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Northend United 1 Crumlin United 1 Cup Final Saturday 30th December 2023

Saturday night closed the curtain on 2023 with a Cup Final v Crumlin at the Blanchflower Stadium Belfast. In perfect conditions and venue this was a real occasion for the team and travelling support. 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 quick forwards as Crumlin tried to play down the wings. The midfield 4 of Shea, Jack, Pauric and Ryan O’Boyle were creating opportunities for Sam and Shane up top but the goal would not come. Half time 0-0

The second half started slowly with Northend having the better of the play but it wasn’t long before the Blues midfield took control with Pauric impressing. Against the run of play however Crumlin broke after a high ball was misjudged allowing the striker to finish. The introduction of Daniel, Niko and Ross give more attacking options and threat to the Crumlin defence. It wasn’t until the last 5 minutes when a corner from Sam was nodded home by Pauric to send the travelling support wild. Full time 1-1

The match ended a draw and into the dreaded penalties. Unfortunately, Crumlin were able to convert more in a nail biting shootout.

Player of the Match: Shea McConnell

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

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Northend United 1 Sirocco Works 2 Saturday 16th December 2023

In a cold and blowy morning in Mallusk the team got paired up against unbeaten Sirocco. Conditions weren’t great but from the first whistle the team tried to get the ball down but knew they would have to defend against the Sirocco aerial threat. Chances were limited but it was Sirocco who would hit first after a free kick outside the box went straight through the wall and deceive Andrez in nets. A change in defence saw the introduction of Daniel Waring to the right wing and it wasn’t long before he was creating chances for the forwards. On the stroke of half time after some great footwork the hardworking Shane McAuley was able to get a shot off that the keeper was unable to hold. Half time 1-1

The second half started slowly with Northend having the better of the play, but it wasn’t long before the Blues midfield took control with Pauric Redmond impressing on his debut. Against the run of play Sirocco broke and poor decision making allowed the ball to be passed through to their striker to cooly finish. The boys continued to play but the equaliser just wouldn’t come. Full time 1-2

Player of the Match: Shea McConnell

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

Northend United 2 Woodvale 0 Saturday 2nd December 2023

Playing in Carrick for the first time on a cold morning, the U16s lined out for their Div 2 Cup Semi final match. The Blues took control early on with fine passing across the team and had a few chances without actually testing the keeper, Woodvale were competitive but reliant on the long ball and they nearly took the lead through a free kick which Andrez managed to palm away, the team went up forward and attacked and from the resulting corner Danny Hector scored with a fine header. Shea Mc Connell nearly added a 2nd with a well hit drive however their defender cleared off the line. Half time 1-0

The second half started slowly with Woodvale having the better of the play and the decisions, however the Blues midfield took control and after fine passing Jack Patterson shot from the edge of the box that the keeper spilled in to the net however the referee failed to spot the goal. It was a tight game after that with the Northend defence holding up a big forward line with minimal pressure and also defended excellently at corners. Woodvale thought they equalised with a great half volley on the turn however Andrez was equal to it with a fine save . In the last 10 minutes fitness and squad size told and constant pressure resulted in Sam Rogalski scoring in the last minute. Full time 2-0

Player of the Match: Danny Hector

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

Northend United 5 Woodvale 0 Sunday 26th November 2023

On a lovely Sunday morning at Mallusk the boys got paired up against Woodvale. The first game of the season was against the same opponents ended 3-3 so the boys knew they were in for a game. From the first whistle the boys moved the ball around well against a big, physical side but just couldn’t get a break in front of goal. The first half ended in stalemate with both teams cancelling each other out. Half time 0-0

The second half brought a few tactical switches with the introduction on Daniel for Ross on the right. The first goal of the game came from a long-range effort from Jack Patterson as the boys now took control. A great passage of play on the right released Daniel to square the ball to Niko Byczek to finish. Jamie was introduced upfront for Niko and this allowed Sam Rogalski more freedom and this was to finish the game as he completed his hat trick with 3 smart finishes. Special mention to the back 5 of Andrejz, Shea, Blaine, Danny and Shay Butler who kept a clean sheet and seen of any danger from Woodvale. Full time 5-0

Player of the Match: Sam Rogalski

Panel: Andrejz Smolinski, Wiktor Wronski, Blaine Mitchell, Ryan O’Boyle, Shay Butler, Sam Rogalski, Shea McConnell, Shane McAuley, Niko Byczek, Jamie McAuley, Jack Patterson, Ross Balmer, Daniel Waring Jamie McAuley, Kian McGarel and Danny Hector

Northend United 0 Camlough Rovers 4 NIYFA Cup Saturday 18th November 2023

Saturday was the chance to get a home tie in the second round of the NIBFA Cup against Camlough. From the first whistle the boys moved the ball around well against a big, physical side but just couldn’t get a break in front of goal. It was Camlough who took the lead into the break after a long high ball wasn’t dealt with allowing the striker to score. Half time 0-1

The second half was much like the same with the boys trying to play but Camlough were content to clear the ball and break up the play. Chance after chance went by but the killer second killed the game after another long ball deceived the keeper and went over his head. A third and fourth would follow to see Camlough into the next round. Full time 0-4

Player of the Match: Jack Patterson

Aquinas 5 Northend United 4 Saturday 11th November 2023

Saturday was the first game in the new Division 1 of the SBYL. Paired against an Aquinas team who were in Division one at the start of the season before the reshuffle. The game started off brightly with chances for both sides and it was Aquinas who would take the lead when a man was left unmarked at the back post to score. More chances followed but the ball would just not go into the net, with Shane McAuley tormenting the back 4. It was after good work from Shane on the right that he pulled the ball back to Sam to score. Sam was soon on the score sheet again with a cool finish from outside the box. Against the play Aquinas equalised to make it all square at the break. Half time 2-2

A change at half time brought Jamie on for Blaine at the back. Again chances followed but the ball just wouldn’t go in what with good clearances and saves. It took a penalty from Sam and a long range effort from Shane to make the game 4-2. But with 10 minutes left on the game, some how Aquinas to their credit pulled back three goals to snatch the victory. Tough lesson but one to learn from with some lovely passages of play. Full time 5-4

Player of the Match Captain Sam with 3 goals.

Panel: Andrejz Smolinski, Wiktor Wronski, Blaine Mitchell, Ryan O’Boyle, Shay Butler, Sam Rogalski, Shea McConnell, Shane McAuley, Niko Bycek, Jamie McAuley, Jack Patterson, Ross Balmer and Danny Hector