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Northend United 2 Ridgeway Mill 2 Friday 25th October 2024

Another good week for our Agnew, Mitchell and Cairns sponsored 2011s as they faced Ridgeway Mill at the bluebell late on Friday night. With fog descending we got underway and it was Ridgeway who took an early lead when they were awarded a soft penalty after 6 minutes play. The wee blues however kept their heads up and it went end to end for the next 15 minutes. Devlin’s safe hands catching several attempts on goal. The Northend defence of Adams, King, Mitchell and Cairns showed determination to hold their line as pressure mounted, Cairns showing true grit to win every tackle throughout the half. Martin on the left worked tirelessly and won a corner, Hector came across to take it and on such a large pitch managed to whip in the ball at such pace it bounced straight off the defender at the back post to equalise the game.

With a bit of confidence Northend started to find themselves and the midfield of Cassley, Barr and Hughes moved the ball well, Hughes having no less than 3 attempts to shoot and striker Gordon found space to run at the Ridgeway defence who were some of the best we have faced t time 2-2following free kick sailed high over the keepers head to put us 2/1 in front just before the half.

A few minutes later and just on the whistle a late run from Ridgeway went un challenged by nearly everyone in the Northend team, after breaking through our midfield and defence they took a shot from distance and it went over Devlin’s head who tried to tip it over. Half time 2-2

Some fresh legs with McClintock and Campbell and Burgoyne slotted into midfield. The game continued to go end to end with some great passages of play from both teams, a goal line clearance from Mitchell was a heart stopping highlight of the half however some questionable decisions from the referee could have went in either teams favour but the players battled on. Burgoyne instructions followed to the letter as he stuck with his marker stopping any midfield play which was evident as no goals were scored in the second half though he picked up a stud to the face not contested by the ref. McClintock had some great runs down the left found Hector in the box but the excellent defence of Ridgeway threw themselves across as the wingers shots were blocked 3 times. A short corner also finding Cassley and Barr open thwarted and a late run by Gordon just as he pulled the trigger to shoot clipped by the Ridgeway defence. Full time 2-2.

Flaken Tyres Player of the Match: Thomas Cairns - Battled from the first whistle to the last picking up a few scars for his efforts.

Panel: Phelem Devlin, Jonah Mitchell, Mason King, Tiernan Martin, Thomas Cairns, Sonny Barr, Seanan Hughes, Ollie Hector, Cathal Gordon, Reece McClintock, Jayden Cassley, Harry Campbell, Cailin Burgoyne, Lily Adams

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Northend United 0 Oxford Sunnyside 6 Saturday 19th October 2024

Our Agnew, Mitchell and Cairns sponsored U14s had their first taste of Premier Division football at the weekend. Both teams started on the front foot with Northend’s Barr slipping Gordon through on goal but the Oxford defence stood firm. Martin and Hughes on either wing had a few runs but the pace of the ball out run them. It was Oxford who capitalised on a loose ball after 10 minutes and a further 2 goals in quick succession. The change of pace between the two divisions started to show and the Northend heads dropped for the first time this season. The defence of Hector, Mitchell, King and Garrett tried to thwart the quick pace of Oxford, but it proved difficult. Northend pushed back and both Hughes and Martin had chances on goal. Our Midfield of Cairns, Cassley and Barr also worked the ball well but we’re running out of pace. Half time 0-4

The second half and with a change of Keeper and defence, young Rory Garrett stepped into nets. An unfortunate arm break occurred half-way through the game which ended the match so he could receive medical attention.

I would like to thank the referee, Chris Budd, Oxford and all other Lisburn league teams for their kind words of support. A very close community of coaches and you are a real credit to your clubs. A special mention to Northend’s Liam Cassley who accompanied Rory to the RVH. We at Northend would also express our concern for Rory and wish him a speedy road to recovery.

Panel: Pearse Devlin, Jonah Mitchell, Tiernan Martin, Thomas Cairns, Mason King, Sonny Barr, Seanan Hughes, Ollie Hector, Cathal Gordon, Jayden Cassley, Leon Logan, Preston Cameron, Reece McClintock, Rory Garrett

Northend United 6 Newcastle Town 0 Saturday 12th October 2024

It was the last game in the championship supplementary league for the Agnew, Mitchell and Cairns sponsored 2011s with a convincing 9/0 win over Newcastle town. Their hard work paying off with a Promotion to the Premier Division.

A fierce head wind and an unusually large pitch for this age group made for a slow start for both teams but it was Gordon who started us off with a slick through pass from Barr 1-0 after 10 minutes. Players having to work hard to keep the ball down worked to our advantage for the next goal with Hector on the wing whipped in a cross and the ball held perfectly for Martin to volley in at the back post. 2-0. The back four of Mitchell, King, Adams and Brown had to be alert as the long balls sailed overhead, each one dealt with throughout the half. Half time 2-0

With the wind now in our favour and a slight downhill advantage Northend turned up the pressure. The midfield of Barr, Cameron, Cairns and Garrett controlled the play. Hughes now on the right sent a lovely ball across the goal where Martin was ready to slot it in. 3-0. Campbell and Logan bolstering the defence didn’t give Newcastle any chance to get into our half. Martins pass then sent Gordon through to get his second 4-0 and Cairns again sent him to bag Gordon’s 3rd 5-0. Brown was having his own 1v1 battle all game with the NC striker and the defender showing his strength didn’t put a go out wrong all game. Cameron got into the action with a goal into the top right corner 6-0 with Hughes tucking in a left foot goal away from the keeper 7-0. Hector with some training ground corners used the wind to curl in his shot high above the Newcastle defence 8-0 and Devlin in nets with the assist of the season found Gordon with one pass who rounded the keeper to finish the game at 9-0. Hard work paying off for this group of players and coaches as we progress into the Premiership. Full time 9-0

Falken Tyres Player of the Match: Thomas Cairns – His workrate in defence and midfield really stood out today

Panel: Phelem Devlin, Jonah Mitchell, Tiernan Martin, Mason King, Thomas Cairns, Sonny Barr, Cathal Gordon, Rory Garrett, Rory Brown, Ollie Hector, Harry Campbell, Lily Adams, Preston Cameron, Senan Hughes, Leon Logan, Cailin Burgoyne

Northend United 2 Camlough Rovers 0 Saturday 5th October 2024

This week our Agnew Mitchell & Cairns sponsored U14s travelled to Wallace Park to face Camlough Rovers. With both teams recent run of great form, we expected this to be a great game and it didn’t disappoint. On the downside with a number of players unavailable due to sickness subs were limited.

Barr got the game underway after 4 mins with a long-range shot caught by the keeper. A Camlough corner went initially unchallenged but the back four of Mitchell, King, Brown and Garrets reaction shows great progress week on week as they pounced in the ball to clear the line. A quick-thinking Garret with a throw in just inside his own half to Gordon who beat the defence to set up Cassley who calmly slotted it past the keeper showing great awareness between the 3 players to give us the lead 1/0.

Another few Camlough corners thwarted by Devlin set Barr on a run with support form Campbell on the right who worked tirelessly to press play. Cairns, and Martin felt the pace as both had to contend with some big strong Camlough players but stood firm and won every ball to deny any run of play against us. Garret had 2 free kicks in as many minutes, both on target one saved by the keeper and the other hitting the crossbar, Gordon’s number of attempts also saved. Devlin’s awareness this game is standing out and controlled the back line with ease.

With the pace of the game fresh legs were required the Cameron and Adams introduced. Both in unfamiliar positions but showing they can play in multiple positions when needed. Half time 1-0

Both teams came out strong but with Northend starting to settle into a dominating rhythm. Martin having more space on the left outrun his marker several times with no less than 3 shots saved by the keeper. Cameron’s constant runs on the right into space and going 1v1 with the keeper pulled a small injury so a change with Cairns now given the freedom to exploit the space. Some excellent close range passing this half Gordon out to Cairns who swings in a low pass to Martin again the keeper saves it. The same passage of play and this time, Garrett to Cairns to Cassley who shot again saved. Camlough pushed back hard in the final 10 mins and in a rare break got into our final third and hit a high shot but Devlin rose higher and with a finger tip put it over the bar.

Northend continued our play and again some brilliant one two passing straight from the training ground to set up Gordon who turned the defence and fired home our second to put the game to bed. Full time 2-0

A hard fought game today but with some great passing and movement with players showing they can step up when needed.

Falken Tyres Player of the Match: Phelem Devlin. Kept a clean sheet against a team that has scored against every keeper but him in the past 12 months.

Panel: Phelem Devlin, Jonah Mitchell, Tiernan Martin, Mason King, Thomas Cairns, Sonny Barr, Cathal Gordon, Jayden Cassley, Rory Garrett, Rory Brown, Preston Cameron, Ollie Hector, Lily Adams, Harry Campbell

Ridgeway Mill Youth 2 Northend United 2 Saturday 28th September 2024

Top of the table Ridgeway welcome an unbeaten in the last 4 Northend Utd, who are hot on their heels in second place in the league. Northend started off tentatively allowing Ridgeway too much space especially in the middle of the pitch. It wasn’t until 10 minutes in that Northend’s passing game worked them into proper attacking positions. This gave Captain, Sonny Barr, the chance to shoot from distance from the left, just outside the box with excellent placement into the top right corner of the net.

The wingers of Hector and Martin joined midfield of Barr, Cairns and Cassley to really hassle and command play for the next 10 minutes. Mitchell & Brown held fast as central defenders which also let Wilson and Garrett to get forward on occasions to provide extra attack and Ridgeway really had their back against the ropes on a number of occasions. Cahal Gordon up front, had plenty of chances but was unable to get through as of yet due to some superb defending. Around the 21st minute Garrett got forward again with a lovely one-two with Martin and getting to the byline crossed a hard low cross towards the near post, in the confusion the ball came off a ridgeway defender into the back of the net!

2 goals down but from the kick off Ridgeway did not seem remotely rattled and this was the catalyst to put pressure on our defence, thankfully Devlin in nets was on his toes throughout the match and made some superb sweeper keeper moves and saves from decent shots.

Right wing Ridgeway player on the 29th minute make a very quick run by Garrett to take a superb shot to make it 1-2 just before half-time, Northend held fast until the break with some great defending but there was no doubt the game was very tight in all areas. Half time: 1-2

As discussed by coaches at the break, Ridgeway came out all guns blazing after the break but still found it very hard to get by the defence and Devlin in nets.

A change on the right wing for Hughes replacing Hector the game seemed to be going from end to end at this point and concentration and determination was clearly on display from both sides. It wasn’t until another stinging shot on the 47 minute was pushed away from Devlin that Ridgeway were able to get their equalizer after it fell to the feet of a midfielder in the right position to take advantage.

The game then completely opened up as both teams were really pushing for the winner. McKay then replaced Cairns to give fresh legs in midfield and try and push forward. End to end chances created at breaks and great passing saw shots and saves from all angles. Hughes was giving the left back a horrid time for the last 10 minutes and was unlucky on a couple of occasions not to convert just putting the ball slightly over the bar. A special mention for Rory Brown, the left centre back never made a mistake the whole match and was solid as a rock to ensure we did not concede in both the end of the first and second halves. All in all, an excellent, tense game with neither side giving up and 2-2 a fair result. Full time 2-2

Falken Tyres Player of the Match: Rory Brown

Panel: Ph?lem Devlin, Jonah Mitchell, Rory Brown, Fletcher Wilson, Rory Garrett, Thomas Cairns, Olly Hector, Tiernan Martin, Sonny Barr, Jayden Cassley, Cahal Gordon, Senan Hughes, Preston McKay, Lilly Adams, Rory McGarry

Northend United 6 Valley Rangers 1 Saturday 21st September 2024

This week saw our first visit to Wallace Park pitches this season and the game didn’t disappoint as a 12 goal display of fine football followed. It was a quick start with our midfield of Cairns, Barr, Casely and with Martin and Campbell on the wings after just 3 minutes Cairns winning the ball with quick short passing they moved the ball forward and young Gordon battled the last defender only to lob the keeper from 20 yards. 1-0. 2 minutes later quick thinking throw in from Garrett and a head flick from Casley sent Gordon on for his second 2-0. A lapse in concentration from a corner allowed Valley the chance to get one back 2-1 but an immediate counter from the restart sent Martin down the left to slip the ball across to Casley for a tap in 3-1. A few starting lineup changes this week seen Harry Campbell on right wing who worked hard to win the ball crossing to Gordon with a two touch volley into the back to the net. 4-0. A sloppy kick out allowed Gordon to pounce on the defender who stole the ball and slotted in our 5th. Another quick throw in and Martin whipped in cross for Gordon to volley in. 6-1. Fresh legs and Leon on the right just before the half went close after just 30 seconds. Barr as always worked tirelessly in midfield and the back four of Mitchell, Garrett, Brown and Wilson didn’t give the Valley strikers an inch of room in the half. Half time 6-1

Another change with Senan to double up the strikers and a few positional changes we continued with a 3 pass finish from Devlin to Casley to Gordon to slot in our 7th. Wilson battling now on the right wing set up young Gordon who with a quick turn on the edge of the box banged in a top right strike for our 8th. After working on our corners past few weeks it was good to see Casley latch his head onto the cross only to hit the bar but even better was the reaction of Wilson to follow up with the another header into the net. Another fine strikers goal with Hughes awareness to follow in on the ball to snatch his first of the season followed only 5 minutes later the striker showing he can score with either foot hit a left foot banger into the top of the net. With only a few minutes left Martin’s run into the box to be fouled winning his penalty the winger made not mistake to slot in our 12th.

A rare score line at this level but a testament to the hard work the players are putting in at training and the extra effort during the summer. A real team performance this week. Special mention to Cahal Gordon is goal tally already is outstanding.

Panel: Phelem Devlin, Jonah Mitchell, Tiernan Martin, Thomas Cairns, Sonny Barr, Mason King, Ollie Hector, Cathal Gordon, Jayden Cassley, Rory Garrett, Fletcher Wilson, Harry Campbell, Lily Adams, Senan Hughes, Leon Logan, Rory Brown

Northend United 6 Lisburn Rangers 0 Saturday 14th September 2024

Perfect conditions for an early morning game of football between two great teams with previous encounters fiercely contested. It was Lisburn who got off to the better start and for the first 15 minutes had no less than 6 shots into the NE box. The back four of Mitchell, King, Garrett and Wilson with Devlin in nets snuffed out any clear chances on goal and I have to point out one of our best defensive displays with training ground drills on show all game. 20 minutes into the game It was a great piece of play working out from the back with 4 passes starting with Devlin to Wilson to Cassley to set Hector off down the right and the strength and pace of the winger hitting a 30 yard strike high over the keeper to get us off the mark 1-0. With confidence growing we seen a real change in the game. The midfield of Barr, Cairns, Cassley, Martin and Hector kicked into gear and with all of them moving the ball with slick training ground passes. Gordon had 2 further chances just wide if the post, Barr won every tackle to and Martin's runs down the left with an attempt in goal reworked by Hector to set up Cassley who made no mistake in banging it into the back of the net 2-0. A few minutes later and again working out from the back with 4 passes Devlin to Wilson to Cassley to set up Gordon in a goal mouth scramble the ball trickles over the line. Half time 3-0

Second half and a few changes, Adams, Cameron and debut for Rory Brown. Didn’t take long to continue our form and Adams winning the ball in defence a quick pass into Casley who seen a 40 yard gap to Gordon who found the back of the net from another 30 yard wonder striker. Another 10 minutes of fine football continued with Cameron, Barr, Martin and Wilson on fire creating a number of shots at the Rangers goalkeeper. Brown looked strong in defence with Mitchell and Garret orchestrating the play. Another quick change in formation just to rest legs. It worked well as we pushed higher up the pitch a string of impressive passes from Cairns on an unfamiliar left wing setting up Gordon for his hattrick and 3 minutes later King winning a free kick in his own half found Gordon free on the edge of the Rangers box and the wee striker calmly tucked it away to bag his fourth goal of the day. Lisburn fought hard to the end and to keep a clean sheet Devlin pulled off a cracker set of saves at close range. Full time 6-0

One of our best football performances in recent years. Maturity and listening to coaches at training really starting to pay off this season.

Falken Tyres Player of the Match: Cahal Gordon. His workrate and third hattrick in two games is outstanding

Panel: Pearse Devlin, Jonah Mitchell, Tiernan Martin, Thomas Cairns, Sonny Barr, Mason King, Ollie Hector, Cahal Gordon, Jayden Cassley, Rory Garrett, Fletcher Wilson, Lily Adams, Preston Cameron, Rory Brown

Northend United 6 TW Braga 2 Saturday 7th September 2024

With superb weather both teams were eager to kick off on the front foot. However, Braga although starting slowly were able to convert a goal within the first five minutes from a corner.

This is where Northend started again with the solid back line off Mitchell, King., Garrett and Wilson the midfield of Barr and Cameron were able to push forward alongside Martin and Hector on the wings. It wasn’t long before Cassley assisted Gordon who slotted the first goal within 2 minutes of kick off.

This continual pressing paid off dividends with more goals from Cassley and a superb shot outside the box from Barr to make the score 4 -1 at half time. Half time 4-1

Braga started the second half with a new vigour and started to push the Blues back but this second wind only lasted for 7 minutes when Northend started to turn the screw. Another 2 goals in quick succession from Gordon and 2 from Barr meant they both had hattricks. Martin joined the score sheet before McGarry replaced Cameron with Cassley dropping back to midfield and McGarry going up front.

Braga were able to breakthrough for a goal when Northend had stepped up but this was just one blip in a half dominated by the home team.

Cassley scored another before Fletcher Wilson who had moved into the right wing scored for his first goal for Northend. A fitting end for a game controlled throughout by Northend. Full time 6-2

Panel: Phelem Devlin, Jonah Mitchell, Mason King, Rory Garrett, Fletcher Wilson, Ollie Hector, Tiernan Martin, Sonny Barr, Jayden Cassley, Preston Cameron, Cahal Gordon, Thomas Cairns

Northend United 1 Glendowan 3 Saturday 31st August 2024

It was an early Kick off for the start of our 24/25 season and the 2011s were sporting their new Agnew, Mitchell and Cairns sponsored match kit. We would like to thank our sponsors for their ongoing support and generosity and hope to do you proud.

It’s always been a well contested match between these two teams and this time proved similar. Both Glendowan and Northend had several chances in the first half with Devlin impressing his goalkeeper coach with some excellent saves. Barr, Cairns and Casley in midfield were on top form breaking through to create opportunities for Gordon who had 2 shouts for a penalty in the first 30 minutes. King, Adams and Hector in defence under pressure with the pace of the GD strikers managed well but It was Mitchell however who was having to show composure against a physical striker who was stand out for Glendowan making a number of critical tackles in the box. McClintock pace down the right was fiercely contested from a likewise GD wingback unfortunately also picking up a slight injury.

Cairns unfortunately also picking up an ankle injury from a late tackle saw the debut of Fletcher Wilson just before the half. A well rounded and game aware player who has settled in quickly with his teammates.

With seconds of the first half remaining Hector passes the ball up to Gordon who beats his man to set up Martin 1v1 with the keeper, a fortunate rebound saw Martin a second chance to hit the target but into the hands of the GD keeper. Best chance of the half for us. Half time 0-0

Second half and fresh legs of McKay and Burgoyne and a slight change of formation due to the injury’s. An unchallenged kick out dropped to their right winger who quickly moved the ball past our midfield and defence to his striker to score against the run of play, a further unchallenged run from their right wing sent across our box minutes later found it’s way to the net.

The wee blues fought hard though and 4 minutes later Hector breaking up a tackle set Gordon with his quick feet beating the Glendowan defence to get one back 2-1 with 6 minutes to play.

Tired legs started to show and lack of pace saw the Glendowan right hand side cut through us to hit their 3rd. Full time 3-1

A positive first game of the season and a clear show of progression in most parts. Lack of pace and strength in the second half gives us something to work on.

Panel: Phelem Devlin, Jonah Mitchell, Tiernan Martin, Thomas Cairns, Sonny Barr, Ollie Hector, Cathal Gordon, Reece McClintock, Jayden Cassley, Fletcher Wilson, Preston Cameron, Mason King, Senan Hughes, Cailin Burgoyne