North Down stay top with double over Priorians
North Down welcomed Londonderry side Priorians to Comber on Saturday hoping to complete a league double, having won 3-1 earlier in the season, and maintain their league topping position.
Straight from the whistle though, the visitors started strongly with an early goal. North Down fought back winning a penalty corner which hit a Priorians’ foot on the line and this gave North Down a stroke taken by Lauren Brown, which was slotted into the back of the net to equalise. North Down continued to dominate and won a second penalty corner. A straight strike from Heather Brittan was deflected off the keeper and Sophie Hoey nicked it into the back of the net to make it 2-1 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw a tough fight from both sides as North Down’s defence line of Bethan Crawford, Rachel Mornin, Kerry Watts and Heather Brittain were tested as Priorians fought back for the equaliser. Priorians had an attempt to score resulting in excellent work from North Down keeper Barthe McCormick who kept them at bay with the score remaining at 2-1 at the end of the half.
North Down strongly dominated the second half with strong play from Olivia Brown and Alex Boyd who slotted balls for the forwards in the circle. Jenna Hoey took advantage of this and scored a straight strike into the top left hand corner making it 3-1. The midfield continued to work down the lines with Caitlin Taylor slipping a ball to Sophie Hoey who won a penalty corner. Once again Brittain took a straight strike and scored to go further ahead.
In the final quarter Priorians made some good counter attacks putting North Down’s defence under pressure. Although this wasn’t for long as midfielder Betty Burrows had amazing runs down the left hand side showing her skill and speed. North Down continued this on the right where Rachael Murphy also sent balls down the line giving North plenty of chances. In the final few minutes Olivia Bown passed to Sophie Hoey who found Lauren Brown in the circle and she scored her second goal making the final score 5-1.
Burch Autos Player of the Match was Olivia Brown
