Late switch of venue pays dividends for Northend

The terrible conditions on Friday paid havoc with the weekend fixtures for all the remaining ten Northend teams, with the Lisburn Youth League and the North West and Coleraine District Youth League’s matches all being cancelled.

On Friday night, the Club’s Football Development Centre, an Irish FA’s Club Excellence Mark accredited centre, continued at its indoor venue at the Ballymena North Centre with close to thirty boys and girls, braving the outside elements to enjoy their first steps in football, under the direction of Northend’s Football Development Officer, John Devlin.

UNDER-12

Northend 10, Ballymena United 6: This game was rescheduled to Kells after the Ballysally pitches were declared unplayable. Northend got off to a dream start with a goal after only five minutes from top scorer Matthew Stewart, quickly followed by two more from Josh Coates and Conor McDonald.

Ballymena to their credit didn’t let their heads go down and they scored a great goal to bring the deficit back to two.

However, Northend quickly extended their lead to 5-1 with further goals from Matthew Stewart for his second and Jay Kirkpatrick.

A crazy ten minute spell just before the half time whistle saw three goals in quick succession from the Sky Blues leave the Northend boys shell-shocked.

The half time break allowed the Northend boys to gather some composure and they were soon rewarded with goals from Josh Coates, Conor McDonald, Oisin Connolly and Charlie Metrustry putting some daylight between the sides. Ballymena United’s never say die attitude saw them reply with two more of their own but an unfortunate OG from a Connor Meeke corner made it 10-6.

Both teams deserve great credit for such an entertaining game in difficult conditions. Special thanks to Ballymena’s Alan Millar for organising the Kells pitch at such short notice and providing the referee, who also gave a good performance in a game which was played in the right spirit by both sides. MOM - Jay Kirkpatrick

Northend: E McSparran; C Killough; J Kirkpatrick; C McDonald; C Meeke; J Coates; C Metrustry; O Connolly; C Forsythe; M Stewart

FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

Northend United’s Football Development Centre, an Irish FA’s Club Excellence Mark accredited centre, continued on Friday night at its winter indoor location of the Ballymena North Centre .With such terrible conditions outside, almost thirty boys and girls braved the elements to attend the session.

The future certainly looks bright for the progressive Club with plans already afoot for two new U8 (2007/2008) teams for the 2014/15 season.. The Football Development Centre is open to all boys and girls aged 4 to 10 inclusive who are unconnected with any other Club and takes place each Friday night from 6.00pm to 7.30pm.

For more information, or to reserve your child a place on the course, please call John Devlin on 07919056834. Application forms can also be printed off the Northend website www.northendunitedyouthfc.co.uk

FUNDRAISING DONATION

Northend United Youth wish to extend a massive thank you to Hazel Coates and all who supported her annual fundraising effort prior to the Christmas Holidays when a considerable sum of money was raised for Club funds.

Thanks Hazel – Much Appreciated!

NEW KIT SPONSORSHIP

Northend United Youth would also like to extend their thanks to Peter Hendron from U-Print, a local Ballymena based company which supplies computer printers and cartridges, for sponsoring the Northend U8 team with a new football kit.

FAMILY QUIZ NIGHT

Northend United Youth would like to thank all those who supported our well attended Family Quiz night, held in Connolly’s Bar on Thursday night.

A special mention must go to the Quiz Master on the night, our very own Chairman, Johnny Sayers and his PA, Debbie Sayers. A great night’s craic was had by all and some much need funds were raised.