Mens thirds suffer first league defeat

Last Saturday North Down thirds were back in league action after their cup defeat and hosted Cookstown fourths in Comber.

A much changed side due to unavailability on more senior teams saw five new faces but they welcomed the return of Paul Revill who has suffered from back problems.

North Down started well and had three quick attacks into the danger area but could not find that final pass to open up an experienced defence. At the other end skipper Andy Walls in an unfamiliar centre back position did well to keep the Tyrone men at bay however the visitors grew more and more into the game and a short corner was won and converted.

Cookstown soon extended their lead with a reverse effort that took a deflection and looped over Reece Glover and into the goal.

The second half saw North Down start to move the ball much better and test the Cookstown keeper. They soon got back in the game when Michael Orr struck well and Johnny Proctor got a deflection into the roof of the net. The keeper was soon tested again from close range only to kick back out to Sam Pyper who crashed a low shot off the outside of the post.

With North Down pressing, the game was end to end with counter attacks by both teams and Glover kept the Comber men in the game with a number of great saves. Time ticked by and the locals could just not get that final goal to take a share of the points.

This was their first league defeat and they know that they have to get back to winning ways to keep on track for promotion.

Report by Sam Pyper.