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Northend United 4 Barn United 1 Saturday 27th October 2012

Northend entertained Barn United to Smithfield on Saturday hoping to improve on last week’s result against Antrim Rovers Colts.

The Blues were quickest out of the traps and after some early play, they opened the scoring on seven minutes, when a good cross from Sam Hutchinson into the Barn penalty box was stroked home by Matthew Kirk.

Barn United started to apply pressure to the Northend rearguard but found Decky Dobbin and Alex O’Boyle in dominant form.

With Stevenson and Babuszewski pulling the strings in midfield for Northend, they doubled their scoring on twenty minutes. From a Kuba Babuszewski throughball, Graeme Macartney picked up the ball and slide it past the Barn united keeper. With no further scoring in the first half, the half time score remained 2-0 to Northend.

Northend again started the second half strongly and further increased their lead after ten minutes when man of the match Jamie Stevenson was on hand to smash a Brandon Millar cross past the keeper to leave the score 3-0

The Blues had a number of chances to increase their lead but it was Barn united who scored the next goal. Their winger outpaced the Northend full back and when he crossed the ball into the box, the Barn striker was on hand to steer the ball past Josh Mark in the Northend nets.

With a number of substitutions introduced in the second half to replace tiring legs, it was left to one of these to score the fourth and final goal for Northend.

Junior Adams took control of the ball almost on the half way line and drove forward with the ball and hit an unstoppable shot past the helpless Barn keeper to leave the final score 4-1 to Northend

Man of the Match: Jamie Stevenson

Panel: J Marks, A Shaw, A O’Boyle, D Dobbin (c), A O'Boyle, J Hayburn, B Millar, J Stevenson, K Babuszewski, G Macartney, M Kirk, M Erwin, T Evans, J Adams, N Stewart

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Northend United 0 Antrim Rovers Colts 3 Saturday 20th October 2012

This was a game where United lost their early season six game unbeaten run when they crashed to a below par performance at the hands of their neighbours, Antrim Rovers.

United started on the back foot from the first minute but for all the play Antrim had, they never caused too many clear cut chances to trouble the Northend rearguard. The Blues best chance of the match fell to Kuba Babuszewski, who found himself clear of the Antrim defence, but somehow pulled his shot just wide of the Antrim goal post, with only the keeper to beat. United conceded a goal just before the half, when their defence switched off from a corner kick and allowed the Antrim striker to sneak in and slot home at the front post. Half time score 1-0

The second half saw a disjointed performance from the young United team, with a lack of penetration against the Antrim defence and they were punished with poor marking in their own six yard box. Antrim scored twice more in the second half to leave the final score 3-0 in their favour.

This was a harsh lesson for the young Northend boys who now must pick themselves up for next week's match against Barn United.

Man of the Match: Josh Mark

Panel: J Marks, A Shaw, J Hayburn, D Dobbin (c), A Campbell, B Millar, J Adams, J Stevenson, H McClurkin, K Babuszewski, G Macartney, A O'Boyle, M Kirk, M Erwin, T Evans

Northend United 2 North Belfast United 2 Saturday 13th October 2012

This was a game where second met third in the league, Northend have yet to taste defeat this season and North Belfast have only lost once. The game never disappointed with teams plating attacking football and United should of opened the scoring as soon as five minutes when Macartney was clean through on goal and instead of getting the shot away he took an extra touch and forced a good save out of the keeper. Northend piled the pressure on and Lennon was next to test the keeper but again the keeper came out on top. North Belfast who soaked up the united pressure and then counter attacked on several occasion but with Dobbin, O'Boyle, Shaw and Hayburn in excellent form, they were forced into shots from distance with rarely caused Josh Marks in goal any concern. United failed to clear from a corner and the young forward shot low but Marks saved well with his foot. Both teams played excellent football but North Belfast where seeing much more of the ball but United held there shape well and with the best defence in the league they worked hard to ensure this with North Belfast struggling to get any shots in on goal. With the half drawing to a close United took the lead when Stevenson was fouled 25 yards out from goal, Hayburn hit a low drive across the keeper and it found the bottom corner of the goal. Half time score 1-0 to Northend.

The second half saw North Belfast throw everything at United and within fifteen minutes of the second half, United were caught from a corner, they missed a header on the half way line and allowed a 3 on 2. Marks, in the Northend goal, made an excellent save but it fell to the feet of North Belfast striker who was never going to miss from two yards. North Belfast hit a shell shocked United with a quick second when again a missed header lead to the forward slotting past the on rushing Marks. United ensure they remained un-defeated in the league when Aaron Campbell delivered an excellent corner which was met by Captain Jamie Stevenson whose diving header hit the back of the net to United's delight. United will look on this game as if it was two points dropped. If only they got out of second gear and performed to what they are capable off they could have won or if they finished their chances in the first half it could of been a different story.

Man of the Match: James Hayburn

Panel: J Marks, A Shaw, J Hayburn, D Dobbin, A O'Boyle, B Millar, J Adams, J Stevenson, K Babuszewski , G Macartney, H Lennon, A Campbell, H McClurkin, L Buick, M Erwin, S Hutchinson

Antrim Rovers 3 Northend United 3 Saturday 6th October 2012

Northend started this game in the same way as others, high in confidence knocking the ball around and playing some lovely football which caused a lot of problems to the Antrim defence. it took seven minutes for united to opening the scoring and what a brilliant goal it was, United played the ball out from there own box after defending a corner, Dobbins won the ball knocked it left to Hayburn who found Babuszewski, Kuba Babuszewski beat two men before playing a excellent through ball to Top goal scorer McCartney who slotted past the on rushing keeper. United continued to pile the pressure on and chance after chance fell to the United forwards and they failed to extend their lead. Antrim Equalised through their forward to out muscled the Blues defence and blasted past the helpless Marks in goal. United never stopped and with in two minutes where back in lead when James Hayburn played a delightful ball that penetrated the Antrim defence and found Brandon Millar who unleashed an unstoppable shot that found the top corner of the goal. United where wondering how they where not further in front as Macartney beat the keeper but took the paint of the post, Captain Stevenson Made a brilliant run into the box and his shot flashed across the goal line and was cleared. Half time score 2-1 to Northend

The second half seen much of the same with United failing to convert there chances, in all honesty United had enough chances to win three game but failed to convert and it came back to hunt them as Rovers scored two quick goal to leave it 3-2 until 6 minutes before the end Macartney rounded the keeper and scored from an acute angle.

United will be wondering how they were not able to win this game, The Blue army can be happy with there performance but disappointed they didn't score more goals and come away with all three points

Man of the Match: Graeme McCartney

Panel: J Marks, J Hayburn, A Shaw, D Dobbin, A O'Boyle, J Stevenson, K Babuszewski, H Lennon, B Millar, M Kirk, G Macartney, M Erwin, A Campbell, N Stewart, S Hutchinson, H McClurkin

Carnmoney Colts 2 Northend United 3 Saturday 15th September 2012

This was a game in which the U13s under-performed but still came away with all three points. United started the better of the two teams but just couldn't get into their stride, they struggled to get the slick passing together and were guilty of over running the ball but when United did knock the ball about on that rare occasion they caused Carnmoney a lot of problem with the ever hard working Graham Macartney a thorn in their defence with his mazy running on and off the ball. The Blue army took the lead when Kuba Babuszewski picked up the ball in the middle of the park, he went past two players before slotting the ball into Macartney who blasted past the advancing keeper. Both teams struggled to play football but Northend looked dangerous when they went forward and looked impressive in defence which was well marshalled by Dobbins and O'Boyle, McClurkin and Shaw. Half time score 1-0 to Northend

The second half saw Carnmoney throw every thing at United as they changed their formation but wave after wave of Carnmoney attack was well defended until an error at the back allowed a one on one with Mark, who got a strong hand to the shot but was unable to prevent it from trickling over the line. Harry Lennon and James Hayburn where then introduced and Lennon made an instant impact as Kuba Babuszewski delivered a free kick which Shaw flicked on and Lennon picked up the lose ball to slot home with a well placed shot from twelve yards. With five minutes left on the clock United failed to clear their line from a corner and with the ball bobbling around it some how was sent into the United goal. United never gave up and pushed men forward in search of a winner, Stevenson found Macartney with a long ball and he done well to hold play up and was fouled twenty yards out from goal. Up stepped dead ball specialist Kuba Babuszewski, who made no mistake as he found the top corner of the goal in injury time.

This was a hard fought victory for the Blues, who never left first gear and struggled to get into their passing game but at the end of the day they went for all three points and came away with all three and that's the important thing.

Man of the Match: Graeme Macartney

Panel: J Marks, A Shaw, H McClurkin, D Dobbin, A O'Boyle, B Millar, J Adams, J Stevenson, K Babuszewski, G Macartney, M Kirk, M Erwin, T Evans, H Lennon, J Hayburn, A Campbell

Northend United 5 Cavehill Colts 2 Saturday 8th September 2012

Northend had quite a mixed pre-season but you would never of thought it after a five star performance against Cavehill Colts. United started the stronger of the two teams and opened the scoring on 12 minutes when Graeme McCartney got onto a brilliant through ball from Jamie Stevenson, he pulled the ball back to his strike partner Matthew Kirk who slotted past the on rushing keeper. The Blues then went up another gear and with there neat attractive football went two nil up three minutes later when Matthew Kirk turned his marker but was fouled and from the resulting free kick, Kuba Babuszewski found the top corner of the goal from 25 yards given the outstanding Cavehill keeper no chance.

Northend played some outstanding attacking football, in particular Kuba and Jamie Stevenson who were pulling the stings in midfield. United then shot themselves in the foot soon before half time when Cavehill were rewarded a free kick twenty yards out, Marks in goals parried but could not stop the on rushing attacker from slotting home at the second attempt.

The Ballymena boys played brilliant football and were not scared to start it from the back with the impressive Declan Dobbin and Alex O'Boyle taking control and moving the ball wide to Jordan Adams and Brandon Millar whose attacking runs caused all sorts of problems in the Cavehill defence. It was from one of these mazy runs from Brandon Millar whose ball infield found Captain Stevenson whose first time ball over the top found the hard working McCartney who slotted past the keeper to give United a two goal cushion.

However this was short lived as another defensive error allowed Cavehill back into the game. The Blues piled on the pressure and Millar who was outstanding on the wing made a run into the box and was fouled,. Up stepped the cool, calm Jamie Stevenson to send the keeper the wrong way. United never gave Cavehill time to settle on the ball forced them into error after error and this will be a game they will want to forget as they where hounded and bullied and well marshalled by the entire United team. Matthew Erwin added the teams fifth goal after McCartney made a run from the half way line, his shot was well saved but Matthew Erwin followed in to make it six points from six for the impressive Blues.

United could of and should of beat Cavehill by more goals as they created chance after chance but the important thing at the end of the day is the three points.

Man of the Match: Graeme Macartney

Panel: J Mark, A Shaw, J Hayburn, D Dobbins, A O'Boyle, J Adams, B Millar, J Stevenson, K Babuszewski, G Macartney, M Kirk, H McClurkin, H Lennon, M Erwin, S Hutchinson

Northend United 0 Ards Rangers 2 Friendly Friday 24th August 2012

Northend entertained Ards Rangers on Friday night to the Showgrounds, missing six regulars:- Babuszewski, O'Boyle, Hutchinson, McCartney, Lennon and Dobbin.

The Blues started brightly with Campbell, Stevenson and Adams having some good touches in the Northend midfield.

However after fifteen minutes of the match, the Ards right winger cut inside his marker and crossed into the Northend box where the Ards striker scored with a low shot into the corner of the net.

Ards increased their lead ten minutes later when a long throughball from their midfield caught the Northend defence asleep and the Ards striker ran on and slid the ball past Josh Mark in the Northend nets.

In an eventful first hald, Matthew Erwin had a good chance to score for the Blues before another Ards throughball led to their striker running through with only Josh Mark to beat. Mark managed to get a hand to the ball but the referee awarded a penalty due to an infringement on the Ards striker.

Josh Mark made amends when he pulled off a good save to keep the half time score to 2-0 to Ards.

The second half kicked off with the Northend midfield starting to pull the strings and with Bob Stewart full of running in the Blues forward line.

Play flowed from end to end with both teams having scoring chances. Josh Mark was having a good game for Northend and pulled off two excellent saves in the second half.

For the Blues, Stewart and Stevenson went close to scoring but saw the Ards keeper also pull off two good saves.

However with no side able to increase the scoring, the match ended up 2-0 to Ards Rangers .

Man of the Match: Josh Mark

Panel: J Mark, B Millar, A Shaw, H McClurkin, J Adams, A Campbell, T Evans, J Stevenson, M Kirk, M Erwin, N Stewart

Northend United 4 Coleraine Olympic 4 Friendly Saturday 18th August 2012

Northend U13s entertained Coleraine Olympic to Dunfane Park on Saturday in a match played in bright sunshine.

Missing a few regulars, the Blues started the strongest and Harry Lennon gave them the lead after ten minutes. Coleraine soon drew level after a lapse in the Northend defence.

As play flowed from end to end Coleraine took the lead when in a goalmouth scramble, Northend only partially cleared the ball and the Coleraine striker scored with a good shot. With no further scoring the half time score remained 2-1 to Coleraine.

Northend equalised the score five minutes after half time when Nigel Stewart latched onto a throughball and beat the keeper with a good shot.

However Coleraine came storming back at Northend and again took the lead from another goalmouth scramble to leave the score 3-2.

With Aaron Campbell and Jamie Stevenson starting to gain the upper hand in midfield, Northend again equalised when Matthew Kirk picked up a Stevenson pass and coolly lobbed the ball past the keeper.

The same player gave Northend the lead in the game with another good goal from inside the Coleraine penalty box.

Just as it was looking like a home win for the Blues, Coleraine equalised with minutes of the game remaining to leave the final score 4-4 in a typical end to end season friendly match.

Panel: J Stevenson, D Dobbin, J Hayburn, B Millar, H McClurkin, J Adams, A Campbell, A O'Boyle, H Lennon, M Erwin, M Kirk, N Stewart, A O'Neill

Coleraine Youth Academy 4 Northend United 1 Friendly Wednesday 15th August 2012

Northend U13s travelled to the North Coast on Wednesday night to play National League side Coleraine Youth Academy.

The Blues started strongly and took the lead after ten minutes when Kuba Babuszewski beat the Coleraine keeper with a good shot. The Blues held this lead until midway through the half when Coleraine equalised after some good build up play.

As play swung from end to end, both teams had further chances, with Northend unable to score when it mattered. Coleraine took the lead just before half time, again after some good build up play, leaving the half time score 2-1 to Coleraine.

The second half saw a number of substitutions on both sides, with play again flowing from end to end but it was Coleraine who went on to score another two goals in a riveting second half to leave the final score 4-1 to the Irish League Academy side.

Panel: R Horner, H McClurkin, D Dobbin, B Millar, A Campbell, K Babuszewski, S Hutchinson, A O'Boyle, H Lennon, M Erwin, M Kirk, N Stewart, J Adams, T Evans, J Hayburn