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Northend United 7 Lower Maze 0 Friday 26th April 2024

The Macaulay Wray sponsored 07s ended their season with another dominant performance against Lower Maze at Whiterock on Friday evening to record a hat-trick of wins in as many weeks.

The Blues were slow out of the blocks as they struggled to get the ball down and play against a determined Lower Maze side. On 12 minutes a neat passage of play involving McIlhatton and McLaughlin led to a through ball finding Crooks who held off his marker and coolly slotted home the opening goal. On 15 minutes Lower Maze had a glorious chance to equalise as a counterattack set Adams free but Stewart denied the striker with a fine save low to his left. The Blues realising they were in a game began to take a grip of the midfield showing more composure on the ball and finding gaps in the reds defence, chances came and went for Campbell, McMahon and Stephens before goal machine Crooks danced around two defenders and double his tally on 25 minutes.

The last ten minutes of the half saw the Blues start to find their rhythm and their high pressing game took its toll on the reds’ defence. On 30 minutes McIlhatton’s effort from the edge of the box was well blocked but Fyfe created space on the turn to fire home from 8 yards. On 32 minutes the legendary long throw from Neeson at almost halfway was headed home by Crooks for his hat-trick and a commanding half-time lead for the Northend lads. Half time 4-0

The second half gave the Blues a chance to enjoy their last 35 minutes of football of the season as they reshuffled the pack, captain McKay taking over in goals and Stewart leading the line up top. On 40 minutes Neeson turned provider again, this time his long throw finding Matchett on the six-yard line and the big centre-half headed home. The Blues were now enjoying their evening with McLaughlin giving a master class in dribbling and causing endless problems for the Lower Maze defence. On 50 minutes it was our wee number 7 who picked the ball up in his own half and beat five red shirts before passing to McKee, but his first-time shot was turned away by Kirk. From the resulting corner McIlhatton rose highest to head home superbly from ten yards.

McKay was giving an assured performance in goal showing quick reactions and good distribution with long range clearances giving Stewart plenty of opportunities to show he could still play a bit out field. The next set of changes saw Fyfe take over in goal, McMahon move to centre half and Neeson lead the attack. The Blues created countless chances in the closing 15 minutes with McKay, McKee, Neeson and McLaughlin all testing the excellent Kirk in the Lower Maze goal. On 60 minutes a corner from the right was only part cleared by the reds and Matchett fired home a thunderbolt from 25 yards. In the closing stages Matchett thought he’d grabbed a hat-trick from a stunning free-kick but it was overturned as the set piece was indirect.

This was another excellent performance from this group of players, the second half just showed the versatility and bond as players turned coaches to deliver thirty-five minutes of free-flowing football. The smiles on the face of every player summed up what has been an excellent end to the season, any one of the thirteen could have lifted POTM but our wee number 7 McLaughlin was just ridiculously good as time and time again he weaved his way past red shirts. Full time 7-0

Player of the Match: Diego McLaughlin

Panel: J Stewart, R Stephens, R Neeson, C Matchett, F McKay, A McKee, J McMahon, C McIlhatton, D McLaughlin, L Campbell, R Crooks, M O’Donnell, H Fyfe

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Northend United 5 Tullycarnet 1 Saturday 20th April 2024

The Macaulay Wray sponsored 07s made it two wins from two with a five-star performance against Tullycarnet at a sun-drenched Mount Pleasant on Saturday morning. The previous two meetings between these sides were entertaining high scoring draws with 16 goals so expectations were high.

The Blues started the game at a frantic pace with early chances for Crooks who was denied by Hanna with a fine point blank save, then Campbell found space in the box after beating two defenders but his finish sailed over the bar with a few inches to spare. An excellent through ball from McLaughlin set O’Donnell free on the right, the winger beat his man and fired a thunderbolt goalwards but again Hanna was equal to the effort. On 15 minutes a long hopeful ball into the blues defence was misjudged by Stephens who headed the ball back across goal and Gillon tapped the ball home from 6 yards to give Tullycarnet the lead.

The Northend lads lifted their game to another level playing a high energy pressing game that left Tullycarnet frustrated and disjointed. On 25 minutes a wonderful pass by Matchett found Crooks on the edge of the box, the striker stepped inside his marker and cooly slotted home in the bottom corner well out of reach of the keeper. The blues continued to control possession with a quick passing game that was a joy to watch. On 30 minutes McIlhatton, McMahon and McLaughlin cut the Tullycarnet midfield to shreds with a series of passes with McLaughlin finding Crooks who tied 3 defenders in knots in the box and fired home his second to give the blues the lead. With a minute left in the first half Campbell found space on the box, skipped past two defenders and squared the ball to McKee who tapped home at the back post to give the blues a commanding lead at the break. Half time 3-1

The second half started as the first ended with the back four of Northend restricting Tullycarnet to half chances from distance. The midfield exchanges were being controlled by McMahon, McIlhatton and McLaughlin where no quarter was given. On the hour mark McMahon and McLaughlin combined with our wee No 7 threading a perfect ball down the left to Crooks who was invited to have a go by the right back, bad call as Crooks obliged and was duly mowed down in the box. A clear penalty for Northend and although a few boys fancied it, the clear instruction from the sideline was for that man Crooks who rolled the ball low in to the corner for his hat-trick. The Northend lads were enjoying the lion’s share of possession with Tullycarnet struggling to get out of their half, on 66 minutes captain McKay whipped in a curling corner that look destined for the net but just to be sure yes, you guessed it, Crooks headed home for his fourth of the day. With two minutes remaining McLaughlin and Crooks played a superb one two with the wee midfield maestro side-stepping two challenges only to see his effort superbly saved by Hanna.

This was a near perfect performance from a group of lads who have shown maturity and a togetherness that has elevated their performance to levels beyond anything else that has gone before this season. Stewart had a quiet morning but when called on he produced a couple of quality saves, the back four again were solid and controlled both in and out of possession, the midfield were superb linking play and supporting Crooks time and time again. Like last week there were several contenders for POTM but with another clinical display of finishing and stylish play not to mention four goals Crooks takes the plaudits. Full time 5-1

Player of the Match: Robert Crooks

Panel: Jack Stewart, Fergal McKay, Calum Matchett, R Neeson, Ryan Stephens, Michael O’Donnell, James McMahon, Charlie McIlhatton, Diego McLaughlin, Robert Crooks, Luke Campbell, Alfe McKee

Northend United 2 Abbey Villa 0 Saturday 13th April 2024

The Macaulay Wray sponsored 07s got back to winning ways with an excellent performance against Abbey Villa at Ballysillan on Saturday on a day that delivered glorious sunshine, torrential rain and everything in between.

The Northend lads controlled much of the early possession with a high energy game that the Villa found difficult to contain. On 6 minutes Stephens played a neat one-two with McMcIlhatton before finding McMahon on the edge of the box, he skipped past the first defender only to be upended by the second challenge and the referee pointed to the spot. Crooks stepped up and drilled the ball low into the corner giving Culbert no chance in the Villa goal.

The Blues lifted by the early goal continued to dominate with McLaughlin, McIlhatton and Fyfe winning the midfield battles. On 15 minutes Crooks outpaced two defenders and unselfishly squared the ball to Campbell who just couldn’t get a touch at the back post. With 25 minutes gone Villa hadn’t managed a shot on goal, largely down to the solid back four of Stephens, Matchett, Neeson and McKay who looked back to their best. In the latter stages of the half the Blues should have increased their lead as Campbell headed narrowly wide, McIlhatton and Crooks were both denied by excellent saves from Culbert. Half time 1-0

The Blues again dominated the early exchanges of the second half with chances for Campbell, Crooks and McIlhatton in the opening minutes, in fact only for the excellent Culbert in the Villa goal the game could have been over after 45 minutes. The introduction of McKee on the right wing had added a new attacking threat as he beat his man. got to the byline and crossed to Campbell but he was again denied by the feet of Culbert. Crooks picked up the loose ball, beat a defender and picked his spot but a sliding block by McCune denied Crooks his second of the day.

On the hour mark Villa had a couple of chances from free kicks but one never troubled Stewart and he was alert to the second, a low effort gathered safely. On 65 minutes McKay received a quick kick-out from Stewart, the defender drilled a pass down the left to Campbell who outpaced his marker and delivered a first time cross to Crooks who showed all his class with an excellent first touch and shot to double the Blues lead. As the rain mirrored a monsoon the Blues saw out the closing minutes for a thoroughly deserved victory.

This was an excellent team performance, with the keeper and back four dominant, the midfield were solid throughout with a disciplined and determined display. It was a day that picking POTM was difficult as there were so many contenders, but with a performance that drew praise from the opposing coaching team and the referee it was impossible to look past Crooks. This young man is a joy to watch, just before he scored his second goal he lost possession in the Villa box but chased back to regain possession in his own half, turn his marker inside out and win a free to spurn a rare Villa counter attack. A constant threat on the ball, composed and clinical with it. A special mention to Abbey Villa for a sporting performance in a great game of football, not a card presented to either team and a group of young men magnanimous in defeat. Full time 2-0

Player of the Match: Robert Crooks

Panel: J Stewart, R Stephens, R Neeson, C Matchett, F McKay, J McMahon, C McIlhatton, H Fyfe, D McLaughlin, L Campbell, R Crooks, A McKee

Northend United 2 Rosario Youth 3 Saturday 6th April 2024

The Macaulay Wray sponsored 07s were back in action after the Easter break with a trip to Ulidia to play Rosario. The blues welcomed back Matchett and McMahon following sickness, but as has been the case in recent weeks someone falls foul to sickness as McIlhatton was forced to sit out.

The blues started brightly with McLaughlin pulling the strings from the middle of the park, setting up a chance for Campbell but his effort was blocked by Foster. Much against the run of play Rosario took the lead when Houston effort through a crowded box beat Stewart low to his right. The blues were not deterred by the goal and took control of possession creating chances for Campbell and Crooks. The Rosario defence were struggling to handle the blues passing game and on 21 minutes Crooks looked to have scored but was denied by McGuigan’s deliberate hand ball, straight red card for the defender and Crooks stepped up to slot the resulting penalty low to the corner. The Northend lads continued to look the more likely to score with the best opportunity coming when O’Donnell played McKee in down the right, the winger outpaced two defenders but his effort was tame and easily gathered by Foster. On 33 minutes Rosario were awarded a penalty, Matchett mis-timing his tackle, Stewart again pulled off a penalty save but Houston was quickest to react and restore the home side’s advantage. Half time 1-2

The blues reshuffled the pack in the second half with Neeson going to the centre of defence alongside McKay and Matchett moving to the no 10 role. The changes were to bring an early reward when on 42 minutes Campbell beat his man on the halfway line and played a superb diagonal ball to Matchett who outpaced three defenders and fired home to level the sides.

The blues midfield seemed to be running out of energy with the industrious Fyfe the only one maintaining the first half performance level. On 55 minutes a speculative cross from 35 yards cleared everyone in the penalty area and dropped in at the back post to restore the lead for Rosario. The blues pushed hard to get back on level terms and on 65 minutes were denied what seemed a clear penalty when Crooks was flattened, then Neeson rattled the cross-bar minutes later. In added time O’Donnell picked up a second yellow, a small blot on an otherwise perfect performance from the right back who was immense, winning every aerial battle, strong in the tackle and causing a constant threat with his driving runs out of defence. The Easter cobwebs are now gone and three league games left to get back to winning ways. Full time 2-3

Player of the Match: Michael O’Donnell

Panel: Jack Stewart, Michael O’Donnell, Feargal McKay, Calum Matchett, Ryan Stephens, Alfie McKee, Rory Neeson, Harry Fyfe, Diego McLaughlin, Luke Campbell, Robert Crooks, James McMahon

Northend United 2 St Patricks 4 Saturday 23rd March 2024

Macaulay Wray sponsored 07s were back in action for the second time in four days as they took on St Patrick’s at Mallusk in horrendous conditions on Saturday morning. To be fair to both teams they defied the weather and served up a highly entertaining game for those who made the trip. With the Blues squad depleted by injury, sickness and some, only served to push this group on to one of their best performances of the season.

Playing against a strong breeze an early route one ball saw McKeown’s effort turned round the post by Stewart, from the resulting corner St Pats scrambled the ball over the line to take an early lead. The Blues unphased by the early goal, began to take a grip on the game with the midfield of McKee, McIlhatton, Fyfe, McLaughlin and Campbell asserting their authority. On 16 minutes Fyfe and McLaughlin combined well to set Crooks through on the edge of the box, as always the striker showed excellent skills to beat two defenders and score low in the bottom corner. The remainder of the half was end to end with St Pats converting a penalty and then another scrappy goal just on half-time somewhat flattering the team in green. Half time 1-3

The second half saw the Northend lads deliver a high energy pressing game that St Pats found difficult to contain. Crooks was denied by an excellent save from Dale in the St Pats goal. At the other end Neeson and McKay looked like they’d always played as a centre pair, with both making big challenges and both making goal line clearances. On 45 minutes St Pats were awarded a penalty but Stewart wasn’t to be beating a second time as he got down superbly to his right and pushed the ball away for a corner. The save gave the blues an extra lift and they were now dominating possession and playing some excellent football, McIlhatton and McKee both went close. Then on 55 minutes McKee found space on the right he switched play to Campbell who threaded the ball through to Crooks, the striker still had a lot to do but he found space in the box and steered home his second of the day. The Blues pushed hard for the equaliser hitting a post and having an effort cleared off the line, an injury time goal for St Pats did not take the shine of this performance.

This was a day when management decisions were simple, eleven players started, eleven players gave everything for the team for seventy-three minutes. The back four of O’Donnell, Neeson, McKay and Stephens were excellent throughout, Campbell, McLaughlin, McIlhatton, McKee & Fyfe battled for every ball and controlled possession for large parts of the second half, special mention to Fyfe who missed all week through illness but showed great determination for the entire game. This was a day when management decisions were simple, eleven players started and eleven players gave everything for the team for seventy-three minutes. Full time 2-4

Player of the Match – Team Performance

Panel: J Stewart, R Neeson, M O’Donnell, F McKay, R Stephens, A McKee, J McIlhatton, H Fyfe, D McLaughlin, L Campbell, R Crooks

Rosario 2 Northend United 1 Saturday 16th March 2024

Northend went into this Cup match on Friday night at the Ulidia complex. The Blues found themselves 2-0 down at half time, having gone close on a few occasions to opening their scoring Half time 2-0

Into the second half and with a few changes to the shape of the team, the Blues pulled a goal back from Robert Crooks. With time running out , the Blues went looking for an equaliser but the Rosario defence stood firm to see themselves into the next round of the Cup. Full time 2-1

Panel: J Stewart, F McKay, C Matchett, F Penny, J McMahon, R Stephens, M McDonnell, C McIlhatton, R Crooks, R Neeson, C Loughran, L Campbell, M Murray, A McKee, H Fyfe

Northend United 0 Newhill 2 Friday 8th March 2024

On a chilly Friday night the Macaulay Wray sponsored 07s faced a tough encounter against table toppers Newhill FC at Whiterock. The game started brightly with both teams looking strong and confident in possession. Newhill had the first real effort on goal from 25 yards but Matchett was on hand to deflect the effort away for a corner which the Blues defence dealt with effectively. As the Northend lads settled into a rhythm and grew in confidence the midfield started to win more possession higher up the park, on 15 minutes a good move involving McIlhatton and Crooks set McMahon though on goal but Farrelly was off his line quickly to make the save.

The half continued to provide high class entertainment with both teams showing strength and determination in the tackle. On 24 minutes the Blues went close from a set piece as Neeson’s header was cleared off the line, for Newhill it was a case of being restricted to long range efforts as they struggled to open up the superb Blues rearguard of O’Donnell, Matchett, Neeson, Penney and McKay. Half time 0-0

The second half started where the first left off with both teams having early opportunities, Crooks skipped past two defenders only to see his effort blocked, then Stewart pulled off a fantastic save when Mathers was sure he had given Newhill the lead. On 44 minutes a long ball found Holmes in more space in the penalty area than he’d seen all evening and his low shot found the bottom corner to give Newhill a slender advantage.

The Blues continued to make life difficult for Newhill restricting chances to long range efforts, a driving run down the right by O’Donnell saw him deliver a superb cross but Crooks effort went narrowly wide. The introduction of Murray and Campbell brought renewed energy to the Northend lads as they pressed for an equaliser. On 55 minutes Newhill had a good opportunity to double their lead but Lynch’s header was superbly cleared off the line by Stephens. On 59 minutes another hopeful ball into the Blues penalty area was wet with hesitancy and Parker stabbed the ball home from 3 yards to double the Newhill lead. McLaughlin and McKee entered the fray for one last throw of the dice but despite playing some excellent football in the closing stages the goal just wouldn’t come.

This was an entertaining game with the Blues showing great spirit and tenacity against a strong Newhill outfit. The defence were outstanding throughout with McIlhatton, McMahon, Stephens and Crooks matching the energy and physicality in the middle of the park. The other pleasing thing was that those who came off the bench brought the same level of energy to the game. There were a number of contenders for POTM but O’Donnell playing out of position at wing back was immense over the 70 minutes. Full time 0-2

Player of the Match: Michael O’Donnell

Panel: J Stewart, M O’Donnell, R Neeson, C Matchett, F Penney, F McKay, J McMahon, C McIlhatton, R Crooks, R Stephens, C Loughran, D McLaughlin, L Campbell, M Murray, A McKee

Northend United 1 St Patricks 4 Saturday 2nd March 2024

The Macaulay Wray sponsored 07s excellent run came to an end. The 07s got off to the worst possible start when St Patricks were able to turn home from an early corner. Northend did nearly equalise straight away when crooks had a one on one turned away from the St Pats keeper. Northend continued to pile on the pressure and another save from the keeper when Campbell fired straight at him from 6 yards. Further chances went amiss with Loughran firing narrowly wide. With St Pats on the back foot for the majority of the first half more chances went amiss from Crooks again and Loughran. The St Pats keeper was proving very hard to get past and it enabled St Pats to go in 1 nil to the good at the break with Northend wondering how they didn't take 3 or 4 of their multiple chances. Half time 1-1

Shortly after the 2nd half Stewart turned a shot onto the post as St Pats looked for a 2nd goal. Northend couldn't get going in the 2nd half and St Pats scored from 10 yards. As Northend continued to look for a way back into the game St Pats score 2 quick fire goals in succession to put the game beyond the youths reach. Full time 1-4

Panel: J Stewart, F McKay, C Matchett, F Penny, J McMahon, R Crooks, R Neeson, L Campbell, H Fyfe, M Murray, C Loughran, D McLaughlin, R Nicholas