Valuable points for mens first eleven
North Down entertained Portadown in their last home Premier League game of the season knowing that nothing other than a victory would suffice as teams struggle to stave off relegation.
The game began at a fast pace with Portadown taking the early initiative. Darren Rodgers had to make a sharp save and Connor Tweedie was on hand to clear the danger. A quick break out of defence saw Portadown win the first corner of the game but Jordan Linter made a fine clearance at the base of the post. North Down slowly grew into the game and Gareth McKeown made a fine run deep into Portadown territory but nothing came of it.
Jamie Spratt and Ross Linter then combined to give Harry Templeton a chance but his reverse was saved at the expense of a corner which was easily cleared. Josh Gilmore had an opportunity but lost control and then Bailie mishit when well positioned at the top of the circle. Nic Pio, who was having a sound game in midfield, made a run and was fouled at the expense of another penalty corner. Phil Templeton stepped up and this time made no mistake with a perfect strike into the bottom corner of the net.
In the second half North Down maintained control and a fine run from Spratt resulted in a corner which again was expertly converted by Templeton to give the Comber team some breathing space at 2-0. A Portadown attack saw them win a corner but this was cleared. Pio and McKeown were finding space and were causing the visitors defence problems and another great run down the right by Linter won another corner but this time Templeton’s effort was cleared. At the other end a stick tackle gave Portadown a corner and that man Linter was again on hand to clear off the line.
In the final quarter Templeton saw his reverse shot clear the bar before North Down were awarded two corners in a row The ball was not properly cleared and fell to Bailie had but his initial effort was saved however the ball fell to McKeown and he flicked into the net for his sixth consecutive Premier League goal and effectively settle the issue. Jamie Orr who covered every inch of the pitch saw his effort saved and North Down were now playing flowing hockey but unable to add to the score.
This was a hard fought but comfortable win for the Comber men and three important points secured. A real team effort with everyone contributing and hopefully this form can be carried forward to this Friday night’s vital game at Newry.
Burch Autos Man of the Match was Ross Linter
