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Craigavon City 4 Northend United 2 Saturday 25th February 2017

On a windy morning, Northend U15s started brightly with the wind at their backs, controlling the match and creating chances. They took the lead through a Connor McDonald thunderbolt, but let Craigavon back into the match with a well taken shot from outside the box. Northend regained the lead when Connor McDonald placed a free-kick into the top corner of the net from all of 25 yards. As the game flowed from end to end, Craigavon got an equaliser when a shot deflected off a Northend defender and into the net. Half time 2-2

The half time interval seemed to have a negative effect on the Northend players, as they seemed lethargic in the second half and not being able to raise their game, let Craigavon score two more goals. Full time 4-2

Panel: J Logan, J Dallas, C Forsythe, M Stewart, R McMullan, C Bailes, J Agnew, J Coates, C McDonald, Z Clarke, R Mark, C Meeke, S Foster

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Northend United 0 Dromore 3 Saturday 18th February 2017

Northend under 15s took on Dromore in the Lisburn league this weekend.

With only 11 players available to the management the squad was fairly stretched, but were still able to field a fairly strong team.

The team however failed to create a tempo in the first half, with both attack and defence looking laboured and lacking any energy. However there were only few opportunities for both sides. Northend threatened to get in behind the Dromore defence, aswell as a good freekick from Callum Forsythe finding Conor McDonald free at the back post, only for the referee to stop the game for offside.

At the other end Ryan Mark produces a very good reaction save from a header but the defence did look fairly comfortable.

Northend were unlucky though as a ball over the top allowed Dromore's best player to race through on goal with Joseph Dallas chasing. Dallas, being one of the quickest players on the pitch, put in a magnificent last ditch tackle, clearly getting his toe to the ball before any contact was made. The referee however seemed to miss the contact, and gave a fairly controversial penalty which was well dispatched. Luke Rea was booked in the aftermath for his overenthusiastic protests.

A second goal, again is slightly fortuitous fashion, soon followed. Another long ball was miscontrolled by a Dromore foot, but the ball looped over Forsythe and left the Dromore left winger one-on-one and he finished low into the corner. Half time 0-2

The start of the second half was arguably the Blues best period of the game. Again Ross Kerr continually threatened to get in behind, but with no end product being created. Then, some good passing play involving Josh Coates resulted on a freekick on the edge of the box. McDonald stepped up and could not have placed it better, over the wall and towards the top corner, only for the goalkeeper to produce a magnificent save.

The game went from bad to worse for Northend as Luke Rea received his second yellow card for a sliding tackle. Whilst Rea only made contact with the ball, the referee deemed the tackle to be potentially dangerous and so had no choice.

This obviously gave Northend a mountain to climb. Late in the game then Dromore scored a third breakaway goal and the score finished 3-0

Panel: R Mark, J Dallas, L Rea, C Forsythe, M Stewart, R McMullan, C Bailes, J Agnew, J Coates, C McDonald, R Kerr, C Metrustry

Ballymoney United 4 Northend United 0 Saturday 11th February 2017

This Saturday Northend faced a tough game against a high flying Ballymoney side in the Lisburn League.

With up to 6 first team players unavailable for selection the weakened Northend squad struggled to deal with the pace and power of the Ballymoney side in the first half. Two goals were conceded in the first 15 minutes but the Ballymena side slowly managed to find their feet, managing to avoid conceding a third but also failing to create many chances. Half time 2-0

The second half performance started much more spirited from Northend, showing more intensity in the tackle, and Conor Mcdonald in particular providing Northend's attacking threat. First, a 30 yard strike was expertly tipped into the bar by the Ballymoney keeper and then another flew narrowly wide soon after.

Luke Rea, who played very well at centre back throughout the game, was left exposed by his teammates on numerous occasions, and made a few goalsaving tackles, as well as a goal line clearance, before eventually the Ballymoney striker was lost by his marker, and Rea was left 1 on 1 with the Ballymoney striker running at full pelt past him, and could have done virtually nothing bar giving away a penalty to prevent the third goal.

The fourth then came through lost concentration and frustration in the defence. A lunged tackle by Rea dispossessed one player but the ball rolled to another, and again the rest of the Northend defence were not able to recover with Ryan Mark standing no chance in goal. The game ended 4-0, with Northend not really ever finding their feet in the game. Full time 4-0

Panel: J Logan, J Dallas, L Rea, C Forsythe, R McMullan, C Bailes, J Agnew, J Coates, M Stewart, C McDonald, R Kerr, S Foster, C Meeke, R Mark, C Metrustry

Northend United 2 Loughgall 1 Saturday 4th February 2017

Northend U15s this week were drawn against Loughall in the first round of the second league cup of the season. After winning the last league meeting between the two teams, Northend started the game with a positive mindset. Under clear instructions to develop their passing football on the pitch, they strung together a fantastic move early on, with nearly every player involved with some quick passing, and the final pass to Ross Kerr was just miscontrolled by the striker. Although the move came to nothing, it was an early indication of the pattern of the game, with Northend playing expansive attacking football and striving to take the lead. Kerr then rose highest to meet a near post corner, and his powerful header went just over the bar. Set pieces continued to be a danger for the Loughall defence, and the next corner did open the scoring for Northend. A low Kerr corner was cushioned by Matthew Stewart into the path of Callum Forsythe, whose confident finish flew high into the net.

Finishing however was the only thing Northend seemed to miss over the remainder of the half. More good passing football kept creating shooting opportunities, but Kerr, Stewart, Conor McDonald, Ryan McMJYYullan, Jack Agnew and Josh Coates all had good chances in which a lack of clean connection on the strike ruined the opportunities.

Just before the half though Northend were caught with a sucker punch. A quick Loughall break down the right left Joseph Dallas isolated near the wing, and when the Loughall striker beat him for pace down the line, with only one target to aim for in the box, who was closely marked by Callum Forsythe, his pinpoint cross was perfect for his strike partner to head in. It was a well worked equaliser but Northend came in at half time knowing they should have been ahead. Half time 1-1

The second half took a similar pattern to the first, with Northend going close again, twice through Conor McDonald with curling efforts that just beat the far post, and then Cameron Bailes aswell whose long effort was pushed away by the goalkeeper.

Jacob Logan was called into action at the other end, with the defence losing the ball and a strong strike being palmed away before being cleared by Josh Coates. Apart from this chance however, the trio of Dallas, Forsythe and Luke Rea marshalled the Loughall defence confidently, aswell as effectively moving the ball from defence to attack when required.

Again, at the other end, McDonald's magnificent striking was on show, this time with a fantastic half volley which was narrowly over. He then found a bit of space on the left hand side of the box, however his effort this time was well saved.

Five minutes from the end of the game however, a fantastic driving run from Ryan McMullan beat the whole Loughall midfield, and they cynically fouled him on the left hand side before he could advance further. Forsythe took the freekick, and found Conor McDonald, rising above the Loughall defence powerfully to head beyond the attempts of the goalkeeper and to score the winner. The keeper was injured in his attempts to save the shot, which led to some added time, but Northend closed out the game with minimal drama. Full time 2-1

Panel: J Logan, J Dallas, L Rea, C Forsythe, R McMullan, C Bailes, J Agnew, J Coates, M Stewart, C McDonald, R Kerr, S Foster, C Meeke, R Mark, C Metrustry

Lisburn Youth 1 Northend United 0 Saturday 28th January 2017

Northend 2002s faced a tough match against Lisburn Youth. Having won the corresponding fixture in the cup 1-0, Northend knew they had the ability to both shut out the opposition attack as well as causing problems in attack.

The match started accordingly, with keeper Jacob Logan confidently dealing with a range of long shots and crosses into the box but looking completely untroubled.

At the other end, Ross Kerr was finding space created by the menace of Conor Mcdonald and Jack Agnew, and with 15 minutes gone, Mcdonald spread the ball wide to wing-back Sam Stewart, who played a beautiful chipped through ball to Kerr, and one on one with the keeper, his first time shot with the outside of the boot was straight at the Lisburn keeper. It was a great chance but a difficult one at the same time. However, minutes later he had a golden opportunity to take the lead. Again, Mcdonald help up the ball and found Agnew this time, who's pass across the box found Kerr in acres of space and again with just the keeper to beat, he controlled and fired straight at the keeper again, the ball never really sitting up in a good position for him to hit it.

Northend came to rue these missed chances as "youth", who were playing lovely passing football, managed to break the deadlock. Their striker was tackle but the ball ricocheted back into his path, and a perfectly weighted pass allowed his partner to fire in past keeper Logan from about 8 yards. Logan did manage to get fingertips on it but if he had kept it out it potentially would have been save of the season. Half time 1-0

The second half brought a response from the Ballymena boys, playing with far more intensity in defence Lisburn were allowed far less time on the ball. However, for the majority of the half neither team made really clear cut opportunities. Logan did close down one particular attack and was forced into a good save, but was not particularly troubled otherwise. Connor Meeke did make a fantastic last ditch tackle in the box which Lisburn coaches and players appealed to be a foul, but he got the ball fairly when it looked like he had been beaten. In the closing minutes Northend should have equalised. Matthew Stewart ran clear of the defence latching onto a through ball, but his strike rolled just the wrong side of the post.

Final score was 1-0 to Lisburn Youth, but Northend will regret the chances they missed as they did enough to win the game. Full time 1-0

Panel: J Logan, R Boomer, J Dallas, L Rea, C Forsythe, C Bailes, C McDonald, S Stewart, J Agnew, R Kerr, M Stewart, M Stewart, C Meeke, Z Clarke, C Metrustry

Northend United 0 Dromore 2 Saturday 21st January 2017

Northend faced Dromore, the team one place above them in the league, in a crucial tie in the Lisburn League.

The game started with a slow tempo from both teams and few chances were created. Neither team managed to take control of a scrappy game, but late in the half, a flowing passing move from Northend allowed Jack Agnew through on goal and from a tight angle forced a good save from the feet of the Dromore keeper. Half time 0-0

The second half though started in frustrating fashion for Northend. A few jubious offside calls went against striker Zach Clarke, and then a free kick was awarded for handball against keeper Jacob Logan when supposedly stepping out of the box before kicking the ball (which the Northend coaches failed to see happen). The free kick was blocked but Dromore made the breakthrough via the resulting corner, a flick on being followed in at the back post and finding the back of the net.

Northend then fell two goals behind when a Dromore striker rode a few tackles in the box and fired into the corner.

The Blues left their best attacking play to the end, forcing some late pressure with some shots from distance but it was too little too late. Full time 0-2

Panel: J Logan, R Boomer, J Dallas, L Rea, C Forsythe, R McMullan, C Bailes, C McDonald, S Stewart, M Stewart, J Agnew, R Mark, C Meeke, Z Clarke, D Robinson

Hillsborough Boys 1 Northend United 3 Saturday 14th January 2017

Northend U15s faced Hillsborough in a bid to return to winning ways after last weeks defeat had ended some great form for the team.

The reverse fixture earlier in the season was won 3-1 by the Ballymena boys, and were favourites going into the game.

However, the match started at a slow pedestrian pace, with both teams seeming to lack energy, creativity and most importantly quality in the early stages. Much of the match was played in midfield, with Ryan McMullan in particular impressing for Northend, as he got stuck in and won a lot of possession in midfield when others seemed to be passengers in the game.

Although no clear cut chances were created early on, Northend showed the most attacking intent, with strikers Ross Kerr and Matthew Stewart both being called offside repeatedly when it looked like thy had been timing their runs well. These runs were being well picked out by Northend's midfield trio but it was actually at the other end where the decisive pass was played.

Luke Rea, looking to play from the back, decided to pass to the goalkeeper Logan, but unluckily kicked the ground as he passed it and sold his goalkeeper short. Even though Logan managed to excellently tackle the Hillsborough striker, the ball ricocheted into his path again and he slotted into the corner.

With the half passing by without any further drama and ending 1-0, the Northend coaches and players knew that they had a lot of work to do to turnaround a fairly poor first half display. Half time 1-0

At the start of the second half, a turnaround is exactly what the players delivered. After a few tactical attacking changes, the Ballymena boys managed to press far higher up the pitch, and hold on to possession far better, as well as finding a new element of danger in attack, with the new look front two of Conor McDonald and Zach Clarke complementing each other well as McDonald held up the ball well and Clarke found joy pulling wide and running in behind the defence.

Wing backs Sam Stewart and Josh Coates were also very important in Northend's attacking display, pushing far higher up the pitch and constantly creating overlaps in midfield.

The first goal however came from a set piece. A well won corner was perfectly delivered by substitute Clarke, and Cameron Bailes perfectly timed his run, attacking the ball and headed into the back of the net. The tone was set for the remainder of the match as straight from a Hillsborough kick off, Sam Stewart pressed the ball along with Zach Clarke forcing the defence to clear the ball and hand possession back to Northend and small moments like that whilst insignificant in isolation, can spur a team on, change attitudes and inspire further good play.

The second goal did soon follow, McDonald picking up the ball halfway into the Hillsborough half, and drove towards the left hand side of the box, before dropping his shoulder, cutting onto his right foot via a beautiful nutmeg and then curled an effort into the far corner. A moment of magic from a player who has shown time and again he is more than capable of creating these moments.Northend looked to add to their lead, and all the while the defence looked increasingly confident and comfortable, especially when Connor Meeke came off the bench to add some fresh legs to the defence.

Zach Clarke and Jack Agnew who were industrious in attack and both had excellent opportunities when through on goal, and with only the keeper the beat both narrowly missed. Agnew also had a penalty appeal turned down and another Clarke corner was volleyed over by Callum Forsythe when free 8 yards from goal.

The third goal did eventually come however as another corner caused issues in the Hillsborough defence, and it looked like Josh Coates was dragged back when going for a loose ball, with no penalty again coming, the ball bobbled to Forsythe again, who this time made no mistake and dispatched into the back of the net.

With the game ending 3-1, Northend were fully deserving of the win, and will hope their future performances resemble the second half rather than the first. Full time 1-3

Panel: J Logan, J Dallas, L Rea, C Forsythe, R McMullan, C McDonald, C Bailes, S Stewart, J Coates, M Stewart, R Kerr, C Meeke, J Agnew, Z Clarke, D Robinson

Northend United 0 TTBS 1 Saturday 7th January 2017

Northend U15s were handed a very difficult first match of 2017 as they faced league leaders TTBS. The Lurgan academy side had won the reverse fixture 2-0 toward the start of the season, but Northend were on good form with 10 points from their last possible 12.

The game started in favour of the Ballymena boys, with both teams showing intent to keep the ball and play attacking football. Northend's new signing Cameron Bailes was involved in everything good in the early stages for Northend, both attacking and defensively. It was Bailes then who had the first chance of the game, as a Zach Clarke corner was whipped perfectly into the danger area, and as Cameron and captain Callum Forsythe both converged on the ball, they got in each other's way and Cameron's header flew narrowly over. The same player minutes later saw an opportunity as the keeper was off his line, and tried a speculative 35 yard effort which forced the back peddling goalkeeper into a fine save. This was just a sign of the confidence and fluency that the whole Northend team were playing with in the first 25 minutes, matching the league leaders in every aspect of the game. What happened next however demonstrated why the Lurgan team have been winning so many games, with their centre midfielder wriggling through some space and finding a terrific pass/cross/through ball to the right winger. Such was the quality of the ball that the TTBS winger didn't even connect with his kick, but the ball still luckily bounced off his shin and past the helpless Jacob Logan. Logan however was not to be beaten twice in the half, commanding his area in a way that shows great progression from the start of the season, collecting overhit passes, playing the ball out confidently and making crucial saves. In the one occasion that a shot did beat Jacob, centre back Luke Rea showed magnificent instinct and reflexes to backheel the ball off the line. With the half ending 1-0 it was a tight game and Northend knew that they had a way back into the match. Half time 0-1

The second half however started anticlimactically, with the pumped up Ballymena boys coming up against excellent game management, as TTBS kept the ball, slowed the tempo, and took the fizz out of the game.

This didn't stop the chances coming, as Ross Kerr was almost slid in by Zach Clarke, and then Clarke himself firing wide when clear on goal but under pressure.

Logan again showed his talent as a TTBS shot was parried off the line by him and was then aided by his crossbar when a long shot went narrowly over.

The game ended 1-0 but Northend can take a mass of positives from the game, showing their class and resilience against a top team and only to be beaten by a fluky finish. Full time 0-1

Panel: J Logan, R Boomer, J Dallas, L Rea, C Forsythe, C McDonald, C Bailes, M Stewart, J Coates, Z Clarke, R Kerr, S Stewart, S Foster, C Meeke, J Agnew, R Mark, D Robinson