Narrow loss for thirds at South Antrim

The men’s thirds had a late start at South Antrim to face their thirds in a league encounter last Saturday. Starting the brighter of the two sides, the visitors created the best chances with the hosts keeping a very high line allowing veteran Stevie Magee to drop deep and throw the tastiest of aerials over the backline. Controlling much of the game, it seemed only a matter of time, and the opener soon came when Scott Irwin hit the baseline and squared for skipper Sam Pyper to slot home making it 1-0 to North Down at half time.

From the break, South Antrim started quick and immediately got back into the game with a tight angled reverse. North Down continued to push to regain the lead and a great save from the keeper denied Magee from a short. Reuben McIlrath came close with a superb deflection from a crash ball from Dermot Gouk and Pyper then struck the post as the keeper continued his good form saving with his face, again denying Pyper.

With 10 minutes to go, Mockford whose aerials had been excellent all day, tried a shorter one into centre mid, but didn’t catch it and instead the ball went straight to their centre forward. Mockford and Paul Beaney couldn’t recover and the hosts went 2-1 up. With time on their side South Antrim slowed the game down and frustrated the Comber men seeing out the clock and taking all 3 points.

A disappointing day where fine margins made the difference.

Burch Autos Man of the Match was Scott Irwin