Northend 2009 Dominate Drumaness Mills 4-1 At Mallusk Playing Fields

Northend 2009 welcomed Drumaness Mills to Mallusk Playing Fields on 12 October 2025 for a league home match kicking off at 11:45am. Over the course of 70 minutes plus added time, Northend 2009 secured a commanding 4-1 victory, showcasing attacking flair and defensive resilience.

Deploying a classic 4-4-2 formation, Northend 2009 set up with Conor Lavelle guarding the goal. The defensive line featured Adrian Pekala at right back, Hubert Pekala and Scott Kerr as central defenders, and Lucas Barnett on the left. In midfield, Caleb Da-Prato operated on the right flank, Eoin Lavelle and Sam McArdle held central roles, while Kian O’Neill took up the left midfield position. Up front, the strike partnership consisted of Kian McGarel on the right and Pearse Devlin on the left. This setup was expected to provide balance across the pitch, with full-backs supporting wide play, central midfielders controlling the tempo, and forwards combining to create scoring opportunities. The substitutes named were Josh McQueen, Joe O’Hara, Ruairi Hamill, Ethan Drysdale, and Callum O’Neill.

The match burst into life early on when Pearse Devlin opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a spectacular left-footed screamer, expertly set up by a short pass from Kian McGarel. This early goal set the tone for Northend 2009’s attacking intent. Just two minutes later, Eoin Lavelle tested the opposition keeper with a high attempt, though it sailed over the bar.

In a surprising tactical move at the 15-minute mark, Northend 2009 made a double substitution, bringing on Josh McQueen for the goal scorer Devlin and Joe O’Hara for left midfielder Kian O’Neill. Shortly after, further changes followed with Ruairi Hamill replacing right defender Adrian Pekala and Ethan Drysdale coming on for right midfielder Caleb Da-Prato at the 20-minute mark. The defensive reshuffle continued when Callum O’Neill was introduced for the injured Scott Kerr five minutes later.

Josh McQueen quickly made his presence felt, hitting the post with a close-range effort in the 30th minute, signalling Northend’s relentless pressure. Four minutes later, McQueen turned provider, delivering a short pass to Kian McGarel who calmly finished with his left foot to double the lead in what was a well-worked team move. The first half concluded shortly after this goal, with Northend 2009 firmly in control at 2-0.

The second half saw Drumaness Mills respond with a long-range strike in the 50th minute, their solitary goal of the match, fired with the right foot from distance, which briefly threatened to shift momentum. However, Northend 2009 maintained composure despite the setback.

Eoin Lavelle received a yellow card in the 60th minute for persistent infringements, a reminder of the physical nature of the contest. Northend 2009 restored their two-goal cushion in the 64th minute when Kian McGarel struck again, this time from outside the box with a precise left-footed shot, assisted by Lucas Barnett.

The final goal came in the 69th minute, a stunning volley from right midfielder Caleb Da-Prato, expertly crossed in by the returning Kian O’Neill. This goal sealed the emphatic 4-1 victory for Northend 2009.

Pearse Devlin was deservedly named player of the match for his early match-winning contribution and overall influence before his tactical substitution. Northend 2009’s fluid attacking play and solid defensive adjustments ensured a comprehensive triumph over Drumaness Mills on home soil.