Thirds successful run continues at Stormont

North Down thirds made the short trip to Stormont to play local rivals Civil Service seconds on Saturday and following a feisty pre season match this was always going to be a competitive match.

In previous games it took the thirds to go behind before they found that extra gear and Saturday’s game plan was to start fast and get in front. The opening 10 minutes however found Service in control until North Down hit them on the break. Good work from Willis, Pyper, and Brown on the right found Proctor to neatly finish from close range. Right from the restart the thirds regained possession and hit on the counter again this time with Scotty Moore finishing well after a loose ball broke to the striker. The hosts were shocked. Service pressed high but always looked open at the back on the break. North Down squandered chances to finish the game in the first half with poor final balls and it was Service who finished the half stronger. If it hadn’t been for several outstanding saves from Reece Glover in goals there would not have been a two goal cushion at half time.

From the restart Service pressed and some poor last ditch tackling gave away a series of short corners for the hosts. Finally they hit one back and it looked as if it was ‘game on’ for the remainder of the match however a North Down penalty corner variation paid dividends and Moore deflected Walls slap shot home to thwart the hosts chances of getting back in the game. A further short corner was soon after awarded and a Pyper strike was deflected home by the impressive Sam Brown. Service did get one goal back but time was not on their side and North Down saw the game out to continue their unbeaten streak.
Man of the Match: Reece Glover however there were impressive displays from Hunter, Brown and Proctor.