MATT ADDS THE GLOSS

Stewart bags a double as North End United get their first points on the board

MATTHEW STEWART grabbed both goals when North End United beat Downshire YM 2-1 in the under-17 section of the Deluxe Mid Ulster Youth League.

North End had only played one match, which they lost, but it took them just 10 minutes to go ahead on this occasion when a cross from the right was headed home by Stewart.

The game continued in a very competitive fashion but there were no further goals in the opening period.

Early in the second half previously unbeaten Downshire levelled the score when Adam Hamilton headed home at a corner kick and at this point they were playing neat football.

Harry Davidson hit the bar from a free-kick and Luke Holden and Timmy Shirlow were causing problems for North End.

But the team from Ballymena were well in the game and got the crucial goal on 55 minutes when Stewart again provided the finish. He beat a couple of defenders before applying the lethal strike.

Both teams pushed forward in an attempt to get the next goal but it did not come and North End were happy with their first win while many may claim a draw would have been a fair result.

North End manager Johnny Day was happy with the side’s progress. He said: “Several players moved on at the end of last season but I am happy the team has improved this time and will make progress.”

Downshire manager Derek Holden said: “The boys are now playing good football and that has always been my aim. Win or lose it is good to see them trying to move the ball around and showing the development of skills.”

END IN SIGHT Matthew Stewart is congratulated by his North End teammates SHIRE IN A STEW North End United’s Matthew Stewart finds the net during Saturday’s clash with Downshire