Northend boys out on a Lim!

In a match where Northend didn't play to their full potential, in addition to some key decisions going against them, this led to a 6-2 defeat for the Ballymena side.

UNDER-11

Limavady United Colts 6, Northend United 2: Northend United Youth U11s travelled to Limavady for a NIBFA cup match but probably wished the match had been cancelled.

A combination of non tackling, lack of communication and debatable refereeing decisions had Limavady four-nil up at half time with no way back for United.

Limavady had Northend on the back foot from the kick off, but Northend broke away and from a tight angle, Zack Herbison did manage to get the ball over the keeper, only for it to hit the post and be cleared.

After ten minutes Limavady scored when their big forward turned and rifled the ball into the net, much to the displeasure of the Northend contingent, who felt the goalscorer had been in an offside position.

Shortly afterwards, Limavady Colts won a corner from which they scored their second goal.

Their third goal, again another contentious offside decision, caused the young Northend players' heads to drop.

Ben Sempey was replaced by Robbie Dennison but Limavady scored another goal to put the game safe by half time.

A quick shuffle and two substitutions were made at half time with Ryan Gordon and Matthew Adams replacing Crawford and Milligan, who both had picked up knocks from the hard hitting Limavady team.

A cross from the Limavady left winger to another player, who again appeared to be in an offside position, produced Limavady's fifth goal.Northend now had their best spell of the game and with it, Zack Herbison won a corner. The ball was played in by Ryan McKenna and there was Conor McHugh who slammed it into the net for Northend's first goal.

Limavady then won a corner and Northend's luck just wasn't in when a clearance cannoned back off their player and into their net.

Northend did get the final goal of the game which involved good link-up play between Ryan McKenna, Rhys O'Mullan, David Kilgore and Eamon Elliott before Zack Herbison finished it off, giving the keeper no chance.

Man of the Match: Ryan McKenna

Northend: James Morgan, Ryan McKenna, Andrew Milligan, Oliver Boyle, Jamie Crawford, Philip Maybin, Conor McHugh, Ben Sempey, David Kilgore, Zack Herbison, Rhys O'Mullan, Robbie Dennison, Ryan Gordon, Matthew Adams, Eamon Elliott, Archie Magill.

MINI SOCCER ACADEMY

Northend United Mini Soccer Academy will finally kick off on Saturday, February 6, at Dunfane Pitches from 2.15pm to 4.00pm, after the winter break.

With this course almost over-subscribed, Northend United Youth Development Officer, John Devlin, is appealing for any parents who have not yet contacted him to get in touch as soon as possible on 0791 905 6834 to avoid any disappointment.

SCOTLAND CUP

Northend United Youth have just announced that their U10, U11, U13 and U14 teams will be participating in this year's Scotland Cup Easter Tournament, in Ayr, leaving Ballymena on Friday, April 9 and returning on Monday, April 12.

This is Northend's fifth successive year of travelling to play in a National Football Festival towards the end of their current football season.

With all teams attending, this gives each of the boys the opportunity to play against the elite teams from throughout the UK and Ireland

Each team will be involved in playing a minimum of five full length matches in a two day window, making it an action packed weekend.

With a large crowd of parents and supporters also going, this further enhances Northend United's reputation as a 'family club'.

FAMILY TABLE QUIZ

Northend United Youth are holding a Family Table Quiz on Thursday, February 11, at the Rugby Club, Eaton Park, commencing at 7pm. The Quizmaster is our very own Johnny Sayers.

GOALKEEPING COACHING

In another first for the club, dedicated goalkeeping coaching will commence this Wednesday, February 3, at Ballymena Rugby Club, Eaton Park, at 7pm. All Northend goalkeepers are requested to attend.

WEB PAGE

With over 100,000 hits from its introduction in August, this original web page is proving a must with players and supporters of the club.

To view the web page and receive regular updates on the club please visit www.northendunitedyouthfc.co.uk