First Eleven Ease Relegation worries
North Down entertained Newry in a Premier League game on Saturday at Comber Leisure Centre. Having suffered a humiliating 8-0 defeat to Queens in midweek, North Down still without Rodgers, Tweedie and McKeown were aware of the importance of this game as they fight to retain their Premier League status.
North Down opened at a fast pace and Andy Welsh and Jonny Moore created a chance but no one was able to get on the end of the final pass. A flowing move involving Phil Wilson, Ross Linter and Welsh saw Linter get to the byline and his cross was deflected into the net off the keeper and a defender. As hockey rules do not allow for own goals, the score, a rare one, is credited to Ross. With North Down pressing, Newry broke down play and on the break had two great chances to get the equaliser but on both occasions their attempts on goal went wide. Just before the end of the quarter Jordan Linter crossed for Josh Gilmore to score from close range.
The second quarter was only minutes old when Johnny Linter made a great run upfield and crossed for Gilmore to get his second at the second attempt after his first effort was well blocked. Midway through the quarter North Down got their fourth when Welsh and Andy Boyd combined for Boyd to score with a reverse high into the goal. Welsh won a short corner but it was easily cleared while at the other end Matt Jordan, who had been a spectator for long spells, was called into action to make a fine save.
Newry reduced the arrears early in the third quarter when a lapse in the home team’s concentration allowed them a simple tap in. North Down regained their composure and Boyd won a corner. Gilmore found Boyd at the back post and he calmly slotted home. Moore and Ross Blair then combined to win another corner but this time the danger was cleared. Gareth Bailie made a great steal and his cross came off a defender’s foot for another corner but this time too many passes gave Newry the opportunity to clear.
In the final quarter North down won a number of corners but were unable to convert. Boyd had a chance to get his hat trick but failed to get proper contact at the back post. Newry in a rare break brought a fine save from Jordan when he palmed their effort over the bar. Fynn blocked a goal bound effort at the expense of a corner but this was defended well by Boyd. North Down got their sixth when Gilmore and Wilson set up Moore to score with a strong flick to make it 6-1.
There was no further score and a relieved North Down left the pitch knowing that this result would go a long way to secure their place in the Premier League.
Burch Autos Man of the Match: Andy Boyd
