North Down Exit Irish Trophy
Despite a great late surge North Down made their exit from the Irish Trophy at home last Saturday after a 3-3 draw with Harlequins was followed by a 5-4 deficit in penalty run ins
The game began with both teams probing for openings. It was Harlequins who were first to create a chance and Darren Rodgers was called on to make a double save at the expense of a corner which was cleared. At the other end a great passing move involving Linter, Gilmore and McKeown won a corner for the home side but this was cleared off the line. North Down had a shout for a penalty but the umpires insisted the ball came off the defender’s stick. A strong run by Linter saw the ball flash across goal but no one was able to get on the end of it.
Linter attacked from deep and won a corner which was cleared but Harlequins broke quickly and the ball was played into the circle for Gray to deflect home. North Down fought hard to get back in the game and Gilmore set up Wilson for a simple tap in to equalise at 1-1 but almost immediately Harlequins secured the lead again when Patterson scored.
In the third quarter Johnny Metcalfe increased the visitors lead to 3-1 when he was on hand to slap a rebound from a short corner home. Both sides had chances to score when first of all Welsh won a corner but the corner routine was not working and the ball was cleared. At the other end Harlequins missed a great opportunity to further increase their lead when they missed an open goal.
In the final quarter Coach McSherry changed the shape and North Down controlled the game. Connor Tweedie who was playing much further up the pitch got into a great position but was unable to get his shot away. He then won a corner and this time Toby Fynn hammered home. Linter was causing all sorts of problems down the right side and he brought a double save from the visitors’ keeper. North Down were then reduced to 10 men when Tweedie received a harsh yellow card. Both sides had opportunities from corners but neither was able to find the net. North Down were still pushing for the equaliser and with time running out Linter won a corner which was saved but Gilmore was on hand to crash the rebound into the net to tie the game at full time at 3-3.
With no extra time to be played it was straight to penalty run ins. Both teams scored their first four attempts but the unlucky Welsh saw his effort crash off the bar to safety and Harlequins kept their nerve to slot their final attempt into the net and secure their victory.
Burch Autos Man of the Match was Ross Linter
