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Northend Colts 3 Dromara Village 1 Saturday 26th October 2024

A return to Mallusk for the young Pizza Parlour Colts to face Dromara village on a pleasant Saturday morning. After last week’s league victory they were determined to make it two on the bounce. Indeed a fairly decent performance was enough to keep the run going and take all three points.

Northend started on the front foot not giving Dromara any time or space on the ball and the pressure was all one way. Despite Dromara’s superior size and physicality Northend were not intimidated and showed grit and fight. The early pressure told after five minutes with the award of a penalty. Da Prato played a delicate through ball onto the head of Devlin, as he went to knock it over the keeper it was slapped away by a covering defender. Devlin had no hesitation running quickly to grab the ball and step up. Full of confidence he sent the keeper the wrong way and smashed it into the opposite corner for an early lead. Northend didn’t let up and Dromara were camped in finding it difficult to get out. Northend had a series of corners perfectly delivered into the mix by Da Prato. King came closest to doubling the lead when he headed the ball downwards past the keeper only for it to be unfortunately cleared off the line by his own player. The purple patch continued and the front three of Gordon, Devlin and Higgins were causing havoc. Devlin worked his way through into the penalty box and slid it across the keeper, looking for the far corner but just wide. A few changes were made and the early momentum seemed to peter out. Despite this Neeson and O’Hara were strong and resilient on either wing and the centre pairing of O’Neill and McKay were cool and in control. Hardy had very little to do and the half ended with a slender Northend lead. Half Time 1-0

Northend came out in the second half with renewed vigour. Martin and McNeill were working really hard on the wings pressing high and not letting Dromara out. Gordon and King were continuously making forward runs from midfield, confident with the work rate of Neeson behind in the centre to protect the back four. With seven minutes of the second half gone this pressure paid dividends. Hard work from Martin down the left pressed the right back forcing him into a mistake and with numbers in the box the Dromara clearance was pressed resulting in the ball breaking to McNeill on the right who was free on the edge of the area. Kane took one touch to set himself and calmly slotted the ball into the far corner to double the lead to huge celebrations, a popular scorer. Dromara grew into the game and showed they could play creating a bit of momentum with a few corners and free kicks. However as a team Northend defended manfully never really looking under threat. Hardy’s kicking was on point and he was unlucky not to get an assist putting Devlin, Gordon and Higgins all in against the keeper. With twenty minutes played Gordon in midfield showed great touch and played a brilliant through ball sending Higgins in against the keeper. The keeper was out quickly but Dara poked the ball through his legs and then smashed the ball into the empty net to surely secure all three points. To be fair to Dromara they rolled up their sleeves and the next ten minutes was their best spell in the game. There pressure resulted in a deserved goal from a corner kick with a free header converted clinically. However, it was too little too late and Northend seen the game out, Devlin coming close to his brace in the last minute but just over the bar. Kane gets the plaudits for a hard working performance, gassed at the full time whistle but delighted with his composed finish. Said he was never for missing. Full Time 3-1

Ballymena Pizza Parlour Player of the Match: Kane McNeill

Panel: L Hardy, C O’Neill, R Maguire, H McKay, C King, C Higgins, J Dillon, P Martin, J O’Hara, C Da Prato (c), P Neeson, O Gordon, P Neeson, D Higgins and K McNeill

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Immaculata 2 Northend Colts 3 Saturday 19th October 2024

Grosvenor Road 3G on a mild sun filled morning was perfect playing conditions for the Pizza Parlour sponsored Colts away fixture to Immaculata. The match went one way then the other as the blues came out the right side of a five-goal thriller.

Northend started brightly on the front foot, pressing the ball and getting into the opposing half. Early pressure saw Neeson just get under a Da Prato corner at the back post when he was in the clear. Then a direct Da Prato free kick just missed the upright as Northend continued to keep the pressure high. Some good forward play found King who rushing the shot on his left was again just wide of target. Closest in the first ten after the pressure was McKay who had stepped onto the ball in midfield and hit a clean strike from outside the area. With the keeper beaten it deflected off the wrong side of the cross bar. Then Slattery had to be taken off after 10 due to an ankle injury and McKay dropped into defence as the side-line reshuffled the pack. Not long after a long free kick was palmed down by Hardy, with the sun in his eyes and two Immaculata players were onto the ball unmarked and with their first attempt took an early lead. Northend looked a little disjointed and so Devlin, Neeson and Higgins were pushed high up and King pushed forward to improve Northend’s shape. Neeson was getting joy down the right and his shot attempt was blocked for a corner. Da Prato delivered the corner into the mix and a Neeson shot was blocked. It broke to King who clinically slotted the ball in the corner to tie the game. Northend made a few further changes as players looked tired and the first half petered out without event. Half Time 1-1

Northend could still not get their rhythm going in the second half and they kept giving the ball away cheaply not holding onto any possession. The pressure began to intensify as Immaculata took control of the tie. However, the back four of O’Hara, McKay, O’Neill and Maguire defended manfully but they were under a lot of pressure. Finally the pressure took a toll and a collision between O’Neill and the sprightly forward in the penalty box resulted in the award of a penalty. Callum had to be taken off as a result of the impact. Immaculata slotted the pen away clinically to regain the lead. The bench reacted almost immediately going to 4-3-3 with a strong midfield of Da Prato, King and Neeson to get a foot on the ball and take back control of the game. It had immediate impact. Gordon, Devlin and Higgins stayed high up as a three and they terrorised the defence. A couple of close offside decisions and a few misplaced passes as the pressure intensified. Finally a brilliant slipped ball from King set Higgins clear and Dara side footed into the corner to bring the game back level for the second time. Within two minutes Higgins was slipped through again, this time by Da Prato. Dara, dropped the shoulder did a step over and beat his man wide right. Then he cut the ball back perfectly to the late run of Devlin. Pearse took one touch out of his feet and smashed it back across the keeper to go in front for the first time with little over five to go. Immaculata were rattled and Devlin broke through two more times but just wide of target. Full Time 3-2

Not the blues best performance for large parts of the game but they found a way to win. They hung in there and in the end showed what they were all about with some incisive football. However it was the boys at the back who were most consistent all game with Patenall and McKay giving little through the middle. Harry gets named POTM for consistency, composure and very unlucky not to be on the scoresheet.

Player of the Match: Harry McKay

Panel: L Hardy, C O’Neill, L Slattery, R Maguire, H McKay, C King, N Patenall, J Dillon, P Martin, J O’Hara, C Da Prato (c), P Neeson, O Gordon, P Neeson, D Higgins and K McNeill.

Northend Colts 1 Drumaness Mills 2 Saturday 12th October 2024

The young Pizza Parlour colts faced a huge challenge on their first game of the new league against undefeated league leaders Drumaness Mills, on a bright, windy autumnal morning at the Valley. On paper this should be a comfortable victory for Drumaness but Northend raised their game and gave everything making this tie a very close encounter.

Northend started brightly on the front foot, not giving Drumaness any time or space with a high press, closing them down effectively all over the pitch. The line was being led by Gordon who was like a terrier snapping at their heels and his work rate was phenomenal. It wasn’t long before Gordon won the ball high up supported by C. Higgins who got the ball out of his feet and smashed the ball left footed across goal into the top corner to take a surprising early lead. Northend dropped into a low block with five in midfield and Drumaness found it impossible to get through. The central midfield three of Da Prato, King and McKay worked extremely hard and aggressively winning all their 50:50 duals. Drumaness tried to get in round the back numerous times on either flank but Neeson and O’Hara would not be beaten and they limited any attacks. On transition and the long ball was well dealt with well by O’Neill and Slattery. O’Neill had the big centre half wrapped up giving him nothing and both Slattery and Hardy picked up all the bits and pieces. It was pretty much a stale mate with little threat to either goal. Northend happy to hold what they already had. Drumaness were limited to long shots and crosses which Hardy held well and was never really threatened. Northend’s best opportunity was from a corner kick whipped in by Da Prato and met by King but his downward header just wide. Half Time 1-0

The second half continued in the same pattern of play. Martin and Dillon had come on to energise the midfield and McKay continued to smash everybody with a number of robust challenges keeping the pressure at bay. Again Hardy had very little to deal with quick off his line to deal with any through balls in the strong wind. His kicking was on point against the elements allowing Northend to continue to get up the pitch. Northend came close to doubling their lead when a through ball of their own put Gordon through. The keeper came out quickly and Oisin just needed to lift the bouncing ball over his head. He decided to take an extra touch and the quick central defender nipped in to get a touch to avert the danger. With ten to go Northend started to tire and the wingers were not coming back as quickly on the counter allowing a few spaces on the outside. O’Hara was getting pressurised with two down the right but Da Prato came over to assist and they dealt with it well. The ball wasn’t cleared from a corner kick and with the first real threat Hardy had to pull off a brilliant reflex save to maintain the lead. However, the pressure was mounting and again an overlap down the right allowed a ball played across goal. Slattery running toward goal tried to get something on it but very unfortunately redirected the ball into the far corner of his own goal leaving Hardy no chance. 1-1. Despite the setback Northend dropped back into a low block with a few fresh legs on to see the game out. As Northend tried to break out from a defensive clearance the ball was lost in the middle of the park on the 70th minute. The Drumaness midfielder just latched onto it and with the wind at his back smashed a 30 yard rocket in over Hardy’s head to all but win the game. The ref indicated a minute of injury time and O’Hara whipped the ball forward quickly into the Drumaness penalty area. Devlin free just needed a touch to lift it over the keeper but didn’t make contact and the final whistle was sounded. Full Time 1-2

A very impressive battling performance by the young blues and they felt very hard done by leaving empty handed to a late OG and last-minute screamer. The Drumaness coach agreed it was going to take something like that for them to score today because they couldn’t break down a very resolute defence. Gordon gets the plaudits working tirelessly up front as a lone striker and doing well to hold the ball up, creating the first goal.

Player of the Match: Oisin Gordon

Panel: L Hardy, C O’Neill, L Slattery, R Maguire, H McKay, C King, C Higgins, J Dillon, P Martin, J O’Hara, C Da Prato (c), P Neeson, O Gordon, P Neeson, D Higgins and K McNeill.

Northend Colts 0 Albert Foundry 1 Sunday 6th October 2024

A top of the table clash for the young blues in harsh conditions on a cold wet windy Mallusk, against league leaders Albert Foundry. Little between the teams in an epic tussle but Foundry take the three points with the only goal of the game which was harsh in a very even contest.

With the wind at their back Foundry started in the ascendency and Northend found it hard to get up the pitch. It was very congested and compact and both teams cancelled each other out for the most part. Foundry looked the most threatening getting the ball forward quickly but the back four of Neeson, O’Neill, Slattery and O’Hara stood firm with Hardy off his line quickly to concede very little opportunity. McKay sat in and offered steel in the midfield resetting the play from a deeper position. The first big chance in the first half came when Devlin was slipped inside by Lavelle but his shot was off target. Then Gordon was slipped through down the left side. He beat his man but was taken out inside the area. Penalty! Gordon stepped up calmly and slotted his shot bottom left. However the keeper got down at full stretch and tipped the ball round the post. A brilliant save. A brilliant Da Prato delivery soon after was sent in over the keepers head but Gordon couldn’t control the opportunity in front of an empty goal and the ball bounced off King and fortunately into the keeper’s hand. Then King had another chance after he was found in the area by Da Prato. He tried to chest it down to Gordon but he couldn’t get it under control and the chance was gone. King would have another opportunity with his head from a corner but well save by the keeper. Before the half end Foundry got the ball forward quickly down the right side. The Foundry winger did well to keep it in and cut back past his man. Northend had switched off and it was played to a free man at the back post for a tap in before the half end. Half Time 0-1

Northend came out a lot more resolute after the break and pushed into a 4-3-3 with the wind at their backs which saw them to begin to dominate the match. The midfield three of Da Prato, Lavelle and Higgins were in control and kept playing telling balls in behind. Neeson and Devlin had the back four rattled down the flanks and were offering width and penetration. Devlin beat his man and whipped the ball across goal but first King and then Neeson could not control it to get it over the line. Lavelle picked up the ball and fired a shot at goal which was well saved. Then another Devlin delivery saw King pick it up in the box, beat his man and get his shot away but a last minute block deflected it back to Lavelle who’s shot was again saved. It was all one way traffic. A Lavelle free kick from distance was struck well and subsequently spilled by the keeper. Two Northend players were free at the back post but just couldn’t force it over the line. Then finally a kind break of the ball after a deep Patenall cross saw Gordon slip Devlin free at the back post. Devlin redirected it back across goal for what was thought to be the equaliser. The referee questionably blew it up for offside. Although Devlin was ahead of the ball, a man on the post looked to be keeping him onside. Nevertheless, not long after the best chance of the half fell to king as Devlin fired a ball across the face of goal. Both King and Neeson were onto it but King could not redirect it into the goal and just wide. Albert Foundry fought hard and put tackle after tackle in pressing Northend and trying to disrupt any rhythm or flow. They got the ball up the pitch several times but Slattery and O’Neill were too strong. However, they did create an opening which just hit the crossbar. They slowed the game down and made it bitty as Northend went to three at the back and a front four. However, there was little supply as Northend found it hard to cope with the conditions and the pressure. Finally, a brilliant ball was sent in over the top to Devlin who was free at the back post. He rushed his shot and slashed at it which summed up Northend day. They just didn’t get the rub of the green and were very unfortunate to be on the losing side after having the lion’s share of chances. Albert Foundry just that bit more clinical on the day.

Northend defence was on top conceding very little. O’Neil was named player of the match for an assured performance at the back. Winning his one v one duals and showing a turn of pace to shut the door on the Foundry front line. Full Time 0-1

Ballymena Pizza Parlour Man of the Match: Callum O’Neill

Panel: L Hardy, C O’Neill, L Slattery, R Maguire, H McKay, C King, E Lavelle, C Higgins, N Patenall, J O’Hara, C Da Prato (c), P Neeson, O Gordon, P Neeson, D Higgins and K McNeill.

Northend Colts 6 Antrim Soccer Academy 1 Friday 27th September 2024

A return to a Friday night under the lights at Crumlin 3G, on a cold autumnal evening, against Antrim Soccer Academy. The young Pizza Parlour sponsored blues put in their strongest performance of the season, with some fine finishing, to end this tie off in style.

Northend started on the front foot, King and Da Prato running the show in midfield supported by Higgins and McKay who were aggressive and competitive. King came close from the off but just wide. Midfield supply for the front two of Gordon and Devlin was constant and Devlin was torturing the backline, showing some good interplay with Gordon. A good side foot strike across goal by Devlin was well saved by the young keeper with very quick reflexes. Not long after Devlin broke through the backline again and this time there was no stopping him as he smashed it in the corner to take the lead after 6 minutes. It was all one way traffic. Da Prato came close again with an audacious effort to chip the keeper off his line from thirty yards but the keeper was back quickly to make a good save. He then saved further efforts from Devlin and Da Prato. The pick of them was from a 25yard half volleyed thunderbolt from Da Prato which was rising into the top corner. Somehow at full stretch the keeper flew across the goal pulling off a worldy from a perfect strike. Higgins and Devlin would have further opportunity but pressure from the keeper forced them wide of goal. Higgins thought he had scored when he came across his man and smashed it into the corner but again the young keeper flew across goal and smothered it. It looked like one of those days and that this keeper wasn’t for being beaten. Then just before the half end O’Hara whipped a looping left footed curling cross in over the keepers head. With the strong wind to his advantage it went in directly, pressure from King on the keeper making it difficult Half Time 2-0

The second goal seemed to settle Northend but ASA came out fighting. However, King and Neeson were strong in midfield and the hardworking O’Hara, O’Neill, Slattery and Maguire had the game under control at the back. Dillon and Gordon worked their socks off on either flank and they pushed back the tide of pressure. McNeill and Higgins worked hard as a two pressuring the defence. Gordon was on fire torturing the backline down the right side and pressing with ferocious intensity. Half way through the second half Gordons work rate and all round play was rewarded with a goal. He controlled a Higgins pass with the deftest of touches and then finished in style to put this game to bed. Northend started spreading the ball around brilliantly with good high tempo passing that didn’t allow ASA a touch of the ball. King, DaPrato and Patenall were playing tiki taka football with confidence and showing some fine footwork and skills. Da Prato dropped the shoulder beat his man and slotted a brilliant effort across goal but again another brilliant save from the keeper at full stretch. Then King beat two men and curled it toward the top corner just missing the upright. Then Devlin from a deeper midfield position got onto the ball, beat a couple of men and smashed in his brace, the deflection giving the keeper no chance. D Higgins and Devlin were showing great interplay down the left making the pitch big. A slipped ball from Cormac put Pearse through in on goal. He drove at the keeper and then calmly slotted it into the corner for his hat-trick, deserved of his all-round performance. Not long after D. Higgins was in on the action. When he was put through on goal he smashed a controlled side foot rocket into the corner to make it six and lay down a marker in this division. To ASAs credit they didn’t give up and got a goal of their own before the final whistle. Great delivery to the back post from a corner was met with a header, however nothing more than a consolation in the end.

This brings the young blues in joint top spot after four games. Next up a tasty tie with a top of the table clash vs Albert Foundry. Devlin gets the plaudits for his hat trick and all round aggressive style torturing the back line. Gordon was also highlighted for his work rate and endeavour capped off with a well taken goal. Full Time 6-1

Ballymena Pizza Parlour Player of the Match: Pearse Devlin

Panel: L Hardy, C O’Neill, L Slattery, R Maguire, H McKay, C King, C Higgins, J Dillon, N Patenall, J O’Hara, C Da Prato (c), P Neeson, O Gordon, P Neeson, D Higgins and K McNeill.

Northend Colts 2 Newtownabbey 1 Wednesday 18th September 2024

A return to Crumlin 3G for an early evening, midweek fixture against a good Newtownabbey side, as the long shadows filled the sun-drenched pitch. The young Pizza Parlour sponsored blues were keen to get the opportunity of a game, so quickly after the disappointment the previous weekend. Again another physical encounter against a very strong team but the young blues just edged it on the night with another impressive performance.

Newtownabbey started much the stronger of the two teams looking to get the ball forward quickly and put Northend under pressure. From the kick off Newtownabbey worked their way through the heart of Northend, coming close with a shot wide of target. They continued to create a number of openings but didn’t have their shooting boots on, to the relief of the Northend dugout. Northend were not pressing the ball with any intensity and allowing Newtownabbey on to them too easily. Northend offered little going forward and most of the play was in the Northend half. The bench reacted quickly to make adjustments to shape and personnel which seemed to give Northend a better footing. Shape was improved and the midfield three of Da Prato, McKay and Dillon started getting some control and momentum, always on the front foot. Higgins and Devlin were offering penetration down the flanks which started getting Northend up into Newtownabbey’s half. The back four of Maguire, Slattery, O’Neill and O’Hara were a lot more solid and secure. Despite the better control in the game the teams started to cancel each other out in which was a very even first half. Neeson looked threatening up front and came close when he drove past his man and got his shot away but just wide. Then a brilliant Da Prato delivery to the back post before the half end, saw Devlin get a header but somehow again just wide of the near post. Half Time 0-0

Northend came out in the second half with renewed enthusiasm. Neeson moved into the centre of midfield and worked hard with Dillon and Patenall not giving Newtownabbey any time on the ball. Northend were very strong down the left side with O’Hara, Higgins and Devlin looking very threatening and giving great balance to the team. Devlin drove through the centre off the defence forcing a very good save to keep the scores level. Then Da Prato slipped Gordon through the middle. Oisin danced his way through and got his shot off across goal but a slight deflection just took it wide of goal. The pressure was mounting. Then a bit of a scramble in the penalty area saw Neeson pounce on the ball. With his weaker foot he got a shot off quickly, unbalancing the keeper and defenders, rolling the ball into the opposite corner to take the lead. Not long after, Devlin who had been torturing the back line, made another trademark run past the last defender and calmly slotted the ball into the far corner for a quick one –two from the two Pearce’s to double the advantage. However, with still ten minutes on the clock Newtownabbey were not giving up and started putting on the pressure. Northend defended manfully for the most part and looked under control with Hardy showing some great handling and composure, giving confidence to those in front. However ,with five minutes still on the clock Northend didn’t clear their lines effectively. Newtownabbey, moved the ball quickly and got a clean strike off on goal not leaving Hardy much chance on goal. 2-1, game on! It was backs to the walls for the last five and an equaliser looked like it was coming but Northend continued to defend well, clearing one off the line. Then a Newtownabbey free kick before the end was flicked on to the back post. It was picked up and recycled wide right with a clipped cross back into the danger area. Hardy got up highest and at full stretch pulled the ball out of the air, his hands like glue, ending the game, to the relief of the side-line and travelling support.

Another brilliant performance from the young blues and three deserved points showing grit, determination, hard work and good use of the ball. They have raised their level to the higher competition which will only improve them as individuals and as a team over the long run. Neeson gets named man of the match for a very hard working, competitive display both in midfield and up front, capping off his performance with a goal Full Time 2-1

Ballymena Pizza Parlour Man of the Match: Pearce Neeson

Panel: L Hardy, C O’Neill, L Slattery, R Maguire, H McKay, C Higgins, J Dillon, N Patenall, J O’Hara, P Martin, C Da Prato (c), P Neeson, O Gordon, D Higgins and K McNeill.

Northend Colts 0 Barn United 2 Saturday 14th September 2024

A competitive fixture for the young Pizza Parlour sponsored blues against a physically strong and quick Barn United side. Playing conditions were superb on the newly laid 3G pitch at Carrick Leisure Centre. There was little between the teams as both exchanged a number of opportunities. Barn that little bit more clinical at the top the difference on the day and Northend will feel unfortunate to leave empty handed with a number of chances spurned.

Northend started on the back foot as Barn were that bit more physical and quick into the challenge. They created a few opportunities and with the wind at their back were happy to shoot from distance. Northend guilty of not putting enough pressure on the ball. Northend grew into the game adapting to the pace. They forced a chance of their own when a Da Prato corner was flighted to the back post. Martin met it beautifully and got up well with a clean header at goal but it was well saved. However, Barn continued to be on the front foot and a 30 yard screamer into the top corner earned their lead, which reflected the balance of play. Northend made a number of changes bringing on McKay to sure up the back line and Gordon to give some more attacking threat. This seemed to improve the balance and Northend forced their way up the pitch. A driving run from C. Higgins on the left seen him get a shot away only for it to rebound off the cross bar. Then D. Higgins forced his way through and got his shot away but again wide of goal. The pressure was mounting. Da Prato pushed forward as O’Neill covered defensive duties. Some great play set the ball back to Da Prato on the edge of the area. He side-footed into the corner but the strong wind took it just onto the post. Northend were relentless. Higgins attempted a first time shot from outside the area but again narrowly wide. Much against the run of play Barn countered on Northend forcing the ball forward quickly. Northend kicked the ball out for a throw in but Barn got the ball across goal quickly and slotted a second to take a lead that flattered them somewhat. The heads didn’t drop and Northend continued to push forward a number of chances falling to D. Higgins but he couldn’t get the ball over the line, the keeper pulling off a couple of good saves. Half Time 0-2

Northend pushed Neeson forward to go three up top in an attempt to rescue the points. Again, it was all Northend with a strong wind at their back. Neeson was having an impact closing down quickly and driving Northend forward. McKay stepped into midfield and was having a masterclass on the front foot, reading the game well and with great composure resetting the attacks. O’Neill, Slattery, Maguire and O’Hara were looking assured at the back and were getting the ball forward quickly. Then a great ball through saw Gordon in one on one with the keeper, he controlled the ball and it setup nicely for him as the goal was begging from five yards. Somehow he managed to miss the target and knock it over the bar. It was just one of those days. D. Higgins finally buried a chance into the bottom corner but it was pulled back for a marginal offside. Northend sacrificed a defender and brought on McNeill to go four up top. This came with a bit of risk and Barn did fashion another chance but it was well saved by Hardy to keep Northend in the game. Northend dominated the last 15 minutes. A Da Prato free kick was well saved by the keeper and then D. Higgins buried another one across goal into the far corner but the keeper pulled off a wonder reflex save tipping it around the posts. Northend created several more chances with Da Prato, Gordon and D .Higgins all coming close but a goal just wasn’t going to come. A very strong performance on the day but very lack lustre with the finishing. The Barn keeper also earning his clean sheet. Barn showed that bit more cutting edge up top which earned them the victory. After the first ten minutes Northend defence was very much on top and Slattery stood out, reading the game well, covering the ground quickly and limiting a strong Barn attack to a couple of chances. Full Time 0-2

Ballymena Pizza Parlour Man of the Match: Liam Slattery

Panel: L Hardy, C O’Neill, L Slattery, R Maguire, H McKay, C Higgins, J Dillon, N Patenall, J O’Hara, P Martin, C Da Prato (c), P Neeson, O Gordon, D Higgins and K McNeill.

Northend Colts 2 St Malachys Dynamos 0 Saturday 7th September 2024

A return to league football for the young Pizza Parlour sponsored blues. The weather was glorious at Grove playing fields and the pitches looking well, perfect playing conditions to start off their campaign. A few nerves were jangling as the colts were moved up to division three after a league winning campaign last. No need for nerves as they didn’t look out of place and dominated a competitive fixture for the most part running out comfortable winners in the end.

Northend started on the front closing down the spaces and not giving St Malachys any time on the ball. The front two of Gordon and Higgins initiated the high press with Dillon and Slattery on the outside of midfield allowing nothing down the channels. This allowed Northend to get on the ball and the central midfield pairing of King and Da Prato were controlling the midfield keeping possession and setting up attacks. King came close after a bit of interplay down the left side but his left footed shot just wide. A few nice through balls by Da Prato were not capitalised when Higgins and Gordon were just too keen to get forward quickly and the offside whistle was blown. The back four of Neeson, O’Neill, McKay and O’Hara were comfortable for the most part and Hardy was quick off his line averting any danger showing good handling. Finally a bit of class from debutant O’Hara showing great composure and awareness on the left side. He lofted a curling dipping ball in over the St Malachys back line and Higgins timed his run beautifully running onto the ball, taking a touch across the last defender and finishing off nicely across the keeper to go one up. However, Northend didn’t have it all their own way and a couple of St Malachys free kicks looked dangerous but Hardy did well to get to the ball first before the free man. Just before the half end Northend should have doubled their lead but King’s effort from close range was just wide of goal. Half Time 1-0

Northend came out in the second half with the same determination and composure to play football. Again, they dominated the exchanges limiting any threat from St Malachys. At the other end Northend created a number of chances both Higgins and Gordon coming close. Neeson also moved up to the front line looking threatening and coming close as well. Then Gordon showed a bit of class and composure to beat his man round the goalkeeper and calmly slot the ball away to end the game as a tie. McNeill thought he had got another just before the end of the game when Gordon squared the ball to the back post. Somehow the defender got his toe onto the ball blind side of Kane to make a brilliant goal saving challenge. In the end the boys run out comfortable winners, showing good work rate, fight and composure on the ball. This was epitomised by O’Hara who had a classy composed display on the left of midfield and at left back giving great balance to the team. His return to the Northend blue would also see him deservedly named MOTM. Full Time 2-0

Ballymena Pizza Parlour Man of the Match: Joseph O’Hara

Panel: L Hardy, C O’Neill, L Slattery, R Maguire, H McKay, C King, J Dillon, N Patenall, J O’Hara, P Martin, C Da Prato (c), P Neeson, O Gordon, D Higgins and K McNeill.