Mens firsts lose out in 10 goal thriller!

North Down travelled to play Premier League leaders Kilkeel last Saturday hoping that newly appointed coach Paul Ritchie would be able to work his magic and achieve a positive result.  However it was not to be with Kilkeel running out winners by 6-4.  North Down were at full strength except for keeper Rodgers but his deputy Peter Gray performed admirably and could not be blamed for the result.

North Down began as if they were going to overrun the league leaders taking an early lead when a Jonny Linter overhead found Ross Blair who weaved his way into the circle and scored with a strong reverse shot.  Shortly afterwards Kilkeel failed to clear after a flowing North Down passing movement and skipper Phil Wilson pounced to give his side a two nil lead after just 5 minutes.  North Down continued to play flowing hockey and Ross Linter played Gareth McKeown in but his shot was high and wide before Kilkeel had a quick break down the right but the shot went wide.  McKeown won the first corner of the game after receiving a good pass from Jonny Linter and placed his effort in the bottom left of the goal to make it a shock first quarter 3-0 lead for the visitors.  Kilkeel again broke quickly but their attempt on goal went wide and then a Jonny Linter overhead was not dealt with by the home defence and the visitors were awarded a corner which was cleared.

The second quarter saw a rejuvenated Kilkeel side breaking with pace and putting North Down under pressure.  Their greatest strength was their ability to win ball on the baseline and get crosses in front of goal for their forwards to attack.  From one such move their centre forward got a touch to pull a goal back for his side.  Gareth Bailie won a tackle and found Josh Gilmore who in turn found McKeown but his attempt at goal was cleared.  Kilkeel won a short corner when the North Down defenders did not retreat 5 yards from a free and when the ball was switched to the injector he had time to pick his spot to make it 2-3.  Just before half time Kilkeel had an opportunity to get the equaliser but a defender got back and made a clearance.

At the second half re-start North Down won an early corner for feet but this was cleared just for Kilkeel to break quickly and the cross from the byline was met by an incoming forward who deflected home for the equaliser at 3-3.  Almost immediately Kilkeel took the lead when the defence was caught flat footed giving them the opportunity to score with ease.  North Down were not to be outdone and Connor Tweedie won the ball in midfield, played the ball into the circle where Ross Linter saw his shot deflected by Josh Gilmore into the net to make it all square again at 4-4.  Just before the end of the quarter Gray made a fine save from a reverse shot.

Into the final quarter and North Down won a corner but a misinterpretation of the rules saw a free out being awarded to Kilkeel who quickly broke up the pitch and scored from another byline cross.  North Down complained bitterly but the umpire held his position, the goal stood and only after the game admitted his mistake.  North pushed hard for the equaliser but were denied and just as the final whistle was about to be blown Kilkeel were awarded a short corner.  Jordan Linter was unlucky when his attempted clearance came off his leg for a penalty to be awarded and Kilkeel scored leaving the final score 6-4.

Burch Autos Man of the Match was Jonny Linter.