Poor defending costs North Down dearly.
North Down entertained Mossley in the first Premier League game following the table split. With only five games to determine final league positions every point gained at this stage is vital and North Down will be disappointed with the way they started this game allowing Mossley to take control straight from the push back. North Down were without three regulars and coach Chris McSherry had to step into goals as Darren Rodgers was still feeling the effects of Covid.
An early mistake allowed Mossley to take the lead after 3 minutes and this gave them confidence to pile on the pressure. The home defence was nervous and conceded three short corners the second of which was converted to give the visitors a two goal lead. In between, Gareth McKeown had a good run but was stopped at the expense of a long corner. Linter made a fine interception from a fierce cross from the right and Mossley had a chance to increase their lead but shot wide of an open goal.
North Down lost the services of Jamie Spratt with a pulled hamstring and this put pressure on the other midfield players.
The second quarter saw Mossley win an early corner. The initial effort was saved but the rebound was hammered home. This seemed to waken North Down up and they quickly won a corner which was saved but they then attacked down the left and a cross was picked up by Gilmore who scored from close range to score goal number 150 for North Down, only the 13th player in the club’s 125 year history to reach this milestone. Minutes later he seemed to have chased a lost cause when he retrieved the ball on the byline but he lacked support and the chance was gone.
The second half was an evenly contested affair and the nearest either side came to scoring in the third quarter was a home short corner which was well saved by the Mossley keeper.
All the excitement was kept for the final quarter. A smash out of defence evaded everyone and left McKeown with a one on one with the keeper. He kept his calm and slotted home for his side’s second. Mossley then had a goal disallowed for dangerous play but they regained their two goal advantage when they scored from another corner. Not to be outdone North Down fought back when McKeown crossed for Scott Moore to pull it back to 4-3 and in the final minutes North down had a chance-to equalise but the keeper made a fine save from Gilmore.
Mossley deserved their victory but North down can take encouragement from the way they fought back and made a game of it.
Attention now turns to this Saturday’s game at Comber Leisure Centre when South Antrim provide the opposition for the Irish Trophy semi-final. Pass back is at 2.40 pm.
Burch Autos Man of the Match was Conor Tweedie.
