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Northend United 3 Abbey Villa 6 Wednesday 1st April 2026

This week our Agnew, Mitchell & Cairns sponsored 2011s finished their season against Abbey Villa. Previous encounter was a tightly contested game and this one proved similar.

With some new faces in their squad Abbey started the better of the two teams and went into an early 0/2 lead. Both goals avoidable if we can learn to track our man these goals don’t happen. It took a good 20 mins for us to settle into the game and it finally came after a well worked ball into the path of Brown who tucked it past the Abbey Keeper. 1/2

A good 15 minutes followed where Northend had several chances to go ahead, Gordon missing 3 good chances with the wee striker doing all the hard work to create the opportunity but just couldn’t find the net. A late push in the half from Abbey saw a deflection off the referee into the path of their striker played on to award them another easy goal to go 1-3 down Half time 1-3

The second half started with Northend on the attack with some great football just not able to find the net with Cassley, Brown and Gordon shots all missing their target. Hector and Cassley free kicks going wide with the best chance of Browns heading for the net cleared unknowingly by the abbey defender.

With an unfortunate injury to Devlin in nets a change to keeper was required and with Northend pushing players forward we left opportunity at the back and Abbey took full advantage with 3 quick goals to go 1/6 in front.

A late push and a show of determination from Northend seen both McGarry and Campbell score their first goals this season with cheers from the crowd it finished the game off 3-6. Full time 3-6

A disappointing game to finish the season but great to see players getting on the scoresheet. Our focus now shifts to preparing for the Foyle Cup in July. We would like to thank all our sponsors who have supported us throughout the season.

Agnew, Mitchell and Cairns Accountants

Falken Tyres

Hagan Homes

A special thanks to Mark Cairns.

Panel: Phelem Devlin, Harry Campbell, Jonah Mitchell, Thomas Cairns, Cathal Gordon, Jayden Cassley, Dylan McManus, Rory Brown, Ashton Brown, Odhran Cassidy, Patrick McFadden, Rory Garrett, Oliver Morrison, Mason King, Olly Hector, Rory McGarry

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Northend United 3 Antrim Rovers 1 Saturday 21st March 2026

This week our Agnew, Mitchell & Cairns sponsored 2011s were at home to Antrim Rovers and with a local crowd players were keen to impress.

With perfect weather Northend looked sharp going end to end for the first ten minutes as they settled into the game. It didn’t take long however when a well worked wide run play from Ashton Brown swung in the ball and it fell nicely to Cassley who made no mistake to put us 1/0 in front.

Northend really wanted this and after a further 5 mins our midfield of Mitchell, McFadden, Cassley, Cassidy, and Gordon who all worked tirelessly to win every ball dominated possession forcing a number of corners. It was one of those which found Gordon waiting and the wee magician headed home our second. 2/0

A rare lap in concentration just before the half allowed a loose ball at our back post to be tapped in by Rovers 2/1. The blues immediate response kept Rovers in their own half for the last 5 minutes of the half dominating play with shots from Mitchell, Ashton B, and Gordon really testing the Rovers keeper. Half time 2-1

With confidence high the second half started quick, but Rovers were prepared to sit deep for the most part. With such a big pitch legs started to tire, McFadden’s workrate down the right and Cairns pace in defence still evident kept out a number of Rovers challenges, Brown, Campbell and McManus were also on top form in defence as Rovers pilled on the pressure. Devlin in nets pulling off not one but two finger tip saves from two free kicks to keep the scoreline in our favour.

Fresh legs introduced and Morrison, King, McGarry and Garrett injected life back into the game. King having the best of opportunity with both shots saved by the Rovers keeper. As we pushed forward another well fought for ball saw Ashton B score his first goal for the team. The striker forcing his way through two defenders to slot the ball into the net. 3/1

With the score line at 3/1 it was all about game management to see out the final 10 minutes. Players were giving their all as Rovers played some great football to try and come back. Great to see both teams in good form. Full time 3-1

A great display this week with players coming off the pitch exhausted after putting everything into this game and getter their reward. Well done a real team effort.

Northend United 3 Abbey Villa 2 Saturday 7th March 2026

This week our Agnew, Mitchell & Cairns sponsored 2011s met Abbey Villa for the first time this season. Both teams well matched and keen to impress.

It was Northend who started the quickest with some great play when Cassidy rose for the ball in midfield to find Cassley who sent Gordon on a solo run down the left and the striker placing his shot into the corner of the net. 1/0

A few more chances from corners went wide and a Cassley free kick tipped over by the keeper. Another lesson in closing down quicker when a loose ball allowed a rare shot on goal to sail over our keeper from distance allowed Villa back into the game. 1/1. A sloppy finish to the half. Half time 1-1

Some encouraging words at half time seen the wee blues come out and dominate for 15 mins. A great passage of play from a throw in and a lovely weighted back pass from McGarry to Cassley seen the midfielder hit a 30 yard banger into the top corner of the net.

Northend settling into just a little too much and a bad bounce in front of goal allowed a quick thinking Villa striker to tap in their second and putting the pressure back on to go win the game again. A frantic last 5 minutes as Northend pilled on the pressure and played some great football. Brown winning a free kick just inside his own half delivered a lovely ball into a dangerous area and into the path of Gordon who calmly volleys the ball over the head of the Villa keeper into the net. 3/2

With seconds left to play Northend ensured the ball didn’t get past the halfway line, Cassley’s shot hit off the post, Trainers shot went narrowly wide and we had 2 corners cleared off the line. A strong finish to a very tight game and one we really enjoyed. Full time 3-2

Another great Team performance this week with all 3 goals coming from players working hard for each other on the pitch.

Panel: Phelem Devlin, Rory Brown, Jonah Mitchell, Thomas Cairns, Cathal Gordon, Jayden Cassley, Harry Campbell, Dylan McManus, Rory Garrett, Oliver Morrison, Odhran Cassidy, Mason King, Rory McGarry, Patrick McFadden, Ashton Brown, Thomas Traynor

Northend United 3 Doyle FC 5 Wednesday 25th February 2026

A rare home fixture this week under the floodlights at the showgrounds and the Agnew, Mitchell and Cairns sponsored u15s turned out for the first time this season against leauge leaders Doyle FC.

An end to end game with Doyle storming into a 2 nil lead before Northend could lift their heads. Players settled quickly though and soon came into the game with the very alert Gordon spotting a loose ball from the keeper and his quick thinking beat the defender to get our first.

Not long after with the team now passing and moving the ball well Trainor pounces on the defender winning the ball high up the pitch and his strength bullying the ball high into the net. Just before the half time whistle Doyle were allowed another free shot on goal as we switched off marking our men. But a good start to the game. Half time 2-3

The second half both teams showed some great football but Doyle managed somehow to slip another 2 past us. Goals totally avoidable through lack of communication and awareness.

The wee blues wearing their newly Sponsored Agnew, Mitchell and Cairns Accountants home kit didn’t stop though and it was another fine display from Gordon weaving through to get our 3rd and push forward with still 10 mins left to play. The last nail biting 10 minutes seemed to go in seconds as the referee’s final whistle blew. We pushed hard for the last 2 goals but Doyle sat in deep and played a very good game. Full Time 3-5

Both teams this week gave great performances with 8 goals between them giving parents and spectators a great chance to see their kids play under the lights. A real team performance this week showing what this team is capable of.

Panel: Phelem Devlin, Harry Campbell, Jonah Mitchell, Rory Brown, Tiernan Martin, Ollie Hector, Cathal Gordon, Jayden Cassley, Ashton Brown, Thomas Traynor, Dylan McManus, Reece McClintock, Oliver Morrison, Mason King, Rory McGarry. Odhran Cassidy

Northend United 2 Comber Rec 3 Saturday 7th February 2026

Another wet and blustery Saturday fixture for the Agnew, Mitchell and Cairns sponsored Northend 2011s this week against Comber Rec at Mallusk. With limited numbers, injuries and school trips players had to work hard in new positions.

Comber Rec started the quicker of the two with an early goal as players struggled to settle in, learning is part of the process as we try these things. Northend however looked the better of the two teams for the most part of the first half, moving the ball well and Garret coming up from right back to find space got a clean shot on goal caught by the keeper, the back four of Mitchell, Cairns, Garret and McManus holding off much bigger players and did well throughout. An unfortunate miss timed clearance after a corner allowed a tap in at the back post just before the half. Half time 0-2

The second half and with the team determined to get back into the game and Traynor introduced upfront the boys opened the play and found the gaps in the Comber defence. It wasn't long before we got our first from a well worked thrown in, Traynor turned his marker and blasted a tight angled shot into the back of the net from outside the 18 yard box. A good 20 minute spell of possession followed with Northend dominating play, Comber’s advantage was their physical size in defence and a looping ball from one end of the pitch flicked over our back line into the net totally against the run of play. 1-3

Northend immediately responded with Gordons quick footwork in midfield finding a pass through several players to Traynor who slotted home his second of the game. As Comber loaded up their defence we felt the game was in our favour and had a number of attempts on goal to level the match in the last 10 minutes but they simply wouldn't get over the line.

Although not the result we hoped for on reflection a great game for development and players getting the chance in new positions. Full time 2-3

Agnew, Mitchell and Cairns sponsored Falken Tyres player of the match is Thomas Traynor. Coming on the second half and showing great determination to get his two goals. Well done.

Panel: Patrick McFadden, Harry Campbell, Jonah Mitchell, Thomas Cairns, Ollie Hector, Reece McClintock, Cathal Gordon, Jayden Cassley, Dylan McManus, Rory Garrett, Rory Brown, Oliver Morrison, Mason King, Thomas Traynor, Odhran Cassidy, Rory McGarry

Northend United 3 Ballysillan Swifts 3 Friday 30th January 2026

An early morning kick off for the Agnew, Mitchell and Cairns sponsored Northend 2011s this week against Ballysillan. Both teams having played previously and both struggling with consistency of players week in week out and this game at least was a fair match for both sides.

It was Ballysillan who got off quickest with and early goal, initially well cleared by McManus but a quick return from their midfield caught us sitting back and their striker slipped the ball into the net. It wasn't long before they hit us with their second, a long range shot went unchallenged and it soared over our GK into the back of the net. Unfortunately they were also awarded a penalty but fortunately couldn't get it on target.

A bit of restructure and heads lifted the wee Blues hit back quickly with a well worked bit of play right from the back starting with McManus, then Morrision to Cassley then to Gordon who found a lovely pass slipping in King now in an unfamiliar strikers role who cutting across goal slotted in our first and his first of the season. Just as Northend were starting to gain momentum in the game an inswinging corner initially cleared dropped to a Ballysillan midfielder but again going unchallenged he simply hit the ball back into our net.

Northend were playing the better football and showed great resilience to get back into the game, so at the other end Hector swung in a corner, initially cleared but the winger reacted quickest to re deliver the ball to find yet again King waiting at the back post to slot in our second and his second of the game. A great piece of football and game awareness from these two. Half time 2-3

The second half started and both teams end to end. both had several chances. The defence had a lot to cover this week against two big strikers, McFadden in nets settled into the game and with an outstretched arm punched the ball clear from a well hit corner, both Cairns and McClintock, covered a lot of ground and when a missed timed tackle allowed their striker to run direct on goal Cairns with his pace got back to cut out the shot. Morrison, McManus and Mitchell were solid second half and really improved from the first.

Mitchell delivered a lovely free kick onto the head to Gordon, whos shot caught by the keeper, Garret and Martins work rate in midfield found several passes to Gordon, one found Gordon out wide left, beating 3 defenders shot the ball across goal and found Hector who slotted in our 3 to level the match at 3-3 with 10 mins left to play.

It was all one way for the last 5 mins and Northend had 2 more chances to take the win, Hector delivered a ball onto the head of McGarry who's attempt was caught by the keeper and in the last seconds of the game Garrett found Gordon who last kick of the game came off the post. Full time 3-3

A difficult game for both teams but a great comeback from Northend who never gave up to come back and level the match nearly clinching it right at the end. Special mention to Patrick McFadden stepping into nets yet again this week to support the team.

Agnew, Mitchell and Cairns sponsored Falken Tyres Player of the Match: Mason King - came off the bench and secured 2 goals to get us back in the game.

Panel: Patrick McFadden, Harry Campbell, Jonah Mitchell, Thomas Cairns, Ollie Hector, Reece McClintock, Cathal Gordon, Jayden Cassley, Dylan McManus, Rory Garrett, Rory Brown, Oliver Morrison, Mason King, Rory McGarry

Northend United 2 Bloomfield B 3 Friday 16th January 2026

Our first match in 5 weeks and our first of 2026 for the Agnew, Mitchell and Cairns sponsored 2011s and both teams would have needed a pair of flippers as the rain was relentless in Friday night.

The game started well with a change from our usual formation with Traynor and Garrett upfront, skill and brawn proved a great tactical decision as most of the play was kept in side their half and when we were awarded a free kick just outside the box, Traynor hit with force and tucked it inside the front post to go up 1/0. With no less than 5 corners awarded Hectors delivery was spot on every time but the Bloomfield keeper was on form and our attempts all saved.

Some great defensive played followed as Bloomfield hit back, Brown and Cairns were outstanding against their strikers and tied them up the whole half. Unfortunately as our usual Goal keeper who was injured earlier in the day with a broken wrist McFadden stepped into the sticks without hesitation and proved himself throughout the game.

A rare moment right on the whistle for half time a loose ball not cleared off the line by our defence somehow found its way into our net, very frustrating as this was totally against the run of play. Half time 1-1

Second half started and both teams came out with intent. Some fresh legs with Morrison, Martin, McGarry and King, a great passage of end to end play occurred, unfortunately another injury with Brown now off and the rain at full pelt play got a bit scrappy. Bloomfield hit us with 2 poorly challenged goals in 5 minutes.

Heads didn’t go down and it wasn’t long before Hector whipped in another fine corner this time Cassley rose to meet it and headed in our second. 2/3 with 5 minutes left and the game was building in our favour with Traynor, Gordon, Cassley and Hector all having shots saved or just wide of the post. It wasn’t to be however, and the refs whistle came right on time. Full time 2-3

A great performance from the wee blues non the less and with conditions and injuries against us Bloomfield took the win and played a great game.

We want to wish Phelim Devlin and Rory Brown a speedy recovery to their injuries. Get back soon lads.

Player of the Match: a real team performance for our first game back.

Panel: Patrick McFadden, Jonah Mitchell, Thomas Cairns, Ollie Hector, Reece McClintock, Cathal Gordon, Jayden Cassley, Cailin Burgoyne, Rory Garrett, Rory Brown, Thomas Traynor, Oliver Morrison, Mason King, Lily Adams, Tiernan Martin, Rory McGarry