North Down Get Revenge in Local Derby

[singlepic id=17 w=320 h=240 float=right]North Down entertained near neighbours Bangor in a league fixture on Saturday and were keen to get revenge for an earlier defeat at Bangor earlier in the season. This was the first week this season that coach Peter Whyte had all players available and so with a strong squad spirits were high.

In a hard fought game North Down eased home by 2-1 and now find themselves hot on the heels of league leaders Raphoe.

North Down opened strongly and put early pressure on the Bangor defence. The closest they came to scoring was when Rowan Poots flashed a reverse shot past the post. They did take the lead midway through the half when Wilson picked the ball up in mid circle and squeezed the ball through a packed defence. Bangor had a chance to equalise just before halftime but McBride made a fine save from a short corner.

The second half followed a similar pattern with play confined to midfield and both sides unable to break down strong well organised defences. Bangor equalised slightly against the run of play when they expertly executed a penalty corner. At the other end Cooper had a great chance to regain the lead for the home side but blasted his shot straight at the keeper. North Down got the winner with 12 minutes remaining when Peter McKibbin made a great burst from midfield and blasted the ball into the circle. It evaded Bangor defenders and Simon Watt was on hand to tap in at the far post. Simon Hunter received a yellow card for an infringement and with Bangor reduced to 10 players North Down were able to see the game out and become worthy winners