Disappointing result against Campbellians

Following a disappointing 2-1 home defeat by Campbellians North Down must now beat Raphoe next Saturday if they are to progress to the semi-final stages of the Linden Cup.

 Two late withdrawals left North Down short of options but this was not an excuse for a below par performance. They failed to dominate against a very average Campbellians side and their inability to retain possession proved costly.  After a cautious start Melvyn Nicholls gave them the lead when he scored from close in. Play for the remainder of the half was confined to midfield with neither side able to create any chances.

The second half was only minutes old when Campbellians equalised. A harmless free from the left evaded the North Down defenders and the ball was deflected past McBride. North Down were defending very deep allowing Campbellians to win a series of corners which were well defended. At the other end Rodgers was seldom called into action as North Down failed to create any openings. With one minute remaining the umpire awarded a dubious penalty corner and the ball was flicked into the bottom corner of the net to give Campbellians the win their play just about deserved on the day.