Welcome three points for men’s first eleven

North Down entertained bottom of the table Raphoe at Comber Leisure Centre last Saturday knowing that a win would give some breathing space as they fight to climb up the Premier League table.

The first quarter saw North Down press up the pitch but the Raphoe defence held firm and neither side was able to create any clear cut chances.

The second quarter was a different story as North Down dominated and it was no surprise when they took the lead. They were awarded a penalty flick after a penalty corner had been kept out illegally. Josh Gilmore stepped up and expertly put the ball in the net to the keeper’s left.  North Down were playing some of their best hockey for a few weeks moving the ball around with confidence.  The ball was played into Gareth McKeown in midfield and he dummied beautifully to set up Gilmore for his second.  He picked up the ball in space and unleashed a reverse shot past the helpless visitors’ keeper. Just on the halftime whistle North Down were awarded a penalty corner and McKeown flicked high into the Raphoe net.

The third quarter began as the second had finished with the Comber boys on the attack.  Three minutes in and the whites were awarded another corner.  This time they moved the ball around and found Gilmore at the back post giving him the opportunity to complete his hat trick and make it safe at 4-0.  Gareth Bailie was unlucky not to further increase the lead but his effort came off the post to safety.

In the final quarter the hosts were happy to play the clock down.  This allowed Raphoe to play further up the pitch and their efforts were rewarded in the final minutes when they scored a corner giving Darren Rodgers no chance and making the final score 4-1.

Raphoe may currently be in trouble at the bottom of the league but their club’s enthusiasm remains undimmed.  On every other week during the season each of their three teams has to travel mainly across Northern Ireland to fulfil fixtures and they are to be commended for their efforts.  Incidentally, this Saturday sees North Down seconds entertain the Raphoe second string at Regent House.

Burch Autos joint Players of the Match were Josh Gilmore and Jordan Linter.