Premier League spot secured at Newry
North Down travelled to Newry on Saturday for their final Premier League game of the season knowing that a victory would secure at least 7th place in the league and avoid the dreaded playoff with PSNI to retain their place in the league for the new season.
North Down controlled possession for most of the game but Newry parked the bus and made it very difficult for them to break down their defence. Andy Welsh was the first to break through but his shot was saved and then Ross Blair showed his skill to win a short corner but the shot was wide. Phil Wilson made a great steal in the middle of the park but no one reacted quickly enough to pressurise the home defence. Further pressure led to Gareth Bailie having a shot saved before Harry Templeton then shot past the post.
In the second quarter Newry pushed further forward and won a couple of long corners but these were easily cleared. Jamie Orr crossed into a dangerous area but the keeper cleared for the ball to fall to Welsh however his effort flew over the bar. Orr then won a corner but the routine was not working and the danger was cleared.
The second half followed a similar pattern with North Down playing a very patient game and restricting Newry to the occasional break. Templeton won a long corner, the ball was played to Ross Linter but his cross was behind the forwards. Connor Tweedie whose work rate was fantastic made a run towards the circle but Newry still held out as his cross was blocked. Jonny Moore, making a strong run, was upended as he went into the circle but again the resulting corner was saved by the keeper to keep the home team in the game. A good passing move between Ross and Jonny Linter won yet another corner but Jonny’s effort was wide to maintain the stalemate.
Into the final quarter with away supporters getting restless, Newry won their first short corner but Andy Boyd made a great block and cleared the danger. Darren Rodgers who had been a spectator the entire game was called on to make a save and then a clearance from a dangerous cross. Wilson, Orr and Jonny Linter all had shots on goal but these were either wide or easily dealt with. With 8 minutes remaining a bit of Ross Blair magic left a number of defenders in his wake and he crossed for Wilson to break the deadlock and slam home from 5 yards out. With 5 minutes left on the clock Boyd and Moore combined to give Bailie the opportunity to increase their lead and seal the game. North Down’s patience had paid off and they ran out comfortable winners by 2-0.
Burch Autos Man of the Match: Ross Blair
