The Blades got sweet revenge for their cup exit at the hands of Upper Ardoyne a few weeks ago, with a deserved win against this season's cup champions, to bring the East Antrim League Plate back to Avoniel. The Blades put in one of the best performances of the season, to bag their first trophy since the treble winning season of 2004. Upper Ardoyne had a disallowed goal, but the Blades had the majority of the play. It all came down to a penalty shoot-out and right-back Matthew Taylor scored the winner to spark the celebrations.

Blades Team vs Upper Ardoyne: N Taylor, M Taylor, Barklie, Morrow, Dickie, Tweedie, Craig (Millar), Patterson, Harper, McBride, McKimm (Davies)       Unused Subs: Lemon, Armstrong     HT: 0-0   FT: 0-0 (pens 5-4)    YC: 0   RC:0

A Blades team missing several first-team players were beaten at The Valley 2-0 by last year's league champions, Carniny Youth. Assistant Manager, John McClung also controversially stopped Lewis Crothers playng in this game; a view not supported by the majority of the team. The scoreline however didn't reflect the closeness of the game. In the end it came down to who took their chances, even though Carniny squandered some as well. Ruiséal McKimm and David Davies tried their hardest to find a breakthrough, with McKimm twice going close. Craig McBride had the unusual task of playing the holding role in midfield, and perhaps the Blades missed his attacking flair. It was also an unfamiliar backline, with carl Barklie and Alan Millar coming in and having good performances. The midfield seemed to struggle sometimes, without a natural defensive-minded player. But the Blades still forged chances, with mark Tweedie finding a lot of space down the right flank. Carniny got their first goal, somewhat against the run of play. It resulted with a long ball finding a Carniny player in a lot of space to slot home. In the second period, carniny doubled their advantage with around ten minutes left, after missing a penalty as well. Ross Patterson and Ruiséal McKimm had golden opportunities but couldn't find the net. At the final whistle a very disappointed Blades team finished third in the league, failing to secure second spot witha  win on the final day of the season. One fixture remains this year for the Blades, with a League Plate Final against bottom-spot club, Upper Ardoyne.

Blades Team vs Carniny Youth F.C.: N Taylor, Millar, Morrow, Barklie, Dickie, Tweedie, McBride, Patterson, Harper, McKimm (Lemon), Davies      HT: 0-1   FT: 0-2     YC: 0    RC: 0

Match Report Coming Soon

A defeat in the Blades' final game of the Blackpool Cup 2006. A win would have seen the Blades progress to the Blackpool Cup Semi-Finals and a draw could have seen the Blades reach the Shield Semi-Final, so there was much to play for. Loughgally scored their opener with a stunning free-kick from 30 yards. Crothers looked to have saved it when he tipped it on the post, but the ball cannoned back of the upright and hit Crother's back and in. Loughgally were probably worth their victory, but some very poor refereeing decisions were perhaps to blame for the extent of the defeat for the Blades. In the second half Loughgally scored two more. Firstly a well struck shot and then a mistake by Adam Southerton to enable a Loughgally striker to tap in. However the Blades will take heart out of their performance this year, and it was a shame that they didn't have a bigger squad, because by the time of this game there were several injuries to players and many will feel that the Blades perhaps could have won this competition if their full squad had travelled and they had performed to their best in all four games. Jason Harper, Carl Campbell and Lewis Crothers all played through the pain barrier. The standard of refereeing certainly came into question with Johnny Craig and Jason Harper carded and Craig McBride sent off after the final whistle for verbal abuse at the referee. However there was an impressive performance against Chelsea, a draw against Walldorf, and the feeling that the Blades could well have had three wins out of the four games with a bit more luck. Well done and many thanks to Adam Caldwell, Carl Campbell and Emmet McKimm, who all played well for the Blades, with such a depleted squad travelling to Blackpool. The club also recieved considerable vocal support from St. Andrews Youth Team, and there was word of a handful of Blades players impressing several scouts. Next up, their final league game against last season's league champions Carniny Youth F.C.

Blades Team vs Loughgally Albert Colts: Crothers, Caldwell, E McKimm, Millar, Dickie, Tweedie, McBride, Craig, Campbell, R McKimm, McClung (Harper)     HT: 0-1    FT: 0-3    YC: Craig, Harper   RC: McBride

The Blades will feel disappointed after producing a superb performance against Chelsea, they could only manage a draw with a German side that the Blades looked stronger than. After several chances for the Blades, the German semi-professional team scored first against the run of play, but they did take their goal well. A good ball, resulted in a mazey run down the left flank and the drilled cross in was smashed into the net from six yards. A poor start, but the Blades kept going, and despite not playing to their potential, they were definately a match for the German team. There was a superb performance from Walldorf's centre-back, winning virtually every header and blocking anything the Blades threw at them. Lewis Crothers made a few routine saves, but the Blades seemed on top. Craig McBride, Johnny Craig and Jason Harper again got the team going, and it was McBride who grabbed the winner late on. A dubious penalty awarded to the Blades in the final minutes by the Scottish referee, and McBride stepped up to fire in his sixth goal of the season, and second of the tournament. The midfield playmaker has never missed a penalty for the East-Belfast club. The Blades felt they could have won this game, but perhaps they were running out of steam, after the huge effort made aginst Chelsea.

Blades Team vs Rot-Weiss Walldorf: Crothers, Caldwell, Dickie, Millar, E McKimm, Campbell, McBride, Craig (c), Harper, Tweedie, R McKimm       HT: 0-1 FT: 1-1    Goalscorer: McBride (p)     YC: 0    RC: 0

Certainly one of the best performances by the Blades in their four year history. The Blades took to the field against a youth team from the F.A. Premier League Champions, which was daunting enough. But with several Blades first-teamers missing the trip, a severely weakened side had to somehow compete with a youth team including several top-class foreign and U.K. based youth players. It was shocking to find that the Blades struck first with a sublime Craig McBride header, looping into the top corner past the Chelsea keeper. However by this stage, Chelsea had already forced several top-class saves from Lewis crothers in goals. Firstly tipping a free-kick destined for the top corner wide, then two close-range efforts. The Blades keeper seemed on top form, but Chelsea broke through, when they forced Crothers into a save from a one-on-one. The rebound fell to a Chelsea striker to smash home, with the Blades keeper still on the ground. 1-1 at half time and the Blades couldn't lose their concentration. The Blades backline of Emmet McKimm, Ryan Dickie, Adam Caldwell and Alan Millar were soaking up a lot of pressure, with the NI side trying to exploit Chelsea on the counter-attack. Jason Harper was a strong contender for Man Of The Match, with his superb dribbling and passing, but perhaps slightly surprisingly, his defensive play. Harper executed several last-ditch tackles and blocks and was also effective going forward. Ruiséal McKimm also tormented Chelsea with his speed and hassling. Craig McBride, Johnny Craig and Mark Tweedie showed some superb composure and passing and were causing the Chelsea backline problems. But it was Blades top-scorer Ruiséal McKimm who put the Blades ahead again. When the ball broke to him near the edge of the box, he hit a superb looping half volley into the net. McKimm then had a wonder strike tipped on to the bar by the Chelsea keeper. However Chelsea were constantly dangerous, and forged more chances, with Crothers again producing some more top-drawer stops. Chelsea did break through with a superb drilled shot into the bottom left corner. However any more chances were either thwarted by Crothers or his backline, with Ryan Dickie performing very well as usual, and the Blades hung on to a valuable point against a quality side. A superb team performance with newcomers Carl Campbell, Adam Caldwell and Emmet McKimm not looking out of place.

Blades Team vs Chelsea Academy: Crothers, Caldwell, Dickie, Millar, E McKimm, Campbell, McBride, Craig (c), Harper, Tweedie, R McKimm  HT:1-1   FT:2-2    Goalscorers: McBride, R McKimm    YC:0    RC:0

The Blades played their first game of this year's Blackpool Cup against Scottish non-league side Preston Athletic. Despite dominating long periods of the play the Blades picked up no points in their first Group Stage game. The quality opf finishing proved to be the difference, with Preston forcing Lewis Crothers to make several saves before they grabbed the opener. Poor defending meant a Preston attacker gained the ball inisde the box and he slotted home to put the Scottish side ahead. However the Blades responded immediately with trialist Carl Campbell grabbing his first goal in a Blades shirt. It was some poor defending by the Scots that allowed Campbell to finish. However Preston grabbed the winner in the second half, which left manager Paul McMurray feeling disappointed at the fact the Northern Irish side were largely the better team but failed to take any points into their second game. Jason Harper, Craig McBride and Johnny Craig absolutley dominated the midfield, but it was the inexperience at the back that perhaps caught the Blades out.

Blades Team vs Preston Athletic: Crothers, Caldwell, E McKimm, Millar, Dickie, Campbell, McBride, Craig (c), Harper, Tweedie, R McKimm       HT: 1-1     FT: 1-2     Goalscorer: Campbell    YC:0    RC:0

A deserved win for Upper Ardoyne today as they overcame a Blades side which couldn't get their pass and move rythm going, as in recent games. Upper Ardoyne forced two early saves from Blades' keeper Lewis Crothers in the first 15 minutes. Firstly a volley parried by the 6ft 5in keeper and then a low drive diverted wide by the Blades' shot -stopper. The Blades then started to get into their stride, with the renewed confidence given by their goalkeeper. Ruiséal McKimm came close when he broke free to get one-on-one with the Ardoyne keeper. Then David Davies had a golden opportunity, but couldn't connect with the driven ball, when it got stuck in a puddle on its route to goal. The Blades went down before the break when some sloppy defending left space for a shot from the edge of the box, which cannoned off the crossbar back to an Ardoyne attacker who hammered home. Half-time 1-0 to Upper Ardoyne. There seemed to be hope for the East-Belfast club when Ruiséal McKimm equalised for the Blades on the 60 minute mark, but it ended up all in vein. Mark Tweedie made an excellent run down the right flank and the resulting ball in found top-scorer, McKimm who bundled the ball over the line. Disaster struck minutes later, when Marty Armstrong couldn't clear and the ball was slammed in from close range, 2-1. Then Lewis Crothers made two more saves, one tipped wide from a free-kick, and then 1 parried wide from a drive inside the box. Andrew Crozier was sent off before the third goal came for Ardoyne when Matthew Taylor diverted a cross into his own net, with an Ardoyne attacker sliding in. Game over for the Blades, and goal no.4 came when poor marking left an Ardoyne striker to slot past Crothers on a one-on-one. 4-1 and and an unbelievably poor result for the Blades. Another Cup Final goes begging after last season's Semi-Final defeat to Carnmonney Colts. Craig McBride tried to hold the midfield together in a composed display, but to no avail. The game was killed as a contest when Andrew Crozier was sent off at 2-1 for severable fouling offensive tackles and the Blades also seen Matthew Taylor depart for fighting. Without two first-teamers the Blades will go for victory against Chimney Corner next week for a place in the East Antrim League Plate Final. Before this, the Blades travel to Blackpool to play in the annual Blackpool Cup.

Blades Team vs Upper  Ardoyne: Crothers, M Taylor, Morrow, Crozier, Dickie, Tweedie (Lemon), McBride, Patterson, Harper (Barklie), McKimm ( N Taylor), Davies (Millar)         HT: 0-1    FT: 1-4   YC: Crozier  RC: Crozier, M Taylor

East Antrim Youth League Secretary, Davy Bell has resigned. Here is the full article courtesy of The Belfast Telegraph reported yesterday;

Belfast Telegraph Home > Sport >

Football Junior Football: Resignation of Davy Bell

By Robert Fenton

06 April 2006: The latter was also responsible for an informative league website which he has now taken down. He also acts as the referees co-ordinator and claims that the whistlers have now withdrawn their services. An EGM has been called for April 30 but that in itself is highly contentious as it was not called by the General Committee which is the only body under the league's constitution with the power to do so. That effectively makes the EGM null and void and a waste of time for clubs travelling any distance. The league has come under criticism for some time, and their rule book is badly in need of an overhaul. The Northern Ireland Boys' FA, are working on a new constitution themselves and this will be available to all their members shortly.

The Blades returned to their home pitch, Avoniel P.S. for the first time in since November, but it was in a poor state and a poor result followed. Luckily only a friendly, the Blades will need to perform far better in the next two weeks as they chase glory on four fronts. Orangefield did probably deserve a narrow win but the Blades, without regular first-teamers Craig Morrow and Ross Patterson played nowhere near their capapbility. The passing was poor, and apart from some good defending at times from Carl Barklie and Andrew Crozier there weren't manyn positives to take out of the game. Orangefield's first goal came midway through the first half when a drilled shot from inside the box thumped off Crothers and into the net, who will be disappointed he didn't do better. He did redeem himself in the second half with some impressive stops, but was judged to have conceded again, despite the ball not going in. With an Orangefield striker left with a simple tap-in, he blasted over from 6 yards but without any netting the goal stood. Matthew Taylor did force a decent save from the Orangefield keeper in the first half from a free-kick and came close again when he missed from inside the box. Apart from this game, there was more damaging news that Lewis Crothers picked up an injury playing for the first team. Crothers suffered a bruised bone and bleeding in his calf muscle and is a major doubt for the forthcoming games against Carniny, Upper Ardoyne and Chimney Corner. This comes at a time when the Blades have a very busy schedule with three domestic games in five days and the Blackpool Cup starting on 15th April.

Blades Team vs Orangefield: Crothers, M Taylor, Crozier, Barklie (Armstrong), Dickie, McBride, N Taylor (Millar), Craig, Harper, Tweedie, McKimm (Davies)        HT: 0-1     FT: 0-2       YC: 0    RC: 0

Despite taking the lead at The Valley, the Blades fell to a comeback from Upper Ardoyne and lost their opening League Plate fixture. The omens weren't good for the Blades from the first whistle. The Blades line-up was missing Craig McBride (on the bench) and top scorer, Ruiseal McKimm, who didn't even make the squad. Upper Ardoyne should have taken the lead in the opening thirty seconds, but their close range shot went inches wide of the right post. The Blades never really got into their stride and will know a repeat performance in next week's Cup Semi-Final could leave them trophyless for a second season. They did however take the lead from the in form Mark Tweedie. When he cut in from the right flank and hit a delightful drilled finish into the far bottom corner. The Blades then had a Nathan Taylor chipped goal disallowed for offside. Then came Ardoyne's first goal. Hugely disappointing for Lewis Crothers, when a shot was hit from 30 yards. Crothers got two hands to it but could not stop it going in the top corner. A bad error by the experienced keeper. Ardoyne weren't settling for a draw and went in search for more goals. Crothers saving a one-on-one and a couple of very close efforts. the Blades were unsettled and couldn't get into any sort of rythm. At half-time Craig McBride was brought on as sub for the first time this season and looked to change the game. However the Blades midfield couldn't find any space to work with, and a hard-working Upper Ardoyne side seemed desperate for the result. Ross Patterson had two efforts from set pieces that didn't hit the target and Mark Tweedie and Jason Harper tried to get that elusive second goal. The Blades keeper was forced into action a couple of times before the winning goal for Ardoyne. From a corner kick, Crothers rose to fist the ball, but only found an Ardoyne attacker unmarked on the edge of the box. the Ardoyne attacker fired past the fingertips of the Blades keeper, to complete his day of misery. The Blades searched for a goal but but to no avail. Both goals were largely down to the Blades no.1, but it has to be said that outfield they did not force Ardoyne into any real pressure and probably didn't deserve a win. Qualification for the final rests on the Blades beating Chimney Corner in the second game in the group. The Blades play Ardoyne again next week to gain a place in this year's East Antrim Cup Final, after losing for the first time in seven games, and conceding more than one goal in a game for the first time in ten weeks.

Blades Team vs Upper Ardoyne: Crothers, Armstrong (McBride), M Taylor, Crozier, Dickie, Patterson, Craig, Morrow, Tweedie, N Taylor (Davies), Harper (Millar)     Unused Subs: Young, Barklie      HT: 1-1    FT: 1-2       Goalscorer: Tweedie     YC: Morrow, Crozier   RC: 0 

Another win for sees the Blades, who are unbeaten in six games, go within two points of league champions Carniny, in the race for second. The Blades play Carniny in their last league fixture, and will be feeling confident of catching the Ballymena side, after the 3-1 win to the Blades at Ballymena Showgrounds. It was ahrd to believe coming into this fixture that Comber Rec beat the Blades 5-0 the last time the two teams met, way back in October. No chance of a similar scoreline this time however, with the Blades on an impressive run of form, with Lewis Crothers conceding just three goals in his last six games, recording three clean sheets. The Blades did take a bit of time to get into this game, with a strong wind provin a barrier to any balls forward. Comber Rec in fact had a few chances, going close on a couple of occasions and Crothers saving well at the feet of an attacker. But the Blades didn't seem to have to get into top gear, as class was the true difference between 3rd and 4th in the table. A teamsheet missing Craig Morrow and captain Ross Patterson coped with relative ease. Martin Armstrong and Ryan Dickie were impressive down the flanks, and the attacking play of Johnny Craig, Mark Tweedie, Jason Harper, Craig McBride and Ruiseal McKimm was causing all sorts of problems for Comber. Nathan Taylor was also a hassle up front and the Comber defence struggled with his physical play. However it was Taylor who missed two golden opportunities in the first half, when he fluffed two good chances wide. The Blades however were to create more chances and late in the first half, a great passing move got the first goal. Martin Armstrong hit a brilliant chipped ball into Tweedie, who found McKimm, who stabbed home to net his 14th goal of the campaign. The Blades were then angered at the ease of the Comber players falling to ground, over what looked like several legitimate tackles. By the end of the day, Crothers, Crozier, Craig and Harper had all entered the referee's book. This didn't take anything away from the scoreline though, as the Blades looked to Crothers' long kicks upfield to create pressure. The ball was dropping on the edge of the Rec's penalty area. The Blades second came when McKimm returned the earlier favour, playing in the on form Tweedie to grab his fourth of the season. It was effectively game over, but Comber Rec did put pressure on the Blades for the remainder and squandered some decent chances, but couldn't find any goals. The Blades now have a warm-up game next Saturday against Loughside, before their East Antrim Cup Semi-Final against Upper Ardoyne.

Blades Team vs Comber Rec: Crothers, Armstrong, M Taylor, Crozier, Dickie, Craig, Harper (Young), McBride (Lemon), Tweedie, N Taylor, McKimm (Millar)         HT: 1-0    FT: 2-0    Goalscorers: McKimm, Tweedie       YC: Crothers, Crozier, Craig, Harper     RC: 0 

Another convincing win today for the Blades' third win on the bounce. The Blades were simply too good for a hard working Upper Ardoyne side at The Valley. The Blades' quick 'pass and move' football is what is ripping up defences across the league of late and it was no different today. The Blades were in front early on through the influential Ross Patterson, as he clipped in the first. 2-0 a few minutes later as Patterson grabbed his brace with a surging run and superb finish drilled into the bottom left hand corner. A dispute followed over the referee's decision-making on a throw-in, which looked as if though the match would be finished at 2-0. But the game eventually went on, and the Blades looked rampant in front of goal for the remainder. Ruiséal Mckimm bagged his seventh goal of the season to make it three. He controlled a good ball by Matthew Taylor before advancing bast the Ardoyne keeper and slotting home. The Blades used a number of substitutions during the game, which seemed to pay off. David Davies scored a tap-in to make it four, before Ardoyne grabbed one back. A good finish in the bottom- right corner. But the Blades looked for more. Nathan Taylor got his first goal in a Blades shirt, when his brother Matthew picked him out, and he headed past the Ardoyne keeper from a yard out. Another substitution seen Ross Patterson come off after a fine display with Johnny Craig in the middle of the park. With Matthew Gillham getting a start in goals, Lewis Crothers was rested to the bench, but appeared at centre-back towards the end of the first-half. But it was a long time later that he completed the rout, powering home a header from a corner kick, in the top corner. A very impressive performance from the Blades today beating the team they play in the Knockout Cup Semi-Final very convincingly. Matthew Gillham made some good stops during the game, but picked up a slight injury that prevented him from taking goal kicks. Criag Morrow was as usual solid at the back, pairing with Carl Barklie in the first half who also played well. David Young came on in the second half and faced little problems. Craig McBride notched up his 16th game of the season, and is now the only player to have played for the Blades in every game this season, and perhaps will have one eye on breaking Lewis Crothers' record of 36 consecutive appearances. Next up for the Blades is a home game against league leaders and arch-rivals Carrick Rangers Colts, who won 3-1 away to champions Carniny today.

Blades Team vs Upper Ardoyne: Gillham, M Taylor, Morrow, Barklie (Crothers), Dickie, Patterson (Young), Craig, McBride (Lemon), Tweedie (Armstrong), McKimm (N Taylor), Millar (Davies)       HT: 3-0   FT: 6-1      Goalscorers: Patterson (2), McKimm, Davies, N Taylor, Crothers        YC: 0   RC: 0

A very impressive win for the Blades today, as they played the East Antrim Youth League Champions off their home pitch. The game was played at a pitch that had poor visibility, due to dense fog and the kick-off was in doubt, but the game eventually got the go-ahead. The Blades started off with a 4-3-3 formation, but in the second half they reverted back to a more solid 4-4-2, and it was the right decision. The away side got straight into the Ballymena side from the start, but it was Carniny who had some good chances early on, against the run of play. They had two chances hit straight at Crothers and later a one-on-one also saved by the Blades keeper. Matthew Taylor was impressive at right-back and looked solid throughout. Ross Patterson was also on top form, with his usual driving runs and neat passing. Jason Harper and Craig McBride also played well in the middle of the park, showing some good link up play. But the first goal was scored by Mark Tweedie after some substantial pressure in the first half. Tweedie scored his third goal in three games with a great chipped finish, straight after Carniny missed a great chance in a one-on-one. Aaron Hill was brought on up front for his second appearance and looked dangerous, setting up the Blade's second when he surged down the right flank and cut the ball back for Jason Harper to slam home for his fifth of the season. Blades didn't sit back and protect their lead, but searched for more goals and showed their dominance over Carniny, firstly forcing a great save from the Carniny keeper, and then with the third goal. Jason Harper let fly with a long-range bullet which hit the roof of the net. A fine goal by last season's top scorer. The game wasn't over yet though. Andrew Crozier was sent off after tempers flared up and he punched a Carniny player, who pushed Ross Patterson. This gave Carniny hope of getting something out of the game with a one man advantage. They grabbed one goal back straight from a corner, when Ryan Dickie missed the ball completely attempting a clearance, and it flew in at the near post. Carniny looked for more, but Crothers stood in their way, first tipping a close range drive wide, and then gettin down at the feet of Carniny player on the line, to stop a certain tap in, recieving a kick to the head. The Blades hung on and claimed their first win over Carniny this season. Good performances right the way through the team from keeper to strikers, with Ruiseal McKimm having a hand in two of the goals. Craig Morrow was solid as usual, and Andrew Crozier had a good comeback from injuring his ankle playing for the seconds three weeks ago. Carniny had a man sent off as well late on for swingin at McBride, who wisely didn't react.

Blades Team vs Carniny Youth: Crothers, M Taylor, Dickie, Morrow, Crozier, Harper, McBride, Patterson, Davies (Hill), McKimm (N Taylor), Tweedie       Unused Subs: Gillham, Millar, Lemon         HT: 1-0      FT: 3-1        YC: McBride     RC: Crozier

A deserved victory for the Blades today, as they battle hard for a 1-0 victory. They lined up with a 4-3-3 formation and Nathan Taylor making his debut at centre-half, with a quite impressive debut. The Blades started off very brightly, and their free-flowing football was too much for Chimney Corner in the opening 15 minutes. Wave after wave of attacks pinned Corner back and they were thankful to their goalkeeper for staying in the game. The only goal of the game came not long after this period. The Blades won a corner and it was only cleared to the advancing Mark Tweedie, who struck it sweetly and it fired in past the despairing keeper from the edge of the box. A fine strike gave Tweedie his second goal in two games and was the vital goal that secured all three points for the Blades. However, Chimney Corner responded and forged out some chances of their own, as the Blades seemed to lose their rythm momentarily. Corner couldn't find the net though, as Crothers stood in their way, firstly beating away a close-range effort and then saving with his feet on a one-on-one. For the remainder of the half the Blades were restricted to long-range efforts and Ross Patterson came close on a few occasions. Half-time 1-0. At half-time Paul McMurray gave Aaron Hill the chance to impress, with his debut up front, coming on for Carl Barklie. Hill looked good in the air and came close to getting a debut goal when his shot hit the side-netting. The Blades again forced the Corner keeper into a number of saves as they pressed for their second, but left some gaps at the back and the away side nearly took advantage, but their finishing let them down. Mark Tweedie looked back to his best and Nathan Taylor gave a good account of himself, after being moved up into midfield. He had a few efforts that were well placed, but lacked any real power. On the flank his brother Matthew was never troubled at right-back. Alan Millar also hit the bar before being subbed off for David Young. Overall the Blades were well worth the victory and could have had more goals. Next up is a trip to Ballymena to play league champions Carniny, at the Showgrounds.

Blades Team vs Chimney Corner: Crothers, M Taylor, Dickie, Morrow, N Taylor, McBride, Patterson, Harper, Barklie (Hill), Millar (Young), Tweedie     Unused Subs: McKimm, Davies          HT 1-0     FT 1-0       Goalscorer: Tweedie        YC: 0    RC:0

Blades F.C. Youth are close to adding two more additions to their squad for the remainder of the season. As the transfer window draws to a close this week, Aaron Hill and Kyle Leeman have been training with the Blades and are expected to sign this Sunday. Kyle Leeman previously played for the club in their treble winning season of 2003/04. Both players were in a Dungoyne Boys side managed by paul McMurray before he joined the Blades, along with current goalkeeper Lewis Crothers and ex-captain Ross Kane. Both Hill and Leeman should be available next week for the game against Chimney Corner, and will provide good competiton for places ahead of the Blades KO Cup Semi-Final against Upper Ardoyne. 

A disappointing result for the Blades, despite them being the better team for periods of the match. Craig Morrow and Johnny Craig were missing from the squad, but Craig McBride was included despite injuring his foot in midweek. The Blades started quite brightly but the offside line proved a barrier with several offside decisions. Carrick created a good chance early on, which forced Crothers to make a smart one handed save. The Blades had chances of their own and had two goals disallowed. Both were scored by Ruiséal McKimm, one was ruled out for offside and the other was cancelled for McKimm being judged to have handled the ball. Both decisions were somewhat dubious to say the least. The early good play, was forgotten when Carrick opened the scoring around 35 minutes in. A quick free-kick was swung in with the Blades not ready and the Carrick striker latched on to it and finished superbly with the outside of his boot. The second half started evenly with both sides playing some decent football in the middle of the park. Craig McBride and Mark Tweedie missed great chances and hit straight at the keeper on one-on-ones, although McBride was certainly fouled by the Carrick keeper, but the referee didn't give it. Carrick got a second however with about half an hour left, another great finish from their no.9. Paul McMurray made some changes shortly after with Lewis Crothers going up front, Gillham going into nets and Chris McClean making another appearance. The changes seem to work, and straight away Crothers played a neat chip into Harper who forced a save from the Carrick keeper. Moments later the Blades grabbed one back through Mark Tweedie after some good pressure, Tweedie slotted home for his first goal of the season after McKimm played him through. Carrick however got another five minutes later with a shot from 25 yards, which Gillham should have saved. It slipped through his hands and into the back of the net. The Blades didn't lie down though and the most unlikely of scorers grabbed one back. Lewis Crothers scored his best goal in a Blades shirt. He chased down a loose ball, out-strengthed the Carrick centre-back, ran past him to the by-line, skipped past their full back and drived it in of the far post. The Blades then tried desperately to get another but ran out of time and it remained at 3-2. Some good performances by Crothers, Harper, Patterson and Tweedie were overshadowed by the fact that the league title seems destined for another year away from Avoniel.

Blades Team vs Carrick Rangers Colts: Crothers, Armstrong (Millar), Dickie, Taylor, Crozier, Patterson, McBride (Gillham), Harper, Tweedie, Davies (McClean), McKimm           HT: 0-1       FT: 2-3       Goalscorers: Tweedie, Crothers        YC: Patterson        RC: 0     

The Blades dropped more points today at The Diamond, but with Carniny losing to Carrick Rangers, the league title is still within their reach. The Blades started with Lewis Crothers, Jason Harper, Alan Millar and Ruiséal McKimm on the bench and fielded several players who have not played many agmes this year. The Blades attempted to tire out Upper Ardoyne in the first half with some neat passing moves. With such a strong bench, the Blades gave everything in the first half and opened up Ardoyne time and time again. Matthew Taylor swung in some good crosses and found a lot of space down the right flank, but the forward line of Mark Tweedie, Chris McClean and Marty Armstrong could do everything but score. At the break Paul McMurray decided do bring on some first team regulars in Lewis Crothers, Jason Harper and Ruiséal McKimm. Alan Millar was also brought on later at the unfamiliar position of right-back. All these changes seemed to disrupt the Blades' rythm, but Jason Harper and Ross Patterson were causing Ardoyne problems. Upper Ardoyne had a man sent off, but still looked extremely solid as they piled men behind the ball and went on the counter attack at every opportunity. The Blade's found it harder to break them down but did have several chances with Ross Patterson and Ruiséal McKimm coming close. Crothers, in the Blades' goal was forced into making a number of saves, as Ardoyne looked to grab a late winner. Ryan Dickie got a yellow card for a very late and high tackle and McKimm also got booked for up-ending the Ardoyne keeper. The end result was probably a fair one, and Upper Ardoyne have vastly improved since their opening few matches of the season. The Blades however are on inconsistent form, and go into a crucial match against Carrick Rangers next week that could put them right back in the title race.

Blades Team vs Upper Ardoyne: Gillham (Crothers), Taylor, Dickie, Crozier (c), Young (Millar), Craig, Patterson, McBride, McClean (Harper), Armstrong (McKimm), Tweedie (Davies)             HT: 0-0     FT: 0-0        YC: Dickie, McKimm      RC: 0

The Blades progress to the semi-finals of the EA KO Cup after beating Chimney Corner 2-1 at The Diamond today. The first-half was very one sided with the Blades dominating both the possession and goal scoring chances. Chimney Corner rarely ventured out of their own half and could only manage a couple of misplaced shots on goal. The Blades created chance after chance with the wind behind them and finally broke through just before half time, when Ruiséal McKimm fired in his sixth goal of the season. McKimm brought the ball down, turned and then unleashed a half volley into the top corner to put the Blades in front. Half-time 1-0. Gary Murphy came on for Mark Tweedie in the second half as the Blades looked to further their lead. They started well and created a few chances before Craig McBride scored a fine goal, when he skilfully turned his man and cooly slotted home past the keeper. Everything was going to plan until Gary Murphy got his second yellow for two bad tackles. Then Crothers in goal was forced into action with a fine save, tipping a goal-bound effort wide. Moments later Chimney Corner grabbed one back, after a Chimney Corner striker skipped past Andrew Crozier and then chipped the advancing Crothers. Craig Morrow attempted to stop the ball flying in when he handled it before he was red carded and a penalty was given. The penalty was poorly hit, but Crothers couldn't get his body behind it and the ball spun into the net. The last 20 minutes the Blades were pushed all the way with ten men, but Chimney Corner couldn't find the crucial goal. Good performances from Ryan Dickie, Ross Patterson and Johnny Craig helped the Blades' cause and they are now one step closer to adding to the trophy cabinet this season.

Blades Team vs Chimney Corner: Crothers, Taylor, Dickie, Crozier (c), Morrow, Millar, McBride, Patterson, Craig, McKimm (Barklie), Tweedie (Murphy)            Unused Subs: Young, Armstrong, McClean               HT: 1-0        FT: 2-1        YC: Dickie, Muphy (2)      RC: Murphy, Morrow

As warm-up for New Year's Eve cup semi-final, the Blades have arranged a friendly for 26th December at Avoniel. Blades F.C. Youth u17s will play Blades F.C. II, with a 11.00am kick-off expected to be announced. Blades u17s currently lie 4th in the East Antrim Youth League after their defeat against Carrick Rangers at the weekend. Blades F.C. II are also challenging for the league title in their respective league, the South Antrim League. Ruiséal McKimm has scored 6 goals for the Seconds this season and 5 for the u17s. He is one of a number of players who have turned out for the senior sides. Lewis Crothers has appeared five times for the first team and twice for the Seconds. Andrew Crozier has been a regular in the Seconds, and Gary Murphy and Jason Harper have also played for Mark Bowers and Colin Rainey's side. The Seconds won 4-3 on Saturday against1sts of Lisburn. Andrew Crozier, Ruiseal McKimm and Lewis Crothers were all involved, with Crothers playing the unfamiliar position of right-wing. There will be no training for the u17s this Thursday, as a trip to Dundonald Ice Bowl has been arranged for 7.00pm.

A win for the Blades could have seen off Carrick's title challenge, but instead the Blades lost a half time lead to slip to a 4-1 defeat. The first half was a battle from both sides to gain the lead. Carrick probably had the best of the chances and in the opening few minutes missed two very good opportunities that went narrowly wide. The Blades then looked more solid, with some superb defending from Craig Morrow and Carl Barklie in particular. Crothers was then called into action when Carrick got through just outside the 6-yard box. The shot was pulled across the face of goal, and Crothers tipped it wide before Taylor played it out for a corner. The Blades showed some neat passing and were unlucky not to get through and were flagged offside on numerous occassions. Then the opening goal, when Ruiséal McKimm reacted to a looping ball, and headed the ball of a Carrick defender, which nestled in the far corner of the net. Carrick tried to build some pressure before half time but couldn't break through the back-line of  Taylor, Barklie, Crozier, Morrow and the advancing Crothers in goal. The Blades came close to furthering their lead when a low drive was spilled by the Carrick goalkeeper, but no-one was on hand to finish. At half-time the Blades went in knowing they would have to improve their performance in the second-half to build on their 1-0 lead. The Blades started off the second half the better team, with Ross Patterson driving through the middle of the park and causing Carrick all sorts of problems. Then Carrick got the break-through they needed and in the resulting one-on-one a cool finish from the Carrick striker brought the scores level. For the remainder of the game Carrick looked the better, and a Blades team without several first team players struggled to create any chances to put them back in front. carrick's second goal came from a free-kick floated into the back post. Poor marking allowed a Carrick attacker to rise high and power in a header from 3 yards, giving the Blades keeper no chance. The Blades looked shocked, but things were to get worse, despite efforts from Jason Harper and Ross Patterson to take the game to Carrick. Goal number three was a soft goal to give away, as the Blades wall was being made the ball was belted through it at Crothers who should have saved, but could only help it on into the back of the net. Carrick now were completely on top and forced two neat saves from Crothers form a 1-on-1 and a drive tipped wide, before he was took off in a number of substitutions. The game was now over as a contest, and Matthew Gillham conceded number four late on, when after some strong pressure and good passing Carrick slotted home in the far bottom, right-hand corner. In all a terrible result for the Blades, but with a full team expected back for the cup tie with Chimney Corner and many big league games still to go, they are not out of the running for silverware this season yet.

Blades Team vs Carrick Rangers: Crothers (Gillham), Taylor, Barklie (Millar), Morrow, Crozier, McBride, Harper, Patterson, Craig, McKimm (McClean), Davies (Armstrong)     HT: 1-0   FT: 1-4    YC: Davies      RC: 0

This Saturday sees the Blades return to the home of arch rivals, Carrick Rangers. The game always stands out on the fixture list, but this one could be the most important game that both sides have played in. The Blades currently lie third in the league table, but have games in hand on both Comber Rec and Carniny. Carrick Rangers find themselves fourth and are already nine points adrift of Carniny, but a win could see them back in the title race. Carrick have had three defeats on the bounce, and last week were surprisingly turned over by bottom of the league side, Upper Ardoyne in the EAYL Knockout Cup. A ppor result this time against the Blades and it could be almost all over for Carrick's season. Meanwhile, the Blades are looking to close the gap on Carniny and end Carrick's title challenge, with a win of their own. The squad travelling to Carrick is not at full strength, with Ryan Dickie, Gary Murphy and David Young all suspended, and Mark Tweedie doubtful, but the Blades have the psychological edge, having the better head-to-head record and winning the last time the two clubs met last month, 2-1. bladesfcyouth.co.nr takes a look at some of the past meetings between the two clubs.

Harland and Wolff 0-1 Carrick Rangers, EAYL KO Cup, 2002/03

A single free-kick sealed the game as Carrick went through to the KO Cup Final.

Harland and Wolff 3-0 Carrick Rangers, EAYL (Taylor's Avenue), 2002/03

Some great reaction stops from Crothers in goal, and lethal finishing saw off the Carrick challenge in front of a disappointed home crowd.

Harland and Wolff 6-2 Carrick Rangers, EAYL (Beltoy), 2003/04

Unbeaten all season, H&W stormed to victory at a windswept Beltoy.

Blades F.C. 2-0 Carrick Rangers, EAYL (The Diamond), 2004/05

A stunning volley from Alan Millar settled it after McBride put the Blades ahead.

Blades F.C. 1-2 Carrick Rangers, EAYL (Beltoy), 2004/05

Despite Craig McBride getting on the scoresheet, a makeshift Blades side were beaten at the third attempt by Carrick.

As we know, due to the death of footballing legend, George Best, all of yesterday's fixtures were postponed. This has caused a re-shuffle in the league's fixtures and as a result, the Blades will not have any fixture in next week's round of matches also. However the club have been notified of the new fixture list, and the Blades' next game is another tough away game to Carrick Rangers Colts. This will be followed by a quarter-final cup tie against Chimney Corner and a league game against Upper Ardoyne in the new year. Full details on http://www.freewebs.com/hawfc/latestresultsfixtures.htm

This week's round of games could have a huge affect on the outcome of this year's East Antrim Youth League, even at this early stage. The biggest fixture of the day has to be Carrick Rangers vs Carniny at Woodburn. A week after Carrick were beaten on their home turf by the Blades, they play host to league champions Carniny Youth. Comber Rec and Chimney Corner also go head to head, and the league title race could be thrown wide open tomorrow if Carniny fail to win, and Chimney Corner and the Blades pick up all three points.

Fixture List - 19th November 2005

Blades F.C. vs Upper Ardoyne, The Valley

Carrick Rangers Colts vs Carniny Youth F.C., Woodburn

Comber Rec vs Chimney Corner, The Valley

bladesfcyouth.co.nr takes a look at the past meetings between the two clubs.

Harland and Wolff Youth 1-1 Upper Ardoyne, Inverary, EAYL - 2004/05

H&W took the lead through an Andrew Crozier header, but Ardoyne got late equalizer on a drenched Inverary pitch.

Upper Ardoyne 2-2 Harland and Wolff Youth, Six Mile Water, EAYL - 2004/05

McKimm overhead kick and a Harper strike put H&W 2-0 up, but poor defending and a late goalkeeping error brought the game to a draw.

Harland and Wolff Youth 7-1 Upper Ardoyne. The Valley, EAYL - 2004/05

Braces from Millar and Harper, an og , Tweedie finish and Crothers pen and a brilliant performance from Gary Murphy brushed Ardoyne aside with relative ease, despite a consolation goal late on.

To: Carrick Rangers Colts

In Reference To: Alleged comment made by Blades F.C. u17s Manager, Paul McMurray

'Following the clubs recent deserved victory over Carrick Rangers, players from both clubs visited the Blades u17 website, www.bladesfcyouth.co.nr and traded nasty comments. One such comment was alleged to have been made by Blades Manager Paul McMurray regarding a member of Carrick's coaching staff and his son who plays for the club. These remarks were definately not written by Paul McMurray, but by someone else. Whilst there is no love lost between Mr McMurray and Carrick Rangers F.C. , anyone that knows him will know he would not make such vile remarks. Anyone who has read these remarks is not to be offended, but to disregard them as utter rubbish,'                                                                      

Yours In Sport, Blades F.C. U17s Spokes-person

Every year this fixture is the one that probably stands out the most on the calendar, and this year it was no different. The Blades have the best record of the two sides, and Carrick Rangers have only one victory to their name in four seasons. Despite this, Carrick went into the game as favourites, due to the poor recent form from the Blades, culminating in a new record of three defeats on the trot. However, things did not go to plan for the home side, with the Blades showing at last their true quality, and potential to be the top team in the league. The former treble champions started the better of the two sides, with Carrick being pinned back in their own half for much of the opening 15 minutes. Then the usual suspect, Craig McBride, who has a great nack of scoring important goals in these big games, slotted home after Ruiséal McKimm had made a darting run and fired his shot across the face of the goal, which the Carrick keeper failed to deal with. The ball found its way to McBride who finished with ease. After the restart Carrick increased the tempo and it took only a few minutes before they recieved a penalty for a late challenge from behind by the last man. Crothers in goal guessed the wrong way and couldn't get across to prevent it going in. For the next 10 minutes Carrick took the upper hand, and their best chance came, when a long ball bounced awkwardly right in front of Crothers who misjudged the flight of the ball and was only able to tip it on to the crossbar. A Carrick striker was quick to pounce, but so was Crothers who halted his progress before Ryan Dickie cleared the ball away. This close shave inspired the Blades who went up a few gears once more and were the better team for the remainder of the period, despite Carrick coming close on a 1-on-1 with the Blades keeper. The second half started like the first with a high tempo, and both sides showing how much they wanted the three points. But it was the Blades who had the better of the chances, with Carrick forcing very few shots that troubled Crothers. Johnny Craig was his influential self in midfield and took the game to Carrick, playing in a more offensive role than usual. There was brilliant displays all over the pitch. Jason Harper looked back to his best and caused all sots of problems down the left flank and Ross Patterson had an impressive game in midfield, but his game was to get much better. The arguable man of the match however was Craig Morrow, playing in a defence that denied Carrick any real opportunities, he won virtually every header, and read the game very well. After some late challenges and high-flying tackles Andrew Crozier and Ryan Dickie were booked, but both looked very solid in the backline. Then, the goal ; probaby the most likely candidate for goal of the season, after Carrick gave away a soft free-kick 30 yards out, Ross Patterson let fly with an unstoppable curling drive that flew in off the bar in the top-right hand corner. After the goal Carrick tried to peg the Blades back but got nowhere, and the Carrick keeper came out of his goal for every corner and even throw-ins showing the desperation of the Carrick team. They also finished the game with ten men after verbal abuse at the referee, seen a sending off in the last few minutes. A great team performance ensured all 3 points go back to Avoniel, and the league is still within their grasp.

Blades Team vs Carrick Rangers : Crothers, Taylor, Dickie, Crozier, Morrow, Tweedie (Davies), Harper, Craig, Patterson, McBride, McKimm           Unused Subs: Armstrong, Barklie, Millar, McClean                HT: 1-1          FT:2-1         YC: Crozier, Dickie     RC: 0