Queens edge out North Down in ten goal thriller

After the disappointment of losing the local derby last week North Down were hoping for better against a strong Queens side at the leisure centre on Saturday. However their inability to close a game out again proved costly. Having taken a 4-2 lead in the third quarter they lost their belief and allowed Queens to score four times.

Linter played a superb overhead to McKeown but his effort was saved. McKeown then broke through the defence but his shot went wide. Queens took the lead midway through the quarter when a free was cleverly slotted into the net. Queens attacked down the right and the ball was deflected goalwards but Rodgers made a fine diving save. However their lead was short lived. Boyd played a great pass to Gilmore and he equalised with a strong reverse shot. Queens won a corner for obstruction but their effort was cleared.

Blair made a strong run at the start of the second quarter and passed to Templeton whose shot was saved. Bailie who was free in front of goal may have been a better option. Queens took the lead from a corner when a North Down defender was penalised for feet. Linter who was making strong runs down the right won a free in. The Queens defence did not retreat 5 yards and a corner was awarded. McKeown squared matters up with a perfect strike. Linter won another corner and McKeowns effort was stopped on the line by a defenders foot. The same player easily converted the resulting penalty. Queens won a corner before halftime but Rodgers saved easily.

The third quarter began with Wilson making a strong run into the circle and winning a corner. McKeowns effort went wide. North Down were playing some fine hockey. McKeown won the ball on halfway and found Templeton with a long pass. Templeton played an inch perfect pass to find McKeown free at the back post and he had the simple task of completing his hat trick with a tap. In over the line .North defended a Queens corner and then a quick break caught the home defence out and an accurate cross was tapped in at the back post. North had the ball in the net but McKeowns effort from a corner was adjudged high.Just before the end of the quarter Queens equalised from a well executed corner.

In the final quarter Queens dominated as North Down seemed to lose belief. They took the lead when they were awarded a penalty as the defence was in disarray. McKane had an effort saved from a rare North attack. Tweedie who was exceptional all game won a corner but this was wasted. With time up Queens won another corner and their routine gave Rodgers no chance

A disappointing end to an exciting game. This is the third time in recent weeks North have lost out after having been in winning positions. They must believe in their ability and not allow opposition teams to find their way back into games

Burch Autos man of match Conor Tweedie.