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Newry City 1 Northend United 2 Saturday 12th October 2024

An early start today in Lisburn on a cold and blustery morning Northend started the better of the two teams battling hard and making most of the early chances. Ronan busting out from the back with a great run and having a shot on target Northend steady in control only letting Newry have one shot in the first 10 minutes.

Conal and Noah came on after 12 minutes and both made a difference with Conal having his first shot just wide, then on 14 minutes with a lovely assist from Cormac, Noah tapped in from close. In the 17th minute Newry had a free kick with a great save from Jamie. Half time 0-1

In the second half Newry started well until Conan and Conal took control of the middle of the park and created a great chance for Oisín that slammed off the post. Fionn and Micheal were making great runs on both flanks one of which won a corner, from the resulting corner Caelan got on to the end of the ball and scored to make it 2 nil after 11 minutes gone in the 2nd half.

Jack played a great ball into Cormac who had a shot on goal just going wide. Newry came at us and after a few chances they pulled one back. The boys worked hard for the remainder of the match, didn't drop their heads and continued to stay on top. They saw the game out to get the 1st win of the season. Let's keep this going boys well done. Full time 1-2

P. Keenan Quarries Player of the Match: Caelan Donnelly

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

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Lisburn Rangers 6 Northend United 3 Saturday 5th October 2024

Northend Youth started really well this morning. They were playing good football, keeping possession and pushing forward. We created a chance early on after good work in midfield from Cormac to put Conan through down the left, he finished really well into the top corner with a left foot strike giving the Lisburn Rangers keeper no chance. 0-1

We continued to put Lisburn Rangers under pressure by playing nice football on a pitch that was short and bumpy. There was good passing and movement from the back through midfield and up to our attacking players forcing their keeper to make saves. Lisburn Rangers equalized against the run of play from a long kickout which went over our defence and their forward slotted the ball into the net. 1-1

From the restart we stopped playing with the same confidence and allowed our opponent to grow into the match. They scored another soon after from a corner, good header. 2-1. Lisburn Rangers went further ahead after a good passing move that broke through our midfield and defence with their striker finishing well. 3-1

We were now 2nd to every ball, looking lethargic for the middle part of the half letting Lisburn Rangers push forward and put us under pressure. They created a few half chances during this time which were dealt with well by our defence and our stand-in keeper Caelan who made some good saves when called on. The boys gave themselves a shake in the later part of the half. We began to win possession, play football and push forward again. Good work in midfield supported by our defence and wide players allowed us to create good goal scoring opportunities.

Fionn had a few good chances that were well saved by the Lisburn keeper who was on top form.

Conan had a good attempt on goal with the ball heading for the corner from distance, this required another good save. Their keeper was called upon again after Cormac got the ball, turned just outside the box and shot. The ball was heading into the net until the Lisburn Rangers keeper pulled off another good save to keep us from closing the gap. From the resulting corner, the Lisburn Rangers defender cleared and put them on the attack. Jack came across to cover, held the ball up and showed composure to clear the danger.

We finished the half strong and had some great chances. Unfortunately, we didn't manage to put the ball into the net and our opponents punished us by taking most of the chances they created. Half time: 3-1

We started the 2nd like we ended the first, remaining solid at the back and controlling the midfield while causing problems up front. Lisburn created a chance but Ronan was on hand to intercept and clear. They pushed forward again with Noah defending well and then a follow up shot being well saved by Caelan. Northend Youth were pushing forward trying really hard to get the goals they deserved and needed to get back into the match.

The next chance fell to Conan who had his effort blocked, this dropped to Cormac 20 yards out who couldn't have struck it any better straight into the top corner like a rocket. The Lisburn keeper didn't have time to react! 3-2. We won the ball from the restart, a good run by Conal in midfield but was fouled by a lunging tackle winning us a freekick. This was played into the box and cleared by a Lisburn Rangers defender.

They created an attack from the clearance and won a corner. We cleared the corner, the ball fell to their forward who shot goalward. The ball took a deflection, wrong footed our keeper and it ended up in the net. 4-2. Credit to the boys, they continued to battle well. They were looking for the right pass and supporting their teammates. Oisín laid the ball off to Michael, he made a good run down the right, pass in to Conal who played Fionn in down the left . He shot and another good save was made by the Lisburn Rangers keeper to push it wide of the post for a corner.

The corner cleared and Lisburn hit us with a fast break, Ronan reacted quickly to get back, win the ball and clear the danger to get us forward. Conal’s shot was saved. Their keeper played it long, we didn't attack the ball, let the ball bounce and now defending facing our own net. Lisburn forward made a good run onto the ball and passed it into the bottom corner. 5-2. Lisburn Rangers forwards were playing well and taking their chances which were punishing us for not taking ours.

Conan received the ball in midfield from Ronan, he played a through ball to Fionn who was denied again, great save yet again from the Lisburn Rangers keeper! A good corner to the back post, Conal managed to get his head to it but it went just over the bar. From the kickout we won the ball in midfield and played it over to the right. Conan ran on to it, hit a good shot, great save!

We had a lapse in concentration from a Lisburn Rangers long ball which found their striker through on goal, he slotted it into the far corner to put them further ahead. 6-2. Fionn was working hard down the left and had another chance on goal, his attempt just wide of the post.

We continued to push forward with Michael pressing hard, chasing everything and causing problems down the right. This pressure paid off after he forced a mistake from their defender who kicked the ball off his teammate and the ball went past their keeper. 6-3. We conceded again not long after from another long ball, this time an obvious offside that was not given. 7-3. There was more good attacking play from Northend. The boys were battling hard and pushing for additional goals. A few opportunities presented themselves, one of note this time from distance when Conal’s effort flew just over the bar. Full-time 7-3

Special mention to Caelan for covering in nets today in Jamie's absence. Well done and some great saves.

P Keenan Quaries Player of the Match: Michael Killough

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

Warrenpoint Town 4 Northend United 2 Saturday 28th September 2024

The boys played a really competitive match this morning on a very short pitch against a strong Warrenpoint team. Northend Youth started the match well. The boys put Warrenpoint under pressure from the first whistle. Good defensive play from front to back along with good forward play resulted in chances being created. Conal and Cormac were battling hard in midfield, winning the battles early on with Michael and Fionn providing options on the wings and Oisín up front.

It was back and forth most of the match due to the short pitch which was hard to play football on. Both teams were trying to move the ball through congested areas which was difficult. Warrenpoint had created chances and when they managed to get a shot off or break through Jamie was on hand to make the saves or come and collect the through balls.

First goal of the match came from a Warrenpoint goal kick. Their player who started in an offside position a few yards into our half ran on to the long ball and finished well. Ref was ball watching and missed the offside run so the goal stood! 1-0

After the restart, Northend continued to battle well and win possession then push forward. Oisín had an effort that just went over the bar after Warrenpoint didn't clear the ball from our attack. We had multiple attempts on goal that went just wide. The pressure we were putting Warrenpoint under paid off during our next attack after Cormac’s shot required their keeper to make a good save, the ball fell to Oisin who slotted it into their net. 1-1

There was additional back and forth with both teams defending well. After a good move Fionn found himself one on one but was denied by the keeper who saved well. Towards the end of the first half Warrenpoint scored their 2nd, a good strike from their forward just outside the box into the top corner giving Jamie no chance. Half time 2-1

Both teams started well when the 2nd half commenced in this tight and closely contested match. Another chance fell to Northend when Ronan played a long ball to Cormac who took it down on his chest outside the box and shot. Great control and attempt from long range which went over the bar.

The battles continued in midfield and down the wings. The play was end to end with strong performances and work rate by the boys. We were pressing well and high, not allowing Warrenpoint to play out from the back. We were quicker in the 2nd half to pick up breaking balls and force mistakes from our opponents. Unfortunately, Warrenpoint extended their lead with a good run and shot which saw the ball go into the far-left corner by their striker. Jamie got a foot to it, but the ball managed to creep inside the post making it 3-1.

We continued to push for additional goals. Noah had a long-range effort saved. Michael had a one on one with the keeper, but the keeper reacted quickly, closed down fast and made the save. Jack had an effort sail over the bar from a short corner. Warrenpoint were awarded a freekick down their left side, from this Cormac made a good block, the rebound shot took a deflection which guided it past Jamie who had a restricted view with many bodies in-between. 4-1

Northend worked hard to close the gap and get back into the match as far as the scoreline was concerned. We did just that after a shot by Conal was saved by the keeper and pushed over to the left side. Conan retrieved it, took the ball past their right back and shot. His shot hit the post and ran across the goal mouth a few yards out. Michael shot which was blocked on the line and Oisín followed in and poked the ball over the line. 4-2. A competitive match on a difficult pitch with the boys working hard and performing well. Full time 4-2

P Keenan Quarries Player of the Match: Oisin Walker his quick reactions to come away with 2 goals, putting the training drills this week into practice.

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

Colin Valley 5 Northend United 1 Saturday 21st September 2024

This week our U12s United team had a Friday night match, under the lights at Colin Valley 3G against Colin Valley. Northend started well, playing good football from the back. Our defence was tight, with Jamie in nets and Caelan, Jack and Noah working as a unit. Ronan was sitting just in front along with Conan and Conal in midfield. Michael and Fionn started up front. The boys were putting Colin Valley under a lot of pressure while out of possession and forcing mistakes.

We created a few half chances with shots going wide or over the bar. Most of the play was inside the Colin Valley half early in the match but we were unable to trouble our opponent’s keeper. Colin Valley midfield and forward line were working hard trying to get into the match. They were putting our defence under pressure and managed to get a half chance with a spin and shot just outside the box that looped over Jamie who managed to get a finger to it but was unable to keep the ball out the net. 1-0.

Oisín and Cormac came on for Fionn and Michael. They were working hard to get into space and provide options up front. Colin Valley’s defence were struggling to clear and their mistakes enabled us to push forward into their final 3rd. We didn't take advantage of this with additional wides or shots straight at their keeper.

Northend was now looking unsettled. Multiple wayward passes and less movement off the ball allowed the momentum to swing Collin Valley’s way. Colin Valley had created a few half chances but couldn't extend their lead from open play during this period. The ref then awarded a very soft free kick against Northend just outside our box. Up stepped the Colin Valley forward who struck the ball really well, straight into the top corner. 2-0 Our heads dropped at this point and we struggled to play the football we have been accustomed to over the past few weeks. Colin Valley were clinical in front of goal and extended their lead after another good finish. Half time 3-0

During the 2nd half we started to look more like ourselves, working hard and pressing. We had additional opportunities in the final 3rd as the Colin Valley defence struggled to cope with the pressure. Cormac hit the post and we had further wides from Conal, Fionn and Michael.

Colin Valley continued trying to break down our defence via crosses or long balls. Ronan was dealing with these well and cancelling out Colin Valley attacks down the middle with Jack and Noah working hard to stop them down each side. Cormac and Conal were winning midfield battles with Fionn and Michael staying wide and creating problems from through balls. Colin Valley added another after a mistake in defence and their forward pounced and slotted the ball into the bottom corner. 4-0

They went on to score an additional goal via a lovely strike into the top corner after questionable freekick was given against us. 5-0. Northend continued to win the battles all over the pitch. Another opportunity presented itself after good work from Cormac. The ball fell to Oisin who shot first time with ball flying into the top corner. 5-1

For the last 10 Northend played much better and pushed for more goals. Unfortunately, these didn't come. This match was closely contested throughout with Colin Valley being much more clinical in front of goal which is reflected by the scoreline. Full-time 5-1

P Keenan Quarries Player of the Match: Cormac McGill

United Panel: Jamie McCann, Cormac McGill, Conal Devlin, Conan Goodall, Caelan Donnelly, Noah McGarry, Fionn McGarry, Jack Curry, Michael Killough, James Mullan, Oisin Walker, Ronan Campbell

Northend United 1 Glendowan 3 Saturday 14th September 2024

Today saw us kick-off at midday in Lisburn against Glendowan 2013. Northend started strongly, our work rate and determination were on display all over the pitch. Glendowan keeper was called upon to make saves early on. We created multiple chances down the left with Jack, Ronan and Fionn linking well and putting crosses into the box. Against the run of play, a Glendowan forward got in behind our defence from a long ball, struck an early shot well which surprised Jamie in nets who got a hand to it but the ball ended up in the net.

From the restart Northend put pressure on Glendowan keeping them in their own half. The boys were working hard trying to equalise but were unable to put the ball in the Glendowan net. Glendowan were under lots of pressure but were defending well. Oisín had a chance which struck the crossbar when he tried to chip the keeper after a through ball down the right. Glendowan managed to push forward and created a half chance which Jamie comfortably dealt with. Jamie then played it quickly to Jack who tried a pass down the wing, but it was intercepted well by the Glendowan forward who reacted quickly and slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

Caelan, Jack and Noah remained strong in defence working well to break down any attacks along with Ronan sitting just in front. They were all available for the backward pass as well as Jamie when needed. The boys kept working hard and playing some great football which deserves a goal to get us back in the match. Glendowan were awarded a soft free kick 10 yards into our half. Their player struck a fantastic free kick which hit the crossbar, bounced on the line and cleared. The ref blew his whistle and awarded a 3rd goal for our opponents. 3-0.

It was good to see our boys' attitude, they didn't drop their heads today but showed determination and willingness to get back into the match. We created another attack from a well worked passing move down the left with Jack and Fionn linking well. The ball was played back to the edge of the box where Conan was waiting. He placed the ball with his left foot into the top corner giving our opponents keeper no chance. 3-1. We tried to grab another before the end of the half but were unable. Half time 1-3

2nd half started in the same manner with Northend playing fantastic football, passing and moving for each other. Ronan was now in centre back and Caelan right back. Noah had moved into midfield working hard and tracking back when needed. Conal and Conan were winning the ball in midfield and getting us on the attack. Conan was distributing the ball well in midfield with Oisín, Michael and James working hard to support our forward play.

Northend were dominant throughout the 2nd half while keeping a good Glendowan side at bay and on the back foot. We limited them to a few half chances. Jamie made a few comfortable saves. Ronan, Jack and Caelan were keeping their shape in defence and standing strong. Noah, Fionn and Michael working hard along with Conan, Conal, James and Oisín. We were passing and moving really well in every position while supporting each other from the back, in midfield and up front.

We had various chances to score additional goals during the 2nd half. We had a lot of corners which may have gone into double figures but unfortunately, we were unable to capitalise as we lacked that killer instinct in front of goal. Full time 1-3

It was a pleasure for Nick and me to watch the boys again today. They played fantastic football from the outset and showed grit and determination until the final whistle. The boys’ performances these past 2 weeks have been very positive. The results will swing in our favour sooner rather than later with these performances. Keep up the good work.

P Keenan Quarries Player of the Match: Conan Goodall due to his battling, distribution and forward play which was topped off with a great finish.

United Panel: Jamie McCann, Conal Devlin, Conan Goodall, Caelan Donnelly, James Mullan, Noah McGarry, Fionn McGarry, Jack Curry, Michael Killough, Oisin Walker, Ronan Campbell

Northend United 0 Hillsborough Boys Colts 3 Saturday 7th September 2024

If there was ever a match where the scoreline didn't reflect the performance it was today in our match against Hillsborough Boys 2013 Colts up at Belvoir 3G. From kick-off the boys displayed great team spirit and showed maximum effort. It was great to see them executing the pre match plan and delivering strong performances all over the pitch.

The boys put Hillsborough defence under pressure from the outset with Oisín, Michael, Fionn and Cormac working as a unit not allowing an easy pass, winning the ball and forcing Hillsborough to play long balls. Conal and Conan were controlling the midfield while Caelan, Jack, Noah and Ronan stood firm in defence.

We created multiple chances but were unable to convert. Fionn and Michael were causing problems down the wings. We had shots just wide and made the Hillsborough keeper work who made a few good saves. We had a few half chances created from corners and Oisín had a good effort which hit the post from a through ball. Unfortunately, in true football fashion we were punished for not taking our chances as Hillsborough scored with their first attack after a shot was well saved by Jamie, we half cleared and Hillsborough scored from the follow up shot.

The boys continued to play some fantastic football. The boys’ performance didn't reap their just rewards and we found ourselves 2 nil down after another good save by Jamie broke to our opponents forward who slotted the ball into our net. Half time 0-2

From the restart we started how we left off, playing some great football, finding the right pass and looking for the return ball. Cormac was linking up with our midfield, Oisín was working hard down the right with Michael and Fionn continued to cause problems for the Hillsborough defence. Ronan moved into midfield supporting Conal and sitting in front of the defence. It was great to see the boys playing nice attacking football while keeping it tight at the back.

Credit to the boys who didn't let their heads drop, they continued to work hard, get forward and tried to pull one back. Hillsborough created a few attacks from more long balls which Caelan, Jack, Noah and Ronan dealt with well. Jamie was on hand to clear the danger from through balls which he did on multiple occasions.

Going onto the last 15 minutes Hillsborough were awarded an indirect free kick at the edge of our box for a pass back. This was a poor decision by the refereee made who later apologized. From the indirect free kick Hillsborough were awarded a harsh penalty for handball when their shot deflected onto a Northend players arm. They scored from this making it 0-3. Our boys played good football right to the final whistle, unfortunately it was one of those days where we couldn't buy a goal! Full-time 0-3

As I said as the start of this report. The result was not a fair reflection on the performance from Northend Youth who played the better football, created more chances and had the better opportunities. Nick and I are proud of the boys this morning. It was a great team performance with everyone working hard, playing well and putting in a shift. The results will come as we continue to play football like that.

P Keenan Quarries Player of the Match: Ronan Campbell due to his all-around play. First match for Northend Youth and fitted right in

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

Northend United 0 Oxford Sunnyside 2 Saturday 31st August 2024

Tough opening day of the season for our 2013 Youth team in the top flight of The Lisburn & Castlereagh Junior League against a very talented Oxford Sunnyside Dynamos team.

Northend started well and were comfortable on the ball during the first 5-10 minutes. Showing for the ball, pushing forward and supporting each other but were unable to break through the Sunnyside defence.

The first goal of the match came from a clearance by a Sunnyside defender into our half as they pushed forward putting us under pressure. We dealt with it well and cleared the ball. This was collected by our opponent’s midfielder who played a long ball into the box which deflected off our defender and ended up in the net. Sunnyside scored another not long after the restart which changed the dynamics of the match.

From here Oxford Sunnyside's confidence grew and Northend heads dropped. We lacked the fight, grit and determination needed to compete today and unfortunately let the game get away from us resulting in Oxford Sunnyside coming away comfortably with the win. Full time 0-2

P Keenan Quarries Player of the Match: Conal Devlin - battled well and tried to get us on the front foot when in possession.

United Panel: Jamie McCann, Jack Curry, Oisin Walker, Conal Devlin, Conan Goodall, Caelan Donnelly, Noah McGarry, Fionn McGarry, Michael Killough, James Mullan