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Lisburn Ladies 3 Northend United 1 Saturday 22nd April 2017

Northend and Lisburn Ladies finished the season level on points as the League runners-up and in the final game of the season both sides met to play off for the runners up trophy. Northend started brightly and almost went ahead on five minutes when Dylan McLoughlin forced a good save from the Lisburn keeper. Lisburn took the lead on seven minutes when a deep corner found an unmarked player at the back post who clinically finished from close range. The Ladies had two year age advantage and with five internationals in their side they started to show some quality in their play. Northend worked hard to retain possession and Jack Connor-Wilson stood out in the tough physical midfield battle. Kai Barr split the Lisburn defence open with a great pass at the mid-point of the half only for Lewis Hector to be incorrectly adjudged off-side. Kevin Cosgrove was then fouled in the penalty area towards the end of the half but again the referee failed to see the blatant shove that threw Kevin off the ball as he was about to shoot on goal. Half-time 0-1

Northend were slow to close down an early attack and went two nil down in the opening minutes of the second half. The boys showed great character to dig deep and battle their way back into the game. Tyrone Mitchell surged forward and curled a great effort narrowly over the bar from the left corner of the area. Lewis Hector had two chances that went narrowly wide and the Ballymena boys built up a great bit of pressure during the second half. The physical edge to the game continued throughout and the quality of refereeing was poor to point of being farcical. With ten minutes remaining Tyrone Mitchell was scythed down in possession, but with play waved on Lisburn broke forward and added a third. Moments later the referee awarded Northend a free kick but to everyone's amazement went on to send off a Northend player for the same foul. The blues again responded well and concentrated on getting themselves back into the game. With three minutes remaining David Magill fired home a consolation goal with a left foot shot from the edge of the area that nestled inside the far right hand post. Full-time 1-3

Man of the Match: Jack Connor-Wilson - Worked tirelessly for the team and has come a long way this season in his development.

A brilliant first year at 11-a-side. Third place in the league, reaching the semi-final of the league cup and winning the plate at the Larne 7s on Easter Monday. The boys now travel to Blackburn next weekend for their end of season tour, with two games against local sides and Blackburn's key relegation game with Aston Villa.

And finally, a massive thanks to the parents for their continued support and assistance with getting the boys to and from training/matches. Thanks also go the sponsorship received throughout the season from Norbev Ltd and The Natural Drinks Co Ltd.

Panel: C Wilson, S McDowell, N Devine, O Campbell, D McKay, D Magill, J Adams, K Cosgrove, L Hector, J Connor-Wilson, T Mitchell, D McLoughlin, K Barr, A Pescaru, S Crawford and C McMurray

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Downpatrick 2 Northend United 0 Saturday 8th April 2017

Northend went into their final fixture of the season sitting in second spot, level on points with Lisburn Ladies, but with this game in hand and knowing a draw would secure the runners up slot. Downpatrick were not going to be a push over, the earlier fixtures between these sides had been very tight and Downpatrick are currently on track for a League Shield and Cup double. The game started at a fast pace, Northend enjoyed an early spell of possession and almost took the lead on seven minutes when Jack Adams connected with a Lewis Hector corner. Downpatrick gradually forced their way into the game and took the lead on twelve minutes when Northend took too long to clear a corner and the ball was forced over the line. The blues were starting to allow Downpatrick too much time on the ball, but were unlucky to concede a second goal from a long looping cross into the area. Northend started to find their shape again as the half drew to the close and almost pulled a goal back from a David McKay free-kick. Half-Time 0-2

Northend gave themselves a much-needed shake at half time and it was like watching a completely different team in the second half, the Blues played with a better shape and showed a lot more aggression to match their opponents. Within the opening two minutes David Magill headed a Lewis Hector corner narrowly wide. Jack Adams then headed a Tyrone Mitchell corner over the bar and the boys started to build up a bit of momentum. Jack McIlhatton was creating havoc along the left wing with some great individual skill and it was clear that a goal for the Ballymena boys would change the game. The Blues dominated the half and some great play from Kai Barr and Kevin Cosgrove almost produced a goal. In the final ten minutes alone Niall Devine, Lewis Hector, Andre Pescaru, Jack McIlhatton and Tyrone Mitchell all forced great saves from the Downpatrick keeper, but the boys just couldn't get the ball over the line. Full-time 0-2

Man of the match - Team performance and let's not forget the parents and sponsors - A brilliant first season at 11-a-side for the U13 squad, finishing the league campaign level on points with Lisburn Ladies in second place and having reached the semi-final of the league shield earlier in the season. The boys have all put a tremendous amount of effort into their training this year and each boy has come a long way in terms of their own development, but more importantly the squad have grown to realise the importance of each other's roles within the team. A massive thank-you must also go to the parents for their continued support and assistance with getting the boys to and from training/matches. The squad have now got the Larne 7's to look forward to on Easter Monday and we'll then round off a fantastic season with the trip to Blackburn Rovers at the end of the month, with two matches arranged as part of the weekend and attendance at the key relegation fixture with Aston Villa. Thanks also the sponsorship received throughout the season from Norbev Ltd and The Natural Drinks Co Ltd.

Panel: S McDowell, N Devine, O Campbell, D McKay, D Magill, J Adams, K Cosgrove, L Hector, J McIlhatton, J Connor-Wilson, T Mitchell, A Courtney, K Barr, C McMurray, S Crawford, A Pescaru, D McLoughlin

TW Braga 0 Northend United 3 Saturday 1st April 2017

The penultimate week of the U13 Lisburn League could have been billed as 'Super Saturday' with four of the top five sides matched against each other and Northend knew that nothing less than a win against bottom placed TW Braga would keep their title hopes alive. The Ballymena boys set the pace of play throughout the game and went ahead in the ninth minute when Jack Connor-Wilson split open the Braga defence and Lewis Hector neatly finished a one-on-one with the keeper to put his side in-front. Braga did threaten the Northend goal at the mid-point of the half, however David McKay marshalled the blues defence and kept them focused throughout the game; and Jack Adams put in a hard-working display in central midfield. Northend dominated play for the remainder of the half and could have been out of sight at the break had it not been for a superb display by the Braga keeper. Several chances were either scrambled clear, shot wide or saved and the blues knew a second goal would put the game beyond doubt. Half-time 1-0

Northend were almost caught out by an early Braga attack in the opening seconds of the half although Sam McDowell was alert to the danger and charged off his line to make an important save. That was to be the last really nervous point of the game as Niall Devine, David McKay, David Magill and Sam Crawford simply pulled the shutters down at the back and dealt with anything Braga had to offer for the rest of the game. Kevin Cosgrove, Lewis Hector and Tyrone Mitchell each shot into the side netting within the opening five minutes before Kevin Cosgrove cracked home a twenty hard screamer moments later. Jack McIlhatton was now starting to enjoy a lot of space along the left wing and started to stretch the Braga defence. On eighteen minutes Kai Barr produced a brilliant piece of skill to control a difficult high ball and force a good save from the keeper. Dylan McLoughlin and Callum McMurray worked hard to close the game out in the second half, but Jack McIlhatton had the final say with a jinking solo effort in the final minute to notch Northend's third of the game. Full-time 3-0

As the boys came off the pitch news came through that Lisburn Distillery had clinched the title in their game with Tollymore United. Northend also found out that they are currently level in second place with Lisburn Ladies, although with a game in hand, the boys can claim the runners up spot for themselves if they take a point from their final game next Saturday. All to play for boys - Lets finish the season off in style and then get ready for a well-earned trip to Blackburn Rovers at the end of the month!!!

Man of the Match: Team performance - With only two defeats in their last sixteen league games the boys have pushed Lisburn Distillery down to the wire in the race for the title and beaten the league champions in recent weeks. All the hard work in training has really paid off and each of the squad have played a very big part in the success.

Panel: S McDowell, N Devine, S Crawford, D McKay, D Magill, J Adams, K Cosgrove, L Hector, J McIlhatton, J Connor-Wilson, T Mitchell, K Barr, C McMurray and D McLoughlin

Northend United 3 Lisburn Ladies 1 Saturday 25th March 2017

With only three games remaining in an incredibly tight race for the Lisburn League, Northend's 2004 squad know that three wins will give them a chance to claim the title or, depending on other fixtures, finish second in the table. Lisburn Ladies were currently in second place going into the game, but had played one game more than Northend and so the fixture had a 'must win' feel about it for both sides. The Ballymena boys were playing 'against the slope' at Barbour in the first half and made a sluggish start to the game. Sam McDowell made a good save from a driven free-kick on twelve minutes and the back four of Niall Devine, Owen Campbell, David Magill and David McKay were in good form throughout the game. Jack Adam's was having a strong game in midfield and worked hard to win possession for his side. Northend's best piece of play in the half came after twenty-two minutes, when Lewis Hector shot into the side netting following a good pass from Tyrone Mitchell. It was Lisburn though who opened the scoring with five minutes of the half remaining when they pounced upon a loose ball in the Northend area. Half-time 0-1

Northend were like a different team in the second half. The Ballymena boys drew themselves level in the opening two minutes when Jack Connor-Wilson closed down a poor back pass and forced a mistake which fell kindly for Lewis Hector to pass into the empty goal. Northend were now starting to play with a better rhythm and took a firmer grip of the game. A second goal almost came on thirteen minutes when Andres Pescaru and Lewis Hector pressurised the Lisburn defence and Andrea's effort was cleared off the line. Robert Adams made a few inspirational tactical changes at the mid-point of the half and within minutes Northend had edged themselves in front with a great piece of play. Kevin Cosgrove picked up a loose ball in midfield and swept a pass wide to Jack McIlhatton. The young winger made a surging 40-yard run to the by-line and cut-back a pass to the on-rushing Kai Barr who smashed a first time shot past the keeper from ten yards. Northend's fitness started to shine through and they dominated the latter stages of the game with Sam Crawford putting in a good shift at right midfield. In the final stages, Jack McIlhatton again created some space along the left wing and Lewis Hector shot narrowly wide from a cross into the area. With five minutes remaining Tyrone Mitchell put the result beyond doubt when he burst through on goal and outwitted the keeper with a cool finish to wrap up the points. Full-time 3-1

Man of the Match: Team performance - There are now only two remaining league games and the 2004's know that six points will either see them lift the league title or, at worst, finish in second place. It's an exciting end to the season for the squad and with only two league defeats in their last fifteen games, the boys are certainly entering the final stage of the season as the form side. But the hard work needs to continue until the end of the season - keep it going boys!!!! - It will be a great way to finish your first season at eleven-a-side

Panel: S McDowell, N Devine, O Campbell, D McKay, D Magill, J Adams, K Cosgrove, L Hector, J McIlhatton, J Connor-Wilson, T Mitchell, K Barr, A Pescaru, S Crawford

Northend United 3 Lisburn Distillery 2 Saturday 18th March 2017

Lisburn Distillery needed a point from this game to claim the league title but were simply overwhelmed by a powerful Northend performance which keeps the Ballymena boys own title ambitions alive with only three games remaining. The blues dominated the opening period and took the lead on four minutes when Davy McKay connected with a Jack McIlhatton corner to smash a volleyed shot into the top corner of the net. Northend's back four of Niall Devine, Owen Campbell, David McKay and David Magill were outstanding throughout and matched the physical approach Lisburn brought to the game. The key battle in the first half was in central midfield where Tyrone Mitchell, Jack Connor-Wilson and Jack Adams went through a mountain of work and retained possession well for their side. With seven minutes of the half remaining Jack Connor-Wilson closed down the Distillery defence and Kevin Cosgrove produced a sublime piece of skill to flick a loose ball over the head of the central defender with his right foot and then fire a first-time left foot shot into the bottom corner. A contender for goal of the season at any level of football! Half-time 2-0

Northend struggled to get a grip on the game in the opening six minutes of the re-start and to their credit Distillery showed great character to pick themselves off the floor after being overran in the first half. Northend conceded a silly goal during this period when a Lisburn free-kick found its way into the goal, but this was the shot in the arm the Ballymena boys needed and each player simply went through the gears to regain their grip on the game. Lewis Hector and Jack McIlhatton were torturing the Distillery defence with tireless running and Kai Barr was retaining good possession in attack. The decisive goal came on twenty minutes when Kai Barr produced some clever footwork in the Distillery box and as the ball shifted to Kevin Cosgrove on the edge of the area, the young midfielder placed a brilliant first time effort over the keeper to give his side a firm grasp on the game. Andre Pescaru worked tirelessly in the closing period to close down the Distillery midfield, although with four minutes remaining Lisburn worked a good piece of play to narrow the gap. It was Northend though who were the more hungrier side and every player made a huge contribution to this important win. Full-time 3-2

Man of the match: Team Performance - The boys now need to concentrate on the final three league games. The title may still be mathematically possible, but second place is more likely and would round off an impressive first season at eleven-a-side for this talented young squad.

Panel: C Wilson, N Devine, O Campbell, D McKay, D Magill, J Adams, K Cosgrove, L Hector, J McIlhatton, J Connor-Wilson, T Mitchell, K Barr and A Pescaru

Lisburn Distillery 4 Northend United 3 Saturday 11th March 2017

The leagues two top sides met in the opening group fixtures of the League Cup and served up an cracking game of football. Northend started the game with some purpose when Kai Barr shot wide from the edge of the box in the opening minute and Kevin Cosgrove smashed an effort off the crossbar moments later. Lisburn took the lead on five minutes with their first attack of the game when a miss-hit cross from the right wing soared over Dylan McLoughlin and rather fortunately found its way into the net. Another slice of luck on thirteen minutes saw Lisburn double their advantage; on this occasion the Northend defence looked to have comfortably dealt with an up-field pass before a Lisburn player clearly blocked a pass with his hand before running through on goal. Everyone except the referee seemed to notice this deliberate hand-ball, but as it is his decision that counts the Ballymena boys had to pick themselves up from the early set back and settle back into their pattern of play. The next fifteen minutes saw Northend push forward to pull back a goal. A Jack McIlhatton half-volley and two stinging efforts from Tyrone Mitchell forced excellent saves from the keeper. With only a few minutes remaining a long up-field ball wasn't dealt with by the Northend defence and Lisburn notched their third of the game. The Ballymena boys showed great resilience to yet another set-back and pulled a goal back on the stroke of half time when Tyrone Mitchell fizzed a free kick to the back post and Lewis Hector smashed home a first-time effort into the roof of the net. Half-time 3-1

Northend started the second half in a determined mood and almost pulled back a second goal when Lewis Hector raced through on goal in the opening seconds. The Ballymena boys were on top for most of the half and a Kevin Cosgrove volley on nine minutes went agonisingly wide of goal. With neither side looking prepared to give the other any time on the ball, the supporters from both teams were enjoying a full-blooded encounter from two very good sides. A poor decision by the referee awarded Lisburn a penalty on fourteen minutes when a Northend player tried to close-down a shot on the edge of the area but was adjudged to have handled the ball as the effort struck his arm. Once again the Ballymena boys showed tremendous character and pulled a goal back from the kick-off when David McKay split the Lisburn defence with a great pass to Jack Connor-Wilson and Jack produced a sublime chip to beat the keeper from eth edge of the box. The blues surged forward and were the much stronger team in the final ten minutes of the game. With five minutes remaining a poor clearance was driven into the net by Tyrone Mitchell and the Northend boys looked likely to score again with each attack. Further chances came and went and with no additional time being added by the referee the Ballymena boys had to reflect upon a few poor decisions which cost them dearly in this opening group game. Full-time 4-3

The boys showed a tremendous team spirit today and real character to deal with a series of poor decisions which ultimately gave them a mountain to climb. But they almost did it and the coaches and parents are very proud of the never say die attitude amongst this young group of players. A special mention also goes to Dylan McLoughlin for stepping up to do goals today with the regular keepers being unavailable. These two sides meet next week again in a decisive league fixture and if it's half as good as this game the supporters will be in for a real treat.

Men of the match - Jack McIlhatton and Jack Connor-Wilson. Jack McIlhatton had been suffering from a bug before the game and put in a really big performance for the team. Jack Connor-Wilson made a big impact in the second half and showed exactly how well he can play when he puts his mind to it.

Panel: D McLoughlin, N Devine, O Campbell, D McKay, D Magill, J Adams, K Cosgrove, T Mitchell, L Hector, J McIlhatton, K Barr, J Connor-Wilson and A Courtney