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Northend United 3 Newhill 2 Saturday 26th October 2024

A Friday night fixture at Marrowbone Park this week for the Pizza Parlour sponsored Utd team against newly promoted Newhill. The game couldn’t have started any better for Northend who found themselves one up within two minutes of the game. The ball was won in midfield and played up front to McGarel who neatly slipped a through ball to Griffin, who calmly slotted past the out rushing Newhill keeper and into the net. This woke Newhill up and they started to come into the game. A corner kick was cleared from Northend to the edge of the box, where the Newhill man on the edge struck first time only to be denied by captain Lavelle who cleared the ball off the line and keep Northend a goal to the good. As the pressure continued from Newhill a mistake at the back lead to a foul in the box and left the referee with no choice but to point to the spot. Keeper Lavelle dived the right way but the penalty was tidily tucked into the side net and Newhill had found their equaliser, 1-1. It was Northend’s turn to come to life, they started to get on the ball and create a few chances and on twenty nine minutes got themselves back a goal in front. Great work rate from Barnett in the middle who won the ball, played the ball back to left back O’Neill who’s first time pass put McGarel through and as the keeper rushed out Kian lifted the ball over the keeper and into the net, taking his personal tally to 10 goals in 11 matches this season and Northend 2-1 up. The game continued to and fro with neither team able to find the net and the half time whistle sounded to bring the half to a close. Half Time 2-1

The second half continued in the same manner with neither defence letting the opposition in, Newhill came closest in the opening exchanges but for an incredible save from Lavelle to keep the blues ahead. However, fortunes where to turn for Northend, on the fifty second minute after a through ball from Newhill was played through. As the ball was collected on the edge of the box by Lavelle, some fans on the side-line claimed for handball and the referee blew the whistle to award a free kick, as the crowd then persisted to influence the referee with shouts of red card after several minutes he then showed the red card, an incorrect decision leaving Northend down to ten and keeper Lavelle inconsolable at the wrong doing he received. With Northend having to regroup, credit to McErlean who instantly stepped up to put himself in goal, his first job was to see the resulting free kick go narrowly wide as he had it covered well. From this moment Northend sparked into life, the fight and hunger to battle for every ball returned and kept looking for the forward runners to try keep Newhill pegged back. The work almost paid off when McGarel found himself through on goal and as he went to pull the trigger was tackled from behind brought him crashing to the ground, as the appeals for a penalty went up where heard on deaf ears and the referee waved to play on. The pressure continued from Northend and again they found themselves in on goal thanks to another wonderful through ball which was picked up from Griffin. Joey drove in on goal and again fired the ball past the keeper and into the net to put the blues 3-1 up. The Griff that keeps on giving now has scored 7 in 6 games for his personal tally. The game was not out of sight yet for the Northend men with eight minutes left to play they had to remain solid and clear their lines as Newhill with the extra man kept coming back at the blues. As the away fans where calling for the final whistle Newhill on the seventy fourth minute of the game scored their second and left the away supporters and staff on edge as to how much longer the referee was going to play on. Thankfully for the boys they seen the game out and came away with a very difficult three points. Full Time 3-2.

An absolute massive well done to each and every one of the boys for digging deep and getting the result. Lucas gets named player of the match after another great performance from this young man. He came off the bench and instantly changed the game for us, very well done.

Ballymena Pizza Parlour Player of the Match: Lucas Barnett

Panel: C Lavelle, A Pekala, H Pekala, K O Neill, S Kerr, E Lavelle (c), J McQueen, L Barnett, E Drysdale, S McArdle, J Griffin, B Duncan, D McErlean, K McGarel, D McKay

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Northend United 2 Cliftonville 0 NIYFA Cup Saturday 19th October 2024

Today’s fixture was a home tie for the Pizza Parlour sponsored U16’s against National league Academy side and regional two leaders Cliftonville. Northend settled into the game quickly getting the ball down and playing some great football, the work rate off the ball was sharp closing down and breaking up any rhythm Cliftonville tried to create. Captain Lavelle was commanding in the middle winning the duals and releasing McFerran and McArdle on the front foot at every opportunity. The first clear chance of the game came when left back O’Neill quickly snuffed out a forward ball from Cliftonville and quickly getting the head up found McQueen down the flank. Josh in turn drove at his man leaving him behind and with his first sight of goal slotted smartly into the keeper’s bottom left and put the blues one up. To Northend’s credit they continued to play a great passing game of football and were the more threatening team throughout the half. Cliftonville could not find any opportunities to get at the brick wall Northend had put up at the back of A Pekala, H Pekala, S Kerr and K O’Neill. The wide players of McErlean and Griffin were causing havoc both on attack and closing the Cliftonville defence, and it was from the hard work of Griffin pressing quickly winning the ball back from the left back forced the foul. A Pekala swung in a delightful free kick which was not dealt with and fell to the feet of McErlean at the back post, from the six yard box he hammered the ball into the net and sent both players and side-line into a mass celebration. The second goal seemed to awaken Cliftonville who added a bit of punch to their fight but Northend were equal to the challenge and saw out the half two to the good. Half Time 2-0

The second half started as the first did with Northend on the front foot again, the blues where without doubt out to prove a point today, the hunger and desire to be first to the ball was clear to see from each and every player. They continued to throw themselves into challenges and remained solid at the back, O’Neill the busiest of the Northend defence never put a foot wrong and kept the sharp Cliftonville winger at bay. Northend had a few sighters along the way but with no end result. A quick passage of play in the middle of the park when Drysdale won the ball played it sideways to McFerran, he picked out Duncan with a fantastic through ball. Duncan beat his man and fired the ball past the out rushing keeper, the celebrations where short lived though as the sound of the referees whistle sounded to chalk off the goal for an offside decision. Cliftonville played the ball quickly and managed to get through the Northend defence for the first attack of the game but it was thanks to the smart decision making of keeper Lavelle who stood his ground and out witted the Cliftonville attacker got down low and collected neatly. As the game was coming to a close Cliftonville’s first real chance of the game came, with 69 minutes on the clock. A cross was fired in from the Northend left and Cliftonville’s attacker found himself free at the back post, as he fired the ball toward goal Lavelle shuffling across somehow managed to adjust himself and tipped the ball onto the crossbar and out for a corner. Once the corner had been cleared the referees whistle went and Northend could celebrate a very well-deserved victory. Full Time 2-0

Credit to every one of the boys today as they stepped up and showed what they are capable of and a special mention to POTM Kian O’Neill who led from the back winning every dual that came his way and chipped in with an assist. Again back to back clean sheets which will delight the coaches. The next round of this cup for the boys sees another home fixture against another NL side Bangor on the 16th November.

Player of the Match: Kian O’Neill

Panel: C Lavelle, A Pekala, H Pekala, K O Neill, S Kerr, E Lavelle (c), S Mc Ferran, J McQueen, L Barnett, E Drysdale, S McArdle, J Griffin, D McErlean, K McGarel, B Duncan

Northend United 3 Aquinas 0 Saturday 12th October 2024

Having secured their position into the SBYL premier division today started the new league and a trip to Mallusk was the venue against Ardoyne. Northend started the game well and within the first few minutes the first chance came, a quick ball played through the Ardoyne defence, was picked up by McGarel but uncharacteristic for him the shot was on the wrong side of the post. It looked like it was going to be of those games for the blues as chance after chance went begging with McErlean and McKay also missing the target. McQueen nearly got the opener with his first touch but again just wide of goal. Shortly after a well worked opening saw McQueen cut in at the back post but he screwed his shot over the near upright. Defensively Northend were solid not missing a first or second ball and giving Ardoyne nothing. The blues midfield continued to play good football and linking up well but to Ardoyne’s credit were able to keep Northend out, with some robust challenges. As the end of the first half was approaching the clearest chance of the game fell again to the blues, this time a cross from the right played in by Joey, found Lucas on the back post whose first time shot was blazed over the bar. As the half time whistle went Northend couldn’t understand how it was still goalless. Half Time 0-0

Into the second half and a call for composure was rallied from the half time talk, the blues settled in well and got in behind Ardoyne again and again it was another wrong side of the post. It wasn’t long into the second half when finally the side-lines had something to cheer about, neat play in midfield again found the through ball to which Joey was first to latch onto and this time calmly tucked the ball into the bottom corner and put Northend one up. The football intensified with Northend quickening up the game, McFerran, McArdle and Drysdale were getting Northend forward at every opportunity, breaking up anything Ardoyne had to offer, the back four of O’Neill, H. Pekala, Kerr and A. Pekala remained comfortable and controlled. As most games go for the boys a familiar name popped up for the Northend second goal, the goal started from the back a brilliantly timed intervention from Kerr at the back got straight to his feet and drove forward playing a fine through ball to McKay who cleverly flicked the ball first time over the Ardoyne defender, the ball was picked up by McGarel who this time rippled the back of the net and put Northend two the good. Changes were made after the second but it was more of the same. Ardoyne tried to pick themselves up but Northend continued to be strong and kept the tempo very high, a break in play halted the game when a collision between the Northend keeper and Ardoyne striker resulted in the big striker having to be taken off (speedy recovery to the young lad). The break in play took some of the sting out of the game but within the last ten minutes of the game Northend found the speed of play from earlier in the game and another few opportunities went close. A resulting corner kick from one of these created Northend’s third of the game. The corner kick was poorly dealt with from Ardoyne and as a Northend shot from the edge was blocked. Lavelle was first to react to the block and smashed home to put the game out of reach for Ardoyne. Full Time 3-0

Brilliant start to the new league against established premiership opposition. The coaching staff were delighted with the clean sheet, something they have been working on at training. Kerr, the rock at the back, had an absolute beast of a game today, thoroughly deserving the plaudits from a fantastic defensive display and playing his part in one of the goals. Well done Scott and well done each and every player.

Player of the Match: Scott Kerr

Panel: C Lavelle, A Pekala, H Pekala, K O Neill, S Kerr, E Lavelle (c), S Mc Ferran, J McQueen, L Barnett, E Drysdale, S McArdle, J Griffin, D McErlean, K McGarel, D McKay.

Northend United 10 Lisburn Youth 3 Friday 4th October 2024

A Friday night fixture for the Pizza Parlour sponsored 09’s Utd team this week against Lisburn youth in the last of the supplementary league. Northend started the game on the front foot and a corner on the second minute created the first goal, a scramble in the Lisburn defence only for the ball cleared to the edge of the box where Lavelle smashed it low and hard into the bottom right and put the blues 1-0. Northend were hungry and playing great football from front to back with quick confident passing and movement, it wasn’t long before the efforts paid off, a smart ball played through the Lisburn defence saw Joey get in behind and with the Lisburn keeper rushing out neither let up on the challenge. Joey just nipping in first to the ball and deflected off the keeper hitting Joey and looping into the net and putting Northend two to the good. No sooner was the ball centred and Northend where in again , the ball was won quickly in the middle and quick thinking saw McGarel running in between the defence with only the keeper to beat, Kian neatly slotted home to take the game to 3-0 after 17 minutes. The football from Northend was exceptional and the pressure continued, a corner kicked was once again not dealt with, fell to McQueen who hit a first time shot only for the ball to be handled by the Lisburn defender and a penalty was awarded. Up stepped McGarel and sending the keeper the wrong way had the net rippling for 4-0 Northend. Several chances went begging as the game continued , the Lisburn keeper had to remain vigilant as the half approached but once again Northend got in and again it was the man on fire , McGarel who found Northend’s fifth and a 23 minute hat trick. That however was not to be the end of the goal scoring in the first half, this time it was McFerran who chipped in, unleashing a crack from 20 yards finding its way into the bottom corner and into the break . Half Time 6-0

The second half kicked off and Northend found themselves in again from the centre, a combination of quality one touch football and a brilliantly weighted ball split Lisburn’s defence, Joey latched onto the ball and crossed from the right where he found McGarel who tucked the ball away for number seven. Lisburn couldn’t get anything going, Northend remained solid at the back and the midfield where working tirelessly to keep breaking down any momentum that Lisburn where trying to get into the game and another turn over ball in the midfield saw Northend on the front foot again. The ball was played down the left where McQueen crossed, the cross only cleared to the edge of the box and McFerran was once again on hand to fire his second of the game and take the game to 8-0. Credit to Lisburn they kept trying and got their reward, a ball played over the Northend right was not dealt with, Lisburn squared the ball back and the Lisburn midfielder picked up the ball and found himself with a shooting opportunity found the net to gain one back. Within three minutes Lisburn found another opportunity , again the ball was launched down the Northend right was put out for a corner. Northend slow to react to the short, Lisburn crossed and heading for their second of the game 8-2. Northend made a few changes to the pack and got a foothold of the game again , a ball played down the left was picked up by McQueen, he knocked the ball past the Lisburn defender and as he went to drive past was fouled inside the box and a penalty was awarded . McQueen himself confidently stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way, Northend 9-2. No sooner was the ball re-centred Northend conceded another corner, as the ball was delivered the whistle went and the referee pointed to the spot for a penalty to Lisburn much to the disarray of the Northend players. Lisburn stepped up and blasted home to make the game 9-3 . However that still wasn’t to be the last of the goal blitz and this time Northend kept the best to last. Eight passes starting from the keeper to the front resulted in the ball finding the net again and who else but the wee man himself, McGarel once again found the net right in the last minute to take the game to 10-3 and his tally for the night to 5 .

A fantastic display of football for the travelling Northend fans to see and a massive well done to each and everyone of the boys for putting in a brilliant team performance Full Time 10-3

Ballymena Pizza Parlour Player of the Match: Kian McGarel

Panel: C Lavelle, H Pekala, K O Neill, S Kerr, E Lavelle (c), S Mc Ferran, J McQueen, L Barnett, E Drysdale, S McArdle, J Griffin, D McErlean, K McGarel, L MacNamee, B Duncan.

Northend United 8 Greenisland 2 Saturday 28th September 2024

Today’s Premiership match was a trip up to Mount Pleasant 3G Belfast with the boys looking to redeem themselves after defeat in their previous game. They put in their performance so far of the season with fine flowing football and were back to winning ways quite comfortably in the end.

The game couldn’t have started any better for the Pizza Parlour sponsored 09’s when an early free kick on the halfway line which was delicately dinked in behind the Greenisland defence from Scott. It was picked up by Kian McGarel who got one on one with the keeper and calmly slotted it away to put the boys one up within five minutes. Northend had a great tempo to their game and had Greenisland on the back foot. A corner from Northend pressure resulted in the second of the game. The corner kick swung in by Kian had Greenisland struggling to clear their lines and Sam capitalised stroking into the back of the net and putting Northend two to the good. It didn’t take long for a third, this came again from a corner where Greenisland failed to clear the lines. On the scramble the ball was flicked up and it was Scott who reacted quickest and fired home to make it 3-0 as the half was closing. Credit to Greenisland they kept battling and with their first threat to the blues goal found the opportunity to find their first of the game just before the half end Half Time 3-1

The second half continued like the first, Northend where hungry to win the ball and battled well both in midfield and defensively not giving Greenisland a chance to create anything. Some good build up play from Northend pushing forward from the back found Joey out on the right, he had only one thing on his mind and smashed it in for his first for the club making it 4-1 to the blues. There was to be no let off and another corner for Northend resulted in another goal. This time it was from captain Lavelle, again it was poor defending, Josh had a shot blocked but Lavelle was quickest to react and put the boys 5-1 up. Good forward play again created number six, as the ball was slipped across the midfield and Lavelle caught the keeper of his line, a brilliant looping lob into the far corner leaving the Northend side-line in shock and putting the game well and truly to bed. Number seven on the score board came quickly, again brilliant running from Joey who got in behind and was able to pick his corner for his second and six to the good. Greenisland had a second to spoil the celebrations, with a little help from an OG to bring the game to 7-2. The scoring didn’t stop when another fantastic goal for Northend before the end of the game. This was another special goal, Shea picked the ball up in midfield and played a splitting pass through the Greenisland defence which Joey ran onto. As the keeper came rushing out Joey calmly took it around him and walked it into the net for Northend’s eighth and what a way to finish of your first game for your new club with a hat trick and deservedly POTM.

A massive result for the boys today, a mention to each and every player today who stood up and showed what they are all about, big Scott narrowly missing out as he got pipped in the end to POTM by a strong finish from Joey. Full Time 8-2

Ballymena Pizza Parlour Player of the Match: Joey Griffin

Panel: C Lavelle, H Pekala, K O Neill, S Kerr, E Lavelle (c), S Mc Ferran, J McQueen, L Barnett, E Drysdale, S McArdle, J Griffin, D McErlean, K McGarel, L MacNamee, D McKay

Northend United 2 Knockbreda Academy 4 Saturday 14th September 2024

Round 2 of the supplementary premier division for the Pizza Parlour sponsored Utd team was a trip to Knockbreda playing fields to play Knockbreda Academy.

The blues started the game brightly and had Knockbreda on the back foot, it wasn’t too long before Northend found the opening. Good link up play from McKay and McGarel found McGarel in on goal and he neatly slotted to put the blues one up. The game continued with Northend on the front foot, McErlean and McQueen having success down the channels, getting in behind Knockbreda on several occasions. The front two had a few sighters but were unable to capitalise. Then against the play, Knockbreda found an equaliser. Northend unable to clear their lines allowed for Knockbreda to get in on goal and fire past Lavelle to square the game up, 1-1. The game was nearing the half when Knockbreda where given another opportunity on goal , again it was another defensive gift from Northend unable to clear the danger and again Knockbreda found themselves in on goal with Lavelle trying to close down. The ball was tucked into his far corner and in to the break Northend went 2-1 down. Half Time 1-2

The second half started as the first did, Northend where having a lot of success in the midfield this time Barnett was the fresh legs that got the boys going forward at every opportunity picking the ball up well and finding the simple outlet. New signing McFerran had a few long range shots well saved by the keeper. The equaliser finally came when McGarel picked the ball up and ran at Knockbreda forcing the foul from 25 yards out. He passed the duties to McFerran who only had one vision and with a magnificent strike found the top right to make it 2-2 and lift the supporting crowd. It wasn’t long though from the Northend equaliser that the third appeared and unfortunately for the blues it was the continued theme of the day, Knockbreda where given another free one and did not hesitate to take the chance 3-2. This rattled the Northend team and heads dropped. A shuffle in formation to try get something from the game was made but with minutes to go the task proved too much, as Northend pressed for an equaliser it was a long ball forward from Knockbreda that stung the blues. The ball put out for a throw was quickly taken and caught the boys out of position and Knockbreda once again where in on goal an put any hopes to bed 4-2. The result was a hard one for the boys to take as they were the better team on the day but it was a lesson learnt in the step up to the premier division and a game the boys will take a lot away from. Barnett gets the plaudits with a great display from the wee man today who is taking fantastic strides forward this season in his performances both in pre-season and league. Well done Lucas keep up the good work. Full Time 2-4

Ballymena Pizza Parlour Man of the Match: Lucas Barnett

Panel: C Lavelle, A Pekala, H Pekala, K O Neill, S Kerr, E Lavelle (c), S Mc Ferran, J McQueen, L Barnett, E Drysdale, S McArdle, P Devlin, D McErlean, K McGarel, L MacNamee, D McKay

Northend United 3 Bloomfield 1 Saturday 7th September

A return to Mallusk and SBYL football for the Northend United U16 side and a promotion to elite football in the top tier, the premiership. Two league championship sides would take to the field, in Northend and Bloomfield so expectations were high for this league fixture. There was very little to separate the teams in a competitive battle and the score line may have flattered Northend a little but the Pizza Parlour sponsored blues were delighted to get their campaign off to winning start.

Both teams came out battling but Bloomfield looked the most comfortable, no signs of nerves and looked to get the ball down and play. Northend were competitive with a midfield three in the centre of A.Pekala, Lavelle and new signing McQueen with McArdle and Barnett on the outside. The back three of O’Neill, Kerr and H. Pekala had to be on their toes and Lavelle was quick off his line giving security and confidence to the back three. However, the classy front two created a goal for Northend early doors which settled the nerves somewhat. McGarel found his strike partner McKay who showed composure and class to get the first goal for Northend in the premiership. Northend did well to maintain their lead when they were reliant on Kerr to make a few last ditch tackles and a few big saves from Lavelle coming to the rescue again. The Northend bench shuffled the pack trying to keep legs fresh in the heat. McErlean came on in the rightside giving a very physical, dominant display and energy that was needed. McKay was dropped back into midfield to try and help get some control in the game. The boys did well and went in at the break in front, a goal to the good. Half Time 1-0

Northend came out in the second half with a bit more competitiveness and it wasn’t long before McGarel was on the scoresheet to double the lead. However, Bloomfield were not giving up without a fight and they started to regain control of the match getting one back, 2-1. The pressure was mounting on the Northend backline but they battled hard to try and turn the momentum. Then some good play by Devlin on the left saw his crossed shot parried by the Bloomfield goal keeper. A good run at the back post from McQueen seen him onto the loose ball in a flash and he clipped the ball in from the tightest of angles for a very deserved debut goal for the blues. The goal came at a good time on the hour mark giving Northend a bit of breathing space. The game got a bit petulant towards the end as tempers flared for both sides. Northend picked up a couple of bookings for kicking the ball away, borne out of frustration. However, in the end Northend were deserved of a very impressive victory over a very good side. A great start to the new campaign. Goalkeeper Lavelle gets the plaudits after pulling off a number of good saves, including a few one v ones and kicked well throughout the game. Full Time 3-1

Ballymena Pizza Parlour Man of the Match: Conor Lavelle

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