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Northend United 2 Craigavon City 2 Saturday 22nd April 2017

This weekend Northend U15s took on Craigavon city, a team just a few places ahead of them in the league.

The game started very competition, with Northend finding some early possession and nearly finding a chance as Scott Foster had a close range shot blocked in the first few minutes.

However, Craigavon managed to find some momentum with some good attacking endeavour down the left, and forced Jacob Logan into two fantastic saves. The deadlock was broken at the other end, as some good passing football and sustained pressure let Conor McDonald produce a fine flick to put Jack Agnew through on goal, and he finished confidently. The half finished without any further drama with Northend protecting their lead. Half time 0-1

In the second half Craigavon started sharply, and equalised soon after the break with a good run from midfield, and the Northend defences tackle ricocheted back into the midfielders path and he finished past Logan.

Northend continued to play well though, and their hard work paid off as a goalkeepers clearance was charged down by Scott Foster and finished nestling into the net.

With a tactical change to put Jack Agnew upfront, a third goal for Northend nearly came, as he latched onto another McDonald pass but fired wide. The Craigavon goalkeeper made 3 good saves from long shots, whilst Logan made a fantastic save at the other end to keep the lead.

However just before the end, Craigavon equalised after the Northend defence were caught out by a long ball, and the Craigavon midfielder, who appeared to be offside by a distance, rounded Logan to finish well and tie the game. Full time 2-2

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

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Loughgall 1 Northend United 4 Daily Mirror Match of the Day Saturday 1st April 2017

Saturday's Daily Mirror featured game was the tie between Northend U15s and Loughgall, a team 3 points and 1 position behind the Ballymena boys in the Lisburn League. Northend had won all previous ties this season against Loughgall, in the league and cup, and so were high on confidence coming into the game.

The game started in an according manner, with Northend controlling the ball and creating chances. Jack Agnew and Conor McDonald had efforts from range saved, and McDonald also had a free kick well saved, which Josh Coates converted the rebound from, but was ruled out for offside.

Callum Forsythe also delivered a series of dangerous free kicks but the finish was failed to be applied by those in the middle. Whilst controlling the game, Northend we're almost caught out by 2 dangerous Loughgall counter attacks, but Jacob Logan and his defence in front of him managed to keep concentration throughout the half and deny the Loughgall attacks.

The half ended 0-0 with neither team managing to find the breakthrough. Half time 0-0

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Northend showing a lot of attacking endeavour and their midfield five being heavily involved and linking up well. The central three midfielders provided great balance to the team, with Ryan McMullan shielding the defence and distributing the ball well, whilst allowing Cameron Bailes and Jack Agnew to create and join attacks effectively. The wide men also created a threat, as Josh Coates linked with Bailes and McDonald on numerous occasions, whilst Matthew Stewart on the right provided a more direct attacking threat using his pace and skill. It was Stewart who eventually made the breakthrough that was very well deserved for Northend. Bailes played a lovely through ball for Ross Kerr, whose initial control seemed to ruin the chance, but he sorted his feet and found the attacking Matthew Stewart, who controlled, and hammered past the keeper from around 10 yards.

Minutes later Stewart turned provider for the second goal as his near-perfect inswinging corner was well attacked by the Jack Agnew and headed past the keeper.

At 2-0 the game was still in the balance, but Northend were playing with high confidence. Another Kerr break through the middle put him through on goal, and he unselfishly passed to McDonald, who after initially hitting the post from around 3 yards, to his relief managed to bundle in the rebound.

After the third goal, Northend, and McDonald turned on the style. On numerous occasions, Northend's top scorer this season showed exceptional footwork and ability to leave Loughgall defenders chasing shadows or on the floor. Agnew and Bailes constantly broke from midfield, and the fresh legs of Scott Foster and Ryan Mark provided a new impetus. A lovely passing flowing move was created in the midfield, and finished with Agnew putting Foster through on goal, who finished confidently off the inside of the post. Loughgall were competitive throughout however, and produced a fine goal at the other end with a substitute giving Logan no chance with a left footed volley.

McDonald however was determined to show his quality, and very nearly scored what could have been the goal of the season for Northend as he controlled the ball on his chest, did a couple of keep-ups, flicked the ball over an opponent and from 40 yards unleashed a fierce volley, which would have been dipping in but for a fine save from the Loughgall keeper.

A 5th goal didn't come and the game finished 4-1 to Northend. A confident and solid performance which is possibly the best the team have played all season. The defence were exceptional throughout the match and with 9 goals in the last 2 games the attackers are beginning to find their feet. All players involved were excellent and the teamwork and ethic is an example for how this team should be playing every week. Full time 1-4

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

Northend United 1 Banbridge Town 2 Saturday 18th March 2017

This weekend, Northend travelled to Lisburn to take on Banbridge. The Ballymena boys had been well beaten 2-0 in the seasons earlier reverse fixture, and were hoping to rectify that result.

The match this time around started however in a fairly even midfield battle. Both teams struggled to create chances early on with Northend having the lion's share of possession. A positive start was not to be however, as Banbridge's best player escaped a tackle on the left wing, and with the Baltimore bobbling, mishit his cross into the box. The call however got caught in the strong winds and looped into the far top corner of the net, giving Logan no chance. The sense of injustice in the Northend ranks inspired a response however, and they began to seize control of the match. With midfield trio Cameron Bailes, Sam Stewart and Callum Forsythe running tirelessly to win the midfield battle, and the Northend defence sweeping up any midfield leaks with relative ease, It allowed a platform of possession and territory for Northend's attack to create chances. The attackers duly responded, and with Conor Mcdonald pulling all the strings in attack, the relentless pressure failed to bring a first half goal.

Matthew Stewart and Zach Clarke found themselves behind the Banbridge defence, only for the final ball to be misjudged on both occasions. Ryan Boomer showed great energy, first to put McDonald through on goal and force a good save, and then latch onto a Mcdonald lofted through ball but his chipped header beat both the keeper and the outside of the post. Half time 0-1

The second half followed exactly the same pattern, with Northend attacking relentlessly but struggling to hit the net. Another McDonald effort went narrowly wide and a Matthew Stewart corner was headed wide by defender Jack Agnew.

Another set piece, this time from a free kick on the right, was lifted in by Clarke, only needing the slightest touch to find the net but zipped just past the post.

At the other end, Logan showed great focus and concentration to deny Banbridge a second when their striker found himself through on goal.

Northend did however find their equaliser in the 60th minute, McDonald firing a free kick past the diving Banbridge keeper, who got a touch but couldn't keep it out.

It's fair to say that after this goal, both Banbridge upped their tempo and the effort of Northend dropped, and the match became very open as both teams searched for a winner.

First chance fell to Northend, Matthew Stewart after moving to striker found himself in behind the defence again, and under pressure fired just wide.

Cruelly, a goal did come in the last minute of the game, as a Banbridge swift counter attack left their striker with a tap in, breaking Northend hearts.

In one of their best performances of the season the Northend players were distraught to have come out second best, and know that performances like this should yield better results in future. Full time 1-2

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

Dromore 4 Northend United 0 Saturday 11th March 2017

Northend U15s game against Dromore started with an air of lethargy and tiredness and the early aerial bombardment by Dromore left Northend 2-0 down to two goals from corners. The performance did improve throughout the half and whilst the continued to concede chances, they also created with Jack Agnew going close and Cameron Bailes having a good effort well blocked, but there was no more score before the half. Half time 2-0

The second half performance was significantly better by the Ballymena boys, and Jack Agnew almost made an early breakthrough as he took a ball round the keeper, but got the ball stuck in his feet and the keeper recovered before he could get a shot away.

Callum Forsythe then had a great chance as he failed to connect properly with a cross and his effort was cleared off the line.

As Northend pushed hard and played the best football of the match, with Sam Stewart particularly impressive, Dromore scored another 2 breakaway goals.

The score line did not reflect the tie but Northend deserved to lose based on their first half performance. Full time 4-0

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