Untitled

Hillsborough Boys 4 Northend United 0 Cup Semi-Final Saturday 2nd April 2022

A first semi-final encounter in league one for the young blues but it wasn’t to be on the day. A strong physical performance by Hillsborough saw them edge the tie and run out comfortable winners in the end. Hillsborough began the stronger of the two teams and the occasion seemed to get to Northend and they weren’t their usual selves. Hillsborough’s quick right winger got in behind the Northend defence early doors and it served as a warning sign to their intent. Not long after he got in again as Northend seemed to be at sixes and sevens. He played a clever ball to the Hillsborough striker who beat keeper Lavelle to the ball. A slight knock from Lavelle on the way through unbalanced the striker but Lucas Barnett was on the cover to advert the danger. However, the ref had played advantage and seen it as a penalty. Lavelle with his trademark intimidating of the spot kick done enough and made the save to keep it honours even. Northend began to compose themselves and grow into the game after this. Captain Lavelle was on his game and was winning a lot of ball in the midfield. They team started exerting pressure of their own and when Jamieson got a yard on his marker he was brought down outside the box. McArdle took the free and fired just passed the upright when it looked likely he had the beating of the big keeper for the lead. More pressure from Northend saw Jamieson break free again. This time he was chopped down from behind as he was about to pull the trigger inside the box. The referee played on saying the tackle was fair, to the consternation of the Northend dug out. Hillsborough continued to battle and earned a free kick of their own on the edge of the box as Lavelle was harshly adjudged to have made a foul. The freekick was well defended but only cleared to the edge of the box. The Hillsborough midfielder picked up the loose ball, dropped the shoulder and without pressure on the ball fired high into the top corner giving keeper Lavelle no chance. Northend continued to fight back but they couldn’t get the bounce of the ball nor the rub of the green and the big Hillsborough central defender was winning everything. Just before the half end Jamieson got onto a loose ball and rounded the keeper in the box only to be brought down. Again, the referee didn’t give the penalty which began mounting tensions with bench, players and parents alike. Half time 1-0

Northend began the second half on the front foot. The midfield three of Lavelle, McArdle and Drysdale began dominating proceedings and the ball was being played exclusively in the Hillsborough half. Dissent began to set in the Hillsborough ranks and they gave away a number of free kicks around the box. However, the big keeper was holding everything and Northend couldn’t get a clear sight of goal in the packed defence. Finally, a good passage of play saw McArdle slip Kian McGarel and his first touch took him away from his marker and he was in the clear. With only the keeper to beat everybody expected the net to bulge as Kian pulled the trigger. Somehow the big keeper flew across goal to make the save and keep the lead. Pressure was telling and McGarel got in again, his first touch again took him away from the defender but he was kicked and knocked off balance as he got sight of the goal. Kian to his credit, stayed on his feet but the unsettling allowed the defender to make the challenge and win the ball. Again, the dugout called for the penalty as there was no advantage and again the claims fell on deaf ears as the referee claimed a fair tackle. Dissent was creeping in and the players were being impacted by the one sided decision making. Just to compound their misery soon after as Northend pressed again, Hillsborough mounted their first attack of the half with a long ball counter. The quick winger got in behind with what looked to be offside. No call, and he rounded the keeper to double the lead. At this point Northend heads had dropped to what seemed to be an uphill struggle but they were still in the game with ten to go. They fought back again mounting pressure throwing caution to the wind only to be sucker punched by another Hillsborough counter. Northend held their line on the half-way to allow the striker to run offside but again the ref allowed play to continue for what every spectator assumed as an obvious decision. Hillsborough played the advantage and went on to slot the ball home to compound the misery and end the tie as a contest. At this point the referee had lost control of the sideline. A very heated exchange ensued and there was a call for calm. The Northend faithful felt very harshly done by and angry at the referee’s calls. The referee was not for turning and was not prepared to give Northend any advantage. Instead as the ball moved forward from Hillsborough just before the final whistle, he gave a free kick on the edge of the box which caused a mele on the sidelines. Hillsborough quickly stuck the ball into the net to the sound of the final whistle and the Northend coaches aired their grievances about the decision making. A big day out for the boys ended in tears. However, congratulations has to go to Hillsborough who put in a strong performance and took their chances. Although the scoreline flattered them and didn’t tell the full story, they were deserved victors after a hard fought battling performance. Full Time 4-0

Man of the Match: Eoin Lavelle (c)

Panel: C Lavelle, H Pekala, A Pekala, L Barnett, S Kerr, N Patenall, E Lavelle (c), S McArdle, D Morrow, E Drysdale, C Da Prato, C King, K McGarel, J Jamieson

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

Northend United 2 Lisdrum Youth 1 Saturday 26th March 2022

A very competitive fixture in Wallace Park saw the young Blues take on Lisdrum Youth. Not a lot between the teams today but Northend just edged it.

Lisdrum started the stronger of the two teams getting first to the ball and not giving Northend any time and space. Despite the aggression Hubert Pekala and Scott Kerr martialled the defence well. It took ten minutes for Northend to get into the game. Their first incisive play saw McArdle thread McGarel and the young striker calmly slotted the ball past the keeper. However, the ball hit the inside of the post and ran across to other post before being cleared. It looked to everybody but the referee a goal but play continued. Not long after Da Prato crossed the ball from the right to Jamieson whose shot just went wide of the post. Further pressure from Northend resulted in a free kick on the right when Jamieson was cut down. Adrian Pekala delivered a good ball that beat the first man and was right into the box. Kian McGarel was first to react with a volley that beat the keeper high into the goal, 1-0. Not long after Jamieson was slipped through. He held off his man and took the ball across goal and slammed it into the net to double the lead. More pressure from Northend saw Midfielder McArdle round six players but couldn’t get the shot away to score a memorable goal. Half time 2-0

Lisdrum started the second half similar to the first and dominated the battle for the ball. They created a couple of openings with some good passing football but the finishing was not there today. Although Northend didn’t have a lot of the ball, when they did they created some great chances. Jamieson run down the right and crossed a great ball onto the head of Corey King. Just as he was about to convert the chance it was nicked off his head by the defender. Soon after some good interchange between Drysdale and McGarel released McGarel on the edge of the box. He slipped a great ball to the back post but was just missed by the incoming Morrow and then followed up by McKane whose shot was saved from a tight angle. The best chance of the half fell to McGarel who was put through one on one with the keeper. Kian took the ball wide and chipped the keeper but just went past the post, when everyone was sure it was in. Lisdrum still kept fighting and some pressure in the box forced a defensive error. A sliding tackle from Adrian Pekala poked the ball passed his own keeper leaving Lavelle stranded and gave Lisdrum hope. The last five saw Lisdrum huff and puff but with no cutting edge, the equaliser was not to be found and Northend survived the scare. They were relieved to hear the final whistle in the end and another three points earned. Full Time 2-1

Man of The Match: Sam McArdle

Panel: C Lavelle, H Pekala, A Pekala, C Da Prato, K O’Neill, S Kerr, N Patenall, L Barnatt, E Lavelle (c), S McArdle, D Morrow, R McKane, E Drysdale, C King, K McGarel, J Jamieson

Oxford Sunnyside 3 Northend United 3 Saturday 19th March 2022

The young Blues made the journey to Moira this week to take on second place Oxford Sunnyside in windy conditions. The first chance fell within the first few minutes to Northend, when Jay Jamieson broke through the defence only to see his shot go narrowly wide. From this Sunnyside responded well, putting Northend on the back foot and having a few early chances, only for Northend to stand strong with solid defending. The game continued to go end to end with both sides trying to get the early goal. Soon the deadlock was to be broken, some good football from Northend lead to the ball being slipped through the Sunny defence to Jay Jamieson who drove at the Sunny defence beating the defender. He smashed a 20 yard shot into the top left corner of the net to give Northend the early lead. The battle continued between attack and defences. After Northend conceded a corner, the ball was whipped in dangerously from Sunnyside and Northend partially cleared. It fell back to the corner taker who fired the ball back into the box, only this time with the help of the wind, clearing everyone to find the back of the net, 1-1. The Blues shrugged off the set back and got back to the job in hand playing some great football against a strong wind and started pushing again for the lead. Only this time to be suckered punched, Sunny broke behind the Northend defence and slotted past the outcoming Conor Lavelle to go 1-2 ahead. Several minutes before half time Northend where hit again and again it was a well picked out pass on the right, the winger then had time to lift the head and play a perfect pass across the Northend goal to give the Sunnyside striker a tap in for a 1-3 lead. Half time 3-1

The second half became a different game, Northend rolled the sleeves up and began to stroke the ball around. Both defence and midfield were playing great composed football which started to create several chances. With a strong foothold in the game, within a few minutes of the second half a reply came. Ethan Drysdale, who was working his socks off, won the ball and laid it back to Sam McArdle who lifted the ball high over the Sunny defence. It was looking to be a comfortable take for the keeper but he was pressed by Kian McGarel, the keeper fumbled and McGarel picked up the loose ball rounded the keeper and slotted it to make it 2-3. Game On! With confidence rising the Northend boys very quickly found the equaliser. This time it was a well threaded ball from Adrian Pekala who picked out McGarel. He took control of the ball, dropped a shoulder and created a gap in the defence to find the bottom left, 3-3. Plenty of time for either side to grab a winner. Sunnyside found their first and only chance of the second half. Going at the Northend defence they struck a shot from outside the box only to see it trundle past the wrong side of the post, thankfully for the travelling fans. Northend then had several chances of their own. A good cross from Lucas Barnett found the head of McGarel only for the Sunnyside keeper to hold. Jamieson also had a good chance late on with his half volley just blazing over, when some good play down the left created the opportunity. The pressure from Northend continued to the final whistle but with no winner to be found a draw was to be the final scoreline. A very spirited and strong game from all the boys today from first to last whistle, a fantastic performance. A few mentions must go to Sam McArdle and Kian O Neill who both where solid all day and battled well but they where pipped to MOTM by Ethan Drysdale. The young man’s work rate and constant hounding gave the Sunnyside players a torrid time today. Well done Ethan and well done to all the boys and thanks to the parents for the continued support. Full Time 3-3

Man of The Match: Ethan Drysdale

Panel: C Lavelle, H Pekala, A Pekala, C Da Prato, K O’Neill, N Patenall, L Barnatt, E Lavelle (c), S McArdle, D Morrow, E Drysdale, C King, K McGarel, J Jamieson

Northend United 0 Lisburn Youth 2 Saturday 12th March 2022

Today was going to be a challenge for the young Pizza Parlour sponsored blues, testing themselves against table toppers Lisburn. Lisburn were yet to drop a point this season, so a strong performance was needed to get anything out of the game. Lisburn came out of the traps quickly with a couple of early goals. Northend grew into the game but we’re not able to overturn the deficit.

From the kick-off Lisburn pressed aggressively and didn’t give the young blues any time or space. They used the width excellently and put a lot of pressure on the Northend flanks. Wing backs Adrian Pekala and Lucas Barnett fought hard and won their battles for the most part but keeper Conor Lavelle and player of the month Scott Kerr were needed as last line of defence on occasion. Any time Northend got the ball forward Lisburn were first to react and moved the ball forward quickly but Northend’s high defensive line, martialled by Kerr, kept them at bay. Northend had a few attacks themselves with balls over the top to King, but the Lisburn keeper was too quick off his line and evaded the danger on each occasion. However, Lisburn pressure finally told, after they got in behind the Northend defence with some clever play down the left side and the cutback cross was inadvertently turned into his own net by Barnett, as he attempted to clear. Northend had hardly composed themselves when another Lisburn counter set them free. Northend bench were clear this was another offside but Lisburn played to the whistle and stuck it in the net to the consternation of the Northend dugout. Northend couldn’t get a foothold in the game and so they switched to a 4-4-2 bringing captain Lavelle into the centre of midfield to support McArdle who was getting overrun. This had immediate impact and gave Northend a better shape and balance. Almost immediately, Jamieson got free of his marker and made a trademark run towards goal letting fly from the edge of the box only to see his effort sail over the top left of the goal. Lavelle’s tenacity in midfield freed McArdle to get his foot on the ball and start a few passing moves in attack. Da Prato was released down the right and after being forced wide into the corner stayed strong and managed to squeeze past two players and get the cross into McGarel who’s slotted attempt just went wide of the post. Lisburn were still a threat but the defence of Pekala, O’Neill, Kerr and Barnett were on top aided by Lavelle who’s handling was impressive in goal. Half Time 0-2

A few changes at the back due to injury saw Patenall and Pekala feature as reinforcements. Again, these two continued the strong defensive performance and keep it tight at the back. Northend continued to get the ball down and pass with some calm interplay between Morrow and McGarel down the left side, linking in with a number of nice passes to the midfield but the final spark up front just wasn’t there. However, after another smart passage of play McGarel was slipped through and he finally got by the last line of defence and pulled the trigger shooting across goal. The Lisburn shot stopper parried a brilliant diving save and Jamieson was onto the loose ball. As he was just about to stick the ball into the empty net a Lisburn player slid in and chopped him down getting nowhere near the ball, penalty. Jamieson setup the ball and struck it firm into the right corner of the goal. However, the young keeper had anticipated and flew across the goal to get a hand on the ball at full stretch and make the save. A brilliant stop that was applauded by the Northend dugout. Northend didn’t give up and kept playing football. McGarel had one final chance as he broke free and released a shot from the edge of the box which whistled over the top left corner of the net. Lisburn were the deserved victors with a very impressive display and it was obvious to see why nobody has got anything from them this season. However, the young Blues leave with their heads held high giving a good account of themselves, showing their continued improvement and narrowing of the gap to the top of the table. Full Time 0-2

Man of The Match: Adrian Pekala

Panel: C Lavelle, H Pekala, A Pekala, C Da Prato, K O’Neill, S Kerr, N Patenall, L Barnatt, E Lavelle (c), S McArdle, D Morrow, E Drysdale, C King, K McGarel, J Jamieson

Northend United 2 Hillsborough Boys 0 Saturday 5th March 2022

A bright crisp morning in Lisburn and perfect conditions for football. The young blues encounter with second in the league Hillsborough didn’t disappoint. A much improved performance this week seen the Pizza Parlour sponsored blues take the spoils from this competitive fixture.

Northend started the match a little sluggish and Hillsborough began on the front foot getting down the outside and playing dangerous balls in behind Northend's backline. Central pairing of Scott Kerr and Kian O’Neill had it under control for the most part and Da Prato and Pekala were strong defensively on the outside. However, pressure paid and Hillsborough eventually got in behind the back four and got a shot away on target only for keeper Conor Lavelle to get down well on his right side and make the save. Northend eventually began getting a foothold in the game and finished the half the stronger. Northend thought they had taken the lead when striker Jamieson rounded the defender and sent the ball whistling past the upright. Not long after Corey King was sent through on goal but the ball wouldn’t sit went he looked to take the lead and a recovery tackle was required for Hillsborough to clear their lines. Northend also created another good chance when a freekick was delivered from the left side by O’Neill and flicked on at the near post by King but nobody could tap home. Just before the whistle Hillsborough reminded Northend their threat on the counter when a crossed ball from the left met their striker in the penalty box. However, Adrian Pekala came sliding in winning the ball cleanly to avert the danger. Half Time 0-0

Northend made a more attacking switch at half time replacing a defensive midfielder with another forward. This really made an impact and Northend dominated the second half with composed, passing and attacking football which was a joy to watch. Noah Patenall who was having a great game at right back stepped out and played an incisive cross field ball to Kian McGarel on the left side. Kian ran in on goal supported well by Jamieson and slotted home to take the lead. Not long after Jamieson got down the right, beating his man and fired a brilliant drilled ball across goal which just missed the head of King to double the lead. Not long after, move of the game when Da Prato picked up the ball in the midfield and linked in with Adrian Pekala. Pekala played an incisive pass to McGarel who sent a floated cross in from the left side to King who headed the ball down into the bottom corner of the goal. Somehow the big keeper got down at full stretch and tipped it around the post. Northend weren’t done and yet again got down the left with McGarel who beat two players and cut the ball back for King to slot home. Hillsborough had one final chance themselves when they got in behind but the outrushing Lavelle did enough to put pressure on the striker and the scuffed shot hit the post. A very good day at the office and the margin didn’t flatter the young blues one bit. Full Time 2-0

Player of The Match: Noah Patenall

Panel: C Lavelle, H Pekala, A Pekala, C Da Prato, K O’Neill, S Kerr, N Patenall, E Lavelle (c), S McArdle, D Morrow, E Drysdale, C King, K McGarel, J Jamieson