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Northend Utd 1 SOPFC 1 Friday 26th April 2024

Brooke Activity Centre in Dunmurry would be the final game of the campaign for the young Pizza Parlour blues against St Oliver Plunkett. This game was a bit of an anti-climax after the league winning performance the previous Monday night. The blues were a bit thin on the ground with a number of regular players missing but a few of the colts stepped up to make the numbers and didn’t look out of place. Plunkett’s dominated the game for large parts but a share of the spoils was probably the right result in the end.

Northend started a bit off the pace and couldn’t get any rhythm to their play. Plunkett’s were that bit more aggressive and first to the ball. Northend’s midfield looked a bit disjointed with Kerr having to move up from defence and Patenall getting used to the pace of the step up. However, they never looked under real threat and the back three of Pekala, Barnett and O’Neill looked comfortable for the most part. Despite this Northend looked the most likely to score when the ball was played forward. The front two of McGarel and Jamieson had to work hard against a physical back line. Yet they created a number of openings in the first quarter, the ball just not sitting right and neither Jay nor Kian could hit the target or test the keeper. They were trying to force it. After a quarter of an hour a through ball was played in behind the Northend defence. The blues kept a good backline playing the Plunkett’s striker offside. However, the referee allowed play to continue and the ball broke to another player at the back post to take the lead to consternation from the Northend dugout. Northend couldn’t get any sustained possession or momentum to their game and a slender lead to Plunkett’s at half time was probably right. Half Time 0-1

Northend came out in the second half with a bit more competitiveness. They didn’t want to lose their last game of the season. They started moving the ball about more fluently and using the spaces better on the outside with Devlin and Pekala. Duncan was brought on up top to make it a 3-4-3 and give a bit more attacking presence. This allowed McGarel to come a bit deeper and see more of the ball. After the first five minutes McGarel had another chance creating a yard of space but again just wide. Then Jay drove down the right side and fired a delicious ball across goal. Caleb picked it up on the back stick but his first timed volleyed effort was just over the bar. Northend were coming closer. Then McGarel picked the ball up again on the edge of the box took one touch out of his feet beating the defender and with his second smashed it into the back of the net to level the scores. Goal number 34 of the campaign. Jamieson came very close to winning the tie when he drove through in on goal but again shot just wide. In the end honours even and a fair result. Boys looked a little under par today. Most likely a bit of a league win hangover. However, McArdle stood out in the midfield from first to last whistle with a very competitive composed display. Full Time 1-1

Man of the Match: Sam McArdle

Panel: C Lavelle, A Pekala, H Pekala, K O Neill, S Kerr (c), L Barnett, S McArdle, P Devlin, C King, B Duncan, N Patenall, K McGarel, J Jamieson

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Northend Utd 4 1st Bangor Juniors 1 Monday 22nd April 2024

Tonight took the Pizza Parlour sponsored 2009’s on a trip to Avoniel Leisure centre for their penultimate game of the season knowing that a win captures a second league title in a row for the blues. The game started cagey with both teams trying to find a rhythm to the game and it was to be Northend who drew first blood, a ball played down the inside left was picked up by McGarel who flicked the ball up and smashed a volley from twenty two yards out into the top right of the net, a potential for goal of the season and visions of the great Bergkamp at his finest. The travelling support where on their feet in the stands to applaud such a strike. 1-0 Northend. This brought the game to life and Northend upped the tempo pushing for the second, a few chances went begging, with Jamieson and McArdle honing in on the target. Defensively Northend where standing strong, clearing any potential dangers that came there way. The midfield were winning great battles against a good Bangor side, Devlin, Lavelle, McArdle and McErlean kept Northend on the front foot at every opportunity. It was however Bangor who were to hit the target next. A through ball caught the blues defence out and keeper Lavelle committed to the challenge only to catch the attacking Bangor forward in the box, PENALTY Bangor. Lavelle guessed the right way but the pace of the ball was too much. 1-1. The blues lifted themselves again and again saw some chances begging as the time ticked on to the half end. Bangor again found themselves in for another sighter before the end only for Lavelle to redeem himself and pull of a first class save and take the game into the break all level. Half Time 1-1

Into the second half we went and within minutes Northend broke through the middle, this time a sublime through ball from Drysdale picking out McGarel. He ran past his marker and fired home for his and Northend’s second, 2-1. With some switching of personnel and shape, going to a back four, Northend settled into the game. A. Pekala, Kerr, H. Pekala and Barnett were solid and cleared the lines well. Up top the front three where starting to create more pressure on Bangor and with minutes the pressure told. Another finely fed ball from McKay once again found McGarel in the left who drove past the defender and neatly placed into the far bottom corner to put the blues into a great position and send the stands into ruptures. 3-1 Northend and a hatrick for McGarel. To Bangor’s credit they didn’t give up the fight , Lavelle was called for several times to come collect the ball from some through ball’s on the edge of his box having to be brave and make good strong decisions. Northend weren’t finished yet and when a corner was fired in to the box it was to be McErlean who rose highest to head home for Northend’s fourth and surely put the game beyond Bangor’s reach. The supporters had reached pitch side by this point anticipating the final whistle and after an anxious wait (which felt like hours), the whistle blew and Northend became SBYL second division champions with a comfortable scoreline in the end. Full Time 4-1

Man of the Match: Kian McGarel.

Panel: C Lavelle, A Pekala, H Pekala, K O Neill, S Kerr, E Lavelle (c), D McErlean, L Barnett, P Devlin, S McArdle, E Drysdale, D McKay, J Jamieson, K McGarel, and L Mac Namee.

Northend Utd 2 Warrenpoint Town 0 Friday 19th april 2024

A rare sunfilled evening at Crumlin 3G on Friday night would be the venue for a very tough encounter for the young blues against classy Intermediate Academy side Warrenpoint Town. The match kicked off at the same time as league leaders Glentoran’s match against 1st Bangor Juniors. The young Blues knowing nothing less than victory was required to continue their remarkable run for title glory.

The young blues took a bit of time to get into this game as Warren point knocked the ball around with ease using the width well. They got their wingers high and wide which pinned Northend back at times into a back five. However, Pekala, Kerr and O’Neill were resolute at the back and McErlean and Devlin coped well with the pressure as effective wing backs. Drysdale, Lavelle and McArdle were comfortable in the middle but couldn’t find the telling pass for the front two of Jamieson and McGarel. The closest in the first quarter was when McGarel came deep to receive the ball and switched the ball in behind to strike partner Jamieson. Jay’s shot being well saved by the keeper. The intelligence of McGarel worked out the passing patterns of play of Warrenpoint and he started to exert a lot of pressure on their backline with a high counter press. Barnett who had come onto the left-wing started on the front foot getting the team up the pitch and getting balls forward quickly to danger man McGarel. A goal was coming. McGarel picked the ball up on the edge of the area and lifted it in over the keepers head but it deflected off the top of the cross bar. Then with 18 minutes on the clock McGarel finally broke the deadlock creating a yard of space for himself and firing the ball into the back of the net. In a five minute spell of relentless Northend pressure, McGarel capitalised again winning the ball high up and rounding the keeper to calmly slot the ball into the back of the net for his brace to the applause of the travelling Northend faithful. 2-0. Barnett who was having a stormer down the left side drove into the box after being found by McGarel but his near post shot was well saved by the keeper. McGarel nearly finished the half with a hatrick but his attempt was just wide. A brilliant quarter from the young blues. Half Time 2-0

As to be expected good sides like the Point don’t go away. Warrenpoint came out in the second half with grit and determination and started to dominate this tie. Their players were always on the move, in space and they moved the ball quickly resulting in Northend chasing shadows. Northend went a bit flat and they couldn’t wrestle back control of this tie or get any possession. However, for all Warrenpoint’s great play they lacked that cutting edge up top. Pekala, O’Neill and Kerr were immense at the back supported by Lavelle who had to be alive to the ball in behind. Indeed Lavelle pulled off a fantastic save to keep Warrenpoint at bay at the height of the pressure. Northend looked most dangerous on the counter getting the ball forward quickly. A characteristic explosive run by Jamieson got in behind but his shot was just wide. MacNamee came close also but couldn’t hit the target. Warrenpoint played out the last 15 with ten men due to a depleted squad and injury. However, it looked like they had the extra man as this seemed to energise them and their work rate and possession based play was phenomenal. Despite this Northend still looked the most likely to score with Devlin and McGarel coming close on the counter. In the end Northend ran out comfortable winners. Warrenpoint deserve great credit, their players out on their feet after the final whistle. A look across the park saw Glentoran drop points again and this victory setup the possibility of a title victory in the penultimate game of the season. Full Time 2-0

Man of the Match: Lucas Barnett

Panel: C Lavelle, A Pekala, H Pekala, K O Neill, S Kerr, E Lavelle (c), D McErlean, L Barnett, P Devlin, S McArdle, E Drysdale, J Jamieson, K McGarel, and LMac Namee

Northend Utd 5 Glenavy 1 Tuesday 16th March 2024

Games now coming thick and fast at the business end of the season in the league run in. An early evening tea time kick-off at Crumlin 3G would see a tough encounter against possession based team Glenavy. This was a must win opportunity as league leaders Glentoran had slipped up against Clonduff at the weekend, a win would put real pressure on the title race.

Northend needed to adjust shape quickly in this game as Glenavy wingers hugged the touchline pinning back Northend wingbacks Devlin and McErlean. However, Northend grew into the game and they were on the front foot soon after. McGarel was on fire and seemed to be everywhere pressurising the backline, hungry for the advantage. With only four minutes on the clock McGarel capitalised on a mistake by the goalkeeper and fired it in high over his head into the roof of the net. Northend seemed to settle and they started passing the ball around well. Good interplay between Barnett, O’Neill and Lavelle down the left side allowing McGarel on the ball and keep the pressure high. The back three of Hubert, O’Neill and Kerr looked comfortable on the front foot compressing the spaces. The front two of Jamieson and McGarel were pressing high giving the Glenavy back three a torrid time. A further goal from McGarel for his brace followed up by one for Jamieson all put this game to bed in the first half. 3-0. However, to their credit Glenavy put up a brave fight in the closing stages of the first half. A ball in behind saw their forward beat Pekala to the punch, creating a yard of space to slot home and get one back before the break. Half Time 3-1.

Despite the score line the Northend coaches were not happy at half time as signs of complacency had set in and they expected a big reaction from Glenavy in the second half. This call to arms seemed to have the desired effect and there was a real resolute battling performance from the midfield of Lavelle, McArdle, Devlin and McErlean. They started gaining back control of the tie. Pressure told and Lavelle climbed highest from a Northend corner with the deftest of downward headers into the far corner to take the game away from Glenavy. Minutes later a speculative shot from Jamieson from outside of the box ended this game effectively as a contest. The last fifteen was played out well by Northend, keeping possession, taking no chances and showing a bit of maturity in game management. Full Time 5-1

Man of the Match: Eoin Lavelle.

Panel: C Lavelle, A Pekala, H Pekala, K O Neill, S Kerr, E Lavelle (c), D McErlean, L Barnett, P Devlin, S McArdle, E Drysdale, J Jamieson, K McGarel, and L Mac Namee.

Northend United 4 St Malachys Cosmos 2 Saturday 13th April 2024

A return to Mallusk playing fields for the first of the big five run in games for the boys. Northend started the game sharp keeping the ball well and trying to get on the front foot early doors and it wasn’t long before the pressure got Northend one up. The goal came from a wonder strike from E. Drysdale who found himself in space, after the ball was cleared out by the St. Malachy’s defence, he took a touch and fired into the top corner. The pressure continued from Northend and with 15 mins on the clock the second came. A fantastic through ball from A. Pekala had J.Jamieson hunting down the last defender, beating him for strength, got in one on one with the keeper and neatly slotted home to put the blues 2-0. Defensively Northend were solid, the back four of Drysdale, O Neill, H.Pekala and A.Pekala clearing the lines well and controlled any danger that came their way. As half time came Northend went in to the break two to the good. Half time 2-0

The second half couldn’t have started better for the boys, with 35 seconds on the second half clock an outstanding bit of footwork from Devlin on the wing got himself free and burst down the channel, whipped in a sweet cross which unfortunately for the St. Malachy’s defender could only be put in to his own net and surely put the game out of St. Malachy’s reach. This was the turning point for the saints as they rolled the sleeves up and started to try get a bit of football going themselves and approached the half with some fight. With that the first signs of a battle for the blues defence started, some great movement behind the blues defence saw St. Malachy’s in on goal and as Lavelle came out to pressurise the Saints striker slotted home and gave them a slight hope of a comeback 3-1 Northend. The Northend midfield of Devlin, McArdle, E. Lavelle and MacNamee had now found themselves in a battle after a comfortable first half, and it was to be a good link up with two of the midfield duo that got Northend in for their next opportunity. This time it was Jamieson’s turn on the right side to drive down the channel with ease, get to the byline and swing the ball in toward goal. As the ball checked on the line the shepherding Lavelle had no choice but to stick it in the net. As the boys went off celebrating the whistle had gone and an offside ruling was given, much to the disappointment from the blues and their sideline. This only gave the blues more determination and it wasn’t long until they were finally on the scoreline again this time some incredible footwork from McGarel, got a hold of the ball again sublimely found from A.Pekala. He turned and ran at the saints’ defence, sent the defender one way then the other got the yard of space he was looking for and struck a fine shot to put the boys 4-1 up and add another to his personal tally which now puts him to 26 for the season. To be fair to St. Malachy’s the kept fighting and as Northend had thought the game was well over, the saints had other ideas and got themselves another goal to just remind Northend they hadn’t gone away. Northend continued to try find a fifth but as the referees whistle blew it was to bring an end to a good game for the blues and another 3 points in the bag.

Was a close one for player of the match today but it goes to A.Pekala for some fantastic forward balls and defending strong when needed. The boys next game sees them with a midweek game on Tuesday against Glenavy at Crumlin. Well done boys on to the next one. Full Time 4-2

Man of the Match: Adrian Pekala.

Panel: C Lavelle, A Pekala, H Pekala, K O Neill, E Lavelle (c), P Devlin, S McArdle, E Drysdale, J Jamieson, K McGarel, and L Mac Namee

Northend United 4 Cliftonville 1 Saturday 6th April 2024

A return to Mallusk for the Northend Utd 09’s after the Easter break with Cliftonville the opposition today. Cliftonville took centre and as it was played back, Jamieson blocked the clearance and slipped the ball through to McKay who slotted home with less than a minute on the clock. 1-0. With the early goal, confidence was strong (so too the wind ) and Northend continued to push forward creating several chances , the attack of Jamieson, McGarel, McErlean and McKay causing Cliftonville havoc but just not being able to find that final finish. Cliftonville to their credit kept trying to find a way through, one opportunity in particular saw the pacey winger dance round several of the Northend players only to be stopped by the smart defending of Kerr at the back. It was though Cliftonville who struck next , 31 minutes in they found their way through the up to now comfortable back 3 of Pekala, Kerr and Devlin, finding an opening in behind. They managed to fire a shot that could only be parried into the net from the out rushing Lavelle. 1-1. With half time approaching Northend knew they had to take advantage of the strong wind and continually pressed for that second and with a minute before half time a free kick was awarded to the blues around the 30 yards area. McGarel stepped up confidently and smashed the ball into the top left and gave Northend a lead into the second half. Half time 2-1

Second half was to be a different half playing against a very strong wind but the boys found their rhythm and started playing the ball about well and within two minutes of the restart it was McGarel who struck again. Good play from Jamieson on the right found McGarel inside, who then took a touch out of his feet and slotted neatly into the bottom right, 3-1 Northend. Cliftonville started using the wind and were trying to find a way to get in behind the blues but credit to the Northend defence who where able to confidently control their lines and play out from the back. In particular Pekala and Drysdale who where having solid games , gave nothing away and won every first ball in the air. Northend where still finding opportunities, McGarel narrowly missing wide and Jamieson found himself one on one with the keeper again narrowly missing. Next chance fell again to Northend this time McKay with the finish. Great build up play from back to front saw McKay slipped in behind the Cliftonville defence, casually slipping the ball past the keeper and putting the game out of Cliftonville’s reach. Northend continued to display great football keeping the ball on the deck. The midfield duo of McArdle and Lavelle continued to work hard and keep the ball going forward but as chances came and went the game petered out and a final score of 4-1 was how it would end.

A fantastic second half display of how to play football against the wind was the difference today. A great performance by the boys and a few big stand out performances but in particular POTM today was to go to E. Drysdale who didn’t put a foot wrong, broke up play, won every aerial duel he went for and got the team going forward with simple composed football. Very well done Ethan. Full Time 4-1

Man of the Match: Ethan Drysdale

Panel: C Lavelle, H Pekala, S Kerr, K O‘ Neill, E Lavelle (c), D McErlean, P Devlin, S McArdle, E Drysdale, J Jamieson, L Barnett, D McKay, K McGarel, and L Mac Namee

Cup day for the pizza parlour sponsored 09’s and a trip to Mallusk. Northend barely got the socks pulled up when they conceded the first goal, 1 minute 30 on the clock and a soft cross ball was not cleared, allowed Bangor to latch on to the ball and a poor shot found its way into the net. Northend started to try and get the ball moving but conditions on a bobbly pitch made it hard for any football to be played. With the game going end to end, 10 minutes on the clock the second goal came and again poor defending by Northend allowed Bangor in. This time a shot from the edge of the box could only be parried by Lavelle and with none of the blues reacting Bangor capitalised on the loose ball and tucked it in for 2-0 to the good. Northend finally woke up and started to apply some pressure of their own, getting in behind Bangor down the channels but just not able to find the final pass. As Northend pushed for a way back it was Bangor who struck again this time getting in behind with a long ball down the channel putting in a ball to the box and the Bangor striker slotted home for a 3-0 advantage. With minutes to the end of the half Northend finally found the net, some neat play between McGarel and McKay got McKay in one on one with the keeper and neatly finished to give the blues a lifeline going into half time. Half time 1-3

Into the second half and Northend started the stronger, this time determined to claw their way back into the game, they continued to push hard and finding a better rhythm to their attacks. Jamieson, Devlin and McErlean were causing the Bangor defence problems. Defensively Northend where sharper and first to the ball , A.Pekala , H. Pekala , S. Kerr and K O Neill with E. Drysdale marshalling in front snuffed out any danger Bangor where giving. With that the second chance for Northend came. Again the front two of McGarel and McKay linking, Mc.Kay found some space and hit a 20 yard shot only to see it hit off the crossbar. As the time ticked away Northend struggled to find the key pass through the Bangor defence and with that came the final whistle. Full Time 1-3

Man of the Match: Hubert Pekala.

Panel: C Lavelle, A Pekala, H Pekala, S Kerr, K O Neill, L Barnett, E Lavelle (c), P Devlin, S McArdle, D McKay, E Drysdale, D McErlean, J Jamieson, K McGarel, and L Mac Namee.

Northend United 3 Warrenpoint Town 2 Saturday 9th March 2024

Today was second versus third with little between the teams in the league. Northend started the game well and had Warrenpoint on the back foot from the off, the first chance coming within ten minutes. A corner swung in from Kian McGarel was met by the head of Eoin Lavelle and was sharply tipped over by the keeper. Moments later another fine save from the Warrenpoint keeper. McGarel picked up a loose ball, twisted and shimmied his way finding a yard of space and cracked a shot to the top left, only for the keeper to push behind. Warrenpoint tried to get a bit of momentum going for themselves but the Northend defence of O’Neill, H. Pekala, S. Kerr and A. Pekala were having a solid start to the game and shutting out anything coming their way. Then came the opening, Drysdale won the ball in midfield and played an exquisite through ball to McGarel who flicked the ball up with his knee and fired a volley in off the top right and put Northend one to the good. 1-0. The boys kept the pressure high up on the Warrenpoint defence giving them little time on the ball to get a rhythm going and seven minutes later the blues found themselves two up. This time another sublime through ball by Jamieson out on the right. Jay got control of the ball lifted the head and saw the run of McGarel and with a quick pass took the Warrenpoint defence completely out of the game and Kian ran on and tucked the ball in for two for Northend and two for McGarel. Warrenpoint again tried to rally and regroup but with no real threat. The Northend midfield of Devlin, McArdle, Lavelle and Jamieson controlled the game, were solid defensively and got the ball going forward at every opportunity. With half time approaching the pressure from Northend continued and then came the third, this time a free kick for the blues on the halfway line. Lavelle took the free kick played a great ball in behind the Warrenpoint defence, it bounced in front of the keeper, who could only parry the ball back out, then the quick reactions of MacNamee to slot the ball calmly past the keeper and put the game three to the good for the blues. Half time 3-0

As the second half got underway Warrenpoint started to put some pressure onto the Northend defence, getting some balls in behind and putting the blues on the back foot , thankfully for Northend, keeper Lavelle was on hand to collect any chances for Warrenpoint stopping any real threat on goal. Barnett continued to give the Warrenpoint right side a torrid time continually driving at them or breaking down any moments of play they tried. Warrenpoint kept coming with a determination to try find something to get back into the game and finally they did. A cross from the right saw the Warrenpoint attacker win a header which Jamison tried to flick over the bar but could only divert into his own net and give Warrenpoint a slight glimmer of hope. Northend started to sit back and allowed Warrenpoint to put more pressure on. Nine minutes later they managed to get in behind Northend and fire a cross in from the right and the Point defender ran on to the ball and tucked it in for a second. Game on with five minutes to play. Northend gathered themselves and tried to keep ball getting a few more breaks but with no real threat and with that came the final whistle and a relieved blues team who now go to second in the league with two games still in hand. A very well done to Warrenpoint and good luck to them the rest of the season. With a lot of big performances today across the pitch making POTM a very difficult one but in the end went to K. McGarel, very well done Kian. Well done to all the boys today a big result and back to work Monday. Full Time 3-2

Player of the Match: Kian McGarel

Panel: C Lavelle, A Pekala, H Pekala, S Kerr, K O Neill, E Lavelle (c), P Devlin, S McArdle, E Drysdale, J Jamieson, L Barnett, K McGarel, and L Mac Namee

Northend United 3 Glenavy Youth 0 Tuesday 27th February 2024

Another midweek fixture under the lights in Crumlin 3G on a great night for football against a very good Glenavy footballing side. The young blues squad was depleted with injury after the exhorts of the physical weekend encounter. It was a night to dig deep and indeed they did producing a first class second half display after being second best in the first for the most part.

Glenavy were on the front foot from the off. They dominated the early exchanges in midfield and showed their intent from the start to get the ball down and play. They made full use of the width with the wide men hugging the touchline on either flank pegging back Northend and stretching them all over. Glenavy had two or three attempts from outside the box but nothing overly troubling keeper Lavelle. Northend found it very hard to get out and up the pitch. Glenavy’s closest attempt was a delivery to the backpost but Lavelle was off his line quickly commanding his box and dealing with the situation effectively. Northend’s only attacking threat was the long ball in behind but the Glenavy keeper was reactive dealing with anything behind the defensive line. Kerr was brought on to offer a bit more pace and physicality up top to stretch the Glenavy backline. This had good impact and very quickly Kerr had breached the Glenavy defence with strong running and got a shot at goal which was saved competently by the young keeper. A couple more half chances materialised for the young blues but Kerr and McGarel found it hard work up top with little support from midfield. Both McErlean and Devlin had been pegged back but on the occasion they did get free they looked very threatening on the outside with some good delivery. The back three of Hubert, Kian and Adrian dealt with any threat that was offered. Half time 0-0

Northend switched formation to a 4-3-3 matching Glenavy up and giving more of an attacking threat up top. This also balanced the numbers in the middle as Northend had been effectively playing with a back five in first half. Lavelle, McArdle and McErlean immediately started dominating the midfield and gaining control of this tie. They started to settle down and started passing the ball well with McGarel, Kerr and MacNamee offering great options into feet. MacNamee was showing for the ball and exhibiting a calmness and composure with some deft touches and great footwork. This allowed McGarel to run off the back of him and a great through ball saw McGarel in the clear but it was pulled back for a questionable offside. Northend were now dominant. Great delivery from Devlin found McGarel wide left and Northend were very close to taking the lead when MacNamee was found but shot just wide. The goal however was coming and when McGarel finally got through on goal his first time half volley was clinically dispatched in the corner for a deserved lead. Glenavy were now on the ropes and McGarel was unplayable beating a number of players to get a shot away but just wide. Then Lavelle who was pushing forward from midfield had an attempt at goal that also was shy of the target. The pressure however told and another great bit of play by McGarel and a slide rule pass across the goal saw Kerr at the back post with a composed finish to double the lead. Glenavy hadn’t given up and began getting the ball forward quickly and had numbers up top and genuine pace. Pekala was immense in the centre dealing with most. However, when Glenavy finally got in Lavelle pulled off a brilliant save. Unfortunately, the ball broke on the edge of the area with Lavelle still on the ground. It looked a certain goal but Hubert threw his body on the line making a spectacular block to avert the danger. However, with Glenavy pushing forward it left gaps at the back. Northend exploited that releasing Kerr through the middle. Scott ran in on goal and squared the ball to the backpost for McGarel for a simple tap in for his brace. McGarel was close to a hat-trick taking a fine save to push his effort round the post. The bench then brought Kerr back into defence to help deal with the pace in behind. Glenavy threw the kitchen sink at it to try and get a goal but Northend defended manfully being led by Kerr in the centre who was immense. A great performance, deserved of the win. Many players up there for man of the match and so the honours were split between Kerr and MacNamee. MacNamee for a composed competent and aggressive display which really set the tone for the team in the second half. Kerr offered great physicality and pace up top, with an assist, a goal, great fight and resilience at centre half. Full Time 3-0

Players of the Match: Lewis MacNamee and Scott Kerr

Panel: C Lavelle, A Pekala, H Pekala, S Kerr, K O Neill, E Lavelle (c), P Devlin, S McArdle, E Drysdale, D McErlean, K McGarel, and L Mac Namee.