Free Scoring Seconds Hit Ten at Antrim

By Terry Ritchie

The seconds recorded a satisfactory 10-1 victory against Antrim seconds on Saturday. Due to unavoidable late cry offs the second’s squad was depleted but the team readjusted to the changes and produced a devastating display of attacking hockey in the second half.

North Down started the game playing their usual high tempo attacking hockey winning a short corner after only 5 seconds. However the early goal eluded the team and for the first 20 minutes the team created numerous chances to no avail. Totally against the run of play Antrim took the lead following an excellent stick save from a diving Matt Jordan the ball fell kindly to an Antrim forward who bundled the ball into the goal via his foot !

North Down continued to attack non stop and from a penalty corner rebound the alert Gareth Bailie put away the equalizer. Three minutes later Colin Mockford scored from a penalty corner switch and the half concluded with North Down leading by two goals to one.

North Down completely dominated the second half and scored almost at will. Further goals were scored by Stevie Magee 3, Gareth Bailie 2, Colin Mockford 1, Andrew Shannon 1 and the final goal from Ryan Galway. The movement of both players and the ball was excellent and the players played with quality and committment throughout the game .

The seconds are currently 1 point behind the league leaders after 8 successive victories. The team’s next game is in 3 weeks after the Christmas break.