Seconds Winning Run Continues

By Terry Ritchie

Last Saturday saw another outstanding performance from North Down seconds and an impressive 5-1 victory over an excellent Annadale third eleven at Comber Leisure Centre. Annadale came into the game on the back of 5 successive victories and produced a stern test for the league leaders.

The game was played at a fast pace throughout but the more experienced North Down team defended superbly, controlled the midfield
and put great pressure on the Annadale defence. This resulted in the best hockey of the season and a commanding 3-0 lead at the interval .
Stevie Dalzell, in his first game back after a motorcycling injury, scored the first 2 goals with superb finishes. The third goal came from Stevie Magee who
converted a penalty corner three minutes from the interval.

The team knew that a fourth goal would be vital as Annadale would come back strongly in the second half. This duly came when Melvyn Nicholls waltzed through the Annadale defence in the 40th minute to score a quality goal. Although further chances were created, none were taken and Annadale pulled a goal back after a goalmouth scramble after 60 minutes. North Down responded 2 minutes later when Stevie Dalzell crashed in his third goal to complete a memorable hat-trick. This completed the scoring and left the seconds to run out comprehensive 5-1 winners.

As in previous weeks there was quality hockey from the entire squad and the result was fully deserved with impressive performances from
Colin Mockford, Andrew McGimpsey, Peter Shields and Stevie Dalzell. The seconds are at home this Saturday to Civil Service thirds in another
important league fixture.