Untitled

Northend United 0 Ballymoney United 4 Saturday 22nd October 2016

On Saturday, Northend U15 faced a tough match at home to Ballymoney United. This was the first time the teams had met since Ballymoney's move to the Lisburn League, and after Northend beat Ballymoney Colts last week in the cup, they knew this would be a tougher encounter. The match started off extremely even, Ballymoney probably having the better of the first 5 minutes and then Northend coming into the game and looking the more dangerous of the sides for the next 15 minutes after that. That being said, no clear cut opportunities were created, apart from a couple of long range efforts from Northend's Conor McDonald, which were routine saves for the Ballymoney goalkeeper. The goalkeeper was a commanding figure, constantly claiming crosses from corners, free kicks and open play, making it hard for Northend to find accurate deliveries from the wings. The first half was scrappy and devoid of any real quality until the last 5 minutes of the half. Northend's right hand side of defender Sam Stewart and winger Dylan Robinson had been causing problems for Ballymoney throughout the half and after a good pass from Stewart to Robinson, he played a fantastic bending through ball that split the defence and found Ross Kerr through on goal against the keeper. However, this was called offside by the referee but it was the first moment of quality in the game. Soon after Ballymoney won a corner and with their significant height advantage their set pieces proved to be a thorn in Northend's side. One attacker lost his marker through some sharp movement and headed in at the far post. Right before half time though a Sam Stewart cross made its way to Matthew Stewart who had an excellent opportunity but mistimed his shot and it rolled wide. With the score 1-0 at half time it was probably a harsh score line for the Ballymena boys who had matched their opponents through the half. Half time 0-1

The second half however couldn't have started more differently. Within 10 minutes of the break the lead had stretched to 4-0. With 2 more goals coming from set pieces and another from a counter attack. Northend had struggled to hold onto the ball and the energy and strength of the Ballymoney team gave them great problems. The half continued in a sedate manner with both teams seemingly accepting the result. Late on however there were chances at both ends, Ross Kerr getting through a couple of times but lacking conviction in the finish, and at the other end Jacob Logan made some excellent saves to keep the score down.

In the end Ballymoney were good value for their win, but Northend know if they keep their performances at the level of their first half performance they will get some good results this year.

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

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

Northend United 5 Ballymoney United Colts 1 NIBFA Cup Saturday 15th October 2016

This Saturday, Northend U15s competed in Round 2 of the NIBFA cup against Ballymoney Colts.

The match, in Ballymena, started off eventful as in the opening stages of the game, Ross Kerr rounded the Ballymoney keeper and was taken down, giving the Ballymena boys a chance to open the scoring from the penalty spot. However Luke Rea, struck the penalty low and the Colts keeper made a save with his feet.

Northend didn't let this stumble stop their play and soon after Ross Kerr did open the scoring, finishing off a good passing move, which culminated in an excellent one touch pass from Jack Agnew putting Kerr through on goal, and he finished with confidence Into the far corner.

Agnew soon turned scorer as some good play from Sam Stewart released Dylan Robinson down the right, who showed good feet and picked out Agnew with a good cross, who in turn headed into the top corner.

Northend did struggle to play their passing brand of football throughout the match, with easy passes going astray and players trying to run the ball too much.

However, the third goal came from a set piece, as captain Callum Forsythe put in a great delivery from a deep free kick, and Josh Coates bravely got his head to the ball to beat the keeper.

Coates soon grabbed his second, as another set piece was poorly cleared and he reacted fastest to turn in at the back post. The half ended 4-0 to Northend with keeper Jacob Logan having very little to do. Half time 4-0

The second half however started in the worst possible way however, Northend from kick off, passed the ball in defence and a back pass was misjudged and ended up in the Northend net.

The boys from Ballymena did however respond purposefully as a driving run from Joseph Dallas ending in him being dragged down and winning another penalty. This time winger Matthew Stewart stepped up and finished excellently into the bottom corner.

The game continued in a similar manner as the first half with Northend continuing to push for goals but they missed a good number of chances and couldn't add to their tally. The game finished 5-1 with Northend progressing to the next round of the cup. Full time 5-1

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

Banbridge Town 2 Northend United 0 Saturday 8th October 2016

The Blues started on the back foot in this match and found themselves a goal down after ten minutes when the lively Banbridge winger scored at the back post. Northend began to come more into the game with Dylan Robinson pulling the strings in midfield and providing goalscoring opportunities for Jack Agnew and Zack Clarke. As play flowed from end to end the Northend defence of Callum Forsythe, Ryan Boomer and Luke Rea had to be on top of their game to keep the lively Banbridge strikers at bay. Half time 1-0

Into the second half and the introduction of Charlie Metrustry and Josh Coates gave the Blues some added strength in midfield. Jacob Logan in the Northend goals was having a good game and had to be alert to keep Banbridge at bay. However, he could do nothing midway through the half after the Banbridge striker wasn't picked up and planted the ball in the corner of the net.

The Blues came storming back and Ryan Boomer saw the Banbridge keeper pull off a good save from his rasping shot. Full time 2-0

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

Lisburn Youth 0 Northend United 1 Saturday 1st October 2016

This weekend Northend United 2002s were drawn against Lisburn Youth in the Lisburn League Cup. High flying Lisburn are currently top of the Lisburn League and Northend knew that they would be in for a tough game.

The game however started with very few chances in the opening period, both teams struggling to dominate the game, but Lisburn having more of the ball. Northend did always look dangerous on the break however but could not substantiate the danger into any clear cut chances. The one decent chance for the Ballymena boys in the first half came from a good bit of quick passing which culminated in a Ryan Mcmullan shot from outside the box which the keeper saved easily. At the other end, Jacob Logan was forced into a great diving save from a shot outside the box from a half cleared corner for Lisburn, and his goalkeeping coupled with strong determined defending from the whole Northend team kept the scores level at half time. Half time 0-0

The second half saw the the Northend lads seize the initiative a bit more, and Lisburn found it hard to break through the Northend defence which pushed the midfield higher as the game wore on. Somehow the scores stayed level when a Lisburn shot was deflected from 6 yards by another Lisburn player and Jacob Logan pulled off a stunning reaction save, having to change the direction of his dive and holding on to the ball when surrounded by players waiting to pounce on a rebound. At the other end, high pressing from Ross Kerr led to Lisburn losing the ball to Zach Clarke, and one on one with the Lisburn keeper, his first time shot was saved low by the keepers feet. It was Northend's best chance of the game so far. However, 15 minutes before the end of the game, centre back Luke Rea, seeing the keeper off his line, hit a long ball forward. Ross Kerr chased it in and the Lisburn keeper, not knowing if Kerr would touch the ball, got into the wrong position and the ball lobbed him and went in. It was a remarkable goal and one that will be well remembered around the Northend camp.

Lisburn pushed forward for an equaliser but more resolute defending by the midfield and defence of Northend gave away no clear cut chances, while the quick attack force of Clarke and Kerr threatened on the break every time Northend got the ball, being unlucky not to reap more reward. The final whistle went after an extended injury time and a fully deserved win is a great achievement for a developing Northend team, who have proved they can compete with any team in that league. Full time 0-1

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

Northend United 3 Hillsborough Boys 1 Saturday 24th September 2016

Northend U15s continued their Lisburn league campaign against Hillsborough boys U15s, a team that had a very successful season last year.

Northend's fortunes of late had been unlucky with a couple of good performances yielding no points but they knew that if they kept their performances high then the wins would follow.

A Northend team with only one change from the previous week started the game part well on top. Holding possession of the ball they playing good, quick passing football, particularly down the right wing in the early stages.

Playing a new system for the first time they boys found they dominated in midfield, always looking to move the ball quickly and get the ball to the dynamic front two of Conor McDonald and Zach Clarke. And it was these two players who fashioned the first good chance of the game, a McDonald flick on and Clarke pace presenting a one on one situation, however Clarke opted for power over placement and fired wide. The warning signs were there for Hillsborough though and McDonald's influence on the game started to grow, laying off Ryan "Bambi" McMullan who fired at the keeper from the corner of the box.

Eventually the breakthrough did come for the Ballymena boys, a Zach Clarke cross created confusion in the Hillsborough box, and a loose ball fell to attacking midfielder Matthew Stewart, who finished well across the goalkeeper.

This lead was no less than the boys deserved, but football is all about scoring and completely against the trend of the game Hillsborough managed to equalise. A corner was whipped in, and keeper Jacob Logan only managed to punch the ball into the head of the Hillsborough striker, and it went in off a deflection of a defender. At 1-1 at half time, Northend knew they should have been ahead. Half time 1-1

As the half started Northend once again seized control, with Ryan McMullan and Joseph Dallas seeming to win everything in midfield, and driving the ball forward when they won possession. However, it was McDonald again who created the goal that put Northend in-front, chasing down a long ball, outmuscling the defender and his shot could only be parried into the path of Josh Coates, with the left wing back reacting quickest to tap in.

McDonald wasn't done there however as another ball fell to him in the box and he composed himself and finished well from close range under pressure.

This was nearly his last act however as captain McDonald was soon injured, straining a muscle as he awkwardly made a pass.

Changes came all over the pitch for Northend, with Dylan Robinson and Ross Kerr put on to provide pace upfront on the break, and Scott Foster, Connor Meeke and Charlie Metrustry came on in the midfield to keep energy high and prevent a Hillsborough comeback. Hillsborough did push for an equaliser but strong defence limited them to long shots which Logan dealt with without issues.

At the other end the pace of Kerr and Robinson almost produced a fourth goal. Kerr beating the defence for pace, and with Robinson unmarked in the centre and near certain to score, the pass was just slightly over-hit.

Good pressure from Kerr did however win the ball back on the edge of the Hillsborough box, and after being brought down in desperation, the referee branded a red card to the Hillsborough captain. The free kick right on the edge of the box was taken by Luke Rea, and he produced a smart save low to the keepers right. That was nearly the last action of the game and Northend deservedly came away with their first win of the season. A good all round team performance and a sign of things to come for them. Full time 3-1

Panel: J Logan, R Boomer, L Rea, J Agnew, J Dallas, R McMullan, M Stewart, J Coates, C McDonald (c), Z Clarke, S Stewart, C Metrustry, S Foster, D Robinson, C Meeke, R Kerr

TTBS 2 Northend United 0 Saturday 17th September 2016

Northend United U15s played TTBS on Saturday in the Lisburn League with the match taking place at Wallace Park.

The Northend boys had been playing well recently and while results hadn't gone their way they were looking to build on their recent good performances.

The match started off a scrappy affair, with Northend probably finding more of the ball in the early stages, but as the game wore on, TTBS seized control. With their good use of passing as space, keeping their wingers wide and creating triangles all over the pitch, the Ballymena midfield struggled to deal with the speed of which the ball was moved at. This did lead to a few mistimed tackles in the Northend half and a few sloppy free kicks given away. Northend had defended resolutely from open play, but the TTBS centre midfielder stepped up to a free kick just outside the box and dispatched it with a low shot about 25 minutes into the game.

Northend struggled to find their feet for the rest of the half, and, barring one good run from Ryan Mcmullan after which he flashed a good cross across goal which no one was able to reach, the half finished with no other significant chances. Half time 1-0

The second half started better for Northend with the midfield really picking up their intensity and in truth this just lead to a game where both teams struggled to keep the ball in the second half. The introductions of Ryan Mark and Dylan Robinson added some impetus to the Northend attack, with Robinson particularly getting involved and seeing an audacious attempt sail just wide.

The Northend staff made the remaining changes, throwing caution to the wind and bringing on a third striker, however it was TTBS who capitalised and a good corner delivery was headed in at the back post late on.

In the end it finished 2-0 with the better team on the day winning it. Full time 2-0

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

Northend United 2 Lisburn Rangers 3 Saturday 10th September 2016

This weekend Northend 2002s continued their Lisburn League campaign against a new team in the league, Lisburn Rangers.

After a slow and scrappy start to the game by both sides, the boys from Ballymena began to seize control of the game, playing some lovely passing football, particularly down their left hand side. Captain Conor Mcdonald hit the bar from a long range effort but the early stages had no other clear cut chances for either side.

After around 20 minutes, Northend finally broke the deadlock, McDonald improvising a pass over the top of the Rangers defence for Zach Clarke to run on to, narrowly beating the keeper to it and slotting into the net.

However Northend were not able to build on their early dominance and the game returned to a scrappy, end to end contest, Joseph Dallas and Matthew Stewart competing well in the midfield and not allowing Rangers to get any momentum.

5 minutes after taking the lead, Rangers equalised after a deep free kick caused confusion between goalkeeper Jacob Logan and his defence, and a glancing header from a Northend defender unlucky ended up nestling into the bottom corner of his own net.

Minutes later Northend found themselves behind after a swift counter attack by the Lisburn team culminated in a one on one for their striker, who confidently lofted the ball over Logan.

Just before half time a good Northend break down the right by Matthew Stewart ended up with McDonald stretching for a ball flashed across the goal, which somehow ended up hitting the bar. Half time score 1-2

The second half continued in a similar fashion to the first, with neither team being able to sustain a period of domination or hold the ball for extended periods of time. The temperature did heat up with some reckless tackles leading to 2 bookings for each team over the half. In a half devoid of much quality, McDonald provided the one moment of magic in the game, collecting the ball 30 yards out and arrowing a magnificent strike into the top corner, giving the Rangers keeper no chance. On the whole throughout the match the Northend defence were solid, not being beaten and well marshalled by defensive pairing Luke Rea and Callum Forsythe, and substitutes Ryan McMullan and Ryan Mark added some good energy in the midfield when they came on. However 15 minutes from the end, Rangers managed to snatch what ended up being the winner. Their Left winger stole in at the back post to collect a cross and fire across Logan to finish well. This was a real blow for Northend as their Right back was off the pitch at the time after receiving treatment from an injury.

The Ballymena boys have one last throw of the dice as they threw on Ross Kerr to add a 3rd striker and push for an equaliser. He almost made the difference late in the game as a good run to the byline ended when, with McDonald well placed to score a tap in, a Lisburn defender just managed to get a last ditch tackle in.

The game ended 3-2 to Lisburn Rangers and for the second game in succession, after a very good performance Northend have narrowly lost. The performance did have a lot of positives though and the wins will start to come soon for them if they continue to improve. Final score 2-3

Panel: J Logan, C Metrustry, J Coates, L Rea, C Forsythe, J Dallas, M Stewart, S Stewart, S Foster, Z Clarke, C Metrustry, R Mark, R McMullan, R Kerr

TW Braga 2 Northend United 1 Saturday 3rd September 2016

Northend started on the front foot against the fancied TW Braga academy side and it was Zack Clarke who tested the Braga keeper with a thunderous shot. However it wasn't long before Braga came storming back at Northend but found the defence of Boomer, Metrustry, Rea and Dallas in top form. Jacob Logan making his debut in the Blues goals looked very comfortable when dealing with a few Braga corners that rained down on him.

Midway through the half, Northend should have taken the lead when after some good play from debutant Sam Stewart, Ryan McMullan scuffed a shot when well placed in front of goals.

Northend kept plugging away with Callum Forsythe and Dylan Robinson driving them on from midfield and following a good throughball from Scott Foster, Zack Clarke gave Northend the lead when he beat two markers and planted the ball in the corner of the net. Northend held this lead to half time and looked comfortable going forward with some good passing play. Half time score 0-1

Into the second half and Braga caught Northend napping when they scored after a few minutes. The Blues responded by pushing Ryan Boomer into midfield as they went looking for a winner. Zack Clarke was giving the Braga defence all sorts of problems going forward while at the other end, Jacob Logan pushed a rasping Braga shot around the post.

Northend thought they had scored the winner with ten minutes to go when a Callum Forsythe free-kick hit the back of the Braga net only for the referee to mysteriously disallow it.

And worse was to follow with only minutes of the match remaining, Braga broke from midfield and their striker stroked the ball into the Northend net, following a good cross. Final score 2-1

Panel: J Logan, R Boomer, C Metrustry, L Rea, J Dallas, C Forsythe, R McMullan, S Stewart, S Foster, Z Clarke, D Robinson, R Mark, C Meeke