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Northend United 6 Grove United 1 Friday 26th December 2025

The Danny Blanchflower Stadium was the stage for the SBYL U17 Supplementary Cup Final on a bright but brisk Boxing Day morning, as Northend faced Grove United with silverware on the line. Having suffered heartbreak in two previous finals at this venue, Northend arrived determined to finally rewrite the script — and they delivered in emphatic fashion.

Northend lined up in a well-drilled 4-2-3-1, with Adrian Pekala at right back, Hubert Pekala and Scott Kerr forming the central defensive partnership, and Joe O’Hara on the left. Sam McArdle and captain Eoin Lavelle anchored midfield, while Josh McQueen and Pearse Devlin provided width either side of Kian McGarel in the number ten role, supporting lone striker Kian O’Neill. The substitutes bench highlighted the squad depth available, with Gordon, Drysdale, Hamill, Callum O’Neill and Da Prato all ready to contribute.

From the opening whistle, Northend set the tone, pressing high and playing on the front foot. Devlin and McQueen repeatedly found space down the flanks, delivering dangerous balls into the box. Grove looked to counter quickly in behind, but Pekala and O’Hara adjusted well, dropping deeper when required to protect the goal.

As the half progressed, Northend began to dominate possession. McArdle and Lavelle controlled the centre of the park, getting the ball down and dictating play. Grove’s frustration began to show, culminating in a needless foul on 15 minutes. From the resulting free kick, Adrian Pekala delivered a superb diagonal ball into the danger area, where McArdle rose highest to power a header past the keeper and give Northend a deserved lead.

Just five minutes later, the advantage was doubled. Lavelle won possession centrally and slipped a perfectly weighted pass into McQueen, who showed great composure to finish calmly across the goalkeeper into the corner for 2–0.

Northend continued to work the ball well, and a series of substitutions around the 20–30 minute mark added fresh legs without disrupting rhythm. The changes paid immediate dividends on 33 minutes when excellent combination play between Da Prato and Gordon saw saw Caleb slip Oisin through on goal. Oisin produced a moment of real quality, tucking a superb finish into the top corner to send Northend into the break with a commanding 3–0 lead. Half-time: Northend 3–0 Grove United

As expected, Grove emerged for the second half with renewed aggression and intensity, enjoying more of the ball. They came close to reducing the deficit but for a fine save from Lavelle. In the 46th minute, a coming together away from play from a corner resulted in a very soft penalty being awarded, which Grove’s number 11 dispatched to reduce the gap to two.

Sensing momentum, Grove pressed again, forcing Lavelle into another fine save. However, Northend responded immediately. Within seconds, Scott Kerr launched the ball forward quickly, McGarel showed brilliant control under pressure, wriggling between two defenders before unleashing a left-footed strike from distance to restore Northend’s three-goal cushion and settle any nerves.

McGarel wasn’t finished. Five minutes later, Lavelle turned provider, slipping him the ball from 25 yards out. Kian beat his man to buy half a yard and unleashed a stunning left-footed thunderbolt that left the goalkeeper with no chance — a goal worthy of any cup final.

Northend continued to play with confidence and freedom, and the sixth goal arrived on 64 minutes. A clever flicked pass from Devlin at a throw-in found Ethan Drysdale on the edge of the area, and he met it sweetly, volleying home to complete a dominant performance. Full-time: Northend 6–1 Grove United

This was a mature, composed and ruthless cup final display from Northend. Solid defensively, robust and intelligent in midfield, and clinical in attack, it was a complete team performance enhanced by moments of real quality. Tactical flexibility, squad depth and work rate were evident throughout.

Congratulations to all players and coaches on a thoroughly deserved cup triumph.

Player of the Match: Josh McQueen - Josh, whose pace, strength, work rate and attacking quality on the wing and up front were outstanding. His goal, constant threat and first-to-the-ball mentality set the tone for Northend’s success on the biggest stage.

Panel: Conor Lavelle, J0seph O’Hara, Hubert Pekala, Scott Kerr, Eoin Lavelle (C), Ruairi Hamill, Pearse Devlin, Callum O’Neill, Kian O’Neill, Sam McArdle, Ethan Drysdale, Kian McGarel, Oisin Gordon, Caleb Da Prato, Adrian Pekala

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Northend United 7 Bloomfield 0 Friday19th December 2025

Ballysillan 3G would see the Pizza Parlour-sponsored Blues face Bloomfield in the final league match before Christmas. League leaders Newtonabbey had already extended their lead earlier to 5 points with an impressive victory, making this tie a must-win for the Blues.

Northend started strongly from the kick-off, winning the ball immediately with an aggressive press. A forward ball and a one-two between the front two saw McGarel open the scoring right away. Northend continued to push forward and soon doubled their lead, McGarel completing a brace after a well worked move. Northend began to drop off but a great throughball and an incisive finish from McGarel all but sealed the points. Bloomfield responded with increased effort to regain possession and began putting pressure on Northend’s backline, requiring Lavelle to make a good save. Northend then reverted to a back four for security and looked threatening on the counterattack. Good work from the front two of Devlin and Gordon, saw Gordon extend the lead further before the half end, somewhat against the play. Half time 4-0

In the second half, Northend emerged with increased tempo. They maintained better ball control, moving the ball quickly, while Bloomfield struggled to keep up. Facing exhaustion, Bloomfield resorted to a low block to preserve energy. Northend worked the ball effectively and eventually broke through with some incisive passing, releasing Devlin to slot home. Shortly after, O’Neill scored from a second ball, calmly finishing past the keeper. Gordon also displayed great skill, beating his man, taking the ball away from the defender, and finishing in the corner. He nearly completing a hat-trick before the final whistle, but a good save from the keeper prevented it. The match ended with a comfortable victory. Full time 7-0

Overall, it was a strong performance, though against a somewhat weakened opponent. Northend demonstrated their capabilities with ball control, pressing, and an organized attack. They now look ahead to a Boxing Day Cup final against much stronger opposition.

Gordon was named Player of the Match for his excellent front-footed display. He consistently hounded the backline, made himself available, timed his runs well, and showed great skill and awareness — finishing with two goals.

Player of the Match: Oisin Gordon

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

Northend United 1 Drumaness Mills 5 Friday 12th December 2025

Friday night football under the lights at Aquinas 3G saw the Pizza Parlour Blues face a strong and well-organised Drumaness Mills side. Drumaness proved far more clinical on the night, roaring to an emphatic victory that humbled the league leaders and threw the title race wide open.

Northend began brightly, forcing Drumaness onto the back foot early. Space was limited for McGarel and McQueen up front, while McArdle and O’Neill struggled to find joy down the channels, though the early pressure did result in several corners. The best chance of the opening spell fell to McQueen when the ball broke kindly in the centre, but he dragged his effort narrowly wide.

As soon as their imposing goalkeeper gained possession, Drumaness looked to play quickly and directly, pumping long balls into the space behind the full-backs. Northend initially struggled to deal with the approach but gradually settled and avoided conceding any clear-cut chances. However, Drumaness began to dominate territory and midfield battles, pressing aggressively and consistently winning second balls. That pressure told in the 10th minute when their first shot on target flew in from 25 yards, looping over Lavelle’s head for an early lead.

Drumaness continued to turn the screw, again exploiting the long ball. On 18 minutes, another delivery was allowed to bounce and went undefended. Both centre-halves hesitated, allowing a Drumaness forward to run through and calmly side-foot into the corner for a soft second goal.

The setback finally sparked a response from Northend. McArdle and Lavelle began to compete more effectively in the middle, while McGarel dropped deeper to link play. Kian played a glorious through ball that split the defence for McQueen and Devlin, but a costly miscommunication saw both leave the ball, allowing the goalkeeper to gather what should have been a clear chance.

Misfortune struck again on the stroke of half-time. Devlin attempted to clear his lines, only for the ball to glance off the side of his head and fall perfectly to an unmarked Drumaness player who could scarcely believe his luck. He slotted home to make it 3–0, a goal that summed up Northend’s frustrating first half. Half-time: 0–3

Northend switched to a back three in an attempt to gain control of the midfield, and the change initially worked well. Despite struggling to find any real rhythm or sustained passing, they pushed forward in search of a goal and looked relatively comfortable when left three-for-three at the back.

The best opportunity of the second half fell to Devlin, who beat his man and raced clear, only to be denied by an excellent save from the Drumaness goalkeeper. The miss proved costly. In the 47th minute, Northend failed to track a runner on the right as Drumaness countered swiftly. A switch of play found the midfielder in space, and he cut inside before curling a superb effort into the far corner to effectively end the contest.

Heads dropped, and within five minutes Drumaness struck again. Another attack down the right exposed Northend, leaving Pekala isolated in the centre as a cross sailed over his head to a Drumaness player arriving at the back post, who calmly slotted home to make it 5–0.

Northend did manage a consolation when Da Prato unleashed a thunderous strike from 35 yards into the top corner over the goalkeeper’s head, but it was little more than a footnote on a difficult night. To compound matters, captain Eoin Lavelle—one of the few bright sparks with a typically combative display—was shown a second yellow card for a robust, studs-up challenge despite winning the ball cleanly, having earlier been booked for a very soft infringement. Full-time: 1–5

Drumaness were thoroughly deserving of their victory. They were aggressive, competitive and played on the front foot throughout. Northend, by contrast, have lacked those qualities in recent games, and at this level they are the bare minimum required. You cannot afford to wait until two goals down to react.

Lavelle’s performance showed the heart, desire and edge needed to win titles, and it is an example the rest of the squad will look to follow. The boys will regroup and refocus as preparations begin for a cup final in the new year.

Player of the Match: Eoin Lavelle

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

Northend United 3 Aquinas Star 2 Saturday 6th December 2025

It was semi-final weekend for the Northend Pizza Parlour Blues as they travelled to Whiterock Leisure Centre on a foggy morning in the hills of West Belfast to face Aquinas. What unfolded was a five-goal cup thriller, with Northend eventually coming out on top after a remarkable comeback from two goals down.

Aquinas flew out of the traps, pressing aggressively and refusing to allow Northend any time on the ball. They dominated the early aerial duels and forced several soft free kicks as Northend struggled to settle. A dangerous early delivery flashed across the Northend box—an early warning of what was to come.

After 10 minutes, Aquinas capitalised on their strong start, heading home from close range to take a deserved lead. Northend attempted to get their passing rhythm going but continued to be closed down quickly, losing most of the second balls and facing constant pressure from direct passes in behind.

The bench reacted by introducing McArdle and pushing O’Neill into midfield to add physicality. The change brought more bite to the centre of the pitch, and Kerr’s pace and aggression at the back helped stabilise things, though Northend still struggled to build fluently.

The turning point of the half almost arrived when McGarel finally found space to shoot. His effort was parried, and McQueen reacted quickest to slot home what he thought was the equaliser—but the flag went up for offside.

Northend’s frustration deepened moments later when sloppy defending allowed an Aquinas forward through on goal to slot home their second. Half-time: 0–2

A stern team talk and a switch to a back three completely transformed Northend. The extra man in midfield allowed them to get on the ball, and the central trio of Drysdale, McArdle and Lavelle were outstanding, playing through the press and bringing Pekala and O’Neill into the game out wide. Gordon’s introduction added a new dimension, linking play brilliantly and helping move McGarel higher up the pitch.

Within five minutes of the restart, the comeback was on. Captain Lavelle struck a superb effort from distance into the far corner, leaving the keeper no chance.

Urgency swept through the team, and talisman Kian McGarel took centre stage. Aggressive, determined, and dazzling with his footwork, he terrorised the Aquinas back line. On the 45th minute he drew Northend level: nutmegging one defender, getting fouled, bouncing straight back to his feet, producing two drag-backs that sent defenders “to the shop”, and rifling the ball into the corner—sparking wild celebrations on the bench.

Northend’s heavy-metal football continued, and they should have taken the lead sooner. Gordon narrowly missed a cross and then forced a superb point-blank save. Aquinas eventually regained their composure and pushed Northend back, even forcing O’Neill to fill in at left-back. They created a couple of half chances, and Lavelle had to make a crucial stop to keep the scores level.

Fresh legs arrived in Devlin and Da-Prato, injecting energy on the wings. Not long after, the decisive moment arrived: the ball broke to McGarel, who smashed home in the 59th minute to complete the turnaround and give Northend a 3–2 lead.

Aquinas threw everything forward, but Northend held firm and could have added another on the counter—McGarel denied a hat-trick by a sharp save with the keeper’s feet. With the final kick of the game, Aquinas fired narrowly wide, leaving the Northend bench holding their breath. Full-time: 3–2.

McGarel earned the plaudits with an aggressive, relentless display, handling tight marking superbly and showing real star quality with two match-winning goals.

It was truly a game of two halves, but Northend earned their victory through heart, resilience and determination—booking another cup final appearance. Now the hope is that they can go one better and get their hands on silverware in their penultimate season of juvenile football!

Player of the Match: Kian McGarel

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

Northend United 2 St Lukes 1 Saturday 29th November 2025

Northend Pizza Parlour Blues travelled to Mallusk on a damp, cold morning for a home league fixture against St. Luke’s. The game was tightly contested, with very little space on the pitch, but Northend managed to come away with the victory.

Northend lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, featuring four defenders. Lughan Hardy guarded the goal, while the defensive line comprised Slattery at right-back, Kerr and Pekala as central defenders, and O’Hara on the left. The midfield was led by Lavelle and Drysdale, who balanced defensive duties with playmaking. McArdle operated on the right wing, Devlin on the left, with McGarel and McQueen leading the attack as the strikers. The setup focused on aggressive attacking play, utilizing wide forwards for crosses and strikers to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

The game kicked off with Northend taking an early lead in the fifth minute. A short pass from Kian McGarel found McArdle at the back post, who clinically finished from close range after a well-orchestrated team move. Northend dominated the early exchanges and could have extended their lead, with chances falling to Devlin, McGarel, and McQueen.

However, St. Luke’s grew into the game, pressing and compressing the midfield, which limited Northend’s space. Northend continued to try and play through the wings, with Hardy attempting to open up the pitch, but final passes were just off target. St. Luke’s adopted a direct game style, and their pressure started to pay off as they grew in confidence. Although Hardy didn’t need to make a save, the game was finely balanced. One goal separating the teams at the break. Half time 1-0

In the second half, St. Luke’s started strongly, getting in behind quickly, and creating opportunities. Space remained a premium, and Northend struggled to exploit the flanks effectively. Despite McGarel’s frustrations at the lack of space and shooting opportunities seven minutes into the half he created a yard. Kian’s first sshotof the half showed composure, curling a clinical left-footed strike across the keeper to double Northend’s lead and earn a bit of breathing space to the relief of the bench.

Northend had adjusted by packing three at the back and deploying five across midfield, utilizing width effectively. O’Neill and Devlin combined down the left, with Pearse beating the last defender and shooting on goal, but the keeper made a good save.

A contentious moment occurred when a cross appeared to have crossed the line after a headed clearance, but play continued. St. Luke’s pressed hard, and Lavelle had to make crucial saves—one from a 1v1 and another from close range—highlighting his importance. He somehow got a big hand to a shot across goal with quick reflexes to put by the post. The pressure mounted however, and Northend seemingly capitulated, allowing space for a shot with no pressure on the ball, that cut the deficit again to one, reigniting the game. The final ten minutes were frenetic, with St. Luke’s pushing for an equalizer.

However, Northend stood resilient, demonstrating grit and determination to hold on and showing a level of maturity in game management. The game ended with a victory and a very important three points to maintain their position at the top of the table. Always nice to come out the right side of the points in these types of games. Full time 2-1

Captain Lavelle received well-deserved praise for his aggressive and mature performance in midfield, leading the team’s effort and not missing a tackle. It was a day for the key players to step up, and Lavelle’s leadership was instrumental in securing the win.

Next up is another challenging fixture against Crumlin—these are the games that will define our title push.

Ballymena Pizza Parlour Player of the Match: Eoin Lavelle

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

Northend United 10 St Patricks 0 Saturday 15th November 2025

Northend 2009 welcomed St. Patrick’s to Waveney for an early league kick-off on a brisk morning. The one-sided contest ended in a commanding 10-0 victory for Northend, showcasing a clinical attacking display and solid defensive organization.

Northend lined up in a 4-2-4 formation, featuring a strong back four: Da-Prato at right-back, Pekala and Kerr as central defenders, and O’Hara on the left. The midfield duo of Drysdale and captain Lavelle were tasked with breaking up opposition play and feeding the forwards. Up front, Northend employed an aggressive four-prong attack: McQueen on the right, Devlin on the left, with McGarel and O’Neill forming a central striking partnership. Goalkeeper duties were handled by Lavelle. The substitutes named were Hardy, Gordon, McArdle, and Slattery.

From the outset, Northend set the tone with swift, incisive attacking. Devlin opened the scoring in the first minute, expertly finishing with his left foot from close range after a clever back-heeled assist by Kian O’Neill. Just two minutes later, Devlin turned provider, slipping a pass to McGarel, who calmly scored with his left foot inside the box.

The early momentum continued as O’Neill added to the tally in the fifth minute, tapping in a close-range finish following a header from McGarel that hit the post. Northend’s relentless attacking pressure paid off again when Ethan Drysdale volleyed home in the eighth minute, connecting with a header from Scott Kerr and scoring with a composed left-footed strike.

At the 18th minute, Northend made three substitutions, bringing on Gordon for McGarel. Gordon made an immediate impact, scoring in the 28th minute with a left-footed shot from outside the area, assisted by Devlin’s header. As the first half progressed, Northend continued to dominate possession and chances, ending the half with a commanding lead. Half time 5-0.

The second half saw no let-up from the hosts. Despite being substituted earlier, McGarel returned and scored a stunning long-range effort from outside the box in the 40th minute, set up by Scott Kerr. He added two more goals in quick succession—first a left-footed finish from outside the box in the 48th minute, assisted by Devlin, then a calm inside-the-box finish following a long pass from Sam McArdle in the 49th minute.

Gordon continued his impressive contribution, netting again in the 50th minute for a brace with a right-footed finish inside the box, assisted by Devlin. Gordon was unlucky two have further marginal off side calls with a great header at the back post and netting neatly from inside the box. The scoring spree was capped off in the 64th minute by Caleb Da-Prato, who nutmegged the keeper from close range after a long strike from McGarel. Full Time: 10 – 0.

Throughout the match, Northend’s fluid attacking play and disciplined defensive setup kept St. Patrick’s from creating any meaningful opportunities. The back four, marshaled by Pekala and Kerr, maintained a clean sheet, while the midfield duo provided both defensive cover and creative supply.

Kian McGarel was named Player of the Match for his four-goal haul and multiple assists, demonstrating his pivotal role in Northend’s dominant victory. This impressive performance at Waveney will undoubtedly boost Northend’s confidence and standing in the league as they continue their campaign.

Player of the Match: Kian McGarel

Northend United 6 Carniny Youth 2 Saturday 8th November 2025

Northend Pizza Parlour Blues travelled to the Showgrounds for an early kick-off in an away league fixture against Carniny, securing a convincing 6-2 victory in an entertaining encounter.

Northend lined up in a 4-2-4 formation, featuring four defenders, two central midfielders, and an attacking quartet upfront. Conor Lavelle guarded the goal, while the defensive line consisted of Adrian Pekala at right back, Kerr and Hubert Pekala as central defenders, and O’Hara on the left. The midfield was led by McArdle and Drysdale, who balanced defensive responsibilities with playmaking duties. Up front, Da-Prato operated on the right wing, Devlin on the left, with McGarel and O’Neill leading the attack as the strikers. The setup emphasized aggressive attacking play, utilizing wide forwards to deliver crosses and strikers to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

The game kicked into gear early, with Northend taking the lead in the fifth minute. A short pass from Kian O’Neill found Kian McGarel, who expertly finished with his left foot from close range after a well-orchestrated team move. Just five minutes later, Northend doubled their advantage when Devlin delivered a precise cross from the left flank to O’Neill, who tapped in from close range at the back post, exposing Carniny’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Carniny responded in the 14th minute with a spectacular volley from outside the box, executed confidently with their right foot, beating Lavelle and finding the net. Northend quickly responded with a tactical substitution at the 15th minute, bringing on captain Eoin Lavelle for Sam McArdle to strengthen midfield control.

Further changes came at the 20th minute: McQueen replaced Da-Prato on the right wing, and Callum O’Neill came on for Kerr in central defense, with Slattery in at the back and Gordon teaming up in attack. These adjustments kept Northend’s energy levels high and maintained their attacking tempo.

Northend’s relentless pressure paid off with a brace of goals from Kian McGarel. At 24 minutes, he scored again from close range, this time assisted by a smart pass from Kian O’Neill. Just two minutes later, McGarel capitalized on a defensive mistake to complete his hat-trick, pushing Northend’s lead to 4-1 before the half-time whistle. Half-time Score: 4-1

After the break, Northend continued their offensive dominance. Thirteen minutes into the second half, O’Neill scored his second goal, neatly finishing from close range after a well-placed pass.

Carniny managed to pull a goal back in the 61st minute with a powerful right-footed shot from a kick-out, narrowing the deficit. Despite this, Northend’s attacking intensity remained undiminished. In the 67th minute, McGarel extended his hat-trick to four, with a stunning strike from outside the box, receiving a long pass from goalkeeper Lavelle. The shot left the goalkeeper rooted to the spot, sealing the 6-2 victory for Northend. Full-time Score: 6-2

Kian McGarel's four-goal haul stood out, earning him the Player of the Match accolade. His clinical finishing, intelligent movement, and decisive contributions proved pivotal in dismantling Carniny’s defence.

Northend’s aggressive 4-2-4 formation proved highly effective, with the wide forwards and strikers working seamlessly to create and convert numerous chances. The early goals set a commanding tone, and despite Carniny’s efforts to mount a comeback, Northend’s superior quality and tactical flexibility delivered a comprehensive victory.

Player of the Match: Kian McGarel

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

Northend United 7 Rosario Youth 3 Saturday 25th October 2025

In a lively clash at Waveney Grass Pitches, Northend 2009 hosted Rosario in an electrifying league encounter that kept supporters on the edge of their seats. The home side delivered a scintillating attacking performance, delighting fans with a flurry of goals and relentless enthusiasm to secure a commanding victory.

Setting up in a classic 4-3-3 formation, Northend’s lineup featured Conor Lavelle guarding the goal, with Adrian Pekala at right back, Scott Kerr and Hubert Pekala as stalwart central defenders, and Lucas Barnett on the left flank. The midfield trio of Caleb Da-Prato on the right, Eoin Lavelle in the heart, and Ethan Drysdale on the left provided a perfect balance of creativity and control. Up front, the attacking line was led by Kian McGarel, flanked by Josh McQueen on the right wing and Kian O’Neill on the left—an explosive combination set to forge opportunities from wide and through the middle.

The match ignited early as Northend seized the momentum. Just seven minutes in, Lucas Barnett launched a precise throw-in from the left, setting up Kian McGarel to unleash a dipping volley that soared past the keeper, opening the scoring in spectacular fashion. Barely three minutes later, Barnett was again influential—this time recycling a short corner to Da-Prato, who unleashed a thunderous long-range shot that smacked against the crossbar and found the back of the net, doubling Northend’s lead. The hosts kept up the relentless pressure: in the 11th minute, Barnett’s long pass released McGarel outside the box, whose clinical finish from distance extended the lead to 3-0

The attacking blitz continued as McGarel turned provider, threading a perfect pass to Kian O’Neill in the 12th minute, allowing him to finish neatly with his left foot, capping off a beautiful team move. Rosario pulled a goal back in the 15th minute with a well-placed volley, offering a glimmer of hope, but Northend responded rapidly, maintaining their grip on the game. Half time: 4-1

The second half saw Northend push even harder. In the 53rd minute, Lucas Barnett delivered a stunning left-footed shot from outside the box that left the goalkeeper with no chance—an absolute screamer. Rosario responded with two quickfire goals in the 57th and 60th minutes, capitalizing on defensive lapses and narrowing the gap to 5-3, with contentious offside claims adding to the drama. Rosario pressed forward, but a remarkable save from Lavelle kept Northend’s advantage intact. The hosts reasserted their dominance with a brilliant goal from Adrian Pekala in the 64th minute—cutting through the midfield from outside the box with nifty footwork and a precise strike. Just three minutes later, Kian O’Neill capped off a memorable day by smashing in a stunning left-footed effort from outside the box, assisted by Kerr’s surging run through midfield, sealing a commanding 7-3 victory. Full time 7-3

Scott Kerr’s commanding presence at the back and his vital contributions in attack earned him the Player of the Match award. His leadership and resilience exemplified Northend’s blend of attacking flair and defensive grit, making him the standout figure in this high-energy fixture.

Player of the Match: Scott Kerr

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

Northend United 7 Bloomfield FC 0 Saturday 18th October 2015

A trip to Hydebank Playing Fields for the pizza parlour-sponsored 2009s was the venue of the day. Northend started brightly, getting the ball down and playing some nice football right from the off. After a few early chances were spurned, their dominance paid off in the eighth minute when McGarel scored his first of the game. Following some good build-up play, he was played through on goal and converted effortlessly.

Northend's pressure continued, and on the 13th minute, McQueen found the net. A well-crafted move saw Devlin deliver a perfect cross from the left, which McQueen neatly controlled before firing into the net to make it 2-0. Defensively, Northend were solid, not allowing Bloomfield any real opportunities and confidently playing out from the back.

Just six minutes later, it was McGarel again, this time with his second of the game, capitalizing on a loose clearance from Bloomfield’s defence. He took a great first touch and fired a powerful shot into the net, giving Northend a 3-0 lead. The Blues weren’t finished before half-time; O’Neill, who has been unstoppable this season, scored Northend’s fourth. A cross-field ball to the right saw McQueen beat his man and deliver a pinpoint cross into the box. O’Neill was quickest to the ball at the back post and hammered it back across goal, securing his goal and Northend’s fourth of the half. Half-time: 4 - 0

The second half picked up where the first left off, with Northend on the front foot. Just two minutes into the restart, Northend extended their lead. A flowing midfield move involving Drysdale, McArdle, and Sam culminated in a cross into the box, where Lavelle made a great first touch before firing into the net to make it 5-0.

Soon after, Barnett scored from the edge of the box with a left-footed strike, making it 6-0. The game’s big moment came when H. Pekala made a strong run through midfield. He played a pass into McGarel, who was fouled just outside the box. The referee awarded a free-kick twenty yards out. Confidently, Pekala took responsibility, and with a thunderous strike, he curled the ball into the top left corner, completing the scoring at 7-0. Full time 7-0

Panel: Conor Lavelle, Joe O’Hara, Hubert Pekala, Callum O’Neill, Ruairi Hamill, Pearse Devlin, Kian O’Neill, Eoin Lavelle (c), Sam McArdle, Ethan Drysdale, Kian McGarel, Josh McQueen, Oisin Gordon, Ethan Drysdale.

Northend United 4 Drumaness Mills 1 Sunday 12th October 2025

Northend 2009 welcomed Drumaness Mills to Mallusk Playing Fields on 12 October 2025 for a league home match kicking off at 11:45am. Over the course of 70 minutes plus added time, Northend 2009 secured a commanding 4-1 victory, showcasing attacking flair and defensive resilience.

Deploying a classic 4-4-2 formation, Northend 2009 set up with Conor Lavelle guarding the goal. The defensive line featured Adrian Pekala at right back, Hubert Pekala and Scott Kerr as central defenders, and Lucas Barnett on the left. In midfield, Caleb Da-Prato operated on the right flank, Eoin Lavelle and Sam McArdle held central roles, while Kian O’Neill took up the left midfield position. Up front, the strike partnership consisted of Kian McGarel on the right and Pearse Devlin on the left. This setup was expected to provide balance across the pitch, with full-backs supporting wide play, central midfielders controlling the tempo, and forwards combining to create scoring opportunities. The substitutes named were Josh McQueen, Joe O’Hara, Ruairi Hamill, Ethan Drysdale, and Callum O’Neill.

The match burst into life early on when Pearse Devlin opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a spectacular left-footed screamer, expertly set up by a short pass from Kian McGarel. This early goal set the tone for Northend 2009’s attacking intent. Just two minutes later, Eoin Lavelle tested the opposition keeper with a high attempt, though it sailed over the bar.

In a surprising tactical move at the 15-minute mark, Northend 2009 made a double substitution, bringing on Josh McQueen for the goal scorer Devlin and Joe O’Hara for left midfielder Kian O’Neill. Shortly after, further changes followed with Ruairi Hamill replacing right defender Adrian Pekala and Ethan Drysdale coming on for right midfielder Caleb Da-Prato at the 20-minute mark. The defensive reshuffle continued when Callum O’Neill was introduced for the injured Scott Kerr five minutes later.

Josh McQueen quickly made his presence felt, hitting the post with a close-range effort in the 30th minute, signalling Northend’s relentless pressure. Four minutes later, McQueen turned provider, delivering a short pass to Kian McGarel who calmly finished with his left foot to double the lead in what was a well-worked team move. The first half concluded shortly after this goal, with Northend 2009 firmly in control at 2-0. Half time 2-0.

The second half saw Drumaness Mills respond with a long-range strike in the 50th minute, their solitary goal of the match, fired with the right foot from distance, which briefly threatened to shift momentum. However, Northend 2009 maintained composure despite the setback.

Eoin Lavelle received a yellow card in the 60th minute for persistent infringements, a reminder of the physical nature of the contest. Northend 2009 restored their two-goal cushion in the 64th minute when Kian McGarel struck again, this time from outside the box with a precise left-footed shot, assisted by Lucas Barnett.

The final goal came in the 69th minute, a stunning volley from right midfielder Caleb Da-Prato, expertly crossed in by the returning Kian O’Neill. This goal sealed the emphatic 4-1 victory for Northend 2009.

Pearse Devlin was deservedly named player of the match for his early match-winning contribution and overall influence before his tactical substitution. Northend 2009’s fluid attacking play and solid defensive adjustments ensured a comprehensive triumph over Drumaness Mills on home soil. Full time 4-1

Player of the Match: Pearse Devlin

Panel: C Lavelle, J O’Hara, A Pekala, H Pekala, C O’Neill, S Kerr, R Hamill, P Devlin, K O’Neill, E Lavelle (c), S McArdle, E Drysdale, K McGarel, J McQueen, C Da Prato, E Drysdale

Northend United 2 Moyola Park 1 Saturday 27th September 2025

On a very wet, cold morning at Mallusk, Northend Pizza Parlour sponsored Blues faced Moyola in challenging weather conditions that made football difficult for both teams. Despite the poor weather, the match was fiercely contested, with Northend narrowly edging out their opponents in the end.

The match began with Northend quickly moving the ball forward, only for Moyola to respond just as swiftly on the counterattack. Neither team could establish a steady rhythm, and possession was hard to maintain. The Northend central pairing of C. O’Neill and H. Pekala were solid and alert to threats behind them. Hardy was initially slow to react on the slippery surface but gradually grew into the game. Neither side created clear goal-scoring opportunities in the early stages. The first goal came from a handling error by the Moyola goalkeeper. A long ball in behind was spilled, allowing McQueen to pounce, round the keeper, and clinically finish to give Northend the lead. Moyola, who were gradually gaining confidence, appeared to be quicker in the tackle and more alert to second balls. Their pressure resulted in a corner, which was cleared, but they quickly recycled possession. After a slightly slow reaction to press, the ball was fired into the box amidst a crowd of players, finding the far corner for an equalizer. Half-time: 1-1

In the second half, Northend started stronger, gaining more possession and passing more quickly. Moyola increased their aggression, with heavy tackles aiming to limit Northend’s flow. Hamill linked well with Da Prato down Northend’s right flank and combined effectively with McQueen on the overlap. A brilliant pass from Josh was controlled brilliantly by Caleb, whose first touch took the ball away from his marker. He then ran onto it and delivered a precise cross into the box. O’Neill met the ball perfectly on the run and smashed it into the far corner— a superb team goal and another for the big man that cant stop scoring. Northend continued to push forward, switching to a formation with three at the back, with A. Pekala and Hamill supporting higher up. Excellent play down the right saw Adrian get in behind and cut the ball back to McArdle, who just couldn’t find the finish. McQueen and Gordon also came close to sealing the victory, with the Moyola keeper alert and swift off his line to deny them.

Near the end, Moyola nearly equalized when a long ball into the box wasn’t cleared. The ball broke to a Moyola player who, alert to the second ball, smashed it just over the bar. Full-time: 2-1

Player of the Match: Callum O’Neill Callum was named Man of the Match for a strong, combative performance at the back. He worked tirelessly, was aggressive in the tackle, handled aerial duels well, and dominated defensively.

Panel: Lugan Hardy, Joe O’Hara, Adrian Pekala, Hubert Pekala, Callum O’Neill, Scott Kerr (c), Ruairi Hamill, Pearse Devlin, Kian O’Neill, Sam McArdle, Ethan Drysdale, Oisin Gordon, Josh McQueen, Caleb Da Prato, Pearse Neeson

Northend United 6 Grove United 3 20th September 2025

On a bright, autumnal morning at Ballysillan 3G, Northend Pizza Parlour sponsored Blues hosted Grove Utd in a highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash between two in-form teams. The match was fiercely contested, but Northend ultimately came out on top in a thrilling encounter.

The game started tentatively, with Grove seeking to push the ball forward quickly and applying early pressure on Northend’s defense. Northend looked slightly off the pace initially, and within the first ten minutes, a ball played in behind was not dealt with effectively, allowing Grove to take an early lead. This setback seemed to ignite Northend’s resolve, and they responded quickly. A corner swung in by McCarroll was met by O’Neill in the box, who powered his header into the net to level the score.

From this point, Northend gained momentum. With O’Neill overlapping on the left, he scored a second goal with a well-placed volley, giving Northend the lead just five minutes after equalizing. Northend continue to pile on the pressure with some good interplay down the right between Hamill and Da Prato. Caleb played a great lofted ball in behind the Grove defence which McArdle run perfectly onto. Sam took the ball down well and slotted home for a two goal lead. Grove however didn’t give up and returned the pressure. Their persistence paid off when a ball into the box wasn’t cleared effectively, and their left winger played on — calmly slotting the ball into the far corner to bring the difference back to one. before the break. Half Time 3-2

In the second half, Northend appeared more composed and in control. They dominated possession, utilizing quick, skillful interplay down the left wing, especially between McGarel, McQueen and McArdle. A standout moment was Sam’s spectacular goal — a powerful shot from distance that soared into the top corner, giving Northend a 4-2 advantage and providing some breathing room.

Grove responded swiftly. A clever flicked header from a second ball reduced their deficit to 4-3, keeping the game tight. Grove then nearly equalized again with a volley into the far corner, only to be thwarted by Lavelle’s remarkable save, pushing the shot round the post. This inspired Northend, and Kian looked to add to the score, first missing a close chance after skillfully rounding the keeper but soon making amends. He made a great run and confidently slotted the ball into the far corner to make it 5-3 and with five minutes remaining, the game was effectively won. A moment of controversy in the dying moments saw McQueen drive into the box only to be fouled from behind. The referee awarded a penalty and issued a red card to the Grove defender. McQueen calmly slotted the penalty into the bottom corner, sealing the victory for Northend. Full time 6-3

Player of the Match: Kian O’Neill - for his all-round performance, scoring two goals and creating numerous attacking opportunities.

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

Northend United 3 Ballymena United 0 Saturday 6th September

A proud return to league football for the Pizza Parlour-sponsored U17s, featuring an exciting local derby against Ballymena Utd on the newly refurbished 4G pitch at the Showgrounds. As expected in a derby, the first half was tense, with both teams sounding each other out. Northend ultimately emerged comfortable victors.

The match began with noticeable tension as both teams sought control. Ballymena pressed aggressively, disrupting Northend’s rhythm and preventing them from settling on the ball. The game was predominantly played down the right side, with Adrian Pekala consistently finding space and delivering accurate crosses into the box. However, Ballymena’s defense held firm, and Northend couldn't capitalize initially. Northends back four of O’Hara, Kerr, H. Pekala and A. Pekala were more than comfortable also.

Northend forcefully earned a couple of corners, with precise deliveries from McGarel but no breakthrough. Kerr came closest with a shot over the bar and then a header just outside the post. As the half progressed, Northend gained momentum, with Lavelle and McArdle controlling the midfield and setting the tone with composure. Kerr linked well in midfield, and Sam delivered a great cross to the back post, allowing O’Neill to slot a superb volley, after a great run, into the corner of the net to give Northend the lead. Ballymena responded with a chance on the counter when space opened up, but their shot went just wide. McGarel, showcased skill at the half end by beating two players and rolling the ball into the corner, but the Ballymena keeper made a good save. Half Time: 1-0

Northend switched formation to three at the back, which brought more balance and composure to their play. Their passing improved significantly. Kerr, now in a more advanced role, shot just over the bar. He then controlled the ball, flicked it over a defender, and fired a shot saved by Ballymena’s goalkeeper. Northend’s ball movement was fluid, with Gordon coming on and linking play effectively. Great work down the left fashioned an open but Da Prato had a shot that hit the post. Then down the right Caleb linked with McArdle on the that side. Sam whipped in a first-time cross and Gordon volleyed it beautifully, across the keeper and into the net to extend Northend’s lead. Two superb team goals and two assists from playmaker McArdle. Northend weren't finished; on the left, Gordon and Barnett created an opening, with Barnett playing the ball into Gordon’s path and Oisin tapping home for his brace, sealing the game. Ballymena continued to press, coming close with a free kick, but Northend’s defense remained resilient, Lavelle not having a save to make. Full Time Score: 3-0

Player of the Match: Hubert Pekala

Pekala was named player of the Match for his commanding display at centre-half, aerial prowess, and leadership. Hubert shut down Ballymena’s attacks continuously and set Northend on the front foot throughout.

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