Late Harlequins equaliser gets them a point!
Having drawn twice already this season with Harlequins, North Down travelled to Deramore Park on Saturday hoping for an improved performance which would result in the accumulation of much needed Premier League points. Preparation for the game was hindered by the Xmas break and the frosty weather which meant limited pitch time but the spirit was good and everyone was up for the game.
North Down, without the suspended Andy McGimpsey and injured skipper Ross Linter, took the opportunity to bring schoolboy Oliver Smith into the squad and get much needed experience.
Harlequins opened at a fast pace but were unable to breach the North Down defence. Toby Fynn won the ball and attacked the home circle but his dangerous cross was not picked up by his teammates and the danger was cleared. Harlequins then won a corner when Rodgers’ clearance was deemed dangerous but the shot at goal was easily cleared before a strong run by Jonny Moore won a corner but this was cleared
The second quarter saw North Down with early control. A good pass from Moore found Gareth McKeown and his cross was expertly converted close in by veteran Gareth Bailie. A cross from Linter was cleared while at the other end a stick tackle gave Harlequins a corner which was saved. Harlequins then won a free outside the circle and with the visitors’ defence in disarray the Harlequins player was allowed to bring the ball into the circle unchallenged and crash the ball into the net. Ross Blair played Bailie in but his reverse shot was saved. With time running out Jamie Orr making his return from injury made a strong run into the circle winning a corner which Fynn dispatched beautifully into the corner of the net to make it 2-1 at half time.
Into the second half and Moore played a great overhead to McKeown but he was well tackled. Another overhead from Linter found Wilson who attacked the circle winning a corner which Fynn again dispatched into the corner of the net with precision. Poor defending allowed Harlequins the opportunity to get back into the game with a shot from mid circle to make it 3-2. Good play by Gilmore and Bailie won a corner and McKeown’s effort was well saved by the keeper low down to his right.
The final quarter was full of action. Harlequins attacked down the left and the cross was missed with the goal at their mercy .Harlequins were pressing down the right and the winger was allowed to dribble along the byline before crossing for a simple tap in to bring them level again at 3-3. At the other end Bailie won a corner but the keeper made another fine save from McKeown this time to his left. With time running out Conor Tweedie played a pass to Wilson who attacked the circle and his inch perfect pass was beautifully deflected into the net by McKeown. With only a minute remaining on the clock another moment of madness allowed Harlequins to dribble along the byline before crossing to the unmarked centre forward who had a simple tap in. The final whistle went with Harlequins on the attack but for the third time this season these teams shared the spoils.
Burch Autos Man of the Match: Toby Fynn.