Injuries restrict fourths at Parkview

The fourths travelled to Ballyclare High School to play Parkview looking to keep pace with PSNI, Antrim thirds and Raphoe thirds at the top of the table.

After a quick team talk and simple Mike Bassett 4-4-2 set-up North Down began the game well, creating a few early chances! It wasn’t long before Chris Drysdale slotted in at the back post after good work by Scott Irwin and Sam Brown in the midfield area!

Unfortunately the team lost Stevie Barr to a clumsy Parkview challenge 10 mins into the match sustaining a suspected broken collarbone and this disrupted the midfield somewhat. Soon after, Shea Kelly received a ball to the head and he also had to be replaced causing further problems to a now depleted squad.

After some stern words at half time from Mockford and Haire, a detailed strategic plan was compiled involving passing the ball to a player wearing a white shirt! This resulted in a much better second half with several one on ones and clear cut chances being created, yet wasted.

North Down finally settled it late on with a goal from Johnny Proctor and whilst it should’ve resembled a cricket score, the team played much better in the final 15/20 minutes.

PMB Man of the Match: Sam Brown