Comfortable win for thirds

North Down thirds entertained local rivals Civil Service thirds on a chilly Friday night at Comber Leisure Centre.  Confidence was high after the previous week’s victory against Queens but the hosts started poorly with some sloppy passing and went one down early on. They soon got back into the game with the Civil Service midfield giving Andy Walls too much space as he charged over half the length of the pitch to cross for the returning Richard McMillan to smartly deflect past the visiting keeper. Tails up and dominance in midfield from Steven McGimpsey and James Stewart and Walls created excellent opportunities down the right and Greg Bell squared in front of goal for skipper and birthday boy Sam Pyper to slot home.

Pyper soon made it 3-1 when the Service keeper hesitated and, getting to the ball first, tapped home through his legs. At the other end Walls made what looked like a great last ditch tackle only for umpire Orr to award a short corner which Service duly converted to make it 3-2. The home team replied instantly and a squared ball from Jack Bond ended up in the goal via a clumsy defender.

Into the second half and the home team were in control.  However, there was only one further goal scored though North Down should have had at least another three but for some poor finishing. The goal of the game settled it at 5-2 with a great passing move. Aaron Saunders played a one two with Pyper who squared past the keeper for McMillan to get his second of the evening.

Burch Autos Man of the Match was James Stewart.