.

Captain Conor Graham won the toss and opted to play with the slight breeze and from the kick off Northend went on the attack giving Comber's defence no time on the ball and after a few minutes had their first chance when Johnston Kirkpatrick broke through but the big Comber keeper was equal too it and pulled off a good save. Then Northend broke down the left and when the ball was played into the box, the ball was cleared off the line. Then the keeper produced another great save and the danger was cleared. Soon after the big keeper was there again to block from Kirkpatrick and the Northend line was starting to think maybe this wasn't going to be their day. But with ten minutes to go to half time the Blues broke the deadlock when the ball was won out on the right and when it found its way to Zack Herbison he squared the ball to the back post where in came Kane Gibson to slide the ball home. This was no more than the boys deserved for all their pressure. Comber won a free kick just outside the box on the stroke of half time but this didn't trouble Eamonn Elliott even after Comber had two attempts at it. The half time score remained 1-0 to Northend

At half time the coaches told the boys they needed to keep it tight at the back and in midfield and not let Comber have any long range shots now they had the breeze with them and to keep the good tempo going.

The Blues kicked off the second half and as the first, went on the attack. Now the boys were able to get the ball down and enjoy some good passing moves but as in the first half Comber's keeper was in top form keeping Northend's attack force at bay with some brave saves and crucial clearing. Any attacking by Comber was being broke up by the Blues defence of Ryan McKenna, Jack Galbraith, Robbie Dennison and sweeper Conor McHugh with keeper Elliott marshalling them well with his constant talking. At one stage Comber's forward did get a snap shot but the ball clipped the post. Harry McNally replaced Stephen Olliver who'd hurt his foot.

Northend with Philip Maybin and Graham controlling the centre of midfield and Kane Gibson and now McNally were running the wings were now pushing for a second goal. This came about when a clearance from Comber's defence was headed back up field by Maybin and McNally rose highest to flick the ball to Kirkpatrick who touched the ball on for Herbison to dart through two defenders touch it past the keeper and stroke the ball into the net.

Jordan Todd replaced Kane Gibson who had run his legs off on the left wing.

Better was to come from the Blues as they put the game to bed with a third goal. Northend cleared out of defence for Herbison to return the earlier favour touching the ball onto Kirkpatrick for him to run through, holding off two defenders and blast the ball past the keeper.

Tom Stockdale replaced Jack Galbraith. Northend kept the ball in the Rec's half for the remainder of the match and secured an excellent win against a top Comber team and showed on their day just how good a team the Blues are.

Man of the Match: Team Performance

Panel: E Elliott, R Dennison, R McKenna, C McHugh, J Galbraith, P Maybin, C Graham(c), K Gibson, J Kirkpatrick, Z Herbison, S Olliver, H McNally, J Todd, T Stockdale.