Northend United 0 Warrenpoint Town 6   Saturday 15th March 2025

A Bright fresh day for the Agnew, Mitchell and Cairns sponsored 2011s against Warrenpoint.

With only a few games left to play this season it’s an opportunity for all players to get minutes on the pitch in different positions without the pressure of league placings

A revised back 5 this week of Mitchell, Brown, Garret, Cairns and Campbell sitting just in front Northend started on the front foot and went close after 2 minutes when McClintock run across the back post and his shot beat the keeper but crept past the outside of the front post. Kerr in nets stood firm and with some fine saves in the first 5 minutes kept Warrenpoint quiet. Hughes beating the defence sent an inviting ball across to Gordon narrowly missed and Cassley’s long range attempt caught form by the Warrenpoint keeper. A great start from the blues and it wasn’t long before Campbell winning the ball in defence found Hector up the right wing who had space to shoot only to see his shot go over the bar. Campbell’s work rate keeping the Warrenpoint midfield out of the game for the first 15 minutes.

The midfield today was light in terms of a mid-two of Cassley and Gordon, a big ask to cover a lot of ground as we opted for wide wingers to spread the play. McClintock and Hector though not getting much of a run as were up against some physical defenders who pressed them hard all game.

With trying new tactics we learn each week and a wide formation with a back 5 gave opportunities to run into space but we just couldn’t find our rhythm all game and conceded a number of goals. With injuries mounting up and legs tired quick substitutions added a bit of spark with King, McGarry and Adams getting into the action.

Devlin introduced into nets and pulled off some amazing saves well noted after the game by the Warrenpoint managers.

Gordon won a free kick about 40 yards out and Hector whipped it over the defenders skimming the right post, the best chance of the second half.

With such work rate unfortunately Campbell picked up and injury in midfield but thankfully ultra fit Cairns filled the position perfectly and pushed hard throughout. McGarry’s headed goal line clearance with King and Adams man marked for a good 20 minutes it was fast paced and end to end but we just couldn’t manage to covert that final shot on goal. A good game today and an opportunity to try new things and something we can work on as a team to improve on. Full time 0-6

Falken Tyres sponsored Player of the Match: Harry Campbell His attitude and performance at both training and in today’s game was outstanding. Well done keep up the hard work.

Panel: Caodhan Kerr, Jonah Mitchell, Tiernan Martin, Thomas Cairns, Reece McClintock, Rory Garrett, Senan Hughes, Ollie Hector, Cathal Gordon, Jayden Cassley, Rory Brown, Harry Campbell, Mason King, Phelim Devlin, Lily Adams, Rory McGarry

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Northend United 0 Ballymacash Rangers 3 Saturday 8th March 2025

A return fixture in the league this week for the Agnew, Mitchell and Cairns sponsored 2011s against Ballymacash Rangers.

A few positional changes and with no pressure on league positions it gave the squad the opportunity to try different combinations and create some good attacking chances. Northend started on the front foot and went close after 6 minutes when McClintock’s shot beat the keeper but hit the outside of the post. Hector beating the defence sent an inviting ball into the box with the Ballymacash keeper more alert than us to save the ball.

A great start from the blues and it wasn’t long before Campbell winning the ball in defence found Hector up the right wing who had space to shoot only to see his shot go over the bar.

The back four today of Garret, Adams, Campbell and King were up against some physical forwards who pressed hard all game. A loose ball in our box not cleared found its way into our net 0/1 after 15 minutes.

With trying new tactics we learn each week and a wide formation gave opportunities for Casley to run into space, Gordon and McClintock both in midfield we’re a handful as always for Ballymacash who struggled one v one so opted for long balls deep into our half. A lobbed ball again converted to see us 0/2 down though Adams however was alert and stood firm winning her battle, unfortunately she was injured in a collision but struggled on. For the next 20 minutes Northend pushed forward, Gordon and Hughes in typical style terrorised the Ballymacash defence and Hector had our best chance of the half when Casley drilled a shot across the box, Hector struck it form towards the open goal but the quick Ballymacash defender got a toe to the ball in the last second.

With a focus on scoring we switched off a bit and Ballymacash capitalised on the tie 3rd. Half time 0-3

With a change at half time and fresh legs Barr, Mitchell, Cairns and Martin were introduced. second half started with Ballymacash moving 2 strikers up front and a 4th into defence which left it extra difficult to find gaps for Northend to try and capitalise on. Gordon and Hughes both went close and Barrs long range shot just over the cross Barr. Gordon was awarded a foul 30 yards out and Hector whipped in over the wall into the arms of the keeper.

We didn’t let Ballymacash out of their own half for 15 minutes and they didn’t have one shot on goal. The game was in lock down with neither team giving an inch. Martin had space to run freely down the left and went close with a shot just wide of the post. No goals second half for either team shows just proves how well matched these teams are. The remaining minutes of the half we tried further positional changes but the Ballymacash wall stood firm. The wee blues battled hard but just couldn’t find that goal. Full time 0-3

A good game today and an opportunity to try new things and something we can work on as a team to improve on.

Falken Tyres sponsored Player of the Match: Olly Hector. Followed clear instruction from the coaches, worked hard and narrowly missing out on two goals. Well done keep up the hard work at training

Panel: Caodhan Kerr, Jonah Mitchell, Tiernan Martin, Thomas Cairns, Sonny Barr, Seanan Hughes, Cathal Gordon, Reece McClintock, Jayden Cassley, Fletcher Wilson, Rory Garrett, Mason King, Preston Cameron, Ollie Hector, Rory Brown, Lily Adams

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Northend United 1 Ballymacash Rangers 2   Saturday 1st March 2025

Cup game this week for the Agnew, Mitchell and Cairns sponsored 2011s against Ballymacash Rangers with both teams previous encounters and even affair. With significant injuries and sickness this week even pitch side players unable to field the wee blues knew they had to perform.

Northend started on the front foot and went close when Cairns found McClintock and nice footwork to Barr who sent an inviting ball into the box and Casley getting his head onto it goal bound just to have it cleared off the line in the first 2 minutes.

A great start from the blues who looked up for this today and it wasn’t long before Cairns winning the ball in defence found McClintock who went on a solo run through the middle and managed to get a shot away which deflected into the path of striker Hughes who made certain to finish a lovely left foot shot into the net. 1/0 after just 3 minutes play.

Unfortunately this woke up Ballymacash who immediately from a drop ball sent their striker in behind our defence and thankfully Kerr rushed out to slide into save it. We gave away a loose corner and Ballymacash sent the ball across an open box and thankfully didn’t convert. For the next 20 minutes Northend pushed forward, Gordon in typical style had no less than 4 chances narrowly wide or saved, Hughes, Casley, Barr and Martin also had opportunities with the best from a free kick whipped in by Martin just saved at the front post which we have worked on this week at training.

With a focus on scoring our second we switched off a bit and Ballymacash when they did win the ball had one tactic which was to lob in behind our defence. Mitchell, Cairns, Brown and Wilson had to be alert to thwart any runs which they did.

Just before the half though a rare defensive error let a striker run into our box certain of a goal but Kerrs quick thinking seen the danger and rushed out closing him down and made the clearance with Wilson tracking him all the way to clear the final ball. Half time 1-0

The second half started with Ballymacash moving 2 strikers up front which left gaps for Northend to try and capitalise on. Gordon and Hughes both went close and Barrs long range shot just over the cross Barr. Both sides went end to end for a good 15 minutes and our one nil lead tested several times. With all players working hard legs started to tyre and formation started to move. As we tried to put the game to bed Ballymacash won a thrown in, the ball was cleared straight to their striker whose shot assumed going wide wasn’t dealt with and was tapped in by their winger.

Some fresh legs on with Cameron and Adams introduced. Northend went on the attack once more. Brown put in a lovely ball from a free kick and was goal bound by Gordon but saved on the line. In the last 5 mins of play in typical cup game fashion a Ballymacash lobbed ball fell to their striker and with the oncoming forwards who we didn’t pick up and gave too much time, a loose header found it’s way into our net. A devastating blow at this stage of the match and totally against to run of play.

The wee blues battled hard but just couldn’t find that equaliser. Full time 1-2

A tough lesson today but something we can work on as a team to improve on. Congratulations to Ballymacash a great come back and we wish you all the best in the next round.

Falken Tyres sponsored Player of the Match: Senan Hughes. Was alert the whole game and took his goal well, two goals In consecutive games from this striker. Well done keep up the hard work at training.

Panel: Caodhan Kerr, Jonah Mitchell, Tiernan Martin, Thomas Cairns, Sonny Barr, Seanan Hughes, Cathal Gordon, Reece McClintock, Jayden Cassley, Fletcher Wilson, Rory Garrett, Mason King, Preston Cameron, Ollie Hector, Rory Brown, Lily Adams

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Northend United 2 Rossowen 5  Saturday 22nd February 2025

Northend went into this match on the front foot, following their draw with the same team the previous week, However, it wasn’t long before Rossowen opened the scoring and they went on to add another two goals before half time. Half time 0-3

Into the second half and with some team reorganisation, the Blues opened their scoring with a goal from Cahal Gordon. Midway through the half, the Blues scored their second, this time Senan Hughes scoring a well taken goal. As the Blues went looking for an equaliser, Rossowen took advantage on the breakaway to score 2 very late goals Full time 2-5

Panel: Caodhan Kerr, Jonah Mitchell, Tiernan Martin, Thomas Cairns, Sonny Barr, Rory Garrett, Ollie Hector, Cathal Gordon, Jayden Cassley, Reece McClintock, Fletcher Wilson, Senan Hughes. Preston Cameron, Harry Campbell, Lily Adams

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Northend United 2 Rossowen 2  Saturday 15th February 2025

With a break last week and legs well rested the wee blues we’re up for this week’s game against Rossowen. Both teams of equal standard we knew it was going to be well contested. The game started well with Martin and McClintock down the left breaking through to deliver a low ball to Hughes whose shot was blocked. The midfield of Casley, Barr and Gordon went toe to toe all game with the very good Rossowen forwards. Hector on the right was opening up the Rossowen defence and cut in a lovely ball to Gordon whose shot went narrowly over the bar. Our defence this week of Mitchell, Garret and Cairns had to be sharp against a quick Rossowen striker who sat on their shoulder the whole game. After 25 minutes of end-to-end action the long ball tactics of Rossowen caught us out and their striker capitalised on a gap to go 1 goal ahead.

The wee blues however knew to dig deep and 5 mins later Martin swung in a corner which bounced nicely for Casley who spun on the volley to equal the score 1/1. Hector then winning a free kick which Martin delivered right into the back post but cleared off the line. A frantic 10 min spell saw goalkeeper Kerr pull off some fantastic saves, his bravery to rush the forwards kept the score line 1/1. Gordon, Casley, Barr and Hughes all having chances cleared or saved in the last minutes of the half both teams playing some great football. Half time 1-1

Some fresh legs and Adams, Wilson and King introduced. Wilson immediately into the action making a run from deep in defence to the Rossowen 6-yard line winning a corner. Casley again at the front post had his effort saved. Along range shot from Barr narrowly wide. Gordon went 1v1 with the keeper had his shot saved and Hector’s late run at the back post saw his shot also just wide. Kerr again pull off some fantastic saves with Cairns, king, Adams and Mitchell putting in overtime to keep up with Rossowen who had moved 3 strikers up front. With 10 mins left to play their forwards given too much time to shoot hit us to go 2-1 up. But confidence in this team was high and the last 5 minutes were all about Northend. Kerr pulled off another set of fine saves but it was Casley who was determined to score, he beat his marker to slip home his second to level the game but the wee blues kept pushing. McClintock pushed high but was deemed offside, Martin drove a hard ball across and Barr’s side foot shot hit the post, Gordon and King shots went wide and Casley again had a shot saved. Full time 2-2

A fitting end to a very enjoyable game with both teams of equal standard giving their all.

Falken Tyres sponsored Player of the Match: Caodhan Kerr - made some critical saves in both half’s.

Panel: Caodhan Kerr, Jonah Mitchell, Tiernan Martin, Thomas Cairns, Sonny Barr, Seanan Hughes, Rory Garrett, Ollie Hector, Cathal Gordon, Jayden Cassley, Reece McClintock, Mason King, Fletcher Wilson, Lily Adams

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Northend United 1 Windmill Stars 5   Saturday 18th January 2025

It was the first game of the year and the first in 4 weeks for our Agnew, Mitchell & Cairns sponsored 2011s. A new venue at Aghalee pitch which was in great condition against top undefeated side Windmill stars. The game got off to a fast pace and both teams went end to end in the first 10 minutes. With Hughes upfront going close after 7 minutes our midfield of Gordon, Barr, McClintock and Casely worked tirelessly to keep up. Hector and Martin had the run of each wing but Windmill showed their determination and tracked every run we made. It was counter-attack after 30 minutes play and tired legs trying to get back that opened up a gap in our formation to gift Windmill an easy tap in. Our defensive line up of Brown, Cairns and Wilson had been impenetrable up to that point a real credit as our first attempt at having only 3 at the back. McClintock was having his best game if the season so far in an unfamiliar midfield position showing his fitness and willingness to tackle much bigger opponents and created a nice run for Gordon whose shot went wide of the post. Half time 0-1

Sickness has been a real struggle this week with a number of players unavailable and several still not recovered, both Gordon, Hector couldn’t continue and Mitchell couldn’t field. Both Cameron and King introduced with no further subs available.

On the restart both teams created opportunities in the first 10 minutes of play. Barr winning the ball in midfield sent Cameron on a run down the right whose shot went narrowly wide. Windmill had a good 15-minute run of play with their fitness starting to show, Brown, Cairns and Wilson busted themselves across the defensive line and Devlin showing great athleticism with several fingertip saves but with tired legs in midfield we couldn’t keep Windmill from scoring 4 in quick succession. With a bit of a lift in the final 10 minutes Hughes and Cassley had 2 chances scuffed off the line and with play turned in our favour Hughes hit a low shot from 20 yards just past the keeper into the net giving the boys confidence to push forward. At 1-5 it was a bit of a climb but the wee blues kept pushing right to the last. Full time 1-5

A real game if two halves today but positive to see the potential we have in this squad against top opposition. A few more weeks to regain our fitness levels and hopefully the sickness will have passed.

Falken Tyres Player 0f the Match: Reece McClintock. His work rate in unfamiliar midfield from start to finish was outstanding.

Panel: Pearse Devlin, Jonah Mitchell, Tiernan Martin, Thomas Cairns, Sonny Barr, Seanan Hughes, Ollie Hector, Cathal Gordon, Fletcher Wilson, Rory Brown, , Jayden Cassley, Mason King, Reece McClintock, Preston Cameron