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Oxford Sunnyside 4 Northend United 5 Saturday 26th October 2013

Northend United, in a rich rein of form at the minute, started the better of the two teams in this match. Even though Oxford Sunnyside were lying in third place in the league, Northend looked the better of the two teams in the early stages of this match. Oxford Sunnyside failed to cope with this early Northend pressure, and when Ruairi Campbell ran at their defence in the third minute, an Oxford Sunnyside deliberately brought him down, when Ruairi bore down on goal. Regular penalty taker Josh Mitchell stepped up and easily converted this to put Northend United 0 - 1 up. Within two minutes of the restart, Northend again put Oxford Sunnyside's defence under pressure, and their goalkeeper pulled off two good saves to keep Northend at bay. Oxford Sunnyside, like all good sides, slowly got into the game, and Northend keeper Conor McGarry then pulled of two good saves in a row. Northend United added to their tally on thirteen minutes, when a Matthew Willighan through ball found Ruairi Campbell, who easily ghosted past two defenders, before sliding the ball past Oxford Sunnyside's keeper. 0 - 2. At this stage of the match, Northend were comfortably in control and looked good in possession. This though was short-lived. In between a well struck shot from Sam Frew which was just wide, Oxford Sunnyside scored three goals in nine minutes to go 3 - 2 ahead. Northend had taken their foot of the pedal, and in this league you just cannot do this, and Northend were rightly punished. Most importantly Northend heads did not drop, and after being assisted by Tom Patchett, Ruairi Campbell scored another cracker to make it 3 - 3 just before half-time. Half- time score 3-3

The second half was end to end, with both teams failing to convert their chances early on. Ruairi Campbell, due to the problems he caused them up front in the first half, must have been targeted by Oxford Sunnyside in the second half, because every time he got the ball, he was kicked before, during and after, but to Ruairi's credit, he just got better and better. Northend switched off defensively just once in the second half, and Oxford Sunnyside scored to go 4 - 3 ahead. Oxford Sunnyside appeared to think there was no way back now for this Northend team, and maybe relaxed slightly, but Northend took full advantage. When Matthew Willighan side-stepped an Oxford Sunnyside defender just inside the box three minutes later, he was cruelly brought down. Josh Mitchell coolly stepped up and scored the penalty to level the scores at 4 - 4. With the scores at 4 - 4, this was anybody's game and it was Northend who stepped forward and grabbed the mantle. Ruairi Campbell, after some good play by midfielders Matthew Willighan, John Brady and Niall Craig, again bore down on Oxford Sunnyside's left back in the box, and when he passed him with ease, he brought Ruairi down again. Oxford Sunnyside hotly disputed this penalty, but their defender was not within three yards of the ball when his left foot connected with Ruairi's leg, at knee height. Mr Reliable Josh Mitchell stepped up again for the third time and despatched the ball into the roof of the net to put Northend 4 - 5 ahead. Northend defended well the last few minutes to win the game. Oxford Sunnyside were extremely fortunate to finish the game with eleven players, and had their keeper rightly sent off, after the final whistle, for 'industrial' comments made to the referee. Final score: 4 - 5.

Northend played well here and continue to progress in this league. All players played their part and all had to make a contribution as Oxford Sunnyside are an extremely good side, especially in the final third of the pitch. Ruairi Campbell was outstanding up front for Northend in this match, but was eclipsed for Man of the Match by both Josh Mitchell and Matthew Willighan. Josh Mitchell had a good game in defence, but it takes some player to step up and convert not just one, but three penalties in one match. Matthew Willighan's performance may have gone largely unnoticed by many in attendance, but his work-rate in midfield ,coupled with his quality both on and off the ball, was greatly appreciated by both Northend coaches.

Men of the Match: Matthew Willighan, Josh Mitchell

Panel: C McGarry (c), S Frew, S Lecky, R McCluney, J Mitchell, J Brady, N Craig, M Willighan, T Patchett, R Campbell, C Gordon, P Kyle, T McAuley, C McDonald, C Fullerton

..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Northend United 1 Shankill Juniors 1 Saturday 19th October 2013

This was always going to be a difficult match for Northend, against league leaders Shankill Juniors. Shankill started slightly the better of the two teams, with Northend appearing slightly hesitant, on and off the ball. Shankill had a couple of shots from distance in the first 6 minutes, but both were well off target. Ruairi Campbell sparked Northend into life on 7 minutes, when he took on a few Shankill defenders, forcing a corner for Northend. From the resulting corner by Tom Patchett, Northend should have taken the lead, but sadly none of Northend's players got their head onto a great inswinging cross. Within a minute Shankill took the lead. From a Shankill corner, Northend had three separate chances to clear their lines, but failed to do so, and a Shankill forward was well placed, to knock it into the corner of Northend's net. Both teams had good half-chances before half-time, but the score remained the same. In summary, there was nothing between the two teams in the first half. Half-time score 1-0

Northend started the second half stronger and on the few occasions Shankill launched an attack, Northend's defence remained strong and resolute. Northend slowly turned the pressure up a notch, and when a cross came in from Ruairi Campbell and Shankill failed to clear, Robert Iovu was the most alert, and pounced to level the scoreline. At 1 - 1, Northend realised this game was theirs for the taking, and the Shankill keeper pulled off a great save to prevent Robert Iovu scoring his second. Northend should have taken the lead again shortly after, when from a Robert Iovu corner, both Callum McDonald and Josh Mitchell both went for the same clear header on goal. 23 minutes into the second half, the referee awarded a penalty to Shankill, when the ball struck Josh Mitchell on the shoulder, not his arm. Thankfully, justice prevailed, as the Shankill player saw his shot strike the bar, and bounce high and wide for a Northend bye-ball. Stand-in keeper, Conor McGarry made a superb save with three minutes to go, to keep Shankill out. As expected, Shankill pushed forward for the winner in extra-time, but Northend defended well and coped comfortably with this pressure, until the final whistle. Full-time score 1-1

Northend's progress continues, and this is now three wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat in their last 5 matches. In amongst these 5 matches, they have also played Shankill and Loughgall Youth, who sit 1st and 2nd in the league. This new team is slowly gelling and in this match against the league leaders, there was absolutely nothing between the two teams.

Men of the Match: Robert Iovu, Robert McCluney

Panel: C McGarry, S Frew, M Willighan, R McCluney, J Mitchell, R Iovu, N Craig, J Brady, T Patchett, C Gordon, R Campbell (c), S Lecky, P Kyle, C McDonald, T McAuley

Northend United 5 Moira 0 Saturday 12th October 2013

Northend dominated this match, from the first minute to the last, and ran out comfortable winners against Moira. From the first minute, Northend went on the attack, but failed to convert any of the numerous chances they created, in the first half. Although dominant in defence and midfield, Northend were not creative enough or inventive enough, in the final third of the pitch. Nobody in Northend's team, in the first half of the match, took that extra wee bit of time to play a simple pass in the final third, instead they lost the ball when trying to take on opposition players, and tried a much more difficult pass when a simple pass was always the easy option. Crossing from wide areas was mostly poor, and on the few occasions when a quality cross was delivered, nobody was on the end of these. The first half remained goal-less. Half-time score 0-0.

The introduction of Ruairi Campbell and Conall Gordon at half-time changed the match for Northend. Ruairi Campbell, just back from a five week injury lay-off, was a constant threat for Moira in the second half, and they just could not cope with his menacing and clever runs up front. Ruairi Campbell scored four goals in a frantic 13 minutes for Northend. Niall Craig was the creator for Ruairi's first goal, putting Ruairi clean through on goal, where he easily slid the ball past the oncoming Moira keeper. Josh Mitchell claimed the assist for Ruairi Campbell's second similar goal. Robert McCluney then found Tom Patchett on the left, whose shot was saved by the Moira keeper, with the rebound being knocked in by Ruairi Campbell. Ruairi Campbell then got on the end of a Robert Iovu free-kick to score his fourth. Thomas McAuley slid through a nice through ball for John Brady just inside the opposition half, John ran with the ball towards Moira's goal, and like Ruairi Campbell's first, easily slid the ball past the Moira goalkeeper. The match ended five nil, but with the chances created alone in the second half, Northend could easily had a double digit victory here . Final score 5-0

Northend's second half-performance was unrecognisable from their first, and they showed some real quality in possession in the second half. They were calm and assured at the back, kept it simple in midfield, the result being every time they went forward, they looked like scoring. That is three victories in four matches for this new team, and if they had not given away three crazy goals against second-placed Loughgall Youth, it could easily have been four victories in a row. With almost all their players now back from injury, Northend are slowly improving every week.

Man of the Match: Ruairi Campbell

Panel: C McGarry, S Frew (c), S Lecky, R McCluney, J Mitchell, J Brady, N Craig, R Iovu, T Patchett, T McAuley, M Willighan, C Gordon, R Campbell, P Kyle, C McDonald

Carrick Rangers 1 Northend United 2 Saturday 5th October 2013

Northend went on the attack from the first minute of this match, and had three shots on goal in the early stages. Carrick slowly came into the match, but really only caused Northend problems with a long, high ball through the middle. Northend deservedly took the lead on 17 minutes when after being assisted by both Sam Frew and Robert Iovu, Thomas McAuley put Northend one nil up. Northend tried to cut open Carrick down both wings, with Tom Patchett on the left and Robert Iovu on the right, but Carrick responded well by doubling up on both Northend's wide men. This restricted Northend to mainly long-range efforts on goal, the remainder of the first half. Half-time score: 0 - 1

Carrick came out fighting the second half, without creating any real problems for Northend's stand-in keeper Conor McGarry, who has been outstanding this season. Northend, having sorted out their midfield and defence to cope with Carrick's direct play through the middle, began to cut Carrick open, especially down the left with Tom Patchett. When Tom Patchett was upended in the box , when about to unleash a shot on goal, a Carrick defender brought him down in the penalty box. Robert Iovu stepped up to hit the penalty, but unfortunately struck the penalty wide. Carrick saw this as an opportunity to get back into the match, and threw everything into attack. By doing this though, they left themselves cruelly exposed, and when Tom Patchett again broke clear on goal, he was again brought down in the penalty box. This time Josh Mitchell stepped up and hammered the ball into the top left hand corner to make it 0 -2. With nothing to lose, Carrick threw everything they had at Northend and the game became wide open. Conor McGarry pulled off a couple of good saves before Carrick scored a good goal to put the score back to 1 - 2.

Northend had the better of the goalscoring opportunities in the last ten minutes, but failed to add to the scoreline. They also defended well when required to win the match by 1 - 2.

Men of the Match: S Frew and R McCluney

Panel: C McGarry; S Frew; S Lecky; J Mitchell; R McCluney (c); J Brady; N Craig; R Iovu; T Patchett; M Willighan; T McAuley; P Kyle; C Gordon; C Fullerton; C McDonald

Northend United 3 Loughgall Youth 4 Saturday 28th September 2013

This game, against last years League title winners, started at a very fast pace. In the first five minutes, Northend managed two shots at Loughgall's keeper, but both were easily saved. While under pressure, Loughgall broke clear and scored. It was a soft goal for Northend to concede, while under no pressure whatsoever, and they were to repeat this error, on two more occasions, during the game. Northend replied quickly to Loughgall's opening goal, and when Sam Frew crossed from deep, Tom Patchett was on hand to score and equalise the match. Close after this, after being set up by Conor McGarry, Tom Patchett struck his shot over the bar. On fifteen minutes, Northend conceded another goal when it was easier for their defence to clear the ball. A similar thing happened three minutes later, when Northend were again slow to respond to a corner from Loughgall, and again the ball ended up in Northend's net. Loughgall began passing the ball about Northend at this stage of the match, this being made easier by the fact that Northend had gifted them three goals, with little effort required. Thomas McAuley almost grabbed one back for Northend with a header going close just before the break. Half-time score: 3 - 1

With two changes made at half-time, Northend appeared more determined to get back into the game. Within five minutes of the restart, a free-kick from Tom Patchett went straight into the corner of the net to make the score 2-3. Eight minutes later, Conor McGarry made the game level, after some good work by Sam Frew, Robert Iovu and Conall Gordon. At this stage of the game, Loughgall appeared shocked and on the ropes and did well to stop Northend scoring more. Loughgall however, like all good sides, regrouped and slowly got into the match once again and scored the remaining goal to win 4 - 3. Northend argued that there was a clear and blatant foul on their defender Robert McCluney, but sadly like most big refereeing decisions this season to date, the luck fell to the opposition side. Full-time score: 4 - 3

Northend played well again in this match, but made the criminal error of gifting three easy goals, to a very good side, when under no pressure from the opposition. Despite scoring three good goals against last years title winners, Northend still found themselves on the losing side. Lessons should and will be learned here.

Men of the Match: Robert McCluney, Robert Iovu, Tom Patchett

Panel: L McAfee; S Frew; M Willighan; R McCluney; C McDonald; N Craig; J Brady; T Patchett; R Iovu; T McAuley; C McGarry (c); S Lecky; P Kyle; J Mitchell; C Gordon; C Fullerton

Northend United 2 Loughgall Colts 1 Saturday 21st September 2013

With two players back from injury (John Brady and Callum McDonald), Northend had a much stronger squad for this fixture. They dominated this fixture from the first minute to the last, very similar to last Saturday's performance versus Lisburn Youth, the difference here being they performed in the last fifteen minutes of the match. Northend started on fire and hit the woodwork twice in the first two minutes of the match. Northend forced corner after corner and also forced Loughgall Colts to concede free-kicks around their box due to constant pressure. This pressure was bound to tell and it did, with John Brady scoring a superb goal, after being set up by Robert Iovu. Northend then made a fatal mistake. While still half-celebrating the goal, they failed to clear a long ball from Loughgall Colts, letting their forward nip in to score, with their first attempt on target. Half-time score: 1-1

All credit to Northend, they came out on fire at the start of the second half, and after Robert Iovu took a short corner to Tom Patchett, he crossed it to John Brady who headed the ball into the roof of the net. 2 - 1 to Northend. Like the first half, it was all Northend. Ten minutes later, Robert Iovu was brought down in the box, and Northend were awarded their first penalty of the season. Tom Patchett struck it well but unfortunately, it struck the post and bounced clear. This did not effect Northend at all, because they continued to put pressure on Loughgall, and were very unlucky not to add to their tally. Northend held on comfortably until the end to see out this match. Final Score 2-1

This was a much better performance from Northend. They outplayed, outpassed and out-tackled their opponents here and most importantly, played for the full sixty minutes, not just the first forty-five. The team was tweaked slightly today, to allow them to create more goal-scoring chances , while still remaining solid, and this appeared to pay off. With three injured first team players still to come back into the squad, things may finally be looking up for Northend.

Man of the Match: Team Performance

Panel: C McGarry (c), S Frew, M Willighan, R McCluney, C McDonald, R Iovu, J Brady, N Craig, T Patchett, T McAuley, J Mitchell, P Kyle, C Gordon, C Fullerton

Northend United 2 Oxford Sunnyside 4 Wednesday 18th September 2013

With three players in plaster (one broken wrist, one suspected broken wrist, one suspected broken thumb/hand) plus two out with flu (including goalkeeper), this was not ideal preparation for Northend's last midweek match this year. Going a goal down inside two minutes also did not help things. It took Northend ten minutes to get going in this match, but when they did, they played some attractive and fast flowing football. They deservedly equalised five minutes before half-time when a Robert Iovu free-kick, was headed home by arguably the smallest player on the pitch, Thomas McAuley. Northend forced corner after corner, and really should have added to their tally before the break. Half-time score 1-1

Northend started the second half the better side again, forcing Oxford Sunnyside back towards their box. Yet again, the match may have changed on a referee's decision. In attack, Tom Patchett, with the ball just inside the bye-line, squared the ball back to Robert Iovu, who slid the ball home. The referee did not blow his whistle, said the ball was out, and pointed to a Northend corner. This was a bad decision and yet another disallowed goal. With Northend looking heavy-legged, Oxford Sunnyside took full advantage the last fifteen minutes, and cut Northend open a number of times. Two quick goals had Northend 3 - 1 down. Robert Iovu scored a fine individual goal for Northend with five minutes to go to make it 3 - 2, and Northend pressed for the equaliser. Unfortunately this did not come, and Oxford Sunnyside scored to make it 4 - 2, with the last kick of the ball. Full-time score: 4-2.

Man of the Match: Conor McGarry (volunteering to do nets second game in a row and putting in a great performance).

Panel: C McGarry (c) , S Frew, M Willighan , R McCluney, J Mitchell, T Patchett, T McAuley, N Craig, R Iovu, C Gordon, P Kyle, C Fullerton

Northend United 1 Lisburn Youth 2 Saturday 14th September 2013

Northend lost goalkeeper Louis McAfee and arguably their most consistent midfielder to date, Robert Iovu, on the eve of this match. Conor McGarry volunteered to do nets and the team was adapted. Despite these setbacks, Northend played their best football so far this season in the first half. To add to their woes, they also lost Ruairi Campbell halfway through the first half, with a suspected broken wrist. In terms of possession and creating chances, Northend totally dominated this first half but just could not score. Ruairi Campbell, Josh Mitchell and Tom Patchett all had numerous chances to put Northend ahead, but sadly they failed to do so. When playing quality opposition you have to take your chances because when Lisburn Youth had one half-chance, just five minutes before half-time, they took it. Against the run of play, Lisburn Youth went into the break one goal ahead. Northend could easily have went into the break three goals clear as they were totally dominant, but a mixture of bad approach play and bad finishing, had let their opponents of the hook. Half-time score: 1-0.

Northend started the second half well and again put pressure on Lisburn Youth. Constant Northend pressure led to persistent fouling by Lisburn Youth, and sadly, a lot of this went unpunished. On one of the few free-kicks Northend received on the edge of the box, Tom Patchett superbly dispatched it into the top corner, with his trusty left foot. At 1-1, both teams decided to push for the win and the game became more open. Lisburn Youth's only threat came from their No 10, who with his pace and good first touch, caused Northend's defence problems. It was his persistence that led to Lisburn Youths winning goal. Lisburn Youth went 2-1 ahead with seven minutes to go. Northend appeared to tire with five minutes to go, and Lisburn Youth held on to win this match. Final score: 2-1.

This match probably demonstrated more than any, the gulf in class, between last years East Antrim League and the Lisburn League. Northend have now played three matches in this league, and the difference between the two leagues is clear to all. This league is full of top quality teams and to defeat them, you are going to have to be at 100% for the full sixty minutes. This Northend team have matched all their opponents to date, but if you make mistakes in this league, you are heavily punished. Northend are learning and slowly improving with every match, and a win should not be too far away. Despite losing their goalkeeper and two in-form players for this match, Northend were the better side here and they know they should have won this fixture. The players, coaches and club would like to wish Ruairi a speedy recovery, as it has now been confirmed he has a broken wrist and will be out for a while.

Man of the Match: Conor McGarry for volunteering to do goals plus putting in a good performance.

Panel: C McGarry, S Frew, S Lecky, R McCluney, C McDonald, N Craig, T Patchett, J Brady, T McAuley, R Campbell, J Mitchell, M Willighan, C Gordon, P Kyle

Northend United 1 Portadown 2 Monday 9th September 2013

Northend were given top of the table Portadown, in this hastily arranged midweek league match. It was the league leaders Portadown who started the better and were much abler than Northend in possession and worked hard at closing Northend down when they did not have the ball. Portadown deservedly went one nil ahead on 22 minutes, and it took this goal to get Northend going. Northend slowly worked their way into the match until the break. Half-time score 1-0.

Both teams had early chances in the second half, but failed to score. With Northend just getting on top, they gave away a 'soft penalty' when a Northend player tackled a Portadown player when he was going away from goal, whilst the Portadown player appeared to go down easily. Portadown scored the penalty to go ahead 2-0 At this stage, 2 goals down against the league leaders, most teams would have disintegrated, but Northend decided to have a go. For the last twenty minutes, Northend spent most of this time in and around Portadown's box. Portadown struggled to cope with this constant pressure and when a Portadown defender headed a Sam Frew cross clear, defender Callum McDonald caught it perfectly with his left foot from 30 yards, and it flew into the top left hand corner. Northend created chance after chance, and on the few occasions Portadown got the ball, Northend quickly gained possession and went on the attack. With five minutes to go, Philip Kyle thought thought he had equalised for Northend. He knocked the ball into the net when Portadown failed to clear yet another Northend corner. The referee surprised all (including the Portadown players by the look on their faces) by blowing for offside. That's now two disallowed goals in two matches! Portadown held onto to the final whistle to win the match. Final score 2-1

Northend did not deserve to lose this match and in the second half, more than matched a good quality Portadown side.

Men of the Match: Sam Frew, Conor McGarry

Panel: L McAfee, S Frew, S Lecky, R McCluney, J Brady, R Iovu, M Willighan, C Gordon, T Patchett, C McGarry, J Mitchell, R Campbell, P Kyle, T McAuley, N Craig, C McDonald

Lisburn Distillery 5 Northend United 2 Saturday 7th September 2013

This was always going to be a difficult opening fixture for Northend after losing so many players pre-season and taking on a top side in a new, much stronger and competitive, league.

Lisburn started the better of the two sides, and passed the ball about impressively in the first 5 - 6 minutes. Northend slowly gained confidence, got closer to their opponents and started creating chances themselves. Northend opened the scoring on fifteen minutes through Ruairi Campbell, after being set up superbly by Josh Mitchell. This seemed to knock Lisburn's confidence slightly, as Northend applied even more pressure. Against the run of play, Lisburn equalised through a well headed goal, from a corner on 25 minutes. From the kick-off, Northend pushed forward and when Tom Patchett was upended deliberately just inside the box and the referee blew his whistle, all Northend players and supporters immediately thought penalty! Incredibly, the referee awarded Northend a free-kick on the edge of the box, instead of the penalty they deserved. Lisburn cleared the resulting free-kick and the referee blew for half-time. Half-time score 1-1

Lisburn caught Northend on the hop almost straight after the kick-off, and went ahead 2 - 1, one minute into the second half. Northend dusted themselves down, rolled their sleeves up and re-started, determined to get back into the match. They forced corner after corner and from the third corner, they thought they had equalised the match. Tom Patchett swung in a corner, the ball fell to Robert Iovu, he passed it back out to Tom Patchett, who swung in a great cross come shot. The Lisburn goalkeeper got a hand to the ball, but as he was back-pedalling over his goal-line, he bumped into one of his own defenders, then dropped the ball into the net. With the ball in the net, the referee then blew his whistle and awarded a free kick to Lisburn and not a goal to Northend! Feeling aggrieved, Northend applied even more pressure, and equalised within 5 minutes through a well-taken goal from Robert Iovu. At 2 - 2, Josh Mitchell broke through the Lisburn defence, but sadly his well placed shot was superbly saved by the Lisburn goalkeeper. At this stage with 12 minutes to go, it was end to end, with both teams creating good chances. It was Lisburn who upped a gear in the last ten minutes, their speedy forward scoring three identical, well-taken goals, from long through-balls, from his defence. Full-time score 5-2

Although Northend suffered a defeat here, they matched a well-organised and 'street-wise' Lisburn team for most of this match. With a few refereeing decisions going Northend's way, this match may have finished differently. Credit to Lisburn Distillery, they took full advantage of this and definitely finished the stronger side, in the last 10 -12 minutes of the match. Northend will learn from this match and will definitely be ready, to defend better, against sides hitting long balls through their defence. There were more positives than negatives in this match .Josh Mitchell had a great game up front; Tom Patchett caused Lisburn many problems on the left and Robert Iovu was a revelation in midfield.

Men of the Match: Robert Iovu, Tom Patchett

Panel: L McAfee; M Willighan ; S Lecky; R McCluney (c) ; J Brady ; C McGarry; R Campbell ; R Iovu ; N Craig ; T Patchett ; J Mitchell ; S Frew ; C McDonald ; P Kyle; C Gordon ; T McAuley