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Magherafelt Sky Blues 5 Northend United 0 Saturday 16th November 2024

This week our Agnew, Mitchell and Cairns sponsored 2011s faced Magherafelt Sky Blues in the second round of the NIBFA cup at the Meadowbank Arena. Both teams started well with Northend breaking through after 2 minutes with Cassley and Barr linking up with Gordon but the Magherafelt defence stood firm. The back four this week of Wilson, Adams, Mitchell and Cairns had to be on top form as the obvious physical advantage that Sky Blues had was proving difficult to contend with. A new signing Kerr in nets was showing great potential for his age and pulled off a series of saves in the early few minutes though an early goal after 5 minutes didn’t phase the blues and we quickly regained composure. Mitchell winning the ball in defence passed to Cameron in midfield who worked the ball wide to Wilson who set off Hector down the right, the wingers cross going wide. The next 15 mins were end to end but with MF man marking all our players with their physical and height advantage we couldn’t find that gap. Another goal on 19 mins gave the blues a bit of fight and they started to command the play. Martin got a few runs down the left, Gordon was battling a 3 v 1 defence and with Hector and Martin feeding a few balls in from each wing though not able to find Barr or Cassley it was proving a tough game. The midfield when in possession moved the ball well but lost out in the air and players where pushed off the ball on most occasions picking up injuries. Wilson and Kerr were keeping the score line respectable with outstanding workrate. MSB tactics were also on point and kept us from breaking down their defence. Unfortunately, earlier injuries started to take effect. Hughes introduced to add attacking option and a few positional changes disrupted play. Another late goal just before the half finished it 0/3 but I have to say one of our best shows of stepping up to face a team at the top of their division and with such a physical advantage. Half time 3-0

Second half and with injuries mounting McClintock and Campbell introduced gave energy and pace back into the side. Kerr proving a good signing showed bravery throughout and again Wilson determined to win every ball. A change of tactics for the next period Northend battled for the next 10 minutes and had some great possession. Unfortunately, Cassley and Cameron had to come off and with other subs injured we played with 10 men. Magherafelt took advantage to get their 4th from a corner Gordon also after a collision suffered some dental damage and had to come off. Campbell matching the physical strength held the back line. Magherafelt scored a 5th from an unchallenged corner. The wee blues battled hard for the 15 but Martin also now off with a knee injury Barr had to be reintroduced and rose to the challenge, McClintock worked tirelessly and Hughes linked with Barr to get a run on the Magherafelt keeper who got a hand to the ball.

The last 10 minutes Northend got a bit of a lift when Cassley came back on and we moved the ball behind the Sky Blues defence who were all pushing forward. A few chances missed but positive to see determination late in the game. Full time 5-0

Was a big ask this week of players but a great experience to play a team of this standard outside of our division and we thank Magherafelt for a great game. We wish them well for the next round. We also hope all players who picked up injuries get well soon.

Falken Tyres Player of the Match: Fletcher Wilson. A tough game against such a good attacking team he battled from the first whistle to the last

Panel: Cadohan Kerr, Jonah Mitchell, Tiernan Martin, Thomas Cairns, Fletcher Wilson, Lily Adams, Sonny Barr, Preston Cameron, Ollie Hector, Senan Hughes, Cathal Gordon, Jayden Cassley, Mason King, Harry Campbell, Reece McLintock, Ronan Brown

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Northend United 1 Andersonstown Eagles Saturday 9th November 2024

This week our Agnew, Mitchell and Cairns sponsored 2011s faced Andersontown Eagles in the Premiership. Both teams started well with Northend matching the play for the first 15 minutes with end to end action. The back four this week of Wilson, King, Brown and Cairns moved quick and didn’t give the Eagles much room. Gordon was terrorising the Eagles defence up front with Hector and Martin feeding a few balls in from each wing. The midfield this week of Barr, Cassley and Mitchell were up for it and when in possession moved the ball well. The Eagles though to be fair had some great players and their goalkeeper is the best we have faced in more than a year. It was Eagles who got off first when a very soft shout for a penalty was awarded, watching back the Veo cam a very soft shout. Their second was saved on the ground by Devlin only to be flicked out of his two hands and awarded as a goal. Northend battled on the for the next 20 minutes had some great possession. Our best chance of the half when Gordon wins the ball in the Eagles box and lays it out wide to Cassley who crosses to Hector but his shot is denied by the Eagles keeper. Half time 0-2

A few positional changes and Adams introduced into left back we continued to press the Eagles defence. This left gaps across the pitch and space for the Eagles. 2 more quick goals followed as players not getting closed down quick enough but the wee blues fought hard and a great example of what this team can do was from within our own 6 yard line Barr wins the ball bursting into space to Gordon who turns the Eagles defence, Wilson and Brown sprinting as fast as they could to catch up from within their own half as the ball comes across Brown at the back post slots it in to the Eagles net. A fanatic display of how to counterattack. Both Burgoyne and Cameron introduced and creating some great passages of play. A long ball however finding their lone striker to slot in their 5th was a tipping point and our heads dropped. Another lesson we need to learn at a young age to stay positive to the final whistle. In order to be the best we need to play the best and raise our standard every week. Some great football on display this week and improvements seen in all players by the coaches. Full time 1-6

Panel: Phelem Devlin, Fletcher Wilson, Thomas Cairns, Mason King, Ronan Brown, Jonah Mitchell, Tiernan Martin, Sonny Barr, Jayden Cassley, Ollie Hector, Cathal Gordon, Leon Logan, Lily Adams, Preston Cameron, Reece McClintock, Cailin Burgoyne