Thirds See Off Raphoe

By Sam Pyper

The thirds entertained travelling Raphoe thirds at Nendrum on Saturday. Eager to leave the recent loss to Annadale in 2012, this was a must win to keep pressure at the top of Junior 3. It was however the visitors who went a goal up in the first 2 minutes with some slack defending. North Down soon woke up and got back into it with a fortunate own goal to equalise and after numerous squandered chances Revil smashed home and taught a few of the forwards how to finish. North Down built on the momentum and M Shannon combined well with Tate to finish from close range. At H/T it was 3-1 although it should have been more like 6. The half time message was not to force the play and have more passing upfront!

The words from skipper Pyper at half time must have hit home as M Shannon passed and moved to get into great scoring positions adding to his tally with a fine finish. The visitors pulled one back when Rodgers scored his second of the season (in the wrong end) but Revil soon added a 5th latching onto a loose ball putting the thirds out of sight. Pyper then got in on the scoring with a well placed finish. M Linter, returning from injury and Johnston were influential with some accurate passing and North Down continued to dominate playing some great hockey. M Shannon completed his hat-trick from close range after a good save from the Raphoe keeper.

The game finished 7-2 however with some better finishing this could have been double figures.

MOTM Paul Revil