Disappointing Run Continues for Mens 1st xi

North Downs Disappointing Run Continues
North Down entertained South Antrim in a Premier League game at Comber Leisure Centre on a wet and chilly Saturday.
The home side were without skipper Ross Linter who underwent surgery on Thursday and as a result had to reorganise their defence.
South got the perfect start and put the home side under early pressure.Their high press put the home defence under pressure and they struggled to get out of their own half.North conceded a very soft penalty and South scored from a well worked move.North almost got the equaliser also from a corner.McKeowns effort flashed past the post with Templeton trying to get a vital touch.
The second quarter followed a similar pattern and poor marking in the home defence allowed South to increase their lead.North were getting more possession but were unable to break down a strong South defence .Their goalkeeper made two fine saves from open play and on one occasion the ball stuck under his kicker but no one was able to get it free for a simple tap in.
The third quarter was a much more even affair and the home side began to exert some pressure.A short corner was partially cleared but when the ball was played back toward goal Gilmore was on hand to deflect into the net.North were now on the ascendency but were unable to add to their score.As always happens when you are pressing for goals gaps appear in the defence and South exploited this to the full scoring twice in the final 10 minutes to give them a comfortable but slightly flattering 4-1 victory
Burch Autos MOM phil Templeton