Untitled

Northend United 1 Shankill Juniors 8 NIYFA Cup Quarter Final Saturday 28th February 2026

Northend United 2013’s NIYFA Cup journey came to an end on Saturday morning as they were defeated by a well organised and clinical Shankill Juniors U13 side at Ballymena Showgrounds.

Played in ideal conditions, the opening stages saw both teams looking to play positive football, resulting in a cautious and competitive first period with few clearcut chances. Shankill threatened early through their wide players, delivering several dangerous balls into the box but Northend goalkeeper Ally was alert, reacting well when called upon and supported by a defence quick to clear their lines.

The breakthrough came midway through the first half following a poor clearance. A Shankill midfielder headed the ball over the Northend defence into the path of the striker, who controlled before shooting. Ally managed to get a hand to the effort but was unable to prevent it crossing the line. The Shankill striker was clearly a yard or 2 offside but unfortunately this went noticed by the ref and the goal stood. 1-0

Northend responded with determination, enjoying spells of possession and build up play but were unable to find the necessary quality in the final third, with decision making and the final pass just not on point today. Half-time: 0-1

Northend started the second half on the front foot in search of an equaliser. A freekick on the right was delivered dangerously into the sixyard box by Ronan, forcing the Shankill goalkeeper into a fumble before recovering just in time to deny Conal.

Shankill doubled their advantage soon after from a corner. The delivery was not dealt with effectively, and the ball bounced into the net at the back post to make it 2-0.

A few minutes later, the game swung firmly in Shankill’s favour as their left midfielder produced a moment of real quality, driving at the defence, cutting inside his marker and finishing calmly into the bottom corner past the advancing Ally.

At 3-0, the contest drifted away from Northend. Heads dropped and basic errors crept in, allowing Shankill to capitalise ruthlessly with five further goals in a tenminute spell, stretching the scoreline to 8-0. A margin that did not fully reflect how competitive the match had been.

To their credit, Northend regrouped in the closing stages, creating several chances and earning a deserved consolation goal. Conan played a through ball to Oisín, who cut inside his defender and fired low into the bottom corner to cap a well worked move. Full-time: 1-8

Shankill were worthy winners, punishing loose passing and showing real quality and clinical finishing in the final third. We wish them the best of luck in the quarterfinals.

Despite the result, the coaches are very proud of the team’s overall NIYFA Cup campaign. The boys should also be proud of their performances throughout this cup.

Player of the Match: Conor Best - for his skill on display, forward runs and battling until the final whistle

United Panel: Alastair Doyle, Alphie Woodhouse, Conor Best, Conal Devlin, Conan Goodall, Noah McGarry, Fionn McGarry, Jack Curry, James McConaghy, Kieran O’Loan, Michael Killough, Oisin Walker, Oran Fox, Ronan Campbell

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

Northend United 2 Shorts FC 0 Wednesday 25th February 2026

Northend United U13s secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Shorts FC U13s on Wednesday night in what proved to be a scrappy contest despite perfect football conditions at Crumlin Leisure Centre. The first half was tight, with both teams battling for control and chances at a premium. Shorts keeper being busier of the two but both making good saves when called upon to keep the scoreline 0-0 going into halftime. Half time 0-0

Northend boys were asked to step up the tempo and move the ball with more intent during the 2nd half which they executed well. It took until the 42nd minute for the breakthrough but it was worth the wait. Alphie stepped up to a free kick at the edge of the box and produced a moment of real quality, curling a superb effort over the wall and into the net to give Northend a deserved lead. 1-0

The remainder of the match followed a similar pattern, competitive and physical, the boys were winning their duels, playing positive passes with some good link up play, making if difficult for Shorts.

Northend showed their strength from set pieces once again. In the 59th minute, a corner was whipped in with pace by Conan to the back post where Kieran rose highest, powering home a towering header to double the advantage. From there, Northend managed the game well, staying organised and disciplined to see out the clean sheet and claim the win. Full time 2-0

A scrappy match overall, but a professional performance and three points well earned for Northend United U13s. Good win to extend our lead at the top of the table with 13 wins from 13 matches. Big thanks to all the Colts and 2014s for stepping up tonight. All playing their part with good performances

Player of the Match: Kieran O'Loan - He put in a good shift, batted hard in multiple positions and also got on the score sheet.

United Panel: Alastair Doyle, Alphie Woodhouse, Conal Devlin, Conan Goodall, Noah McGarry, Fionn McGarry, Jack Curry, Kieran O’Loan, Oisin Walker, Oran Fox, Caolan Logan, Cahir McAllister, Throne Davids, Jack Stephens

Northend United 5 Cliftonville Ladies 1 Saturday 21st February 2026

Northend started well and applied early pressure, forcing Cliftonville to defend deep and play long balls. The high press allowed Northend to enjoy some success in the opening exchanges. A few early attempts on goal were well saved by the Cliftonville keeper who seemed to be on top form.

The next opportunity for the boys in blue and white came from a free kick at the edge of the box after Oran was taken out by a strong challenge which resulted in the defender getting injured. We hope it's not serious and she recovers fast.

Northend opened the scoring from the resulting free kick, Conan saw a gap at the side of the wall and slotted the ball low and hard catching the keeper off guard. 1-0

Cliftonville were defending well and strong in every tackle. Jack took a knock and needed a break. Noah comfortably slotted into left back to cover and supported Alphie down the left while defending really well with good recovery runs. Oran dropped back into centre back along with Ronan and James over to right back with Ally reacting well when called upon. It was another solid defensive display from these boys.

Conal came into midfield along with Conan and Conor, they were controlling the middle of the park well and winning their duels.

The football on display from Northend was a little scrappy at times, we weren't passing it around like we are accustomed to. Credit to Cliftonville for making it difficult.

Fionn was a menace up front giving their defence no time on the ball, his hold up play was very good and he was linking well with the midfield. Michael and Alphie were working hard on the wings, staying wide and looking for balls in behind the Cliftonville defence which caused them problems. Half time: 1-0

The boys were asked to go out in the 2nd half and be stronger on the ball, in the tackle and adapt their movement off the ball to create better chances and break down the deep line Cliftonville were holding.

We started better, moving the ball with more intensity and creating space. Fionn was unlucky not to extend our lead. Oisín was playing down the right wing with Michael slotting in to right back to cover for James who was carrying a knee injury.

The 2nd goal came from another set piece, Conal was fouled after making a good forward run from midfield. Up stepped Conan again, this time for 30 yards out and drove the ball into the top corner giving the keeper no chance. 2-0

The gap was closed a few minutes later when Cliftonville defender won the ball and played it out to the left back who went on a great solo run with lots of pace, down the left round our defence and through on goal. Her shot was low under an onrushing Ally who got a touch but couldn't keep it out. 2-1.

Unfortunately, Michael ended up injured during this phase and needed to attend A&E for a scan on his ankle. Fingers crossed it isn't serious and we see him back again sooner rather than later.

From the restart the boys pushed forward to extend the lead. We won another corner which was cleared by Cliftonville, Oran collected the ball, showed great skill to take it past 2 and was brought down in the box. Penalty to Northend. Ronan stepped up and calmly hit the roof of the net. 3-1

Northend were creating additional chances and playing better football. Alphie was unlucky not to score with his effort hitting the side netting and Conor's shot required the keeper to make another good save.

The next attack saw Alphie's effort well saved and pushed out to the left side, he reacted first to the rebound and crossed into the back post where Oisín was poised, he smashed the ball low and under the keeper to make it 4-1.

Into the last 5 and Cliftonville were struggling to get out of their own half. Northend won a corner from a good high press. Conan’s delivery was met by Ronan who finished well with a volley using the outside of his left foot. 5-1 Full-time: 5-1

Player of the Match: Noah McGarry- for his solid defensive performance including recovery runs and his support play going forward.

United Panel: Alastair Doyle, Alphie Woodhouse, Conor Best, Conal Devlin, Conan Goodall, Noah McGarry, Fionn McGarry, Jack Curry, James McConaghy, Michael Killough, Oisin Walker, Oran Fox, Ronan Campbell

Northend United 4 Larne FC Girls 2 Saturday 7th February 2026

Northend United U13s secured a strong 4–2 win against Larne Ladies U13s in a competitive and hard-fought match on Saturday morning. It was end-to-end game from the start, with both sides showing good energy and determination.

Northend opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Fionn finished well after a positive attacking move to put the home side ahead. Larne responded with an equaliser following a mix-up at the back, bringing the score level.

Northend kept pushing forward and regained the lead through Conal, who calmly finished to make it 2–1. Larne continued to battle and managed to pull it back to 2–2, keeping the pressure on. Just before halftime, Michael struck to restore the advantage, sending Northend into the break 3–2 up. Half time: 3-2

In the second half, Northend tightened up defensively and limited Larne’s chances well. The team stayed organised and worked hard across the pitch. The final goal came when Noah arrived at the back post to finish nicely and make it 4–2, putting the result beyond doubt. A solid team performance and good finishing made the difference in an entertaining match. Full time 4-2

Player of the Match: Oran Fox - Oran was a rock at the back today passing was very good and maybe should have got on the score sheet

Northend United 8 Mossley Academy 0 Saturday 31st January 2026

Northend United started the game with real intent, moving the ball confidently and creating early pressure. Their bright start was rewarded when Alphie delivered a dangerous cross into the box. The Mossley goalkeeper couldn’t hold it and Michael reacted quickest to tap home the opener. 1-0

The lead was doubled only minutes later after some excellent linkup play in midfield involving Conal, Oran and Conor. The move was finished in style as Conor glided past his defender and struck a superb shot from the edge of the box into the right corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. 2-0

Northend continued to dominate, pressing Mossley all over the pitch and giving them no time to settle. Their work rate and intensity allowed them to control possession and play some lovely football in the opposition half.

The pressure paid off again when a Mossley goal kick was won strongly by Conor. He drove forward, beat his man and slipped a perfectly weighted pass to Michael, who calmly slotted the ball past the advancing keeper. 3-0

The defence was quick to react to any long balls, won every battle and got us on the attack. Great support play from Noah and Jack down the flanks. James and Ronan stood firm, winning everything in the air and playing some lovely passing into midfield and up front. Marshalled by Ally at the back who didn't have much to do today but dealt with anything that came his way.

Just before halftime, Northend added a fourth with a superb team goal that moved from back to front in style. Ally collected a long ball and quickly released James, who turned and found Michael. His neat layoff played Conor into space and he delivered a beautifully judged throughball for Oisín. Oisín raced onto it and finished confidently beyond the keeper. 4-0 A dominant first half showcasing excellent teamwork, high energy and clinical finishing from the Northend boys. Half time: 4-0

Northend began the second half with the same momentum and intensity that had driven their dominant firsthalf display. They continued to control possession, win second balls and make smart decisions all over the pitch. Their pressure paid off once again from a set piece. Jack delivered a wellplaced corner into the box and when the Mossley defence failed to clear, Conal reacted sharply to guide the ball into the bottom corner. 5-0

Moments later, another corner brought another reward. This time Oisín sent a superb ball towards the back post, where Fionn timed his run perfectly and connected with a brilliant volley, driving the ball into the far corner to extend the lead. 6-0

Mossley struggled to play out due to Northend’s relentless high press. From a short goal kick, Conor closed down quickly, dispossessed the defender and unselfishly squared the ball to Conal, who was well positioned in the centre of the box. Conal made no mistake, finishing calmly into the bottom left corner. 7-0

As the match neared its conclusion, Northend added an eighth. Another right-sided corner from Oisín was whipped into the sixyard area, where Conan rose highest and powered a header past the goalkeeper. Full-time: 8-0

A solid allround performance resulting in another clean sheet and multiple goal scorers. The boys combined hard work, creativity and clinical finishing from start to finish.

Player of the Match: Oisin Walker - for his holdup play and attacking contribution throughout the game

United Panel: Alastair Doyle, Alphie Woodhouse, Conor Best, Conal Devlin, Conan Goodall, Noah McGarry, Fionn McGarry, Jack Curry, James McConaghy, Michael Killough, Oisin Walker, Oran Fox, Ronan Campbell

.Northend United 2 Portavogie Rangers 0 Saturday 17th January 2026

Northend United U13s came out the stronger of the two teams on a very difficult surface, with the pitch wet, sandy, and sticky underfoot. Despite the conditions, Northend started positively and moved the ball well when possible.

The opening goal came after a good break down the left-hand side, where Alphie showed great awareness to cut the ball across the six-yard box. Michael was on hand to meet it and finished calmly to give Northend a deserved 1–0 lead.

The tough pitch made it difficult for Northend to fully get their passing game going, but the players showed good determination and work rate. On the 22nd minute, Conal doubled the lead with an excellent strike, hitting the ball cleanly into the bottom right corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. Half time 2-0

Northend continued to control the game in the second half, managing the conditions well and defending solidly when required. Portavogie Rangers tried to get back into the match, but Northend stayed organised and limited their chances.

Despite opportunities at both ends, no further goals were added, and Northend saw the game out professionally to secure a well-earned away victory Full time 2-0

Player of the Match: Ronan Campbell - good communication and being calm on and off the ball.

United Panel: Alastair Doyle, Alphie Woodhouse, Conor Best, Conal Devlin, Conan Goodall, Noah McGarry, Fionn McGarry, Jack Curry, James McConaghy, Michael Killough, Oisin Walker, Ronan Campbell