A win at last for men’s first eleven!
North Down entertained Mossley in a Premier League game on Saturday with the outcome being of significant importance to both teams as they strive to get clear of the relegation area.
The game opened at a fast pace with Linter finding Gilmore in space but the big centre forward shot wide. Mossley attacked the circle winning three corners and from the last of these won a penalty stroke when the ball was kept out of the net illegally. This was easily converted giving Mossley the start they wanted. Linter was fouled and from the resulting corner the ball was cleared off the line. Just before the end of the quarter Orr found Linter with a great pass and he crossed for Gilmore to make amends for his earlier miss.
The second quarter was only 2 minutes old when Mossley attacked down the left and the cross from the byline was deflected past Rodgers to again give them the lead. At the other end North Down had a corner cleared and a quick Mossley break almost caught the North Down defence out. Orr picked the ball up in his own half and played a great pass to Gilmore who was unmarked in the circle and he unselfishly squared for Bailie to smash into the net to level again at 2-2. Good play by Blair won two corners but these were cleared.
The third quarter saw North Down on the attack and a strong run from Bailie saw the ball flash across goal just missing the oncoming forwards. The Mossley goal had a let off when the keeper made a fine save from Bailie and when the ball dropped to Wilson a defender somehow stopped the ball from entering the net. McGimpsey who was having a fine game found Boyd with a great cross field pass but the Mossley defence held firm. The goalmouth action continued with Welsh making a break and then Mossley saw a half chance sail over the bar.
North Down went all out for a third goal but found the Mossley defence difficult to break down. Both sides won corners but these were easily cleared. Welsh won the ball in midfield and attacked the circle .He waited until the Mossley keeper committed himself and then coolly flicked the ball into the net to put the home side ahead. In the dying minutes Mossley won two corners which were well dealt with by the defence with Rodgers making an excellent save from their final effort.
North Down performances are improving week on week and having secured their first win of the season will be looking to climb up the table towards safety.
Burch Autos Man of the Match: Andy McGimpsey
