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Northend United 5 Aquinas Star 0 Saturday 5th April 2025

The Macaulay Wray sponsored 07s delivered a dominant performance at the weekend against Aquinas Star to reach the cup final in this their last year in youth football. The early exchanges were fiercely contested as both teams sought to get a grip on the game but as had been a feature all season the blues back four looked in no mood to concede. On 5 minutes Stephens and Napier combined well down the left the latter finding McGrath but his first time shot was well saved by Blaney in the Aquinas goal. From the resulting corner Neeson and Cambell were both denied by point blank saves from Blaney. The goal was coming and on 8 minutes McIlhatton’s pass found McGrath who outpaced his man and fired home a thunderbolt from 14 yards.

The Northend lads upped the tempo as they sensed an opportunity to take control of the tie. On 15 minutes Neeson played a ball over the top for McGrath to chase, the big striker showed all his strength as he brushed of the challenge of the centre half and raced through to score his second with an emphatic finish. It was backs to the wall for the Aquinas lads as the blues continued to dominate possession in the final third and on 21 minutes Fyfe picked up a clearance and fired home from 25 yards. In the closing stages of the half Stewart who’d been pretty much a spectator to that point was called into action producing a fine save at the feet of Devine. Half time 3-0

The blues began the second half where they left off with Napier causing mayhem on the left wing and creating an early chance for McGrath and going close with an effort of his own. The pace of the game levelled off for ten to fifteen minutes with Aquinas having a couple of chances on the counterattack but on both occasions Neeson and McKay showed their quality to clear any danger. An excellent passage of play involving Penney, McIlhatton and Fyfe set McGrath in on goal, the bigger striker lifted the ball over the outrushing Blaney only to see his effort shave the post. On 20 minutes Barnett showed great skill on the right beating two men and playing a superb pass to McGrath, his first effort was blocked by Blaney then his second by a defender but the big striker was not to be denied as he hammered home his third from 6 yards. In the closing stages the blues played some tantalising football and in injury time McMahon drove at the heart of the Aquinas defence and found Campbell who turned in the box and slotted home from 10 yards.

The blues went into this tie on the back of a week that saw them lose two regulars to significant injuries however the bond in this group was epitomised by McMahon who set aside a week of illness to play his part for the team. There were excellent performances across the whole team with special mention to Barnett for a second half performance where the young lad showed great energy, skill and composure. In terms of the POTM one man was literally head and shoulders above the rest, McGrath who made light of the extra attention from the Aquinas rearguard to score two magnificent goals in the first half and round off his hat trick in the second half. Full time 5-0

Macaulay Wray sponsored Player of the Match: Ewan McGrath

Panel: Jack Stewart, Michael O’Donnell, Rory Neeson, Feargal McKay, Ryan Stephens, Andrew Napier, James McMahon, Charlie McIlhatton, Finn Penney, Luke Campbell, Ewan McGrath, Harry Fyfe, Lucas Barnett

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Northend United 2 Drumaness Mills 3 Friday 28th March 2025

The Macaulay Wray sponsored 07s went into this top two clash needing three points to take the outcome of the league to the last weekend of the season. Everyone expected a close encounter but couldn’t have imagined the lightening start to this game. Straight from kick-off a long ball into the Northend box bounced kindly to McNerlin who fired to the bottom corner to give Drumaness the lead in the first minute. The blues reply was instant as they hunted in packs regaining possession and rocking the Drumaness defence. A trademark Neeson long throw was met by Storrie who rose highest to power a header to the net, the sides were level and only two minutes played.

The goal lifted the Northend lads and their energy levels and tenacity were just too much for the Drumaness lads to deal with. On 5 minutes Stephens combined with McIlhatton to set Campbell through on goal but Wasowicz managed to smother the wingers effort. On 12 minutes much against the run of play Drumaness regained the lead as Moore found space at the back post to head home from a corner. Northend continued to dominate with McIlhatton taking on the midfield general role ably assisted by McMahon and McLaughlin. On 20 minutes Butler’s pinpoint pass found Napier on the left wing who drove past two defenders only to see his effort turned well saved. The pressure continued to build as Napier, Storrie and Campbell continued to make life very uncomfortable for the Drumaness lads and stifled their plan of playing out from the back. At the other end of the park the back four controlled anything that came their way. In a rare Drumaness attack McNerlin found space down the left and made his way into the box but Stewart turned full back and made a magnificent slide tackle to clear the danger.

The momentum was building for the blues and on 31 minutes the best move of the match saw O’Donnell play a superb pass down the right wing to Campbell who outpaced the full back and played a pinpoint pass to Storrie, the big striker took a touch on his right then cut back onto his left to fire home to the top corner. An injury to Campbell in the closing minutes of the half would force changes to personnel as everyone welcomed the chance to draw breath. Half time 2-2

The second half started brightly with the blues forcing an early corner and McLaughlin going close with a header. With 10 minutes gone the blues lost O’Donnell to an injury meaning a reshuffle to a back three. The momentum had now swung with the Northend lads having a lot more defending to do a task which Neeson, Butler and Stephens relished. On 62 minutes a Drumaness corner created a pin-ball effect with McNerlin poking the ball home from three yards.

This was a hugely entertaining game played in a sporting manner and ranks as the best performance of the season from this team and at very least they deserved a share of the points. There were outstanding performances all over the park with a couple of unfortunate injuries shifting the balance ever so slightly in the second half. With one league game remaining and a Cup semi-final to play there is still an opportunity for these boys to end their youth football days on a high. Congratulations to Drumaness on securing the league title and it was nice to see both teams chatting and wishing each other well at the finish. Full time 2-3

Macaulay Wray sponsored Player of the Match: Team Performance

Panel: Jack Stewart, Michael O’Donnell, Rory Neeson, Shea Butler, Ryan Stephens, Andrew Napier, Diego McLaughlin, James McMahon, Charlie McIlhatton, Luke Campbell, Jude Storrie, Alfie McKee, Finn Penney & Harry Fyfe

Northend United 3 Carniny Youth 0 Saturday 22nd March 2025

The Macaulay Wray sponsored 07s remain unbeaten in 2025 with a dominant display in this derby against local rivals Carniny at Wakehurst despite missing their regular net minder Stewart and fielding two u16s.

Despite the early kick-off the Northend lads were quick out of the blocks and on 3 minutes Stephens switched play to Campbell on the right and the striker’s delightful pass sent McGrath through on goal, the big man swept two defenders aside and fired home from ten yards. Carniny packed the midfield in an effort to contain the blues but struggled on the flanks as Penney and McLaughlin utilised the space in wide areas. On 15 minutes former blue Finnegan saw his long-range effort well saved by Lavelle. On 17 minutes O’Donnell made light of the sea of red in front of him, picking up the ball on halfway he skipped past two red shirts and fired home a thunderbolt from 25 yards out to double the blues lead.

The half continued in pretty much the same vein with the back four of Northend rarely threatened, there were chances for Campbell who saw an effort hit the woodwork and McGrath was denied by a fine save by Wirght. Half time 2-0

The two-goal cushion gave the Northend coaching staff an opportunity to utilise the bench and rest key players ahead of a big four to five weeks. In the early stages of the second half, McKee capitalised on a poor kick-out, beat two defenders only to see his effort go narrowly wide. On 50 minutes McGrath thought he’d grabbed a second goal as his superb lob left Wright floundering, but it was ruled out on a tight offside call.

On 55 minutes Connor Lavelle was again called into action as he safely gathered a long-range effort from Turtle. Despite a host of changes in personnel and positions the Northend lads continued to dominate with Eoin Lavelle enjoying the step up to this age group with a solid display in centre midfield. With 5 minutes remaining Stephens played a perfect through ball for McGrath who outpaced his man, cut in from the left and found the bottom corner to double his tally.

This was a dominant performance from the Northend lads without really getting out of second gear, stand-in keeper Lavelle was assured and controlled his area, the back four were again solid, with Penney, Lavelle and McGrath the standout performers in attack. Wakehurst continues to be a fortress for the blues that’s six games, six wins, twenty goals scored and zero conceded. Player of the match goes to McGrath who was a constant threat and weighed in with two excellent finishes. Full time 3-0

Macaulay Wray sponsored Player of the Match: Ewan McGrath

Panel: Conor Lavelle, Michael O’Donnell, Rory Neeson, Feargal McKay, Ryan Stephens, James Diego McLaughlin, McMahon, Charlie McIlhatton, Finn Penney, Luke Campbell, Ewan McGrath, Alfie McKee, Andrew Napier, Eoin Lavelle

Northend United 1 Rosario Colts 0 Saturday 8th March 2025

The Macaulay Wray sponsored 07s were in action against Rosario Colts for the second time in three weeks following their close encounter in the Cup. On a warm sunny spring morning the bobble hats were off as these two teams served up another lively encounter.

Northend started well with an early chance for Campbell being well saved by Kearney. Rosario certainly had a sniff of a win in this game with their high energy and physical approach making life difficult for the blues to get any real rhythm in their play. On 15 minutes Penney set McKee away down the left, the winger beating his man and cutting inside before being on the end of a reckless tackle on the edge of the box. From the resulting free kick Stephens curled an effort just over the bar. The remainder of the half saw both defences dominate proceedings with the blues back four again very efficient giving Stewart a very quiet 35 minutes. Half time 0-0

The introduction of Barnett and McGrath added energy to the blues midfield and attack in the second half. On 41 minutes McGrath beat two defenders and squared the ball to Campbell who side footed to the net from 6 yards. The Northend lads lifted their game after the goal as McIlhatton and Barnett took control of the midfield battle. On 50 minutes McGrath again created space down the left and squared to Campbell, this time the striker opted out of a first-time effort giving Kearney time to adjust his feet and make the save.

The chances were coming more frequently and on 58 minutes O’Donell floated a perfect cross to the back post where McGrath towered above everyone but directed his header narrowly wide. In the closing ten minutes Rosario threw everything at the blues in effort to salvage a point, but the blues held firm including Stewart who was called upon twice in the dying seconds.

The blues have now drawn one and won five in 2025 with the clean sheet run extended to five games. The back four were solid throughout, midfield came to life in the second half with McIlhatton and u16 debutant Barnett starring, up front McGrath proved a handful and combined well with Campbell to ensure he continued his goal scoring streak. Best wishes to Ger McFadden who picked up an ankle ligament injury midweek and is likely to miss the rest of the season. There were a few contenders for player of the match with Campbell and McGrath playing a big part but McIlhatton in the second half showed great tenacity and quality to take a grip on the midfield battle. Full time 1-0

Macaulay Wray sponsored Player of the Match: Charlie McIlhatton

Panel: Jack Stewart, Michael O’Donnell, Rory Neeson, Feargal McKay, Ryan Stephens, Alfie McKee, James McMahon, Charlie McIlhatton, Finn Penney, Diego McLaughlin & Luke Campbell, Lucas Benett & Ewan McGrath

Northend United 4 Aquinas Star 0 Saturday 1st March 2025

The Macaulay Wray sponsored 07s were back in league action at Wakehurst against Aquinas Star and continued their fine run of form with a dominant display and three points.

The blues started the game at a blistering pace with early chances falling to Napier and Fyfe. McLaughlin was enjoying the freedom on the right wing and causing havoc with his dribbling and range of passing. On 9 minutes the tricky winger skipped past two defenders and fired goalwards, but his effort was helped to the net by Fyfe who was in an offside position. On 12 minutes Fyfe made amends as he played a neat one two with Napier and shot low to Blaney’s right to give the blues a deserved lead. The goal seemed to send the Northend lads into auto-pilot as they continued to control possession but with no real cutting edge. On 27 minutes Stephens and Napier combined well down the left to create a chance for Fyfe, his burst of pace and turn on the edge of the box left two defenders behind and he fired home superbly to double the blues lead. Half time 2-0

The second half like the first saw the blues on the front foot right from kick off, McKee’s mazy run past two opponents came to an abrupt end as he was unceremoniously upended 25 yards out. Stephens delivery from the free kick was perfection and Neeson matched it as he rose head and shoulders above everyone to power his header to the net. With the three-goal cushion came a composure and confidence that saw the blues take control of the game.

On 45 minutes McKee again was involved as he played Campbell through on goal but his effort was ruled offside despite the protests from the home support. Further chances saw McKee rattle the woodwork and Campbell and McIlhatton being denied by two excellent stops from Blaney in the Aquinas goal. On 67 minutes Campbell was rewarded for his second half efforts as Napier won possession on the right, his through ball was taken superbly by Campbell who held off his man, rounded the keeper and slotted home from the corner of the box.

This was an excellent display from the blues particularly in the second half where they showed the cutting edge that had been lacking in recent weeks. The defence were solid ensuring a fourth consecutive clean sheet with McIlhatton, Penney and McLaughlin dominant in the middle of the park. Both McKee and Campbell performed well when introduced in the second half. On a day when there were probably a handful of POTM candidates Fyfe shades it with his two goals and an energetic display. Full time 4-0

Macaulay Wray sponsored Player of the Match Harry Fyfe

Panel: Jack Stewart, Michael O’Donnell, Rory Neeson (1), Feargal McKay, Ryan Stephens, Charlie McIlhatton, Ger McFadden, Finn Penney, Andrew Napier, Diego McLaughlin & Harry Fyfe (2), Luke Campbell (1), Alfie McKee

Northend United 1 Rosario Colts 0 Saturday 22nd February 2025

The Macaulay Wray sponsored 07s were in cup action at the weekend against Rosario Colts making it safely through to the semi-final with a controlled display and a third clean sheet in a row.

The smaller pitch made it difficult for the blues wingers to stretch the game as Rosario took a no-nonsense approach to clearing their lines. On 10 minutes Penney found space on the left and played a through ball to Napier who beat his man only to fire his shot straight at Kearney. On 15 minutes it was stand-in striker McLaughlin who broke the deadlock, Napier and Penney again involved in the build-up but it was the wee man who showed composure in a crowded area picking the ball up 6 yards out turning his man and side stepping the keeper then finding the bottom corner.

Rosario were pushing to get into the game with the long ball but the back four of the blues were rock solid and in no mood for an early cup exit. Half time 1-0

The second half started much where the first left off with Northend dominating the exchanges and creating several chances with Napier, Stephens and Penney going closest. On 50 minutes Fyfe showed good strength to hold off his man, then cut inside and fired a superb effort forcing Kearney to produce an equally superb save. As the game approached the last five minutes Rosario threw everything at the blues defence in an effort to send the game to penalty kicks. With seconds remaining Rosario forced a corner on the right, with a penalty area resembling the Alamo the ball broke to Heron but Stewart, who had rarely been tested, pulled off a magnificent double save firstly with his feet and then diving bravely to gather at the feet of Fitzpatrick.

This was a solid defensive display from the blues with the back four again the stand-out performers. The absence of Campbell was evident as the blues lacked composure and ruthlessness in front of goal. Player of the match went to O’Donnell but make no mistake Stewart’s heroics in the dying seconds ensured safe passage to the semi-final. Full time 1-0

Macaulay Wray sponsored Player of the Match Michael O’Donnell

Panel: Jack Stewart, Michael O’Donnell, Rory Neeson, Feargal McKay, Ryan Stephens, Alfie McKee, James McMahon, Ger McFadden, Finn Penney, Andrew Napier, Diego McLaughlin, Charlie McIlhatton, Harry Fyfe

Northend United 5 Glens United 0 Saturday 15th February 2025

The Macaulay Wray sponsored 07s were back in action at Wakehurst for the second week running this time against Glens Utd.

It was the Northend lads who started brightly with early chances for McFadden and Fyfe both of which were straight at the Glens keeper. The blues continued to dominate possession and a times were guilty of over playing the ball when the direct route was the better option. What little Glens offered in an attacking sense was well marshalled by the blues back four. Late in the half McKay stepped out and took possession on halfway driving past four of the opposition only to see his effort from 20 yards rattle the top of the crossbar. Half time 0-0

The second half saw Penney introduced for McMahon in the middle of the park, little changed in the opening 8 minutes with half chances the order of the day for the blues. On 45 minutes McKee won a corner after a driving run down the right, from Stephens cross Neeson rose superbly at the back post to head a powerful header beyond McGregor to give the Northend lads the lead. The goal seemed to spark the blues into life and on 47 minutes another corner was partially cleared and Campbell turned neatly on the edge of the box to fire low to the corner of the net. Campbell turned provider two minutes later as he slipped pass through to Fyfe who beat two defenders and slid the ball into the corner to make it 3 nil to the blues.

The positive impact of the goals lifted the performance levels across the Northend team with McFadden finding the net but his effort was disallowed on a tight offside call, sadly no VAR. McMahon also showed good footwork in creating an opening only to see his effort superbly saved by McGregor. On 61 minutes Napier won possession on the left and squared the ball to Fyfe who took one touch and curled the ball into the top corner for his second. Late chances came for McFadden, McKay and McKee but all were denied by some last ditch defending by the Glens lads. On 67 minutes Penney created space 25 yards out only to see his thunderbolt find the net via the unfortunate Rodgers in the Glens defence.

This was an improved performance from the Northend lads particularly in the second half. The back four were once again solid from start to finish, pick of the second half performances were Fyfe, Napier and McMahon. In terms of Player of the Match it was again a toss of a coin between the two central defenders, captain McKay did everything to drag the performance levels up in the first half but Neeson just shades it with his superb header proving the catalyst for a spell of play that saw the blues take control. Full time 5-0

Macaulay Wray sponsored Player of the Match: Rory Neeson

Panel: Jack Stewart, Michael O’Donnell, Rory Neeson (1), Feargal McKay, Ryan Stephens, Alfie McKee, James McMahon, Ger McFadden, Andrew Napier, Harry Fyfe (2) & Luke Campbell (1), Finn Penney

Northend United 3 Antrim Rovers Swifts 0 Saturday 8th February 2025

The Macaulay Wray sponsored U18s had the luxury of an extra hour in bed with a rare game in Ballymena. The cold sunny morning and excellent playing surface at Wakehurst was perfect for football.

The game was slow to come to life with both teams struggling to find any rhythm in their play. The blues looked the most likely to score with McKee having an early opportunity, but his effort was wide of the target. On 20 minutes Campbell raced on to a through ball from McLaughlin, the striker held off his man and finished low to the bottom corner. Four minutes later the striker doubled the blues lead with a carbon copy of the first as he outpaced two defenders and finished to the same corner.

At the other end the blues defence was rarely threatened as McKay and Neeson ensured Rovers were restricted to long range efforts. As the first half drew to a close, the supporters could have been forgiven for thinking they’d just watched 35 minutes of volleyball. Half time 2-0

The second half continued where the first left off, without any real quality from either team. On 45 minutes McMahon beat his man then drove into the box but his effort found the side netting. On 54 minutes a neat one two between McLaughlin and McFadden created space in the area but what ensued was more like a push to get on the 5.00pm tube with somehow Napier finding the gap to squeeze the ball home from four yards.

This was a game to forget and indeed most of us left wondering if the lie-in had extended well beyond half-time. McLaughlin showed glimpses of quality with ball at feet and in defence McKay and Neeson showed the level of effort and composure that had continued to flourish in this centre-half pairing. Full time 3-0

McAulay Wray sponsored Player of the Match: Fergal McKay and Rory Neeson

Panel: Jack Stewart, Michael O’Donnell, Feargal McKay, Rory Neeson, Ryan Stephens, Alfie McKee, Luke Campbell, James McMahon, Charlie McIlhatton, Ger McFadden, Diego McLaughlin, Andrew Napier, Finn Penny

Northend United 2 Dromara Village Colts 2 Saturday 1st February 2025

The Macaulay Wray sponsored 07s hadn’t seen competitive action since 21st December thanks to snow ice and storms. The long-awaited return came on Saturday against a Dormara side eager to revenge a defeat earlier in the season.

The opening exchanges were untidy and lacked any real quality with both teams finding it hard to create any clear-cut openings. On 9 minutes a ball over the top from Neeson set Campbell on his way but his effort was blocked by Bannon. The high pressing game of the Dromara lads was making it difficult for the blues defence in which only O’Donnell looked in the mood for the battle. The break though finally came on 24 mins when McFadden was first to a poor clearance, stretching to steer the ball past the excellent Kennedy, a first goal of the season for the midfielder. The lead was short lived as the blues gifted Dromara a goal with a hat-trick of errors from Napier, McKay and Neeson which led to Walker slotting home from 6 yards on 28 mins. A triple substitution from the blues aimed at lifting the performance level didn’t pay early dividends as 7 minutes later Walker added a second for Dormara to take a 2-1 lead into the interval. Half time 1-2

The second half saw a completely different blues team with the half-time hair dryer treatment clearly working as just two minutes into the second half a long throw from Neeson fell to Doherty in the box his first time effort was saved by Bannon but McLaughlin managed to find space in the crowded box to fire home from close range to bring the blues level. It was the Northend lads who were now controlling the game with Dormara rarely getting out of their half, Doherty had a driving run down the left beating his man only to see his effort hit the post. As the half-progressed chances were coming thick and fast but Bannon in the Dormara goal continued to deny the blues. With 10 minutes remaining Fyfe and Doherty combined well to open the Dormara defence, McLaughlin cut in from right turning his man inside out in the process, but his low shot cannoned of the foot of the post and rebounded into the arms of Bannon. There were late chances for Fyfe, Doherty and Campbell but the Dromara defence held firm.

The blues will feel disappointed not to have taken all three points after a dominant second half display however the lack lustre opening 40 minutes was where the damage was done. There were a number of excellent performances in the second half but only one stand out man in black in the first half, O’Donnell gave a controlled and dominant display for the eighty minutes. Full time 2-2

Player of the Match: Michael O’Donnell

Panel: Jack Stewart, Michael O’Donnell, Feargal McKay, Rory Neeson, Ryan Stephens, Alfie McKee, Luke Campbell, James McMahon, Charlie McIlhatton, Ger McFadden, Andrew Napier, Diego McLaughlin, Harry Fyfe, Aaron Doherty