Comfortable Premier victory over Service

North Down had a comfortable 3-1 Premier League victory over near neighbours Civil Service at Comber Leisure Centre last Saturday to continue their recent run of good form.

This was a game North Down dominated from start to finish but struggled to break down a resolute Service defence.  In their only attack in the first half Service shocked the home support with a fine goal.  After 11 minutes the North Down defence backed off and Johnston was allowed to smash a reverse shot past Rodgers.  Poor final ball and lack of composure in the circle meant that North Down had to wait until 10 minutes before half time to get the deserved equalizer with Jonny Linter smashing home a short corner.  North Down won a number of corners but their routine let them down and the game was tied at 1-1 at half time.

The second half followed a similar pattern as the first with Rodgers almost a spectator.  Too often the ball was being smashed into the circle with the forwards having no chance of controlling it or the final pass was intercepted.  With time starting to run out, North Down’s play became rather frantic.  However with 12 minutes remaining Gareth McKeown rifled a short corner into the corner of the net to give the home side the lead.  Almost immediately they put the game to bed when Gilmore rocketed a reverse shot into the net off the crossbar.  In the last few minutes Service exerted pressure on the North Down circle and Rodgers had to be quick off his line to clear the danger.  However, in the process Andy Boyd fell awkwardly and damaged his knee but it didn’t alter the final 3-1 scoreline..

PMB Man of the Match V Civil Service: Jonny Linter.