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Northend United 1 Woodvale 2 Saturday 2nd March 2024

Saturday paired the boys up against Woodvale, a team we had played three times before and there was never much in the games. On a tight pitch it was Woodvale who started off the blocks quickly putting pressure on the defence from the kick off. The only goal of the half would come from Woodvale who capitalised on a long ball that wasn’t cleared to score. Half Time 0 – 1

The introduction of Shane and Niko and a few positional changes allow the boys to start flowing again and it wasn’t long before Sam dribbled past 4 players to play Shane throw to smartly finish. Again another high play wasn’t dealt with resulting in a free at the edge of the box. The Woodvale midfielder stepped up to deliver a rocket into the top corner. To their credit the boys kept pushing but the equaliser wouldn’t come. Full time 1-2

Panel: Andrez Smolinski, Wiktor Wronski, Ryan O’Boyle, Shay Butler, Sam Rogalski, Shea McConnell, Shane McAuley, Niko Byczek, Aodhán McGarry, Jamie McAuley, Ross Bamber, Danny Hector, Jack Patterson, Blaine Mitchell, Daniel Waring and Pauric Redmond

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Crumlin United 4 Northend United 1 Friday 23rd February 2024

Friday night saw Northend play Crumlin Utd for the 4th time this year. First 20 minutes was end to end with both teams stretching each other and defences holding firm , Crumlin scored a fine curling effort from the edge of the box to take the lead followed by a fine overhead kick which we could only applaud. Half time 2-0

Second half saw two early substitutions to try and claw the game back and despite starting brightly with a couple of half chances Crumlin scored 2 goals in quick succession where they easily broke through midfield playing the ball across the box and their forwards scoring following good passing. Heads did not go down and Northend got a penalty after Daniel Waring was fouled in the box and Shea who was captain for the night scored. Daniel almost got a 2nd with a fine curling half volley from the edge of the box that their defender cleared off the line. Full time 4-1

Panel: C Lavelle, S Butler, D Hector, P Redmond, V Wronski, R Balmer, S McAuley, N Byczek, R O’Boyle, J Patterson, R O’Boyle, S McConnell, A McGarry, J McAuley, B Mitchell, D Waring

Northend United 3 Rosario 1 Saturday 10th February 2024

The U16s first visit to Hydebank saw them face a mid-table Rosario team. Recent results didn’t reflect performances, so a win was essential to lift them off the bottom. The match started off evenly however Rosario took the lead following poor marking from a corner. Heads could easily have gone down, but the goal only spurred the team on. Within minutes the ball was played out to Sam who beat his man before playing the ball across the box where it reached Jack who put it the middle for Niko to bundle home. The chances came for Northend with Jack hitting the inside of the post and Shane missing a close-range header. Andrez pulled off a great save to tip over from the free kick. Shortly before half time the ball came to Sam who came in to the middle and smashed the ball hard and low in to the bottom corner. Half time 2-1

The 2nd half started slowly with momentum impacted by early substitutions however Northend controlled the game and showed maturity in possession and a lot of their play was down both wings. Defence was solid with Shay Butler winning every tackle along out wide. The 3rd goal came from a Shea’s corner who floated it into the back post for Pauric to rise highest and power a header home. Rosario had 1 chance in the 2nd half that may have been given if there was goal line technology. Full time 3-1

Player of the Match: Shay Butler

Panel: Andrez Smolinski, Wiktor Wronski, Ryan O’Boyle, Shay Butler, Sam Rogalski, Shea McConnell, Shane McAuley, Niko Byczek, Jack Patterson, Pauric Redmond, Daniel Waring, Aodhán McGarry and Danny Hector

Northend United 1 Ballyclare Comrades 2 Friday 2nd February 2024

Friday night saw a trip up the motorway to Jordanstown to take on Ballyclare. On a perfect pitch for football, the Northend U16s started off the blocks quickly putting pressure on the Ballyclare. But with the wind behind their backs it was Ballyclare who would take a 2-0 lead into the break with two long range efforts. Half time 0 – 2

After the half time talk and a few positional changes the second half started off brightly but Ballyclare where content to side in and clear their lines. Chance after chance went before good work with Shane on the wing was crossed a Niko tapped in. The remaining few minutes however we couldn’t get the equalizer. Full time 1-2

Panel: Andrez Smolinski, Wiktor Wronski, Ryan O’Boyle, Shay Butler, Sam Rogalski, Shea McConnell, Shane McAuley, Niko Byczek, Jack Patterson, Aodhán McGarry, Jamie McAuley, Ross Bamber, Kian McGarel

Northend United 0 Bloomfield 4 Saturday 27th January 2023

Saturday morning saw a the team play top of the table Bloomfield at Mallusk . In perfect weather conditions both teams went toe to toe with some lovely passages of play but the back 4 of Wiktor, Danny, Blaine and Shay Butler were managing the Bloomfield forwards. The midfield 4 of Shea, Jack, Pauric, Sam and Ryan O’Boyle were creating opportunities for the hardworking Niko up top. In a half of few chances we would go into the break scoreless. Half time 0-0

The second half due to injuries brought chances and this made a difference to the game. Individual errors were punished, and Bloomfield ran out comfortable 4-0 winners. Full time 0-4

Player of the Match: Niko Byczek

Panel: Andrez Smolinski, Wiktor Wronski, Ryan O’Boyle, Shay Butler, Sam Rogalski, Shea McConnell, Shane McAuley, Niko Byczek, Jack Patterson, Pauric Redmond, Daniel Waring, Aodhán McGarry and Danny Hector

Northend United 2 Crumlin United 4 Saturday 13th January 2024

Saturday morning saw a repeat of the Cup Final, this time in Mallusk. In perfect weather conditions both teams went toe to toe with some lovely passages of play but the back 4 of Shea, Wiktor, Danny and Shay Butler were managing the quick forwards as Crumlin tried to play down the wings. The midfield 4 of Daniel, Jack, Pauric and Niko were creating opportunities for Sam and Shane up top. It was however Crumlin who would go into the break winning after two poor defensive clearances fell to the Crumlin attackers who were given time to finish. Daniel was able to get his first club goal after good work from Sam and good advantage play from the referee. Half time 2- 1

The second half started slowly with Northend having the better of the play and with the introduction of Ryan O’Boyle on the left giving more headaches for Crumlin. But with 20 mins left the game was over with two more defensive errors punished by Crumlin. The boys keep pushing and had chances but Crumlin managed the game well. Shane did pull one back but it was too little too late. Aodhán was introduced with ten minutes to go after returning after a lengthy lay off. Full time 2-4

Player of the Match: Shea McConnell