Mens seconds can compete with the best

On Saturday North Down seconds travelled to Lough Moss to take on Annadale seconds who had a 100% league record so far this season. North Down knew it would be a tough assignment but were positive after last week’s performance.

Annadale took control of possession quite early on but North Down were well organised and another makeshift defence stemmed each attack without much effort. Annadale managed to squeeze ahead when North Down failed to clear in the circle and the ball found its way past Jordan in goal. This didn’t deter the seconds as they pushed for an equaliser and were given the perfect opportunity when Shields was taken out in the circle by the Annadale keeper that resulted in a penalty stroke. Unfortunately, Magee’s flick was saved by the keeper and the score remained 1-0 at half time.

At half-time, the seconds were very much in the game and knew the next goal would be vital. For 20 minutes of the second half, the game was very even and North Down had a number of one on ones that they failed to take advantage of. North Down ended up paying for this as Annadale got a second goal which took the sting out of the seconds’ momentum. The game then opened up with chances at both ends but it was Annadale who pulled way in the end scoring two goals towards the end that didn’t reflect the game and how well North Down played.

This game will give the seconds a lot of confidence going into the Mossley game on 16 November knowing they can now compete with the best sides in Junior 1. On another day, the seconds could have snatched a win. The team felt deflated after the game as they knew they had played well enough to at least draw the game. Top performers were David Shepherd and Peter Shields.