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Oxford Sunnyside 5 Northend United 2 Saturday 24th November 2018

Northend started the match at a high tempo and had the better of the opening ten minutes. However, against the run of play they conceded a penalty from which Oxford scored. This was to set the tone for much of the game where good play from Northend was interspersed with inexplicable individual errors. By half time Northend were 3-0 down following two further Oxford goals from open play. Half time 3-0

Following half time Northend lifted themselves and got a quick goal when Carter Reid scored from close range following some good play from Euan Pirie down the right wing. Soon after Northend got a penalty but it could not be converted. Oxford went back on the attack and soon after scored to extend their advantage. Substitute Daniel Patterson pulled another goal back for Northend, but it was too little too late and just before full-time Oxford scored again to complete a dismal day for the young Blues.

Panel: T Hasson, T Gillen, C Wilson, L Devlin, C O'Hara, K Adger, H Conon, C Reid, P Mitchell, E Pirie, C McAuley, J Mark, C Clarke, D Patterson, K McAllister

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Hillsborough Juniors 1 Northend United 0 Saturday 17th November 2018

The under 13s took on Hillsborough Juniors on Saturday in a Lisburn League match against a side who were looking to keep up their 100% record in all competitions this season. Northend started the brighter of the two teams in a frantic opening ten minutes and their high pressing was causing the North Down side problems in particular. Both sides had chances to score in the first half, with good chances from Euan Pirie and Paidin Mitchell being well

Northend continued to press after the break and looked like the team that would make the breakthrough with efforts from Daniel Patterson and Euan Pirie going close. Kurtis Adger also had a chance to open the scoring but was denied by the Hillsborough goalkeeper. Hillsborough started to create a few openings and with ten minutes remaining they did so when the striker was released through on goal and smashed past Thomas Hasson. Northend pushed everything up top in order to find and equaliser but Hillsborough were able to hold on to see out the win. Full time 0-1

Man of the Match: Carter Reid

Panel: T Hasson, C O'Hara, L Devlin, C Wilson, T Gillan, S McDermott, S McGinley, H Connon, P Mitchell, C Reid, C McAuley, D Patterson, K Adger, E Pirie, K Corcoran

Hillsborough Colts 2 Northend United 1 Saturday 10th November 2018

The under 13s took on Hillsborough Colts on Saturday in a Lisburn League match in what was a game played at a great intensity from both teams from start to finish. In an open first half it was the north Down side who took the lead when a free kick from the left hand side evaded everyone in the box and found the top corner of the Northend goal. The Ballymena side pressed for an equaliser and had some great efforts saved by the Hillsborough keeper, notably from Paidin Mitchell and Conor Wilson but were unable to break down the stubborn Hillsborough defence. Half time 1-0

Soon into the second half parity was restored after a great solo goal from Daniel Patterson. Mitchell picked the ball up in midfield and turned his marker, slipped the ball through to Patterson who outpaced 2 Hillsborough defenders and audaciously dinked the ball over the onrushing Hillsborough goal keeper. The game opened up as both teams pushed for the winner and it was Hillsborough who did so ten minutes from time when a corner was cleared and fell to a Hillsborough player on the edge of the box, whose powerful shot found the roof of the Northend net. The Ballymena blue-and-whites threw everything they had at the Hillsborough defence to find an equaliser but they north Down side stayed strong to see out the game. A lot of positives were taken from this great game played in good spirits by both sides at a frantic pace. Full time 2-1

Man of the Match: Sean McDermott

Panel: T Hasson, C O'Hara, L Devlin, C Wilson, T Gillan, S McDermott, S McGinley, H Connon, P Mitchell, C Reid, C McAuley, D Patterson, K Adger, E Hejno, C Clarke, K McAllister

Oxford Sunnyside 2 Northend United 2 Saturday 3rd November 2018

Northend faced Oxford in the Lisburn Shield on Saturday where they were unfortunately knocked out after dreaded penalties. The first half was a cagey affair, where both sides threw caution to the wind in order to find the opener. Northend had a number of clear cut chances, but were unable to convert. Half time 0-0

Not long into the second half the breakthrough was made when Oxford were awarded a free kick 25 yards from goal and the speculative ball into the box found its way through a plethora of players and into the bottom corner. Northend equalised when Daniel Patterson finished from close range after some good work down the left-hand side from Caelyn Clarke. Northend then got in front with good work from midfield duo, Finn and Harry Connon who released Patterson on the half way line and he outpaced the Oxford defenders to finish smartly under the keeper for his second of the game. Northend continued to press for the remainder of the game but were undone with one of the last actions when the Oxford striker's shot was well saved by Thomas Hasson, but the follow up was converted to send the game to extra time. No further goals were scored during extra time and Oxford went on to win on penalties to send them into the next round of the shield. Full time 2-2 (Oxford win 3-1 on penalties)

Man of the Match: Daniel Patterson

Panel: T Hasson, C O'Hara, L Devlin, J Marks, C Wilson, T Gillan, S McDermott, H Connon, C Reid, E Pirie, C McAuley, D Patterson, F Connon, E Hejno, C Clarke, K McAllister