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Northend United 5 Lisburn Distillery 2 Monday 29th April 2024

The last game of the season for the Agnew Mitchell and Cairns sponsored 2011s against Lisburn Distillery and a chance for players to try new positions without any pressure and enjoy the game.

Both teams in fine form had fun from the outset with Northend opening the scoring with Reece McClintock finding space on the right to fire home our first. It wasn’t long before Jonah Mitchell in an unfamiliar strikers position slipped the defender and slotted home our second. A fun 15 minutes then passed with both teams really having a good go at either end. Northend's defensive line up of Mason King, Thomas Cairns, Leon Logan and Lilly Adams had to make some clinical challenges and Phelem Devlin in nets with safe hands solid at he back. It was a loose ball however and a late tackle giving away a penalty after 20 minutes but the defence continued to dominate the play.

A wake up call for the Blues to pick up the pace and that’s just what they did. Harry Campbell, Preston Cameron and Cailin Burgoyne in midfield moved the ball really well to set up Tiernan Martin on the left who beat 3 defenders to whip in our 3rd goal. With Olly Hector now also pushed into a forward position the striker buried our 4th into the top of the net and again Reece McClintock outpaced the defence to bag his second of the game. Half time 5-1

With the introduction of Cahal Gordon, Jayden Cassley and Sonny Barr at half time a decision to settle the game and in the spirit of fair play Northend worked on possession and build up play for a good portion of the half. A loose ball from a set piece managing to find the back of our net didnt phase the Blues and confidence was high to manage the game with some excellent displays of football, passing and individual skill on show was a great way to finish the season. Full time 5-2

Great to see new names on the score sheet this week and such a display of football from all players. I would like to thank all coaches, parents, sponsors and players for their support hard work it’s been such an enjoyable season.

Panel: Phelem Devlin, Thomas Cairns, Harry Campbell, Ollie Hector, Lilly Adams, Jonah Mitchell, Joe Duffin, Tiernan Martin, Jayden Cassley, Senan Hughes, Cahal Gordon, Leon Logan, Mason King, Preston Cameron, Callin Burgoyne, Reece McClintock

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Northend United 7 Windmill Colts 0 Saturday 27th April 2024

The sun was shining in Ballymena but on reaching Lisburn the heavens opened! Northend’s penultimate game saw a change in lineup from the kickoff, with Devlin in nets with Mitchell, Campbell Adams and King shoring up the defence. Burgoyne at CDM was doing a fine job ensuring the colts didn’t breakthrough the line, this allowed Martin and Hector on the wings to push forward alongside Barr, Cassley and Gordon up front. Northend must have had at least 7 chances squandered before Cahal Gordon slotted one away in the 22nd minute. The Colts keeper continued to make some great saves after this as the blues continued to control play and create chances and Martin on the left wing was really on fire causing the defence so many problems. Eventually just 5 mins before the half time whistle Tiernan Martin slotted away a great shot after the ball fell to him from a keepers save. Half time 2-0

Quite a few changes with Duffin coming in for Barr, McKay for Cassley, Logan for Mitchell, Hughes for Gordon and McClintock for Hector.

Northend seemed to settle into a real passing and moving game which saw Joe Duffin and Martin really dictating midfield. After injury Logan came off for Cairns who shored up an already strong defence. The colts found it hard to get out of their half which allowed shots from distance and a new confidence in a number of players. Duffin scored from a well placed shot, quickly followed by a great run by Senan Hughes slaloming through 4 players to score with confidence.

Martin again scored from outside the box after belting down the wing past 2 players. Duffin not to be outdone then produced a superb side volley past the watching keeper. Currently 6 - 0.

Windmill then had a good 6 minutes of football testing Devlin for the first time who was more than ready as usual. Then within the last 5 Duffin was given a chance of a free kick after a yellow card for a windmill player. He calmly completed his hat-trick with a brilliant shot into the far corner.

All finish with an overall brilliant performance by the whole team with a standout from Joe Duffin and a Man of the Match from Tiernan Martin. Full time 7-0

Player of the Match: Tiernan Martin

Northend United 5 Andersonstown Community 2 Wednesday 24th April 2024

As the season closes it was another very tight game against Andersontown who were on a fine winning streak ahead of our clash. Northend started well and took an early lead with Gordon beating his marker to slot home his first. The midfield of Barr, Casley, and Duffin worked the ball well and found winger McClintock free to run down the right several times who went close to scoring. On the left Martin also finding space put in several crosses throughout the half. Duffin awarded a free kick at the halfway line cross a long ball to the back post for Cassley to bang it in to go 2 up.

Back line of Hector, Cairns, Mitchell and Adams fought hard against a confident pair of strikers and stood firm until a loose ball from a corner somehow found a gap to slip into our net. Half time 2-1

A change for Cameron into midfield and again the wee Blues worked the ball well to find Cassley on the edge of the box who showed finesse to turn on the ball and find the top right if the goal to go 3-1 up.

It was another minute before Andersontown again from a set piece found a gap to slot in their second and had a real urgency to them. Northend came under pressure for a good 15 minutes but the back line stood firm and made some tough clearances to keep them out. It was back and forth in a thrilling game with only one goal separating the teams.

In the final 3 minutes the wee blues from a corner pushed in and Hughes skill on the ball directed goal side and found the corner of the net. 4-2. With only seconds left to play Gordon and Cassley went on a run and the pair cut through for Gordon to finish the game off 5-2. Full time 5-2

Player of the Match: Team Performance

Panel: Phelem Devlin, Thomas Cairns, Harry Campbell, Ollie Hector, Lilly Adams, Jonah Mitchell, Joe Duffin, Tiernan Martin, Jayden Cassley, Senan Hughes, Cahal Gordon, Leon Logan, Mason King, Preston Cameron, Callin Burgoyne, Reece McClintock

Northend United 2 Warrenpoint Town 5 Saturday 20th April 2024

A highly anticipated match against the league leaders with such a close contest only a few weeks ago where it ended up 1-2 in the semi-final. Northend started off nervously and you could see they were giving too much respect to the opposition who started off on the front foot. Several chances landed to the Blues but they could not find the finish. The back line of Devlin in nets, Hector, Cairns, Campbell and Adams seemed hesitant and after some play which got through the midfield of Mitchell, Barr. Duffin and Martin, Warrenpoint crossed to the back post to score tap in from close range. Heads went down at this point and we allowed warren point to get space for a long shot which no keeper could have saved, 2-0 down.

This first 10 minutes where made a distant memory as Northend now found their rhythm and put the pressure and passing to good use. Cassley, Martin combined with an excellent through ball to let Gordon slip the ball past the keeper. Further pressure also led to a corner 3 minutes later where Mitchell stopped the clearance from the defence to calmly lob the ball into the net. Warrenpoint now shell shocked at losing their 2-0 lead just tried to weather the storm until half time. Half time 2-2

The second half saw some changes with Hector and Martin coming off for King and McClintock. The team still piled the pressure on and had some great chances. Unfortunately, a super shot from long distance was caught by Devlin but as he fell he lost control of the ball and it fell behind him in the net.

A few more changes were made with Mitchell and Cairns being replaced by McKay and Logan and the team at the point still pushed on hard but Warrenpoint had found a second wind. Some smart passes and through balls resulted in another goal to make it 4-2 to the opposition. A free kick from Campbell saw the keeper fumble it and looked like it went over the line only for the referee to say no goal. Where is goal-line tech when you need it! Throwing caution to the wind we brought on Hughes for Campbell and Burgoyne for Adams. This allowed an all-out attack and Northend were inches away from scoring again with McClintock bursting up the right side only to miss narrowly at the right hand post.

Again, Warrenpoint stood strong and were to score another good goal from a run into the box. The last few minutes played out with both teams passing and intercepting without much chances at goal. All in all a fantastic display from both teams really putting in 100% but the opposition being a bit more clinical in passing finishing made the difference. Full time 2-5

Player of the Match: Sonny Barr - put in a fantastic shift the entire game, closing down and some great through balls

Northend United 6 Colin Valley 1 Wednesday 17th April 2024

This was a good display from the Wee Blues tonight, although they started off shakky, due to a change in team formation. There were planty of positives to take from this match but a lack of control in front of goals needs to be worked on. Goals from Catal Gordon (3), Reece McClintock (2), Sonny Barr (2), Jonah Mitchell and a first club goal for Preston Cameron were the highlights of the night. Great to see so many players on the scoresheet. Full time 8-0

Northend United 5 Valley Rangers 1 Saturday 13th April 2024

Northland started off with a high-pressure press and resulted in a goal within 5 minutes from Cathal Gordon continuing his high scoring run nearly every match this season. The Back line of Devlin in nets with Mitchell, Hector, Cairns and Adams forming a defence that was very hard to break through meant Rangers did not see much sight of the nets for the first half. Any attempts made were in safe hands of Devlin who shone through in nets again.

Gordon continued with another goal after 15 minutes being supplied by Captain Jayden Cassely, Duffin, Cameron and Martin in midfield and partnered by Hughes up front. Northend were passing well and continued to break through the lines just 5 minutes before the end of the first half with another smartly placed shot through the legs of the keeper to make it 3-0. Half time 3-0

A change of Campbell for Cairns, Logan for Hector and Burgoyne for Hughes saw the blues continue with great passing and movement. It wasn’t long before Joe Duffin made an audacious half-volley attempt from just outside the box to make it 4. At this point the team seemed to take the foot off the pedal and allowed the Rangers back into the game. Some good through balls tested Devlin who was more than capable of the attempts until midfield fell asleep and allowed space which meant the defence had to push forward. This in turn allowed the forward line of Rangers to receive a through ball which was just about slotted by the keeper to make it 4-1.

Rangers found a new lease of life and continued to make some good passes to open up the defence but Northend stayed resolute and outstanding performances from Devlin, Adams and McKay meant we stopped all attacks on our net. A free kick in the last 10 mates was hammered on target by Duffin who got the deflection into the net and the game ended 5-1. The team continues to impress in their understanding with each other and the displays are showing this. Full time 5-1

Player of the Match: Preston Cameron

Panel: Phelem Devlin, Jonah Mitchell, Thomas Cairns, Ollie Hector, Lilly Adams, Preston Cameron, Joe Duffin, Tiernan Martin, Jayden Cassley, Senan Hughes, Cathal Gordon, Leon Logan, Harry Campbell, Callin Burgoyne

Northend United 6 Hillsborough Boys Jets 3 Saturday 6th April 2024

A early start this week and with Storm Kathleen looming the wind was whipping up for many teams. Both teams having many previous encounters set up well and the first 10 mins was evenly matched with a few chances either end. Devlins firm hands had a challenge to catch the ball in the wind and had to work hard. Change of formation this week with 2 strikers started to do the business and it was Northend who opened the scoring with some great team play from Hughes to set Gordon up for his first. It wasn’t long before winger Martin seen space opening to get his crosses in and Hughes on target to bag our second. Our defensive line up of King, Cairns, Adams and Duffin outpaced any of the Hillsborough attempts on our goal and it wasn’t long before Duffin had his chance to covert a 40 yard free kick right into the top of the net. A wonderful strike applauded by both teams. 10 mins before the half an unmarked striker was allowed to covert a header from a corner but it took less than 5 minutes for our midfield of Barr, Martin and Hector from the restart to set Casley up for a fantastic solo run into the box for a counter goal. Campbell on for Hector and in a wider roll the space opened up with a series of crosses drilled into the Hillsborough box, young Gordon with some super footwork dribbled around no less than 4 defenders to slot home his second. Half time 5-1

The second half with confidence high and smiles on faces the introduction of McKay and Burgoyne the game continued as like the first half. Midfield winning every ball and setting up winger Martin for several chances. With legs starting to tire a miss timed tackle gave away a penalty and a rebounded corner cleared into our own net on another day would have seen heads go down but it was solid team work thereafter and some great passages of play to allow Gordon to score not just one but a further 4 goals in the remaining 20 minutes of the game. A double hatrick, his second of the season.

With the game at a close 9-3 doesn’t reflect how hard the wee blues had to work against a very good Hillsborough side. Full time 9-3

Player of the Match: Cathal Gordon, a double hat-trick cant go unrecognized

Panel: Pearse Devlin, Jonah Mitchell, Tiernan Martin, Thomas Cairns, Sonny Barr, Seanan Hughes, Ollie Hector, Cathal Gordon, Joe Duffin, Jayden Cassley, Mason King, Harry Campbell, Preston Cameron, Cailin Burgoyne

Northend United 1 Warrenpoint Town 2 Saturday 23rd March 2024

Semi-finals don’t get much tighter than this one for our Agnew Mitchell and Cairns sponsored 2011s. It was a nail biting game with top of the league Warrenpoint unbeaten in 20 games thus far.

A confident Northend side took to the pitch in blustery conditions and dominated the first 10 minutes with a number of chances called for offside, missed or saved by the Warrenpoint keeper. The best of which fell to Martin who on his unfamiliar right foot put the ball over the bar from 4 yards in front of the net. Warrenpoint hit back for the next 5 minutes, Devlin, Mitchell, Cairns, Adams and Campbell were outstanding and put their bodies in front of every ball. On winning a corner Warrenpoint managed to find the back of our net from the back of Adams. Heads didn’t go down though and the wee blues pushed forward. A bout of sickness in the camp seen early changes as Hector came off for Hughes and injury’s started to show.

As Warrenpoint put on some great displays of passing football and with the wind firmly against us clearing the ball proved difficult. The midfield of Barr, Duffin, Hughes, Martin and Cassley struggled to control the long balls and it wasn’t long before 3 poor attempts to clear the ball fell to a Warrenpoint right foot for the wind to carry the ball 40 yards high over into the top of the net. Two goals that were easily preventable. Half time 0-2

The half time team talk to boost confidence which within 5 mins of the restart seen Gordon awarded a penalty, on any day you could bet the striker would bury it but hit straight into the keepers arms kept the score line as was.

With nothing to lose Northend threw everything into the second half with 3 free kicks and 4 corners either straight into the keepers arms, over the bar or the corners not reaching their target. It was Martin who from 30 yards with 7 minutes left to play hit a bullet of a free kick high into the back of the net.

The 5 minutes that followed were fiercely contested at either end, McClintock’s pace opening up the play, McCay controlling the midfield, Devlin saving every shot and King clearing the lines. It was another obvious shout for hand ball as seen in the Veo playback waved away by the ref and 2 more attempts saved by the keeper unfortunately the wee blues simply ran out of time to find the equaliser.

A thrilling Cup game with both teams doing their clubs proud, friendly atmosphere and excellent coaches and parents on both sides cheering on the players. We wish Warrenpoint the very best of luck in the Cup final and hope to meet again in the league playoffs. Full time 1-2

Player of the Match: Team Performance

Panel: Phelem Devlin, Jonah Mitchell, Tiernan Martin, Thomas Cairns, Lily Adams, Sonny Barr, Ollie Hector, Cathal Gordon, Joe Duffin, Jayden Cassley, Reece McClintock, Harry Campbell, Seanan Hughes, Mason King, Preston Cameron

Northend United 0 Ridgeway Mill 6 Saturday 16th March 2024

A lacklustre display from the team as a whole in the first half from word go meant the opposition where able to take advantage of confusion between Devlin the keeper and defenders Mitchell and Hector to slot in the first goal after 3 minutes. This led to a further 3 being conceded as heads dropped only a few exceptions were made from Northend. Half time 0-4

A few changes made and the team started off correctly, actually closing down and not allowing the opposition to have control of the ball. A few chances made from Barr and Cassley were saved by the keeper. Ridgeway again showed great patience and passing ability to win a corner and slot away with a superb header. Again, the team still tried to come back and had a super chance with McClintock’s shot just saved by the keeper. With the team missing key players Gordon and Adams they weren’t able to capitalised on the chances created and after a lucky ball dropped to the ridgeway forwards the put it away for the last goal 10 mins from the end.

All in all a lesson on the importance of starting off on the right foot with the correct frame of mind. Full time 0-6

Panel: Phelim Devlin, Thomas Cairns, Jonah Mitchell, Ollie Hector, Mason King, Reece McClintock, Joe Duffin, Tiernan Martin, Sonny Barr, Jayden Cassley, Senan Hughes, Harry Campbell, Callin Burgoyne, Preston Cameron

Northend United 3 Ballymacash Rangers 1 Saturday 9th March 2024

It was a tough game for the Agnew, Mitchell and Cairns sponsored 2011s this week against Ballymacash Rangers. A change of tempo at training in recent weeks continues to show on the pitch and all players getting plenty of game time. A sight change of formation as we build towards our semi-final trying new things. Ballymacash had height and strength advantage in their strikers which meant our back four of Duffin, Cairns, Adams and King had to stay focused throughout the game. A decision for Cairns to man mark his opponent paying dividends a number of times. Both sides went toe to toe and both keepers fearless in coming out for the ball saw injuries at both ends. It was Northend however who were creating the chances and young Gordon opened the scoring when awarded a penalty after 20 minutes when pulled back from a clear goal scoring opportunity. He smashed it into the top of the net 1:0. This pushed on both sides and the midfield of Barr, Cassley, and McClintock, under pressure as the balls kept flying in. They handled it well though and a lesson to close down every ball and be brave to make the tackle. Half time 1-0

Second half team talk and a 4 sub change allowed wide passes for the wingers to get into the game. It took another 10 mins for the team to settle and Cassley now on the right wing found his space to open up the play and slide home our second. 2:0. Some great passages of play opened up the field and again the left winger Martin beating the defender seen Gordon open in front of the net and unselfishly crossed for the striker to tap in our 3rd.

As Ballymacash pushed on unfortunately a collision with Devlin in nets saw the keeper off with a knee injury. Thankfully we have two fantastic keepers and Duffin now in nets put on the gloves for the last 10 minutes. The defence came under fire as the game drew to a close and a soft foul awarded on the edge of our box. With the height advantage Ballymacash headed home a late goal but with confidence Northend dominated the rest of the game to see it out 3:1 winners.

Another week of positive learning for the players. Full time 3-1

Player of the Match: Thomas Cairns a tough role man marking a player with strength and height advantage the whole game, he did it so well.

Panel: P Devlin, J Mitchell, T Martin, L Adams, T Cairns, S Barr, O Hector, C Gordon, J Duffin, J Cassley, R McClintock, H Campbell, S Hughes, M King, P Cameron, C Burgoyne

Northend United 6 Glendowan 0 Saturday 2nd March 2024

Another impressive performance for the Agnew Michell and Cairns sponsored 2011s this week against a well drilled Glendowan side. As always, these two clubs show upmost respect and the friendly nature of our games is evident every time. Great coaches and players. The game got off to a flying start when Gordon ran on to a lovely ball from Barr after 2 mins beating the keeper only to see his effort hit the post. Another flurry of chances for both sides battling it out across the pitch for a good 15 minute spell. Devlin in nets had to be alert for the long ball beating our defence a number of times caught firm and safe. Young Cairns had his work cut out marking a powerful striker but the training paid off and he stood toe to toe in every tackle and winning a number of headers. As northend settled into a rhythm Gordon opened up the scoresheet after 25 minutes chasing a loose ball when others would have left it he nipped it in followed by Casley hammering home a rebound from 25 yards. Half time 2-0

Right from the whistle northend controlled most of the play. Senan Hughes into a forward position was dominating with no less than 4 shots in few minutes and a well worked corner volleyed at the back post by Hughes. Both wingers having been marked thus far started to find space and it was Martin who took advantage to drill home a solo effect from the left. Barr also got into the action and from 20 yards found the top right of the net, a fantastic strike. Not to be outdone Gordon picked up two loose balls and slotted home both to seal his hatrick. Another training ground play with Duffin drilling a corner hard and low into the front post finding the back of the net from a rebound.

Although a high score line it doesn’t take away how hard these players had to work against a very good Glendowan side. Special mention to their goalkeeper who battled through a first half injury and made some excellent saves.

Again great to see hard work at training paying off. Next seasons aim to move into Premier division is on track. Full time 8-0

Player of the Match: Cahal Gordon. Second hat-trick in 2 games chasing every ball.

Panel: P Devlin, J Mitchell, T Martin, L Adams, T Cairns, S Barr, O Hector, C Gordon, J Duffin, J Cassley, R McClintock, H Campbell, S Hughes, M King