Fruitless trip to Magherafelt for ladies thirds

On Saturday North Down thirds travelled to Magherafelt to play their return league fixture against Rainey seconds. Having lost to them 8-1 at the start of the season North Down knew they had a tough game ahead of them.

North Down started strongly but soon realised that Rainey were dangerous in attack. The North Down defence read the play of the ball very well and kept out the home forwards. There was great work from the midfield and forwards working the ball up the pitch to Rainey’s circle. However as the half wore on, the Rainey pressure finally told and they scored twice in quick succession to go in 2-0 ahead at half time.
North Down started the second half with the aim to get on the scoreboard and had a number of chances but the Rainey defence were solid and quick on the counter attack.  North Down’s defence had a solid performance throughout the second half and with the help of the midfields cleared their lines consistently.  With seconds remaining Rainey won a penalty corner and they just managed to get a third goal past sweeper Rebecca Neild before the final whistle blew to make it 3-0 for the home team.

PMB Player of the Match: Fiona Ellis