Seconds Come Back From Two Down to Hit Ten

By Terry Ritchie

North Down Seconds in their first game after the Christmas break recorded their ninth successive victory against South Antrim Thirds on Saturday. The seconds came from 2 nil down after 5 minutes to win 10 2 against spirited
opponents. The game started at a fast pace, however a quick turnover in midfield led to a South forward getting round the back of the defence and a simple tap in at the back post. If this wasn’t bad enough a defender deflected a free hit into his own goal and thus 2 nil down after 5 minutes!

The seconds regrouped and gradually came more into the game
and started to play their normal attacking hockey. However it took until the 30th minute for Stevie Magee to pull one back with a rasping shot into the top corner. Melvin Nicholls scored the equaliser on the stroke of half time to leave the scoreat 2 all.

The seconds put a difficult first half behind them with an excellent display of quality hockey and completely controlled the second half. The high tempo passing game returned and a further 8 goals were scored. Gareth Bailie scored an excellent hatrick and there were further goals from Mark Forrest , Peter Shields , Ryan Galway and a second for both Melvin Nicholls
and Stevie Magee. This was another superb team performance and the players deserve great credit.

After giving South Antrim 2 late Christmas presents the seconds showed composure , patience and a fierce determination to win and this resulted in a comprehensive victory. With Lisnagarvey losing the seconds are now top of Junior 2. Next week the seconds entertain an improving Annadale team and hope to extend their winning run.