Revenge is sweet as first eleven inch to safety

North Down entertained Portadown in Comber last Saturday in the Premier League. Having suffered their heaviest league defeat in years at Portadown earlier in the season they were hoping their recent improved performances  would continue  but without Wilson, Fynn and McKeown  knew they would have to be at their best to get the revenge they so badly needed.

The game was played at a fast pace and it was North Down who applied the early pressure. Jamie Orr made a strong run and won a long corner but it came to nothing before Andy McGimpsey crashed a free into the circle but no one was able to get a touch. Linter and Orr worked the ball nicely down the right and Linter’s cross was missed by Bailie in front of goal. Portadown were growing in confidence and Darren Rodgers had to be on his toes to make a smart save from a quick break. Jonny Moore showed his pace before crossing but the ball was cleared. Then another quick break saw Portadown  apply pressure and Boyd was unlucky to see his clearance strike a foot and a corner awarded to the visitors. The routine was slick and the ball was smashed past Rodgers. Portadown could have further increased their lead when one of their forwards outpaced the North Down defence  but the crossbar saved North Down as the ball bounced to safety. Towards the quarter end Moore was found by a long pass but he shot wide.

The second quarter was only minutes old when Linter made one of his dashing runs down the right and cleverly won a corner playing the ball into a defender’s foot. Gilmore played the ball to the back post and Boyd timed his run perfectly to slip the ball into the net for the equalising goal. Boyd then made a strong run upfield but no one was able to get on the end of his cross. At the other end Jordan Linter made a fine clearance at the expense of a long corner. McGimpsey, Bailie and Welsh combined to open up the Portadown defence but Welsh’s effort went wide. Rodgers kept his concentration to deflect a strong shot from the left past the post for a long corner. With seconds remaining, Harry Templeton and Gilmore combined to win a penalty corner. At the third attempt Linter played the ball to the far post and again Boyd was on hand to put his side 2-1 ahead.

North Down dominated the third quarter and Templeton saw two attempts at goal saved. Bailie who never stopped running made a great steal on the half way line before slipping the ball to Gilmore who scored. Blair and Moore set Gilmore up with a chance but he shot wide. Following a shoulder injury to Gilmore, Moore was now playing further up the field and creating space using his speed. He received a long pass and was able to create space on the left to flick home making it 4-1 for the hosts. Portadown did win a corner but this was cleared.

Tweedie who was dominating midfield found Moore on the left of the circle and again he flicked past the helpless Knipe for the fifth and final goal. North Down were well on top at this stage and, as the Portadown heads went down, had little difficulty in seeing out time.

A 5-1 victory and sweet revenge for the 6-1 loss earlier in season the only downside being injuries received by Ross Linter and Josh Gilmore but hopefully both will make quick recoveries.

Burch Autos Man of the Match was shared by Andy Boyd and Jonny Moore.