Heavy defeat at Kilkeel for mens first eleven

North Down 1sts made the trip to Kilkeel on Saturday in the second Premier League game of the season, hoping to build upon last weeks victory against Raphoe.

The away side got off to a costly slow start, with Kilkeel coming out of the blocks fast, taking a 3-0 lead within the first 10 minutes.

This left North Down with much to do however the away side picked themselves up and played the better hockey in quarter 2 before conceding another Kilkeel goal on the stroke of half time.

The 3rd quarter was all North Down as they began to press the tiring Kilkeel defence and reduced the arrears, with Tom Donnan scoring a penalty stroke, awarded following a mazy run from Ross Blair.

However, at the end of the quarter, Kilkeel scored again, this time in dubious circumstances. North Down conceded a free outside the circle and the Kilkeel forward proceeded to remove the North Down players stick from the pitch, the umpires let play proceed which lead to the goal. Despite North Down protests the goal was left to stand.

There were no further goals in the final quarter leaving the final score 5-1 to Kilkeel. North Down will take some heart from their positive reaction after a nightmare opening, however will be building this week towards a much improved performance away to Queens next Saturday.

Burch Autos Man of the Match: Tom Donnan