Wakehurst boys reach Plate final at Foyle Cup

Wakehurst U-17 players photographed with Johnny Hector, Vyomax Drinks; who sponsored the team with drinks during the Foyle Cup. INBT 31-809H

This followed a super week of football which included a match against top USA side Everton America.

Performance of the week was their win over Coleraine FC in the Plate semi-final when they were reduced to ten men after three minutes and still went on to record a great win, totally eclipsing their neighbours in a breathtaking match.

Manager Glenn Speirs commented on their big game: “The boys had a fabulous experience playing against one of the top USA teams, Everton America, who normally play in the same Academy League as the New York Red Bulls.

“We outplayed the Everton Academy side but unfortunately didn’t get the result we deserved, on a night when so many parents and supporters travelled from Ballymena to cheer the team on.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who travelled to the North West to support the team.”

FOYLE CUP ROUND-UP

Everton America 1, Wakehurst 0: The Ballymena boys opened their campaign with a remarkable game in which they missed TWO penalties and squandered a number of other chances. After falling behind, Wakehurst had the chance to level when Niall Swann was brought down but Kyle Jackson’s penalty was saved by the Everton keeper.

Midway through the second half, Wakehurst were awarded another penalty when Connell Lemon was hauled over in the box and Jamie Speirs took the kick, only to see the keeper pull off another top-class save. Even after the keeper was later sent off, Wakehurst, despite their best efforts, could not force an equaliser. MOM - Jamie Speirs.

Strabane Athletic 0, Wakehurst 1: Despite the loss of defender Kalin McCollum for a second yellow card in the first half, Wakehurst claimed their first victory of the competition thanks to a goal from Kyle Jackson. MOM - Niall Swann, James Cameron

Derry Colts 4, Wakehurst 1: SHowing signs of tired legs from the previous night’s exertions, Wakehurst lost 4-1 to an eager home side, with Kyle Jackson again on target. MOM - Niall Swann, James Cameron, Jamie Speirs

Coleraine 1, Wakehurst 2: Wakehurst found themselves reduced to ten men after three minutes of the match had gone.Despite thier numerical disadvantage, Wakehurst went ahead through Connell Lemon and then doubled their lead through Niall Swann before COleraine pulled a goal back.

Carrick Rangers 3, Wakehurst 0: A tired-looking Wakehurst fell to defeat in he Foyle Plate final in which Kyle Jackson saw a penalty saved.

Foyle Cup Panel: R Gault, J McKitterick, C Waring, K McCollum, N Swann, J Cameron, C Lemon, S Hare, K Jackson, J Nixon, T Brady, M Laverty, J Speirs, L Scroggie, R Swan, J Frew, B Etherson

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

Fielding no less than ten (10) youth teams for the incoming football season, ranging in age from U8 to U17, a number off the Northend United teams are looking forward to continuing pre-season training each Monday and Wednesday nights. With a number of additions already to each of the teams, following a series of successful trials nights, all at Wakehurst Academy Club are looking forward to a super season that sees three of the teams making their debuts in the Lisburn Invitational Youth League, U12s, U13s and U14s, the two oldest teams in the Elite National League, U15s and U17s and the five youngest teams in the North West and Coleraine and District Youth League, U8s, U9s, U10s x 2 and U11s.

SUMMER FUNDRAISING DRAW

The winners of the big Northend United Summer Fundraising draw were as follows:

1st Prize – Flights, hotel and a pair of tickets to the Community Shield – Robert Scott, Portglenone

2nd Prize – Meal for Two in Galgorm Hotel – Mark Mitchell, Ballymoney

3rd Prize – Football jersey of choice – Andy Ellis - Ballymena

SUMMER FOOTBALL SKILLS FESTIVAL

Northend United are holding their Summer Football Skills Festival for 5 to 14 year olds, from Monday 5th August to Wednesday 7th August at the Ballymena Showgrounds from 6.30pm to 8.00pm each night.

Places are being booked up quickly and if you still wish your child to be involved, please get in contact with any Club Official or ring John Devlin on 07919056834. Application Forms can also be downloaded from Northend’s webpage on www.northendunitedyouthfc.co.uk.