Mens fourths progress in the Minor Cup

North Down fourths welcomed CIYMS seconds to Comber for a second round Minor Cup game after the pitch was finally passed playable after three morning inspections.

In the first quarter the youthful CI team came racing out of the blocks early to take a 1-0 lead as North Down struggled with their set-up and shape in midfield and an inability to get the ball through the lines and up the pitch. No more goals were conceded in the first quarter and tactical changes were made during the first break.

The second quarter showed a big improvement with Greg Bell in the midfield pivot role becoming increasingly influential on overall proceedings.  North Down started to dominate the vital midfield area and the defence was also picking the right time to use the switch rather than playing 50/50 passes.  A penalty corner was won and Greg Bell worked it very well himself around the CI runner to finish low and level the scores at 1-1.

The North Down forwards were pressing well from the front, the ball was sticking when played into the forward line and it was no surprise when North Down went in 2-1 ahead before half time when a crash ball found its way to Simon Wilcock who saw his effort saved. When the ball rebounded to Johnny Clarke 10 yards out he duly cut inside his man and finished down the centre with a touch of quality.

Entering the third quarter North Down started to play more on the counter.  Adam Boyd made a number of good saves and the defence had to be on their guard, making a number of very competent blocks and last ditch tackles to stay ahead. North Down youngsters Luke Millar and James Webber were pivotal with the latter making some great runs and unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet! Just as it looked like CI would take control of the game, North Down conjured up a third goal when Pyper and Clarke combined for Pyper to make it 3-1.  As the 3rd quarter came towards a close, CI were well in the ascendancy and only some vital last ditch tackles from the centre back pairing of Campbell and Haire kept North Down in front.

As the final quarter commenced tensions increased with both umpires dealing well with a few heated tussles.  The final North Down goal came again against the run of play as a shot came in and deflected off a CI stick falling to Clarke on his reverse and he duly obliged finishing low between the keepers legs to make it safe at 4-1.  Once more the young CI men came forward and were very unlucky not to get a goal back after forcing a series of short corners but with time running their frustration was evident knowing it was not to be their day!

Burch Autos Man of the Match was Greg Bell