Close but no cigar for mens thirds
The mens thirds were away to Mossley thirds on Saturday. With the previous meeting a 2-2 draw all was to play for. North Down started well and controlled much of the first quarter with Andy McKee, Sam Brown and Dermot Gouk controlling the midfield. A mistake by Mockford at the back gifted Mossley the opening goal and the thirds found themselves one down at the break.
The second quarter followed much the same pattern with the Comber men controlling the game, creating chances but not finding the net and with Mossley’s second attack of the game, they found themselves two up at half time. Just before the break, Mockford came off injured and the pack was reshuffled with Dalzell holding firm at the back with Matthew Bruce and Oliver Smith displaying great talent in the wing back positions.
The message at half time was to keep doing the basics and our chances will come. North Down started the third quarter quickly and put relentless pressure on the Mossley defence and goal keeper. Skipper Sam Pyper with back to goal, turned and smashed home to reduce the lead and within a minute of the restart, Ben Bond scored from close range after great work down the right hand side from Daniel Griffin who hit the by line and square passed to the predator from 5 yards. North Down grabbed the ball out of the net to get going again and maintain this momentum, and soon should have gone 3-2 up when Jack Myles couldn’t get the ball out from his feet one on one with the keeper.
Into the final break that Mossley couldn’t see quick enough but they came out and restored order, calming and slowing down the play. Another attack for Mossley, another goal. A well timed tackle found its way onto a reverse shot that gave Adam Boyd no chance in goal. With the thirds chasing the game, Mossley then countered and a strong cross was deflected to make it 4-2. The visitors rallied to get back into the game but the clock was against them. A great run from Gouk through the middle setup an attack and after the keeper initially saved, Bond was there to smash home reverse vertical style to make it 4-3 to Mossley just before the final whistle.
Some encouraging play but points on the board are what’s needed.
Burch Autos Man of the Match was Oliver Smith.