Close but no cigar against Kilkeel
North Down entertained Kilkeel in a Premier League game at Comber on Saturday .This game was important to both teams as it was a dress rehearsal for the final of the Irish Trophy in May.
The first quarter saw play swing from end to end as both teams fought for supremacy. Both sides had early chances but it was North Down who made the breakthrough in the seventh minute. Andy Boyd picked the ball up in his own half and passed upfield to Josh Gilmore who in turn found Ross Blair. The midfielder made his way into the circle and unleashed an unstoppable shot past the visitors’ keeper. Just before the break Kilkeel threatened but the attempt on goal was deflected wide.
In the second quarter Blair won a corner but Gilmore’s effort was saved. Mark Shannon then showed his defensive skills when he tracked back and thwarted the danger as Kilkeel searched for the equaliser. Good interpassing created a chance for the home side but the ball was scrambled clear and then at the other end Darren Rodgers made a fine triple save but on each occasion the ball was not cleared and eventually Kilkeel scrambled the ball over the line to draw level. A long ball out of defence resulted in Kilkeel winning a long corner but this was well dealt with by the home defence. Just before halftime Boyd and Blair combined but Blair’s effort went wide.
In the third quarter Kilkeel won an early corner and scored from the rebound to go ahead 2-1. Almost immediately Jordan Linter gave away another corner for an unnecessary foul and despite the shot on goal being partially cleared Kilkeel somehow managed to retrieve and ball and scramble over the line to go further ahead at 3-1. North Down piled on the pressure and good play gave Boyd the opportunity to reduce the arrears from close range, his effort going in off the post. Kilkeel however pressed the North Down defence and a poor clearance allowed them to regain their two goal advantage at 4-2.
The final quarter saw North Down exert pressure on the Kilkeel circle. Ross Linter was causing problems with his strong running down the right and one of his crosses found Gareth Bailie but his deflection was wide of goal. Ross Linter then won a penalty corner when he was deliberately fouled and Gilmore expertly converted to reduce the arrears. North Down pressed hard for the equaliser but the Kilkeel defence held firm and the visitors continued to be dangerous on the break and the home defence needed to be alert to keep them from increasing their lead.
The whistle ended with Kilkeel the victors by 4-3. North Down will hope to do better in a thrilling May time cup final and this time finish on top.
Burch Autos Man of the Match was Ross Blair.
