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Northend United 5 Oxford Sunnyside Colts 2 Saturday 29th March 2025

Today we played in a top of the table clash with Oxford Sunnyside. The blues came out of the traps very quickly and made chance after chance running the Oxford defence ragged. A shot from Cormac was saved well by the goalkeeper but dropped to Alphie he finished nicely to make it 1-0 Northend.

Northend were playing absolutely beautiful football creating chance after chance, hitting the bar, hitting the post hitting and the side netting. The midfield of Conan and Conal were controlling the game, breaking up play and passing. The decision making from the boys is absolutely spot on. Always seeming to find the right pass and opportunity to get a shot on goal.

Unfortunately, it was soon one each when Oxford got a free kick which was curled in past Ally in nets. 1-1. Halftime one each. I do not know how the half ended one each because Northend made chance after chance with the majority of shots on target. Was it going to be one of those days? Half time 1-1

The boys came out in the second half just as lively as they went into halftime creating chances. A corner swung in from Oisín was met on the volley by Fionn, just wide.

Oxford Sunnyside were reduced to long balls, but Ronan, Conal, Jack and Caelan dealt well with them easily finding feet to get us on another attack. It was absolutely all Northend. Great football, passing, moving, triangles, balls to feet and balls in behind making everything go our way.

Fionn hit a shot that looped over the goalkeeper and into the net. Some confusion from the ref required a VAR CHECK.... check complete, goal Northend. 2-1

Soon after it was 3. Conal saw space in front of him and drove forward with a great finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. 3-1. Then another goal after great forward play by Fionn which ended with a good finish to put us 3 in front. 4-1. Oxford Sunnyside pulled one back after a mix up at the back and miscommunication. 4-2

Caelan who was having a great match had to come off injured with 5 minutes left so Michael, with a smile on his face as always slotted into an unfamiliar position but did very well. Northend then made it 5 when Fionn made another good run with a nice finish. 5-2

An absolutely great performance by the boys today, from the start they took control of the game passing, moving and working as a team with a great 5-2 victory to see North end go top of the table with a game in hand. Full time 5-2

P Keenan Quarries sponsored Player of the Match: Conal Devlin and Ronan Campbell - Conal for his breaking up of the play Great link up play and a lovely finish . Ronan for his hard work at the back mopping up, heading out and finding feet with some lovely long balls over the top

United Panel: Alastair Doyle, Alphie Woodhouse, Cormac McGill, Conal Devlin, Conan Goodall, Caelan Donnelly, Fionn McGarry, Jack Curry, Michael Killough, Oisin Walker, Ronan Campbell

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Northend United 3 Ballymacash Rangers 2 Saturday 22nd March 2025

Today saw us kick off at midday in Lisburn against Ballymacash Rangers 2013. Northend started strongly, pushed forward and had a few chances early on. We took the lead when Fionn linked up well with Alphie playing a one two to the split Ballymacash defence and put Fionn through on goal to score, making it 1-0.

From the restart the boys sat back, didn't press, close down or put Ballymacash under pressure. This allowed them to get in behind our defence with their striker through on goal. Ally was called into action, he came out fast and strong, closing down the striker to make a great block while being strong in the tackle ensuring we kept our lead.

Ballymacash managed to get forward and won a free kick 5 yards out near the box on the left side. The free kick was hit low and hard towards goal, took a deflection and went into the net. 1-1

Northend created additional chances with some good passages of play in the middle with Conan and Conal. Michael was a threat on the right while being supported by Noah. There was good work down the left from Jack and Alphie. We were unable to hit the target and take our chances to retake the lead.

We remained lethargic out of possession during the first half. Our opponents used the time and space on the ball to create another chance. Their forward was put through down the left and finished well into the bottom corner. 1-2

Northend were pushing forward and having success down the wings, Oisín had a few shots just wide of the post and Fionn put one over the bar. Ronan played a couple of balls over the top which resulted in us getting crosses into the box but were unable to capitalize and find the equaliser before the end of the half. Half time: 1-2

During halftime the boys were asked to start playing more of the free flowing football they are capable of and when out of possession be much tighter, close down fast and do not give Ballymacash as much time on the ball.

As soon as the 2nd half started they did exactly what was asked and quickly levelled the score after winning another corner following good forward play. Conan crossed the ball into the middle of the box where Ronan met it with a bullet header giving the keeper no chance. 2-2

The boys had woken up, were winning battles all over the pitch and looking a real threat going forward with our defence comfortably dealing with any long balls. Another chance was created when Conal won the ball in midfield, played Alphie through down the left. He slotted the ball under the keeper to put Northend back in front. 3-2

Ballymacash were now struggling to deal with the pressure and tiki-taka football being played by the blues. It looked like more goals were coming for Northend but the match ended 3-2. Full time 3-2

P Keenan Quarries sponsored Player of the Match: Ally Doyle for his bravery and great save during a one on one with our opponents’ striker

United Panel: Alastair Doyle, Alphie Woodhouse, Conal Devlin, Conan Goodall, Noah McGarry, Fionn McGarry, Jack Curry, Michael Killough, Oisin Walker, Ronan Campbell

Northend United 4 Crewe United 2 Friday 14th March 2025

The Blues got off to a great start with their passing and movement pinning in Crewe who were sitting very deep and looking for the long ball every time. One of which fell right at the feet of the crewe striker who looked clean through on goal. However, Jack put on the turbo boosters and caught him and took the ball off him easily to a great round of applause from all in attendance.

Northend kept up with the high press and with a zigzag run from Conal past a few Crewe players then a cool finish into the bottom right corner put Northend one nil up. Crewe came back into it a bit and luckily got an equalizer. 1-1

From the kick off the boys went straight on the front foot getting into the Crewe half. Alphie made a great run from just inside the Crewe half beating 2 players, cut inside and with a great finish to make it 2-1. Northend saw out the half going in 2-1 up. Half time 2-1

At the start of the 2nd half the boys started off sluggish from the cold. We failed to clear the long balls on multiple occasions. One of which saw the Crewe striker run through and finish to make it 2 each. 2-2

From the kick off, the boys got back to business with Ally mopping up any long balls with some great kicking. Noah was strong in right back and there was some fantastic heading from Jack. There was good distribution from Ronan and hard tackling from Caelan. Alphie and Michael made positive runs down the wings and Conal, Conan and Cormac passing well in the middle with Oisín getting shots off upfront. One chance fell to Oisin when he went one on one with the Crewe keeper and finished well to make it 3-2 to Northend.

The boys didn't stop and continued to play some great football which resulted in us winning corner after corner. Ronan managed to get his head on one and directed it past the Crewe keeper making it 4-2 to the blues who were in cruise control during the last 15 and managed comfortably until the final whistle. Full time 4-2

P Keenan Quarries sponsored Player of the Match: Jack Curry for his battling, tracking back, heading and forward passing

United Panel: Alastair Doyle, Alphie Woodhouse, Cormac McGill, Conal Devlin, Conan Goodall, Caelan Donnelly, Noah McGarry, Fionn McGarry, Jack Curry, Michael Killough, Oisin Walker, Ronan Campbell

Northend United 2 Annagh United 4 Saturday 8th March 2025

We played Annagh Youth 2013 at Crewe United 3G this morning in a good competitive match. Northend started well. The boys put Annagh under pressure from the first whistle. Pressing from the front along with good forward play from our defence into midfield resulted in chances being created early on.

Against the run of play we found ourselves 1 nil down after a long clearance down the right side by Annagh defender, their left winger got in behind our defence, kept the ball in play and crossed into the box where their striker was waiting to slot it home. 1-0

From the restart we continued on the front foot and created additional chances. Alphie was played through down the left by Conal, he cut in and managed to get a shot off from the edge of the box which the Annagh keeper couldn't deal with and the ball ended up in the back of the net. 1-1

There was plenty of back and forth during the match, our defence was handling long balls from Annagh very well. Caelan, Jack, Noah and Ronan were winning defensive battles with Ally in nets coming to collect the ball every time it entered the box. The midfield were working hard to get back and cover when needed and support the forward players when in possession.

Conal won the ball in the middle, beat his marker and passed to Michael on the right. We won a corner from this attack when Michael tried to put in a cross that was blocked by the defender. From the resulting corner, Conan put in a low ball towards the penalty spot with Fionn making a forward run toward the front post where he connected well and the ball flew into the bottom corner of our opponents net. 2-1

Cormac was unlucky when he created a chance after good link up play with Conal but his shot went just wide of the post.

Towards the end of the first half there was additional back and forth with both teams having chances but strong defending from both sides prevented any further attempts on target. Half time: 1-2

Both teams started well when the 2nd half commenced. Good battles continued in midfield with Conal coming out on top, most of the match. The football was end to end with good work rate by both teams.

Annagh Youth had a good 10-minute spell and reacted quicker to win breaking balls and push forward. Ronan was dealing with this well along with Jack who covered and cleared the danger on multiple occasions. Caelan and Noah stood firm and played good forward passes.

The match became a little scrappy with Northend starting to hoof the ball rather than looking for the pass and playing the free flowing football we have been accustomed to. We did show glimmers of great passing and moving at times to cut through Annagh which the boys did easily. We didn't do that enough today and also went through a spell of being 2nd to the ball and not pressing well enough.

Annagh played another long ball which Ronan cleared. Their midfielder collected the clearance, controlled the ball and had time to turn while unmarked. He looked up and played a good through ball to their right winger who got in behind took a touch and finished well into the bottom corner to equalise. 2-2

Northend tried to regain the lead and created opportunities to do so. Another good chance presented itself when Jack played the ball to Alphie down the right, he drove to the byline and crossed into the box but no one was in the box to tap in. The ball went out for an Annagh throw on the far side.

Our opponents were awarded a very soft free kick just outside the box with 5 minutes to go. The Annagh midfielder struck the ball well and on target. Ally had it covered but the ball took a large deflection off the studs of a Northend player which changed the flight of the ball giving Ally no chance and it ended up in the net. 3-2

Northend were pushing forward and having success down the wings from balls over the top but we were unable to capitalise and find the equaliser. In the last minute Annagh scored their 4th from another long clearance. Their right winger got onto the end of it and crossed into the box where the left winger was waiting at the back post to slot the ball into the net unchallenged. 4-2 After the restart the ref blew the whistle for fulltime. Full time: 2-4

A competitive match today against a decent side with a few decent players. We had the opportunities to put this one to bed which we have been doing in the league the past 5 weeks. Annagh looked like they wanted it more today in the 2nd half. They worked harder in the last 10 and reaped their rewards!

P Keenan Quarries sponsored Player of the Match: Conal Devlin for his work rate, battling and skill going forward

United Panel: Alastair Doyle, Alphie Woodhouse, Cormac McGill, Conal Devlin, Conan Goodall, Caelan Donnelly, Noah McGarry, Fionn McGarry, Jack Curry, Michael Killough, Oisin Walker, Ronan Campbell

Northend United 5 Camlough Rovers 0 Saturday 22nd February 2025

Northend Youth 2013 were back in Lisburn Rec on pitch 2 against Camlough Rovers 2013 this morning. The blues started really well. They were attacking with purpose which resulted in an early lead. A clearance by the Camlough keeper after good forward play starting from Jack fell to Alphie who controlled the ball and struck it well from outside the box into the bottom right corner giving their keeper no chance. 1-0

A second goal from Northend quickly followed when Conan's corner ended up in the net after a deflection off a Camlough defender. 2-0

From the restart, Northend continued to press high, putting Camlough under lots of pressure. Camlough were struggling to get out of their own half. Camlough conceded an indirect free kick due to a pass back their keeper picked up. Alphie passed the ball back to Cormac at the edge of the box whose shot was low and hard into the back of the net. 3-0

Camlough were trying to play football and had a good piece of play that got behind our defence. Their striker got his shot off but Noah managed to close the angle to make a good save with an outstretched foot.

Northend were firing on all cylinders making it difficult for Camlough. We were winning battles all over the pitch and were more aggressive in the tackle. Our defence was solid and pushed forward at the right times to support the midfield by making positive runs. The forward players were pressing high and giving Camlough no time on the ball, putting them under constant pressure. The midfield was winning every long ball and getting us back in the attack. When the ball did bypass them Ronan, Jack and Fionn were ready to clean up.

We extended our lead further when Conal won the ball in midfield and played a lovely through ball to Michael who made a good run, kept his cool when one on one with the keeper and finished well into the bottom corner. 4-0

The blues finished the first half strongly with another goal. Good play on the right by Fionn who passed it to Michael down the wing, Michael played the ball in to Conan who shot first time from distance into the top corner. 5-0 Half time 5-0

Camlough came out with determination in the second half. They were working hard and creating some opportunities but the Northend defence of Michael, Ronan and Jack stood firm. Camlough won a corner which almost curled into the net but Conal readjusted and dived back to make a great save with the ball on the line.

The Northend boys continued to win their battles all over the pitch and create additional goal scoring opportunities. Good runs down the wings by Alphie and Fionn with Oisín waiting to pounce while working hard in the centre. Conan and Cormac were controlling midfield.

Camlough were awarded a free kick just outside the box. The shot was on target but Conal made another good save.

Our decision making going forward during the 2nd half wasn't as on point as the first half which was reflected by us not extending our lead. Nevertheless, this was another strong performance all over the pitch by a team who continues to play fantastic football from the back and when we take most of our chances we are very difficult to handle. Full time 5-0

P Keenan Quarries sponsored Player of the Match: Conan Goodall due to his support play, distribution and work rate as well as a worldy today!

United Panel: Alphie Woodhouse, Cormac McGill, Conal Devlin, Conan Goodall, Noah McGarry, Fionn McGarry, Jack Curry, Michael Killough, Oisin Walker, Ronan Campbell

Northend United 6 TW Braga 2 Saturday 15th February 2025

Northend United U12splayed TW Braga at 10:00am kickoff at Belvoir 3G Pitch. Northend started off the better of the two teams with our passing and movement causing real trouble for Braga. It did not take long for Northend to go one up with a great drive from Oisín and he dispatched the ball into the top bin for a great opening goal. 1-0

Northend kept up the pressure with shot after shot one of which was saved and Michael tapped in the rebound to make it 2-0 to Northend. The boys kept going with their passing and movement and soon went three up with Fionn following up another good save by the keeper to slot the ball into the net making it 3-0. It was soon 4 when Oisín got on to the end of another great save by the keeper and passed the ball into an empty net.

The boys started to play a little lackadaisy with a mix up at the back ending up with the ball in the back of the net. Half time: 4-1

In the second half Braga came out the better of the two teams. Northend were put under some real pressure but were coping very well, then a long ball from just inside our half looped over the top of Conan and dropped into the back of the net. 4-2

After that the boys started to play and woke up. They increased the intensity with their passing and movement and great runs from Alphie down the left. It was soon 5-2 after another one for Fionn. The boys kept up the pressure right to the end with a sixth coming from Ronan, he dropped the shoulder and turned his man inside out with a great finish into the bottom corner. 6-2

All the boys played really well today with a great bounce back from last week's cup upset. Great overlapping runs by Noah and Jack. Lovely passing by the centre two of Fionn and Cormac. Ronan and Caelan were rocks at the back as usual and our two wingers Alphie and Michael ran Braga ragged with Oisín being a pest to their defence all match, never giving them a moment. Conan had very little to do today in nets but what he did do was first class with an outstanding save. A great response to last week's disappointment, well done boys. Full time 6-2

P Keenan Quarries sponsored Player of the Match: Jack Curry - played exceptionally well, always finding the right pass, supporting the Alphie down the left and tough tackling

United Panel: Alphie Woodhouse, Cormac McGill, Conal Devlin, Conan Goodall, Caelan Donnelly, Noah McGarry, Fionn McGarry, Jack Curry, Michael Killough, Oisin Walker, Ronan Campbell

Northend United 3 Crewe United 3 Saturday 8th February 2025

Northend United U12s team played in the league cup quarter final today against Crewe United U12s. The boys started strong and moved the ball well. Northend were keeping possession, passing and moving for each other on a narrow pitch.

We created a few goal scoring opportunities early on and capitalised on this pressure after Conan played Alphie through down the right who dribbled toward goal and slotted the ball into the bottom corner. 1-0.

Northend were on top and controlling the match but were finding it difficult to play the football we are accustomed to due to a tight pitch. Noah, Ronan and Caelan were winning their battles in defence and pushing forward when the opportunity arose.

Crewe were awarded a very soft free kick just inside our half. The ball was played long into the box and our standin keeper today Jack made the save but a Crewe striker was first to react and poked the ball into the net. 1-1

Northend remained on top but were not pressing and putting Crewe under enough pressure when out of possession. We went ahead again after good work down the right by Caelan, he played the ball into Conan who got the shot off. The Crewe keeper made the save and Conal followed up to place the ball into the net making it 2-1. Half time 2-1

The Blues started the 2nd half with our heads up, the boys continued to try and play football. With that being said we conceded another goal against the run of play. 2-2

Crewe got some momentum and put together a good forward move managing to get in behind our defence from a through ball which saw their forward through on goal just inside our half. Jack came out to close him down and narrow the angle. Their forward tried to place the ball past Jack into the corner of the net before there was a coming together.

Conan managed to get back and put the ball out for a corner. To our surprise the ref gave a penalty and presented Jack with a yellow card. Neither of which was deserved. The coming together couldn't be avoided and is part of football not to mention this happened outside the box which Jack could do nothing about.

Crewe scored from the penalty to go ahead 3-2.

The Blues showed great character and didn't let their heads drop after that setback. The boys continued to push forward creating additional chances. One of which saw Oisín’s shot parried with Michael following in at the back post to finish making it all square again. 3-3

Crewe were pinned in their own half the rest of the match. Cormac and Oisín had a few chances and good efforts toward goal. We had other opportunities before the final whistle to go back in front from corners, free kicks and long-range shots but no further goals Full time 3-3

As today's match was in the League Cup and finished 3-3 it went straight to penalties. Crewe got the better of us in the shootout and went away with the win. Good luck to them in the semi final.

P Keenan Quarries sponsored Player of the Match: Alphie Woodhouse a consistent threat down the right and topped off his performance with a goal.

United Panel: Alphie Woodhouse, Cormac McGill, Conal Devlin, Conan Goodall, Caelan Donnelly, Noah McGarry, Fionn McGarry, Jack Curry, Michael Killough, Oisin Walker, Ronan Campbell

Lisburn Rangers Colts 0 Northend United 3 Saturday 1st February 2025

From the start, Northend were passing and moving really well and letting the ball do the work. Our defence was supporting the midfield and our forwards' movement was creating space for the midfielders to drive forward, play to feet or slot in behind which was making it very difficult for Lisburn Rangers to deal with.

The Blues created multiple scoring opportunities but unfortunately didn't convert the early chances due to good saves by our opponent’s keeper or shots from Conan, Conal and Michael going wide.

Northend went ahead after 10 minutes when Conal put the ball in the net from a corner that Lisburn weren't able to deal with after a goal mouth scramble. 0-1

We extended our lead with our next attack after Ronan passed to Conal who played the ball forward to Cormac who held it up well and laid it back to Conal. His shot from outside the box flew into the top corner. 0-2

We had additional opportunities to go further ahead after very good passages of play from defence through midfield and up front but unfortunately squandered our chances. Half time 0-2

The 2nd half started like the first with our boys continuing to dominate possession. When Lisburn did manage to get into the final 3rd our defence of Jack, Noah and Ronan dealt with it very well. With our Blues passing and movement causing more problems for Lisburn Rangers Boys, our vision and through balls created additional chances for the Blues attack. Great work and effort down the wings by Alphie, Fionn and Michael with the defenders providing support and an outlet when needed.

Lisburn were trying to push forward but Northend defence stood strong throughout the match and worked as a defensive unit meaning Caelan, who was our stand-in keeper today, had little to do. When he was called upon he stepped up to make the save.

Northend went 3 nil up from a kick out that Lisburn didn't clear. The ball dropped to Oisín who controlled well and shot from distance. It was a great strike that lobbed the keeper. 0-3. It was another good performance by the boys today with plenty of standout players and moments. Full time 0-3

P Keenan Quarries Player of the Match: Conal Devlin for his work rate, battling and attacking play which was topped off with 2 goals.

United Panel: Alphie Woodhouse, Cormac McGill, Conal Devlin, Conan Goodall, Caelan Donnelly, Noah McGarry, Fionn McGarry, Jack Curry, Michael Killough, Oisin Walker, Ronan Campbell

Northend United 2 ACFC Eagles 0 Saturday 18th January 2025

This week 2013 Youth team had a 10am start this morning in Lisburn against ACFC 2013 Eagles.

The coaches were a little unsure of how we would perform today due to the time we had off (6 weeks) before and over the holiday period. Hoping rust hadn't set in but the boys had none of it and from the start played very well, passing and moving the ball with ease.

The Boys really work together in the first half and should have been at least three up. They pressed and pressed on the first half with poor Fionn in goal freezing from having nothing to do!

Northend kept creating chance after chance but the ball still wouldn't drop. We were starting to think it was going to be one of them days again where we would got caught on the break. Half time 0-0

In the second half, the boys continued with a lot of good play and created lots of chances, one of which fell to Michael which he finished nicely to put Northend one up.

ACFC continued with their long balls but were very easily mopped up by Ronan, Caelan, Noah and Jack in defence.

Michael and Alphie we're tearing the ACFC defence apart winning corner after corner. One of which swung in by Conan was met by Conal with a good header which dribbled over the line to put us 2-0 ahead.

A little bit of tiredness crept and towards the end as the boys seemed a little bit flat but was to be expected after all the time we had off. However, they kept it tight and came away with a well-deserved win. Full time 2-0

Player of the Match: Michael Killough - for his hard work, skill displayed and pace down the wings.

United Panel: Alphie Woodhouse, Conal Devlin, Conan Goodall, Caelan Donnelly, Noah McGarry, Fionn McGarry, Jack Curry, Michael Killough, Oisin Walker, Ronan Campbell