Templeton hat-trick nicks win over Service

North Down welcomed local rivals Civil Service to Comber last Saturday in the Ulster Premier League. Both sides were hungry for 3 points after mixed results in their respective opening campaigns.

It was Service who started on the front foot, scoring within the first minute following a stray pass which lead to a turnover from the home side. The visitors promptly made it two shortly after following another turnover. North Down regrouped after quarter one, knowing whilst they had a mountain to climb, it was possible if they could get their own game going.

Phil Templeton reduced the arrears early in quarter two, sending a drag flick from a penalty corner through the towering NICS keeper’s legs. However Service replied again, with veteran marksman Chris Barnes scoring a drag flick of his own. North Down were now playing the better and another penalty corner was converted by Templeton just before half time, leaving the scoreline at 3-2 to the visitors.

North Down continued on the ascendency into quarter three with Jamie Spratt and Connor Tweedie causing the away defence problems. A skilful run from skipper Ross Linter along the right byline found Jamie Orr who converted at close range to level the match at 3-3.

North Down survived an early scare in the final quarter with Jordan Linter taking the ball off the line from an early Service effort.   The game changed as the visitors’ discipline started to wilt, with green cards starting to be shown. This allowed North Down to dominate possession and it was from this that another corner was won and dispatched by Templeton again for his first club hat trick and a 4-3 lead. Service won three short corners in a row on the final whistle however the North Down defence and keeper Sam Martin held strong to secure a hard fought comeback.

North Down host Newry at home this Saturday in the league and will aim to build on this victory.

Burch Autos Man of the Match: Phil Templeton.