Local derby win in Linden Cup

North Down travelled to Bangor on Saturday to play neighbours Bangor in the Linden Cup. They secured a close but comfortable win by 2-1.

North Down dominated territory for long periods but had difficulty finishing off many fine moves. They moved the ball about quickly and accurately causing the Bangor defence all sorts of problems. Rowan Poots put the visitors in front when he expertly converted a short corner giving the Bangor keeper no chance low to his right after 15 minutes. Despite constant pressure and further short corners North Down were unable to increase their lead. Bangor had few opportunities but Gareth McBride was called on to make two fine saves from short corners.

The second half was a more scrappy affair but the Bangor goal was seldom threatened as the final pass often went astray. Tom Donnan scored a fine individual goal to increase the visitors lead with 15 minutes to go. North Down seemed to take the foot off the pedal and allowed Bangor to enjoy their best period of the game. Adam Redding pulled a goal back with 10 minutes to go from a well worked variation at a short corner and it was all hands to the deck to ensure that the lead was maintained to the final whistle.

North Down complete their Linden Cup campaign with home fixtures against Campbellians and Raphoe knowing that a victory in one of the games will be enough to secure a semi-final spot.