Firsts ease through against Cliftonville

North Down entertained Cliftonville in the Premier League last Saturday at Comber Leisure centre and won by 3-1.

Cliftonville, without a point in the league, offered little and North Down dominated from start to finish.  Although dominating possession, North Down will be disappointed that they were unable to turn their dominance into goals.

They had the perfect start when Josh Gilmore crashed a reverse shot into the net after 10 minutes and increased their lead when Ross Linter played the perfect pass to Mark Shannon.  He found space in the circle and calmly slapped the ball into the net.  Despite winning a number of corners North Down were unable to add to the score line.

The second half followed a similar pattern with North Down struggling to create scoring chances.  Chris Speers scored the third from a short corner after 15 minutes but from then on they seemed to be content with the score and allowed Cliftonville to have their best period in the game.  They won a number of corners and scored with 5 minutes remaining.

North Down were comfortable winners but there was not a lot to cheer the supporters who braved the extremely cold conditions and they will have to show an improved performance when they travel to Raphoe for the first game in 2018, year #123 in the Club’s history!

PMB Man of the Match: Jonny Linter