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Northend United 4 St Marys Boys 0 Sunday 23rd November 2025

It was a great performance from the Agnew, Mitchell and Cairns sponsored 2011s today against league leader St Marys

The team had a point to prove and seek out first win of the season and from the warm up showed 100% commitment to the very last kick of the game. Northend started fast and immediately put the St Mary’s defence on the back foot with Cairns winning the long ball and making a solid run up through into the final third to find Gordon who from 30 yards lifted the ball high above the keepers head into the net. 1/0

Confidence grew and it wasn’t long before Cassley showed his skill to find Garret making a run between defenders and the wee striker dinked the ball again over the keepers head into the net 2/0. Smart players settled the game on both sides and both teams had some chances before the half but Northend’s defence is one of the best in the leauge and with Devlin in nets this week St Mary’s hardly seen our 6 yard box. Half time 2-0

The second half and a repeat of the first, St Mary’s changed formation and with an extra striker upfront we exploited the gaps. From deep in our half a training ground break away seen Garrett pick up a defensive clearance and finding Hector with his pace and strength held off St Mary’s midfield and defence and banged home his shot and our 3rd. A rare off the ball incident saw us go down to 10 men with 20 mins left to play. Not to be deterred we simply restructured and held it tight for a good 15 mins. Again with our defence any attempt on goal from St Mary’s was snuffed out and on the few occasions a ball hit on target Devlin pulled off some excellent saves to keep a clean sheet.

Not to be finished yet a late push saw Brown and Gordon link up to set Cassley off down the left and the midfielder weaved through their defence one by one to slot home our 4th. Full time 4-0

A very impressive performance by the whole team today and great to see what confidence and game management can do against a very good side even when down to 10 men. I would like to thank our Sponsors Mark and Ann Cairns, who treated the team and their parents to some food to celebrate after the game.

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

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Northend United 2 Bloomfield B 2 Saturday 15th November 2025

It was a cold wintery morning for the Agnew, Mitchell and Cairns sponsored 2011s this week against Bloomfield.

With a few positional changes we got underway and it wasn’t long before Hectors shot well placed but the Bloomfield keeper got a finger on it. Gordon hit the bar shortly after and around the 20 minute mark Hectors second shot again saved but found by Mitchell with some great link up passage of play with Gordon, Cassley then finished it off with a fine goal. Bloomfield were awarded a free kick and although Cassidy got a hand to it the wet conditions it just slipped over the line. Northend have had 90% of the possession in this game and look sharp. The defence and midfield marshalled from the back which is great to see improved communication to thwart any of the Bloomfield attempts on goal. Half time 1-1

Two further chances from Gordon and McClintock just narrowly wide and some great play and pressure from the wee blues set the tone and with an indirect free kick awarded just inside the box Cassley’s one touch to Gordon who struck the ball high into the Bloomfield net saw us 2/1 up with 10 mins left to play. As Bloomfield pilled forward a rare moment of indecisive communication and a cleared ball into the path of a Bloomfield striker they equalised totally against the run of play. Heads however stayed high and Northend had 2 late chances to win the game but it just wasn’t to be. Full time 2-2

A great game between these two sides but frustrating not to come away with the win given the chances we created from one of our best performances of the season so far.

AMC sponsored FALKEN Player of the Match: Odhran Cassidy for stepping up to do goalkeeper and pulled off some fantastic saves.

Panel: Odhran Cassidy, Harry Campbell, Jonah Mitchell, Thomas Cairns, Ollie Hector, Reece McClintock, Cathal Gordon, Jayden Cassley, Dylan McManus, Rory Garrett, Rory Brown, Lily Adams, Mason King, Rory McGarry

Northend United 0 Comber Rec Youth 1 Saturday 25th October

Another tight game for the Agnew, Mitchell and Cairns sponsored 2011s this week against Comber Rec with only one goal separating these two sides.

It was Northend who started the game better with Gordon hitting the bar in the first 3 minutes. Just on the 20 minute mark Northend were awarded a penalty, hit well but a fine save by the comber keeper denied Cassley our opener. Two further chances and some great play from the wee blues but we just couldn’t find the back of the net. Just before the half a long ball over the top initially cleared landed to the comber striker and somehow with 4 defenders on the line through the narrowest of gaps ended up in our net. A lesson to close down your opponent learned. Half time 0-1

The second half and again Northend were the better side, but the mounting tackles took a total on us. Initially goalkeeper McFadden then Garret, then Cassley seemingly knocked unconscious in the goal mouth stopped play whilst attended to. But the wee blues having great substitutes available saw King, Adams and McGarry on to support.

Both teams well matched for the final 20 mins battled it out end to end but neither able to score.

Full time 0-1

A great game against two well matched sides with Northend losing by the tightest of goals. More importantly Cassley’s recovery and the sportsmanship of the young comber player after the game showing his concern.

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

Northend United 1 Antrim Rovers 2 Saturday 18th October 2025

First official league game of the season and the wee blues came up against a physical Antrim Rovers side at Allen Park this week.

From the first whistle it was a highly contested game with both sides standing firm which gave the ref some work to do. The first of our chances fell to Gordon whose volley saved on the line and moments later from Cassley brought down in the box waved away by the ref. The young striker showing clear contact and a nice injury to carry the rest of the game.

Our new signing Patrick McFadden had a great first outing as temporary goalkeeper making some crucial saves in the first half.

With minutes left the Northend defence came under pressure from several runs into our box, each one closed out which shows real progress this season. Half time 0-0

The second half with McClintock and Brown shooting from distance we were close to opening the scoreline. Further chances from Gordon and some well worked play from Cairns and Mitchell saw Casey’s shot just wide of the post.

As legs tired, Rovers physical presence started to show and a loose ball in midfield gave a chance shot which found its way into our net. A dull 10 minute period followed and the Rover striker clearly offside was allowed to freely tuck the ball in as the Veo replay shows. With a big squad subs came on added fresh pace to the game. Odhran showed his dominance in midfield with King and Morrison. As Northend hit back with some great play Hector tucked the ball in at the back post. 1/2

With the run of play in our favour the ball never came into our half for a good 10 minutes but as the pressure mounted so did the yellow cards and injury’s. A game the ref earned his money with a number of shouts for penalties waved away and a Rovers player straight red carded. Although the game wasn’t going our way we showed great determination to equal the scoreline but couldn’t find that second.

A good lesson for the team today showing resilience against a physical side and how tough it is at this age to be fit to compete in the later stages of the game. Full time 1-2

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, Lily Adams, Odhran Cassidy, Rory McGarry

Northend United 1 Knockbreda 1 Saturday 11th October 2025

Another fine display this week from our Agnew, Mitchell and Cairns sponsored 2011s against division 3 side Knockbreda.

A first encounter for these two sides with the first 10 mins the only period of the game NE looked like conceding a goal but we soon settled and played some great football. With no less than 11 shots on target and 4 corners defended it was a significant improvement from the previous season.

Some great defensive play from a corner caught by Devlin we quickly countered and sent a long ball to Gordon, though under pressure a quick set back to Cairns who spotted Cassley and Hector making a run upfront and managing to find Cassley who tucked the ball into the net. Half time 1-1

A short time later rare lack of focus saw our defence give away an avoidable own goal which unfortunately levelled the scoreline 1-1.

With Northend a full swing no less than 11 chances followed with the best of those falling to McClintock who looked certain for a goal and Hector whose power shots all saved by the Knockbreda keeper, who was the stand-out player in today’s game out of both teams.

Full time 1-1 but a with an improved display this week a real boost of confidence going into next week. Full time 1-1

Panel: Phelem Devlin, Harry Campbell, Jonah Mitchell, Thomas Cairns, Ollie Hector, Cathal Gordon, Jayden Cassley, Reece McClintock, Dylan McManus, Oliver Morrison, Odhran Cassidy, Rory Garrett, Lily Adams, Rory McGarry, Rory Brown, Cadohan Kerr

Northend United 0 Newington 4 Saturday 20th September 2025

As the start of the 25/26 season continues our Agnew, Mitchell and Cairns sponsored 2011s faced current league leaders Newington. As the game started it was clear midweek preparations and a change of formation were working as Newington clearly with both a height and a physical advantage were kept quiet. Northend went close on 6 minutes when Campbell placed a free kick into the Newington box with a scramble for a header just caught by their keeper. Both teams went end to end and Devlin had to pull off some close-range saves. It was all about our back 5 this week, Campbell, McManus, Brown, Cairns and Morrison and closing down as many attacks as possible and they held firm throughout the game. Gordon at the other end went 1v1 with the keeper whose rebound fell to him again hitting the bottom corner, unfortunately into the hands of the keeper. A lesson in corners and not losing your man this week as their height advantage saw us go down 1-0 after 15 minutes. Captain Cassley had to come off due to a leg injury and McClintock introduced. The next 15 minutes both teams went toe to toe, the only chance was Mitchell awarded a long-range free kick, Hector stepped up and hit it well but into the hands of their keeper. Half time 0-1

Second half and further injuries saw Adams into left back and quick word of team encouragement as Brown also off due to injury, heads started to go down against the physical and verbal Newington. A dropped ball awarded against us and a lack of concentration we gifted Newington a free goal. McGarry introduced as striker holding up the ball saw Gordon and Garret link up play start to show and both had periods of creating chances, but we just couldn't convert a goal. With players in new positions and more physical work needed at training 2 further weak goals were conceded. Full time 0-4 - As no game is a loss we simply learn and move on.

Panel: Phelem Devlin, Harry Campbell, Jonah Mitchell, Thomas Cairns, Ollie Hector, Cathal Gordon, Jayden Cassley, Dylan McManus, Oliver Morrison, Rory Garrett, Rory Brown, Lily Adams, Reece McClintock, Rory McGarry

Northend United 2 Antrim Rovers 2 Saturday 13th September 2025

The second fixture of the season for Our Agnew, Mitchell and Cairns sponsored 2011s and another positive display. The division this year is proving well set up as both teams equally matched giving players and coaches a real good platform for development. Our first chance of the game came when Garret in a new midfield position intercepted the ball and immediately found Hector out wide, with the wingers strength and pace he got a shot away but caught by the keeper. With the play in our favour a few minutes later Brown winning a free kick sent Gordon in on goal but winning a corner instead. This resulted in a fine goal from Cassley with Hector’s delivery straight onto the strikers head to give us a 1/0 lead after 8 minutes.

Mitchell and McClintock on the left got in on the action with a fine run into the Antrim box but their defence stood firm. Antrim also had their chances but had to settle for shots from distance as out back line of Cairns, Brown, McManus marshalled by Vice captain Campbell kept them well away from Devlin’s goal. Another chance fell to Gordon after 16 minutes with Hectors corner put on Gordons foot and his volley just inches wide of the post.

For the next 15 minutes both teams went end to end and had several chances to score. It was on the 26th minute Antrim were awarded a throw and we gave too much time and space to them, Devlin came out bravely and managed to make a fine save picking up a shoulder injury in the process against the larger striker, the ball subsequently wasn’t cleared and they levelled the score 1/1. 5 minutes later and a lack of closing down Antrim had a lucky deflection into the path of their forward who managed to score their second. Northend picked up the pace right to the end of the half but just couldn’t find the next goal. Half time 1-2

Second half and with the introduction of Adams, Morrison and McGarry and a restructured formation Northend settled and moved the ball about. The Antrim keeper caught off his line and Gordon from 40 yards chipped him just wide of the post. McManus was putting his body on the line more than once this game and received a bad tackle and a ball to the face, the defender wasn’t phased and stood firm the whole match. Northend picked up the pace and really dominated the remaining 20 minutes of the game, Mitchell, Gordon, Hector, McGarry, Cassley all had chances to put the ball in the back of the net but couldn’t find that final touch. Antrim resorted to long ball clearances one finding Devlin but the rushing Antrim striker failed to stop and clashed heavily for the second time resulting in only a yellow card but Devlin picking up yet another injury taking 6 minutes to recover. It was on the 70th minute when a fine clearance from Adams into the final 3rd won a throw in. Hector for the second week in a row seeing Gordon running into the box took a quick throw right into his path and the striker equalled the scoreline 2/2. With play in our favour the last 5 minutes of extra time Northend pushed for the win with some great passages of play but just could not find that winning goal. Full time 2-2

Players of the Match: Dylan McManus and Phelem Devlin, both players showed great courage and determination putting their bodies on the line time and time again this week.

Panel: Phelem Devlin, Harry Campbell, Jonah Mitchell, Thomas Cairns, Ollie Hector, Reece McClintock, Cathal Gordon, Jayden Cassley, Dylan McManus, Rory Garrett, Rory Brown, Oliver Morrison, Lily Adams, Rory McGarry

Northend United 2 Andersonstown Eagles 2 Saturday 6h September 2025

First game of the 25/26 season and our first in the SBYL. Pre-season had went well with a few new signings getting their first taste of competitive football. We would like to welcome Dylan and Oliver to the squad.

The first half started well with both teams nervously finding their way, Northend had the better of the chances with no less than 6 shots on goal either wide or saved. At the other end our defence held firm and with not too much getting through a quiet 20 minutes.

It took 30 minutes for the first goal, a nice pass from Mitchell in midfield to Hector who set it back to Cassley and with Cassley’s return pass lobbed over the top Ollie Hector’s volley found the top left of the net.

Only 4 minutes later with Northend awarded a thrown in, Hector’s quick thinking saw Gordon alone up front and managed to find the striker though Gordon quickly surrounded by the AC defence he managed to find a gap and crossed the ball across the 6 yard line and Cassley slotted in our second.

It was on the 34 minute a sloppy bit of passing lost possession and players hanging legs out Andersonstown where allowed in and found a gap to pull back a goal. Half time 2-1

The second half continued as the first with both teams more confident on the ball but with legs tired the game opened up and Devlin had to pull off a series of saves with the game going end to end for 30 minutes.

With 5 minutes left of the game and Andersonstown pushing hard, a careless throw in and the lack of pressure from Northend lead to Andersonstown getting their second and levelling the game.

Northend woke up and turned on the last 5 minutes with the final chance coming from a corner which dropped to McGarry on the front post being his shot clutched away on the goal line.

A really good display at our first game and a lot of positives to take away and work on at training. A real team effort this week. Full time 2-2

Panel: Phelem Devlin, Lily Adams, Harry Campbell, Jonah Mitchell, Tiernan Martin, Thomas Cairns, Ollie Hector, Reece McClintock, Cathal Gordon, Jayden Cassley, Dylan McManus, Oliver Morrison, Lily Adams, Odhran Cassidy, Rory McGarry, Caodhan Kerr