Firsts season ends in defeat at Raphoe

Raphoe 6 – 2 North Down.

North Down travelled to Raphoe on a glorious Saturday afternoon. The odds were against North Down with 4 regulars unable to make the journey.  Up steps Andy “the monk” Wallsy to win his first cap for North Down firsts standing in nets for the AWOL McBride. Cometh the hour cometh the man!

The monk takes one on the head in the warm up to send a clear message to the opposition.  The man is possessed!

The first half North Down started off slowly conceding 4 goals in the first half with a number of errors exposing Wallsy to the Raphoe onslaught. The highlight of the first half was Andy “pre-scan” McGimpsey seeing the opportunity the feed the Raphoe centre back with a pass from out wide to the flick spot for the Raphoe man to deflect into the roof of the net.

The second half saw a change in formation with clear intent from coach Millsy. You attack we attack. No midfield. The second half was tied with 2 goals each. Notable points in the second half were Mark “what did I do wrong ” Linter taking matters into his own hands receiving a green card for a “minor” infringement. Andy Walls not conceding any short corners and making a number of fine saves. Jordi Linter and Keith Conway with the “to me to you” chuckle brothers aerial moment of the day leaving the Raphoe team a two on one with Wallsy which they dispatched.

The North Down goals came from short corners 30 and 32. Tom Donnan dispatched a pitiful drag flick which Phil Wilson decided was not making the net and coolly deflected it home. The second was from another broken down short which Stevie Fo took on the reverse with a tiddler which fooled even the smartest Raphoe man leaving him unable to scramble it off the line.

All in all it was an enjoyable trip with North Down finishing the league campaign in the top four with hopes of promotion resting in the hands of the Ulster Branch. Good season guys and roll on next season. Big thanks again today for Andy Walls for standing in and producing a man of the match performance.

Report by Gareth Bailie.