NORTHEND UNITED YOUTH FC
Ballymena, N. Ireland
Est 2003

Northend United 3 Hillsborough Boys Colts 3   Saturday 14th December 2024

In a thrilling and hard-fought encounter, Northend and Hillsborough Boys Colts played out a 3-3 draw in a tightly contested match. Both teams came out strong from the outset, displaying solid work rates and creating several chances early on.
Northend opened the scoring with an impressive strike from Ruairi Walker, whose shot found the back of the net to give them a 1-0 lead. However, Hillsborough responded quickly, equalizing with a well-placed shot across goal that managed to sneak over the line.

Following the equalizer, Northend regained control with a good spell of possession, which was rewarded when Conor McGarry extended Northend's lead, scoring a superbly placed free-kick making it 2 - 1. Shortly after Tadgh McCann put them 3-1 up, finishing with precision.
Despite several more chances for Northend, they were unable to add to their tally. Northend continued to hold firm under pressure, but in the dying moments of the match, Hillsborough found a late surge. They scored twice in quick succession, pulling the game back to 3-3.

In the end, it was a draw that reflected the competitive nature of the match, with both teams showing resilience and attacking intent.

Player of the Match: Liam Liddy

Northend Squad: Ollie O'Kane, Blaise O'Neill, Conor McGarry (C), Oisin Goodall, Liam Liddy, Ruairi Walker, Christian Holba, Eoin McArdle.
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Northend United 0 Hillsborough Boys Colts 2 Saturday 16th November 2024

From the opening whistle, Hillsborough applied pressure, and it was the colts who took the lead with a powerful strike that gave Northend goalkeeper little chance.

Despite the early setback, Northend rallied and found a rhythm, creating several promising chances. Northend came agonisingly close to equalising on multiple occasions: hitting the post twice, rattling the crossbar, and even having a shot cleared off the line. However, despite their efforts, they couldn’t find the back of the net.

As the match neared its conclusion, Hillsborough struck again, adding a second goal to seal the win and leave Northend with little time to respond. Full time 0-2

Player of the match: Conor McGarry

Panel: William Porter, Ollie O'Kane, Oisin Goodall (C), Ruairi Walker, Conor McGarry, Liam Liddy, Blaise O'Neill, Tadgh McCann, Christian Holba
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Northend United 2 Colin Valley 1  Saturday 9th November 2024

Northend fought back from a goal down to claim a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Colin Valley. The game started with a cautious approach from Northend, and it was Colin Valley who drew first blood. A soft goal allowed Colin Valley to take the lead. The goal was a disappointment for Northend, but they quickly regained their composure.
Northend responded well, showing improved passing and control in the midfield through Ruairi Walker, Liam Liddy and Blaise Oneill. The breakthrough came when Liam Liddy unleashed a shot from halfway which took a deflection off a defender, and finding the back of the net to level the score at 1-1.

With the momentum now in their favour, Northend began to press the opposition more, creating several opportunities. Tadgh McCann was a constant threat up front, his persistence causing problems for the Colin Valley defence. McCann’s hard work paid when he took his chance to put Northend ahead, making it 2-1.
Northend could have extended their lead but a goal was controversially ruled out by the referee for a foul on the Colin Valley keeper.

The final stages of the match were tense, with Colin Valley pushing for an equalizer, but Northend’s defence of Ollie O’Kane and Oisin Goodall held strong. Conor McGarry came close to sealing the win with a powerful free-kick, but a Colin Valley defender cleared the ball off the line.
In the end, Northend’s resilience earned them the three points. They held on for a well-deserved victory, continuing their strong run of form. Full time 2-1

Player of the Match: Conor McGarry

Panel: William Porter (C), Ollie O'Kane, Ruairi Walker, Conor McGarry, Christian Holba, Blaise O'Neill, Liam Liddy, Oisin Goodall, Tadgh McCann, Grace Wilkinson
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