Irish Trophy semi final awaits!
North Down progressed to the semi-final of the Irish Trophy on Saturday in Comber after a tense battle with Harlequins which ended with a 5-4 win on penalty run outs after the teams had finished 1-1 at full time.
In the first quarter there was little to cheer about as neither side was able to create any clear cut chances. North Down had the majority of the play but were unable to break down a resolute Harlequins defence. Phil Templeton had to be on his toes to clear early danger and North Down had the best chance of the quarter when the ball was played into Josh Gilmore but his shot on the reverse went well wide.
North Down dominated the second period. The Linter brothers combined to win an early corner but it was easily saved and the ball then flashed across the Harlequins goal but no one was on hand to get the final touch. The pressure finally paid off in the 25th minute when they won another corner which was expertly dispatched into the net by Gilmore. Just on the blow Harlequins won a corner but Rodgers saved .
The third quarter was more evenly contested but it was North Down who exerted the early pressure. Andy Boyd played a great ball to Gilmore but his shot was wide then Ross Linter who was having a great game won another corner but the ball was not stopped and the chance was gone. Templeton then saw his clearance cut out but the whistle went and the danger was averted.
In the final quarter North Down sat back and allowed Harlequins to pile on the pressure. Connor Tweedie was unfortunate to receive a green card for a stick tackle. North Down won a series of corners but were struggling to get the ball under control at the top of the circle and there was no pressure on the Harlequins goal. With 7 minutes to go Harlequins switched a short corner and Wilson was left with a simple tap in at the back post. It was now all Harlequins and they won a series of corners but poor finishing allowed the North Down goal to remain intact. Boyd received a yellow card for a moment of indiscretion and they had to play out the remaining minutes with 10 players.
The game then went direct to penalty run ins. After the allotted 5 per team the score stood at 3-3 and it then went to sudden death. First Ross Blair scored and Harlequins equalised. Templeton then missed but Rodgers made a fine save to keep his side in the game. Gareth Bailie scored and again Rodgers forced Metcalf wide and he missed to allow North Down to progress to the semi-final amid great celebrations on and off the pitch.
Burch Autos Man of the Match was Ross Linter
