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Shankill Juniors 5 Northend United 3 Saturday 14th February 2015

Northend lost this close fought encounter against league leaders Shankill Juniors. Despite missing Robert McCluney (out for the season with a broken arm) and top scorer Ruairi Campbell (guesting for U15s), Northend can count themselves unlucky for finishing pointless in this match. Despite starting the better of the two sides, Northend found themselves two nil down after 20 minutes, caught out by two long balls from defence, both finding Shankill Juniors speedy forward who took both chances well. Northend had plenty of chances to score before half-time but failed to beat Shankill's goalkeeper, who was in top form. Half time score 2-0

In a frantic twenty spell at the start of the second half, Northend scored three very good goals to take the lead. Firstly, Tom Patchett scored to make it 2- 1. Conor McGarry made it 2 - 2 within 4 minutes and John Brady scored Northend's third to make it 2- 3 with 15 minutes to go. At this stage Shankill were all over the place, and Northend looked most likely to score next. Unfortunately, Shankill scored to make it 3 - 3, and sensing blood, Shankill took full advantage and scored two more goals to win the match 5 - 3.

Northend were much better today, fitness levels appear to be coming back and if they had cut out some of the individual errors, Northend could have claimed at least a point here.

Man of the Match: John Brady

Panel: C Brennan, R Jones, S Lecky, S Frew, R Lorimer, R Iovu (c), M Willighan, T McAuley, C McGarry, T Patchett, J Brady, C Gordon, C Fullerton

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Downpatrick 6 Northend United 0 Saturday 7th February 2015

Northend suffered a heavy defeat in this Lisburn league cup-tie. From start to finish, they looked like a side that had not played for a month, and were punished heavily by a very good Downpatrick side. Northend conceded four really soft goals in an easy first half for Downpatrick.

Northend were slightly better in the second half, but still miles short of their usual standard, and conceded a further two goals. Robert Iovu and Ryan Lorimer were the only two Northend players to come out of this match with any credit. Its back to basics for next weeks league match versus Shankill Juniors.

Men of the Match: Robert Iovu and Ryan Lorimer

Panel: C Brennan, S Frew, T McAuley, J Brady, R Lorimer, N Craig, R Campbell, R McCluney, R Iovu, C McGarry, T Patchett, S Lecky, M Willighan, C Gordon, R Jones, C Fullerton

Northend United 0 Lisburn Youth 0 AET - Lisburn win 5-4 on penalties Saturday 10th January 2015

As this was only second time this season Northend had full squad to choose from, they quietly fancied their chances in this NIBFA cup-tie. The match was played in wintry and windy conditions but both teams still provided a good competitive spectacle for the neutrals on show. Both teams created lots of half-chances throughout normal and extra-time but both defences were on top-form. Northend's back four and goalkeeper never appeared under pressure throughout the match and Lisburn Youth's best opportunities came through silly free-kicks conceded by Northend just outside their own penalty area.

Best chance of the match fell to Conor McGarry in the second half of extra time. After being put through by Ruairi Campbell, he unfortunately shot wide after the ball hit a bobble just as he struck his shot. As the match finished goal-less after AET, it was decided on a penalty shoot-out and unfortunately Northend finished on the losing side. A disappointing end to a very good game of football, played by two well matched sides, played in the right spirit with not one bad tackle made the whole game.

Man of the Match: Ryan Lorimer. Easily the best player on the pitch who kept all Lisburn Youths forwards quiet.

Panel: C Brennan, S Frew, T McAuley, R Lorimer, J Brady (c), R McCluney, R Iovu, R Campbell, M Willighan, T Patchett, C McGarry, S Lecky, N Craig, C Gordon, R Jones

Northend United 0 Armagh City 1 Saturday 3rd January 2015

With three first team regulars missing, plus three others having to play despite being unwell, this was always going to be an uphill battle for Northend. The match itself was a drab, scrappy affair with few goalscoring chances. Armagh city scored the only goal of the match, with 10 minutes to go, when a deflected shot from a corner somehow found its way into the net. Northend tried hard to get an equaliser but their forwards struggled to hit the opposition target.

Hopefully sickness will rescind and then Northend should have full squad to pick from for next weeks NIBFA Cup tie at home to Lisburn Youth.

Men of the Match: John Brady, Thomas McAuley

Panel: C Brennan, R Jones, T McAuley, J Brady, S Frew, R Campbell(c), R McCluney, M Willighan, C McGarry, C Fullerton, T Patchett, S Lecky