Clarke goal secures fifths victory at Service

North Down fifths travelled on Friday evening to Stormont to take on a Civil Service “fourths” side. The 5ths were looking to add to the strong start they have had so far in Junior 5 and get one up on the local rivals. It was however the home team who started off the stronger creating many chances and piling the pressure on to the North Down defence.

Some early poor passing added to pressure on the backline but all efforts were thwarted by Reece Glover as he continued to make save after save. As the first half continued North Down started to move through the gears and work their way into the game but it was Civil Service who scored the first goal via a controversially awarded short corner. North Down rallied and started to create more chances, Adam Milligan was only denied by the top of the post after a mazy run through several service players. With the first half minutes running down, Sam Brown slotted the ball home to level the game going into half time.

Captain Peter Bond found the right words during the interval to spur on the visitors as he demanded they unleash hell upon his signal. They came out in the second half a different side, the passing was much improved and a true battle between the two sides ensued. Adam Milligan found time to test out the strength of Richard Kennedy’s skull with a hockey ball to the head but he stood up to the test and carried on regardless. With the match still at a stalemate and minutes left on the clock, the ball broke to John Clarke and when he went one on one with the keeper there

would be only one winner as he coolly placed the ball beyond him to win the game for North Down 2-1.

This was an all round great team performance to secure a fine victory over a strong Civil Service side.