Midweek defeat by Queens
North Down entertained Queens on Wednesday evening in a Premier League fixture. Having been trounced 10 days ago by the same opposition the home side were looking for a much improved performance.
It was Queens who went on the attack from the whistle and Darren Rodgers had to be alert to save a reverse shot. On 5 minutes a hard cross field pass found a forward not marked at the back post, the North Down defence was slow to react and the winger was able to swivel and push into the net for an early lead. Andy Boyd saw his clearance intercepted but the midfielder’s run to the circle was flawed as his shot flashed past the post. Gareth McKeown made a strong run but his through ball was narrowly missed by Harry Templeton who then made a strong run beating several players and winning a corner but this was blocked and the danger cleared.
Queens had the best of the second quarter and Jordan Linter did well to clear the danger after Queens were awarded a corner. Queens won a free and McCabe reacted quickly and attacked the bye line before squaring for a simple tap in to make it 2-0. Josh Gilmore had a shot saved as the home side pushed forward but the momentum was broken when Orr and Templeton were both green carded for challenging an umpire’s decision. Queens won two further corners before half time but these were cleared to safety and the half finished with Queens 2-0 in the lead..
At the start of the second half Ross Blair made a fine run into the circle but was unable to get a shot away before Orr then played a ball into the circle but no one was able to make contact. Still pressing and Ross Blair played a pass behind Scot Moore when he was well positioned. At the other end Queens extended their lead when the home defence failed to clear and the forward took advantage of the situation to put his side 3-0 up .North Down pushed hard and McKeown made a run down the left but his cross was not picked up by any of the incoming forwards. Gilmore then had a reverse shot blocked at the expense of a long corner. Too often the final pass was not accurate enough and Queens were able to keep their goal intact
In the final quarter the home side found themselves encamped in the visitors defensive quarter but despite winning a number of corners were unable to get the goal that their play deserved.
North Down make the long trip to Cork on Saturday for an Irish Trophy game against Ashton and, if they are to progress, must stop giving away simple goals and become more clinical in the circle.
Burch Autos Man of the Match: Jonny Linter
Like
Comment
Send