North Down rue missed chances

North Down travelled to Queens on Saturday hoping to put recent disappointing results behind them and get back on their winning ways however it was Queens who showed greater determination and ran out winners by two goals to nil.

Queens dominated most of the first half controlling play and keeping North Down on the back foot. Although Queens had much more possession they found difficulty breaking down a resolute North Down defence. Goal scoring opportunities were restricted to short corners and it was from the third corner that they took the lead. On a rare breakaway North Down got in behind the Queens defence and a cross from the right eluded defenders but Donnan and Poots collided with each other and the chance was gone

The second half was a different story. A stern team talk at half time saw North Down take the initiative and it was Queens turn to defend in numbers. The Queens keeper was having a good game and was able to keep out everything North Down threw at him. North Down had several short corners but were unable to convert. With about 10 minutes remaining a North Down corner was blocked and the ball rebounded to Shepherd who blasted the ball goalwards but unfortunately the ball deflected off a stick to safety. Immediately Queens broke away and won a corner at the other end. The ball was deflected home at the far post to extend their lead. Instead of being level with minutes remaining North Down now found themselves two goals down and Queens were able to play time out and secure the points.