Untitled

Northend United 1 18th Newtownabbey 3 Cup Final Friday 22nd May 2026

Northend 2009 faced 18th Newtownabbey in the U17 Cup Final at Millbrook Park, Larne, in a highly anticipated clash between two sides who had pushed each other all season long. After the fixture had been delayed by a week due to unfortunate circumstances surrounding the original final date, the stage was finally set - and the match certainly delivered drama from the opening whistle.

Unfortunately for North End, disaster struck almost immediately. Straight from kick-off, 18th Newtownabbey played direct into the channels and forced an early corner after good defending from left-back O'Hara. From the resulting delivery, the ball was unfortunately diverted into his own net by Kerr, leaving North End 1-0 down inside the opening minute.

Things quickly went from bad to worse. Trying to play out from the restart under heavy pressure, North End conceded a soft free kick. The resulting ball into the box looked comfortable for Lavelle in goal, but an unfortunate spill allowed the alert Newtownabbey forward to react first and bundle home for 2-0 with barely two minutes played.

North End had hardly touched the ball and suddenly found themselves staring at a mountain to climb.

To their credit, heads never dropped. Gradually, North End regained composure, began to get the ball down, and started playing the football that had served them so well throughout the season. Their response came within five minutes when a free kick from inside their own half was played long into the danger area. Following a foul on the edge of the box, McGarel stepped up knowing his side needed a lifeline.

He delivered in spectacular fashion.

With tremendous composure, McGarel curled an unstoppable free kick over the wall and into the top corner. The goalkeeper got fingertips to it but could do nothing to prevent a superb strike from flying into the net, pulling North End right back into the contest at 2-1.

Buoyed by the goal, North End enjoyed their best spell of the game and dominated the next 10 minutes. The best chance fell to McQueen after an excellent pass from captain Lavelle sent him clean through on goal. After rounding the defender, he looked set to smash home the equaliser, but the ball caught awkwardly under his feet and bounced up, allowing the goalkeeper to gather comfortably.

A couple of tight offside calls also prevented North End from breaking through again as momentum threatened to swing fully in their favour.

As the half wore on, the rhythm of the game began to fade. Several substitutions disrupted the flow and North End struggled to create another clear-cut opportunity before the break. At the other end, 18th Newtownabbey remained dangerous on the counterattack, although Lavelle recovered well from his early error and was sharp off his line to deal with any danger. Half-time: 1-2

The second half never quite sparked into life for North End. While they enjoyed periods of possession and territory, they struggled to create genuine openings against a well-organised and increasingly physical Newtownabbey side.

McArdle worked tirelessly throughout, constantly demanding the ball and trying to drive his team forward. He came closest for North End, firing narrowly wide after creating space on the edge of the area, but again the clear-cut chances never truly arrived.

As the game wore on, 18th Newtownabbey managed the contest cleverly. Protecting their lead, they became more physical and disruptive, picking up several bookings while breaking up play, slowing the tempo, and preventing North End from finding any rhythm.

With 10 minutes remaining, the decisive moment arrived.

A ball played down the channel was collected by Newtownabbey's standout performer, who burst clear before delivering an excellent cross towards the back post. Completely unmarked, the winger arrived to head beyond Lavelle and make it 3-1, sparking wild celebrations in the corner as Newtownabbey sensed the trophy was finally theirs.

North End continued to battle until the end and forced a couple of late openings, but there was no dramatic comeback left in the tank. Full time: 1-3

In the end, 18th Newtownabbey's direct and physical approach proved enough to secure the cup. Northend will undoubtedly reflect on a disastrous opening few minutes and wonder what might have been, but they can still look back with enormous pride on an outstanding season.

A league and cup double, combined with another cup semi-final, represents a tremendous achievement for this talented group.

Congratulations must also go to 18th Newtownabbey - worthy winners on the day after pushing North End all the way throughout the season and earning a trophy their performances fully deserved.

Panel: Conor Lavelle, Joe O'Hara, Scott Kerr, Hubert Pekala, Liam Slattery, Callum O'Neill, Adrian Pekala, Pearse Devlin, Eoin Lavelle (c), Caleb Da Prato, Ethan Drysdale, Sam McArdle, Ruairi Hamill, Josh McQueen, Oisin Gordon, Kian ONeill, Kian McGarel

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

Northend United 4 Rosario 1 Saturday 18th April 2026

A mixture of sunshine and showers at Newforge 3G set the scene for a semi-final clash between Northend and Rosario. The match was a tale of two halves-quiet and tepid in the first, but much more dynamic in the second as Northend kicked into gear and secured a comfortable victory.

The first half resembled a training match, with both teams hesitant to take control. The ground was eerily silent, very unlike a semi-final. Northend had an early opportunity when McGarel curled one just over the bar, but they failed to build on it. Rosario slowed the game down and played for territory, while Northend were passive, allowing them too much time on the ball. Both sides had several corners, and it was from set pieces that the most dangerous chances came. Lavelle's header from a corner was tipped over by the goalkeeper, and Rosario nearly capitalized on a long throw-in into the box, but Lavelle in goal made a comfortable save.

Northend reacted by making a number of changes, pushing more players forward. They began to take control, and a nice passage of play down the left saw McGarel deliver a ball to the back post. For the first time, there were numbers in the box, but Gordon couldn't get enough power on his shot and it went wide. Northend continued to press, and just before halftime, Drysdale found McGarel on the edge of the box. McGarel's shot was saved by the keeper, but Gordon was quick to react, poking home to give Northend the lead just before the break. Half-time: 1-0

After a stern team talk, Northend came out a different side in the second half. They pressed aggressively, denying Rosario time on the ball, and their passing became quick and sharp. It took just five minutes for McGarel to double Northend's lead, picking the ball up in the box, creating space, and firing home. The team settled into a rhythm with fluid one-touch passing and runs in behind the Rosario defence.

Hamill made an overlapping run down the left and delivered a perfect ball across goal. McGarel flicked it on for O'Neill, who poked it into the corner for a 3-0 lead. Heads dropped for Rosario as Northend continued to dominate, and McGarel, picking up the ball in midfield, played a pass to Gordon. Gordon took one touch before curling a shot with the outside of the boot from outside the box into the bottom corner for his brace. Rosario did manage a consolation goal late on after a through ball bypassed Drysdale, allowing the Rosario forward to slot home. Full-time: 4-1

In the end, Northend's second-half performance was dominant, with several strong individual performances. Hamill stood out, with a combative display in both midfield and defence. He was a constant presence, moving the ball well and making intelligent runs to create space and options. We now look ahead to a highly anticipated final between the two top teams in the division, with plenty of added edge to the match.

Player of the Match: Ruairi Hamill

Panel: Conor Lavelle, Ruairi Hamill, Scott Kerr, Joe O'Hara, Pearse Devlin, C.allum O'Neill, Kian O'Neill, Sam McArdle, Liam Slattery, Eoin Lavelle, Ethan Drysdale, Kian McGarel, Oisin Gordon, Josh McQueen

Northend United 1 Drumaness Mills 1 Cup Quarter-Final (Northend win on penalties) Saturday 11th April 2026

A bright, gusty day at Carrick Leisure Centre set the stage for a thrilling Cup quarter-final between Northend and Drumaness, with both teams having won one apiece in the league. The match was expected to be a close, fiercely contested affair between two of the league's best sides, and it certainly didn't disappoint. Northend probably had the better of the chances and play in ordinary time, but the contest couldn't be decided in regulation, leading to a penalty shootout.

Northend started on the front foot, pressing high with O'Neill and McQueen out wide. The midfield trio of Lavelle, Da Prato, and McArdle smothered their opponents, controlling the tempo of the game. Northend created an early guilt-edged chance when McGarel was played in. He controlled the ball, dropped his shoulder to create space, but dragged his shot just wide of the post. Drumaness, using the wind to their advantage, played direct football to relieve pressure. Northend's defence, consisting of Pekala, Kerr, Pekala, and O'Hara, dealt well with the long balls.

However, Drumaness began to apply pressure on Northend's short goal kicks, knowing the strong wind would disrupt their attempts to play through the thirds. Drumaness gained more possession and disrupted Northend's rhythm. Then, a long ball played in behind the defence saw a runner through on goal. Lavelle reacted quickly, closing down the attacker and forcing the shot wide-a warning shot that seemed to settle Northend. McArdle came close to scoring with a long-range shot that had the goalkeeper scrambling but hit the top of the crossbar. McArdle soon had another attempt, a venomous shot across goal that went just wide of the far post.

A key moment followed when Da Prato slipped McGarel clear on goal. McGarel squared it to O'Neill for a tap-in, but a Drumaness defender managed to toe it away. Another fine bit of interplay saw McGarel release O'Neill, who outmuscled his marker but couldn't finish, shooting over the bar. Northend were dominant but couldn't capitalise. Just before the break, a soft free kick just inside Northend's half was delivered high to the back post, where it was met with a powerful header into the net for a Drumaness lead at the break. Half-time: 0-1

With the wind in their favour, Northend came out for the second half looking to press Drumaness back. However, they lacked cutting edge, and a controversial offside call denied McGarel a clear chance. The game grew scrappy, with Northend struggling to regain their rhythm. The closest they came to an equalizer was a solo effort from Devlin, who cut inside but screwed his shot wide of the far post.

With 20 minutes left, Northend made changes, shifting to three up top in pursuit of the equaliser. The adjustments had an immediate impact, with Gordon pressing high and winning the ball back. Both McQueen and Gordon had a chance at goal, but indecision left it for McGarel in an offside position, and the chance went begging. Drumaness were on the ropes. McGarel had a shot blocked, then another that hit the inside of the post, but the momentum was building. A scrappy melee in the box saw a couple of blocked chances before the ball fell to McQueen, who poked it over the line for the equalizer to loud applause.

The match then became end-to-end, both teams pushing to finish it in normal time. Kerr came closest when he picked up a ball from a corner and lashed a sweet volley across goal, just missing the upright. Drumaness had a break down the right, delivering a cross into the box where two attackers had lost their markers. Lavelle, however, came out bravely to claim the ball, smashing into the forward, preventing a certain goal. Shouts for a penalty fell on deaf ears. Then Northend nearly scored when Slattery's shot was tipped onto the crossbar by the keeper. Moments later, Lavelle made another crucial intervention, diving to deny a Drumaness striker who was through on goal after a Northend long free-kick. The striker, seemingly offside, slotted the ball into the corner, but Lavelle played to the whistle and pulled off a miraculous save, tipping it around the post with a strong hand.

At the other end, Slattery thought he had won it for Northend when he was played through and shot across goal into the far corner, but the goal was ruled out for offside. The game went to penalties after a dramatic finish. Full-time: 1-1

In the penalty shootout, it was all about the goalkeepers. Lavelle stood tall, making three outstanding saves to win the shootout for Northend. This capped off a brilliant all-round performance by Conor, who was named Player of the Match. It was a redemption moment for Lavelle, following a rare unforced error in a league clash against Newtownabbey. No better way to prove yourself than by performing when it really counts. Northend now move on to the semi-final, closer to another potential piece of silverware in what has already been a very successful season

Player of the Match: Conor Lavelle

Panel: Conor Lavelle, Hubert Pekala, Scott Kerr (C), Adrian Pekala, Joe O'Hara, Pearse Devlin, Callum O'Neill, Kian O'Neill, Sam McArdle, Liam Slattery, Ethan Drysdale, Kian McGarel, Oisin Gordon, Josh McQueen, Caleb Da Prato

Northend United 3 Bloomfield B 2 Saturday 28th March 2026

A wet and windy day at Grove Playing Fields made for a tough contest, with both teams struggling to find any rhythm in the difficult conditions. The unpredictable weather and gusty winds severely impacted the flow of the game, and Northend found it difficult to impose themselves early on.

Bloomfield, taking advantage of the strong wind, carried the biggest threat in the opening exchanges. They worked hard to get the ball forward quickly, forcing a few corners and putting Northend’s defence under pressure. Despite this, Bloomfield couldn’t create any clear-cut chances, with their final ball often lacking precision.

However, it was Northend who took the lead against the run of play. A moment of determination from Gordon saw him press the goalkeeper, forcing a save, but the keeper made a mistake in trying to clear the ball. Gordon, reacting quickly, managed to get his head to the rebound, guiding the ball into the net to give Northend a crucial 1-0 lead.

With the breakthrough, Northend began to settle into the game. Pekala was a constant threat on the right flank, offering width and making overlapping runs. His link-up play with McQueen became increasingly effective, stretching Bloomfield’s defence and creating space for the attackers. A fantastic piece of play saw McQueen race in behind the defence, picking up a well-timed pass before unleashing a powerful shot that found the back of the net, sending Northend 2-0 up.

As the first half wore on, Northend’s midfield began to take control. Da Prato, in particular, showed composure in the centre of the park, regularly picking up the ball and dictating play. He made an impressive driving run forward, evading defenders before slipping a perfectly weighted ball through to Devlin. Devlin calmly rounded the goalkeeper and finished with precision to give Northend a 3-0 lead at the break. Halftime: 3-0

The second half proved to be a far more difficult affair for Northend. Changes to personnel and formation disrupted the team’s rhythm, and they struggled to maintain the same control in the midfield. The windy conditions also became more of a factor, with Northend unable to fully capitalize on their advantage in the first half.

Bloomfield, sensing an opportunity, began to squeeze the midfield and press higher up the pitch. They quickly adapted to the conditions and got the ball forward with greater urgency. Their big striker, proving to be a handful for Northend’s defenders, managed to get in behind the backline and finished expertly to pull one back for Bloomfield.

The momentum shifted, and for the next 20 minutes, Northend found it difficult to regain their footing. Bloomfield looked the more dangerous side, handling the windy conditions better and putting Northend under constant pressure. Despite the pressure, Northend’s defence held firm for the most part, with O’Neill and Pekala doing well to clear their lines when needed.

With just five minutes remaining, Bloomfield struck again, scoring a well-taken goal to make it 3-2. The game became nervy as Northend’s players scrambled to hold onto their slim lead, but despite some late pressure from Bloomfield, the final whistle blew with Northend emerging as 3-2 winners. Full Time: 3-2

While the victory was important, it was far from a polished performance. There was a distinct lack of energy and intensity across the pitch, and the changes in personnel seemed to disrupt Northend’s flow. Individually, some players like Pekala and Gordon stood out, offering moments of quality, while Da Prato, McArdle, and Lavelle worked hard as a central trio, controlling large portions of the game. However, the team as a whole failed to maintain the same level of cohesion and energy as in previous matches.

No Player of the Match was awarded for this performance, as the overall display lacked the sharpness and intensity required for the next round. Northend will need to raise their game if they are to overcome Drumaness in the quarter-finals. To progress further in the competition, they will need to bring far more energy, cohesion, and focus to the next match. Back to the drawing board on Monday night.

Panel: Conor Lavelle, Hubert Pekala, Scott Kerr (C), Adrian Pekala, Joe O'Hara, Pearse Devlin, Callum O'Neill, Kian O'Neill, Sam McCardle, Liam. Slattery, Ethan Drysdale, Kian McGarel, Oisin Gordon, Caleb Da Prato, Josh McQueen

Northend United 0 18th Newtownabbey 2 Friday 20th March 2026

Under the Friday night lights at the Showgrounds, the Pizza Parlour-sponsored 2009s faced off against 18th Newtownabbey in a crucial top-of-the-table clash in the title race. Both teams knew that a win would put them in the driving seat heading into the final game. The match was frantic, physical, and often on the edge of control. In the end, the game suited Newtownabbey’s direct, physical style, and they edged out Northend.

The match started at a frantic pace, with Newtownabbey pressing aggressively and getting the ball forward quickly whenever possible. A few heavy challenges went unpunished, unsettling the home team and disrupting their rhythm. The referee allowed play to continue, which only encouraged more of the same.

As early as the 3rd minute, a long punt from Newtownabbey’s penalty area saw their striker get ahead of the Northend defence. He passed the ball past the onrushing keeper Lavelle, but O'Neill was there to clear it off the line. Northend settled into the game, with Pekala looking comfortable with the long balls. Kerr was moved to centre-half for his pace, which helped shore up the defense.

The physical play continued, preventing Northend from finding any rhythm. The game spilled over at times as tempers and frustrations flared. It wasn't until the 15th minute that Northend mounted their first real threat. A long pass from Kerr found McQueen on the wing. He played a first-time ball into McGarel at the back post. Twisting and turning, McGarel couldn’t get his shot away and laid it off to Lavelle on the edge of the area, but his shot sailed over the bar.

Despite this, Lavelle was everywhere, matching Newtownabbey’s aggression in midfield. A sliding tackle by him put the ball into the corner, and McGarel’s pressing nearly resulted in a goal. The keeper’s short pass was intercepted by McGarel, who chipped it over him into the corner, only for a miraculous clearance off the line by a covering Newtownabbey defender. The sideline stood with heads in hands.

McGarel’s subsequent corner found Devlin, whose downward header just missed the outside of the near post. Northend was starting to find their feet, with McCardle and Lavelle offering physicality to match Newtownabbey’s intensity. McQueen almost got in after a pressing run on the keeper, and some neat interplay between McQueen and McGarel saw McQueen take a shot that deflected wide of the far post.

As the first half drew to a close, McGarel nearly scored. A lofted ball from Kerr to the back post was controlled and laid off by Devlin. McGarel took it inside, ghosted past two defenders, but his shot narrowly missed the far post. On another day, he would have had a brace already. Half-time: 0-0.

In the second half, Newtownabbey came out with the same intensity as they started the first, but Northend weathered the storm and began getting on the ball. McGarel picked up the ball in midfield and laid it off to the overlapping Pekala. His first-time cross was chested down by McQueen, who passed it to Lavelle, then to McGarel. Pekala made another overlapping run, and McGarel found him with a slipped ball inside, but his shot fired just wide of the near upright.

Northend continued to push forward. McQueen nearly got in behind again, and some fluid passing play resulted in a deflected shot from McQueen that went just over the bar.

Northend continued to try and play football, with some nice passages of interplay, but Newtownabbey broke up the play, lumping it forward at every opportunity. The defence, marshalled by Pekala, remained strong. Then, from a throw-in in their own half, Newtownabbey lumped the ball forward as Northend pressed. Hamill tried to get in front of his man to be first to the breaking ball but missed his challenge. The ball was played to the overlapping player on the channel. Pekala, on the cover, challenged rashly as the ball was played out for a goal kick, conceding a free. The ball was hit directly at Lavelle. A complete mishap by the keeper saw him palm the spinning ball backwards, and the spin took it over the line. An unforced error, a rare calamity, but lady luck was certainly on Newtownabbey’s side with the undeserved lead. Northend’s heads dropped, and Newtownabbey’s tails were up. They got another free-kick nearly straight after, with a clean strike just wide of the post.

Northend needed to shake themselves and stop feeling sorry for themselves. They regrouped and created a similar free-kick opportunity when a rare decision went their way after a foul on Devlin. McGarel lined it up—this was the opportunity to level. He drove it hard but just over the upright. It was beginning to be one of those nights.

Then, McGarel created another opportunity. A wonderful one-two with Da Prato and McGarel saw McQueen sent through. His first-time cross was met by Lavelle, but his headed shot was gathered by the keeper.

The pressure was building, and Northend switched to a 3-3-4 formation, with Kerr pushed forward. A clipped ball into the box led to blocked shots from Lavelle, Devlin, and Drysdale. On the turn, Drysdale shot just over the bar. McQueen nearly scored again, terrorizing the defence, beating his man for pace, and sending in a clipped cross that nearly dropped in at the back post. Anxiety was creeping into Newtownabbey’s ranks as Northend turned up the pressure. McQueen had another effort at the back post, drilling it into the side netting. Not long after, he struck it perfectly, drilling it into the far corner, only for the keeper to pull off a fabulous diving save. McGarel met the rebound perfectly but shot over when everyone was expecting the net to bulge.

The jeopardy of pushing everyone forward as Drysdale was caught dwelling on the ball on the half way line. Northend were left two for two at the back. Newtownabbey working the opening well and getting a rare shot away but wide.

In the dying moments, Northend earned another corner, with McGarel putting it right on top of the keeper. Devlin, in front of the keeper, was about to flick it in when the keeper punched it out for another corner. So close again. However, the referee made another wrong controversial decision, awarding a goal kick and relieving some pressure for Newtownabbey, who celebrated the decision like a goal.

With time running out and everyone pushed forward, Newtownabbey broke out with another long punt. Indecision from Lavelle in goal allowed the ball to be charged down. The breaking ball was tapped in over the line. Another rare blunder summed up Northend’s night and sealed the game, with Newtownabbey claiming the win. Full-time: 0-2

This was a desperately disappointing night for the young Blues and a difficult one to take. It seemed everything went against them on the night. Despite their underperformance, Northend still created the majority of the chances but simply couldn’t find the target. Composure was lacking in a frenetic game marred by poor refereeing and inconsistency, especially in a game of this magnitude. Newtownabbey’s game plan worked, and they deserve credit for their performance and agression. If this win is enough to lift the trophy, Northend will tip their hats to them and wish them well.

Player of the Match: Pearse Devlin. Devlin matched Newtownabbey's physicality and aggression from the first to the last minute. He also offered a real threat going forward and was unlucky not to be on the scoresheet.

Panel: C. Lavelle, H. Pekala, S. Kerr (C), A. Pekala, J. O'Hara, R. Hamill, P. Devlin, C. O'Neill, K. O'Neill, S. McCardle, L. Slattery, E. Drysdale, K. McGarel, O. Gordon, J. O'Hara, C. Da Prato, J.McQueen

Northend United 6 Bryansburn Rangers 2 Friday 6th March 2026

Friday night under the lights at Avoniel 3G saw the Pizza Parlour-sponsored 2009s face off against the home side Bryansburn Rangers in a crucial game for the away Ballymena side in the title race. Bryansburn, a strong and physical team, gave Northend a tough challenge, but a dominant second-half performance saw Northend secure the win and extend their lead at the top.

Northend pressed aggressively from the kick-off, forcing Bryansburn to retreat. The early pressure paid off when a flick-on header by O’Neill from a Lavelle kick-out put McQueen in behind. He drove at the last defender with pace and aggression before firing a right-foot shot across the keeper to give Northend the lead in the 5th minute. Bryansburn responded immediately, driving at the heart of Northend’s defence. Their pressure forced a mistake from Drysdale, whose tackle went backwards to a Bryansburn forward as the defence switched off. Pekala made a last-ditch recovery tackle, but the ball fell to a Bryansburn player, who slotted it into an empty net.

Northend fought hard to regain control, but Bryansburn were first to every 50/50 ball and second ball. In an attempt to regain dominance, Northend switched to a four-man midfield to offer more control and width down the channels. Kerr made a great run from centre-back, beating his man and feeding McArdle. O'Hara, making an overlap, was found on the left. He calmly slipped the ball into McGarel's path, and the striker finished first-time into the corner for a fantastic team goal that showcased composure under pressure.

However, just five minutes later, Northend switched off again. A flicked header from a Bryansburn throw-in found an unmarked teammate in the box, who calmly finished into the far corner. Lavelle made a brilliant save to deny them, but the ball fell back to a Bryansburn player, who slotted it home to level the score just before the break. Half-time: 2-2

After a strong half-time talk, Northend came out with hunger, desire, and fight all over the pitch. The midfield of Devlin, O’Neill, Lavelle, and Da Prato dominated the centre of the park. O'Neill played a brilliant ball around the corner into McGarel’s path. The striker ran onto it and sweetly smashed a left-footed volley into the top corner, over the keeper’s head, to regain the lead just two minutes after the break.

Northend were now in control, aggressive, and playing with confidence. A great delivery to the back post saw Da Prato return the ball into the mix. McGarel’s volleyed finish was blocked, but he reacted quickly to the second ball, spinning and smashing it into the roof of the net for his hat-trick. But McGarel wasn’t finished yet. He was brought down in the penalty box after beating his man to the ball. Without a doubt, he slotted the spot kick home for his fourth goal of the game — you’d have bet your house on it!

Northend continued to dominate. Devlin, who had been terrorizing down the left, beat his man and squared the ball for captain Lavelle to get on the scoresheet. Not to be outdone by his brother, goalkeeper Lavelle faced a penalty before the end. The Northend keeper won the mind games, guessed correctly and made a brilliant diving save down low to his right. Full-time: 2-6

This was a big statement win from Northend, with a resounding second-half performance that bullied one of the best teams in the division. An emphatic victory where every player stood up and did their job. With three crucial games remaining, the team now looks ahead to the finish line.

Despite the team performance player of the Match waa straight forward, Kian McGarel – for his skill, composure, aggression, desire, and four brilliant finishes.

Player of the Match: Kian McGarel

Panel: Conor. Lavelle, Hubert. Pekala, Scott. Kerr, Adrian. Pekala, Joe. O'Hara, Phelem. Devlin, Ruairi Hamill, Kian O'Neill, Callum O'Neill, Eoin Lavelle (c), Ethan Drysdale, Kian McGarel, Oisin Gordon, Caleb Da Prato, Josh McQueen

Northend United 4 Rosario 1 Friday 27th February 2026

Friday night under the lights at Ulidia 3G saw the Pizza Parlour-sponsored 2009s face homeside Rosario in a crucial game for the away Ballymena side in the title race. Northend were on the offensive from the start with a solid display, securing the win and returning to the top of the table for the first time this year.

Northend pressed aggressively from the kick-off, forcing Rosario backwards. The early pressure nearly paid off when Devlin was played in behind, but his shot narrowly missed the near post. Northend continued to dominate possession, keeping Rosario camped in their own half. A short corner to A. Pekala saw a flicked header from Da Prato, which struck the post, with the keeper missing it and leaving his goal. No one was quick enough to react to the second ball, and Rosario cleared the danger. T

The game then became scrappy, with Northend unable to find the final ball or pass, allowing Rosario to break on a few occasions. Using long throws well, Rosario created a few half-chances, but some last-minute defending was required to clear the danger. For the most part, O’Hara and Pekala were solid at full-back, while Kerr and H. Pekala were needed to put in recovery tackles to limit Rosario's opportunities.

McGarel began to grow into the game, cutting inside from the left and bending one just over the right-hand upright. A brilliant cross-field ball from A. Pekala played him in behind, and McGarel chipped the onrushing keeper with a half-volley, only for the ball to come back off the inside of the post. It looked like it might be one of those days. The boys started to go flat, but the sideline encouraged them to keep pushing. Finally, in the 24th minute, Drysdale threaded a perfect ball to McGarel. He shrugged off two challenges, latched onto the loose ball, and calmly slotted it low into the corner to the relief of the sideline. Changes were made, and Captain Lavelle, who had worked tirelessly in midfield alongside Drysdale, earned a free kick just outside the box five minutes before half-time. McGarel stepped up, knowing exactly what he wanted to do, and whipped the ball around the wall and into the top corner for his brace. Half-time score: 2-0

The second half saw Rosario grow into the game, pushing the ball forward quickly and pressuring the Northend defence. A misplaced pass in midfield was quickly turned over, and Rosario capitalized, playing a ball in behind the Northend defence. O’Neill was beaten to the ball, and the cross was cut back to the Rosario forward, who smashed it home from inside the penalty area. The next ten minutes saw wave after wave of Rosario pressure as Northend stepped off the gas and offered little going forward. The bench reacted by making changes, bringing Hamill into the centre to make it a three-man midfield, matching up Rosario’s numbers. This change helped Northend regain control.

In the 50th minute, some incisive play saw the ball break to Devlin in the box, and he slotted it home to give Northend a bit of breathing room. From that point on, Northend began to play some excellent, free-flowing football, keeping possession and finding space all over the pitch. Great interplay between Drysdale and Da Prato saw Caleb flick the ball around the corner to the overlapping Pekala. A first-time whipped cross by Adrian found Lavelle, whose shot was blocked. Da Prato, having continued his run into the box, reacted first and deftly chipped the ball with his left foot into the far corner over the keeper’s head.

Northend saw out the game comfortably, showing maturity in game management, recycling possession and keeping the ball superbly. Full-time score: 4-1

This was a crucial result for Northend, returning to top spot with only four games to go. The pressure is now back on Newtownabbey, and the title race is heating up, with both teams set to face each other once more before the end of the season.

Player of the Match: Joe O’Hara - for his relentless, front-footed display at full-back. Joe was consistently getting forward, offering options, and using the ball effectively. Two back-to-back strong performances from Joe, showcasing his confidence and consistency.

Panel: Conor Lavelle, Hubert Pekala, Scott Kerr (C), Adrian Pekala, Joe O'Hara, Pearse Devlin, Callum O'Neill, Kian O'Neill, Ethan Drysdale, Kian McGarel, Oisin Gordon, Joe O’Hara, Caleb Da Prato, Liam Slattery

Northend United 1 18th Newtownabbey 1 Friday 20th February 2026

Friday night under the lights at Crumlin 3G saw the Pizza Parlour-sponsored 2009s face league leaders Newtownabbey in a highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash. The game did not disappoint. A fiercely competitive encounter unfolded, with both teams giving little away. Newtownabbey applied significant pressure with a direct style of play, but Northend stood tall, matching them every step of the way. In the end, the sides cancelled each other out, and the game finished in a 1-1 draw. The race for the title continues.

The game started aggressively, with Newtownabbey pressing high from the outset, aiming to push the ball behind Northend’s back four. Northend started with a conservative 4-5-1 with H. Pekala and Kerr solid at the back, winning headers, while A. Pekala and O'Hara stood firm at full-back. In the midfield, McArdle and O’Neill fought for position, while McGarel tried to get on the ball and release the pass to the hard-working McQueen up front. Da Prato and Devlin worked hard defensively, but were unable to get forward and support the attacks. Both teams struggled to establish a passing rhythm, with quick ball release becoming the norm. A couple of close offside calls were the only real challenges for either keeper. Northend’s best chance came from a great free-kick by Kerr, which the keeper couldn’t hold onto, but Northend failed to capitalize on the rebound. It felt like two heavyweights sizing each other up, neither wanting to over commit. Half-time score: 0-0

The second half saw more action, with a series of changes injecting dynamism into Northend’s attacks. Gordon was everywhere, pressing aggressively and making runs in behind. McGarel and Slattery provided width and pace on the outside, forming a three-pronged attack. However, it was Newtownabbey who created the first real chance of the half. A long punt over the top nearly dropped in over Lavelle’s head, but he reacted quickly, tipping the ball onto the crossbar. The rebound fell to the Newtownabbey striker, who rushed his shot and sent it well off target.

Then Northend had a huge chance when Gordon pressured the keeper, running down a lost cause. The keeper dived at his feet, spilling the ball. Gordon rounded him but, off balance and on his left side, missed an open net. Shortly after, McGarel came into his own, seeing more of the ball as he was pushed forward alongside Gordon. He tormented the back four, dancing past two defenders and smashing the ball across goal, but the keeper pulled off a brilliant diving save. Not long after, McGarel was presented with another chance in the box. The ball begged to be slotted home, but his shot flew past the upright to the dismay of the travelling faithful. The keeper denied McGarel again with another incredible save not long after.

Then came a devastating blow in the 58th minute. A long ball forward and some indecision in the Northend defence meant they didn’t clear their lines. Newtownabbey were quick to react, rifling a shot into the top corner to the rapturous applause of their supporters. However, Northend responded immediately. In the 61st minute, McGarel picked up the ball and, with quick thinking, rifled an unstoppable shot into the back of the net, sending the crowd into raptures and levelling the score at 1-1. Game on!

Northend nearly snatched a late winner when McGarel’s trademark free-kick sailed into the top corner. Somehow, the keeper managed to get a fingertip to it, pushing the ball over the bar and saving a vital three points for Newtownabbey. Full-time score: 1-1

This was an important result for both teams, and their next game will now be massive as the title race intensifies. To a man, every player in Northend stood up and delivered a strong performance. They can feel hard done by not securing the victory, with several chances thwarted by an exceptional goalkeeper. Nevertheless, the coaching staff and supporters were more than delighted with the performance and the manner of the result.

Kian O'Neill edged the plaudits with a battling performance in midfield and defence. He emptied the tank, filling a big hole in the absence of captain Lavelle, who will return for the next fixture. The entire squad can be proud of their effort, with the hard-fought result a testament to their fighting spirit and collective resolve.

Player of the Match: Kian O'Neill

Panel: Conor Lavelle, Hubert Pekala, Scott Kerr (c), Adrian Pekala, Joseph O'Hara, Pearse Devlin, Callum O'Neill, Kian O'Neill, Sam McArdle, Ethan Drysdale, Kian McGarel, Oisin Gordon, Josh McQueen, Caleb Da Prato, Liam Slattery

Northend United 2 St Lukes 1 Friday 30th January 2026

Friday night under the lights at Whiterock 3G saw the Pizza Parlour-sponsored 2009s face St. Luke’s. This was a highly competitive encounter, with both teams giving very little away. St. Luke’s applied significant pressure with a direct style of play, but Northend stood tall and ultimately secured three vital points, closing the gap on the league leaders to two points with a game in hand.

The game started aggressively, with St. Luke’s pressing high from the off, aiming to put the ball behind Northend’s back four. They nearly capitalized on a few occasions, but last-ditch interventions from Pekala and O’Neill denied them, resulting in a couple of corners.

Northend defended well from these set pieces and looked to counter. McGarel beat the press and was brought down, his resultant free kick saved by the goalkeeper. The visitors adapted quickly, sitting deep with a sweeper and winning headers, as St Lukes had little variation. Ruairi and Adrian did well shoring up the full-back positions, supported by Lavelle in goal.

However, Northend were more vulnerable to the set play. From a corner, St. Luke’s were quickest to the ball, heading it down and pouncing on the loose ball first to score early, taking the lead.

Despite this, Northend responded positively, getting on the front foot. McQueen worked tirelessly pressing and applying physical pressure, setting the tone. The midfield duo of Lavelle and McArdle started to dominate, driving forward and creating openings.

The equalizer came after a move involving Pekala overlapping wide, which drew the defender, allowing Da Prato to find McGarel inside. He turned his marker, struck a shot across the keeper into the bottom corner—bringing the game level. Devlin came close shooting over the bar and was then moved further forward to exploit his pace in behind. Northend’s momentum grew, and shortly after, McGarel nutmegged a defender and set up Devlin, who calmly finished to give Northend a 2-1 lead before the break. Half-time score: 2-1

St. Luke’s emerged energized, pressing aggressively and pushing a second striker forward, increasing the pressure on Northend’s backline. The game became more direct and scrappy, with frequent long balls. Pekala made a crucial block to deny a goal-bound effort, and then a corner was cleared off the line by him with another towering header. Northend responded by making tactical substitutions and adopting a 4-5-1 formation to reinforce the defence. Although less possession-based, they remained dangerous on counter-attacks, with McQueen and McGarel causing problems.

McGarel came close to wrapping up the game with a lob over the keeper, only to see a fantastic goal-line clearance from St. Luke’s keep the score at 2-1. As pressure mounted, tensions boiled over—Northend’s captain received a second yellow for dissent with ten minutes remaining, leaving the team to defend with ten men. Despite being reduced, Northend showed immense resilience and fighting spirit, defending steadfastly and holding on for the final whistle.

Full-time: 2-1

This was a massive win for Northend, especially after St. Luke’s had beaten league leaders Newtownabbey earlier in the week. The game was scrappy and not pretty, but Northend demonstrated steel and resilience, fighting for each other and working tirelessly throughout. Key highlights included Pekala’s outstanding defensive performance—his goal-line clearances, last-ditch tackles, and aerial dominance which epitomized the team’s grit and determination.

The squad can be proud of the effort, with the hard-fought victory a testament to their fighting spirit and collective resolve.

Player of the Match: Hubert Pekala

Panel: Conor Lavelle, Hubert Pekala, Scott Kerr, Eoin Lavelle (C), Pearse Devlin, Kian O’Neill, Eoin Lavelle, Sam McArdle, Ethan Drysdale, Kian McGarel, Oisin Gordon, Caleb Da Prato, Adrian Pekala, Liam Slattery

Northend United 8 St Patricks 0 Saturday 17th January 2026

This weekend marked the return to football after the festive season for the pizza parlour-sponsored 2009s, with a trip to Girdwood Community Hub.

The game started slowly, with Northend dominating possession but posing no real threat to the St. Pat’s back line. A few early shots from McArdle from distance went wide. Northend continued to keep possession and finally began to use the large pitch to their advantage by getting in behind the St. Pat’s defence. It finally paid off when good link-up play down the left between A. Pakela and Devlin resulted in Devlin swinging in a cross, which was met by Lavelle. He took a neat first touch and fired across goal to make it 1-0.

Minutes later, Lavelle found the net again. A corner from McGarel was only cleared to the edge of the box, where Lavelle struck a sweet volley with his left foot, rippling the net to make it 2-0. Northend’s midfield continued to control the game, and through some patient build-up, they scored their third. McArdle provided a through ball into McQueen, who tucked the ball into the far corner of the rushing keeper, giving Northend a comfortable 3-0 lead at halftime. Half time 3-0

In the second half, the message for the Blues was to get the ball moving quicker. Northend maintained much of the same possession, spreading the ball well across the pitch. The fourth goal was another excellent team effort, starting from the back. A. Pakela whipped in a deep cross to the back post, where Kian O’Neill met it with his head to put Northend four goals ahead.

The dominance continued, and number five followed. Lavelle won the ball in midfield from a challenge by Drysdale and found McGarel’s feet. McGarel then ran past two defenders and fired home from 18 yards to make it 5-0. Number six was scored by Lavelle again. He received the ball from Drysdale, drove into space, and fired into the bottom right corner from 22 yards, earning his first-ever hat-trick for the team—making it 6-0.

Next, McGarel scored twice in quick succession, dancing past several players on the right and smashing home his second goal to make it 7. The eighth and final goal was the goal of the game. Northend regained possession in midfield, with Lavelle playing an exquisite dinked pass in behind the defence to McGarel, who was free to slot home his hat-trick and end the game. Full time 8-0.

Overall, it was a very dominant display from Northend from back to front—confident on the ball, with excellent ball movement throughout the game.

Full time 8-0

Ballymena Pizza Parlour Player of the Match: Eoin Lavelle - for a superb midfield display box to box. Always on the front foot, setting the tone, using the ball brilliantly, capped off with three good goals

Panel: Conor Lavelle, Adrian Pekala, Joe O’Hara, Scott Kerr, Hubert Pekala, Kian O’Neill, Eoin Lavelle (c), Sam McArdle, Pearse Devlin, Josh McQueen, Kian McGarel, Caleb Da Prato, Liam Slattery, Ethan Drysdale, Oisin Gordon, Callum O’Neill