Early Premier League win at South Antrim

North Down travelled to Lisburn on Saturday for their first Premier League game of the season to play South Antrim who were narrowly beaten to the title last season.

South opened at a fast pace and put the North Down defence under pressure with a full press.  With Jamie Orr controlling things at the back, South were restricted to few clear cut chances.  They won 3 corners but on each occasion the shot on goal was cleared.  However one rebound fell to a forward who saw his shot deflect off the post.

In the second quarter South continued to pile on the pressure and their winger was allowed to get circle entry unattended and unleashed a reverse past Darren Rodgers for the opening goal.  Almost immediately a stick tackle saw them awarded a corner and this time a switch allowed them to extend their lead to make it 2-0.  North Down got themselves back into the game when the ball was played out right to Scott Moore who passed to Gareth McKeown and his cross gave skipper Phil Wilson a simple tap in to make it 2-1.  South were rattled at his stage and it was North who ended the quarter the stronger.  Firstly, Josh Gilmore picked up a poor clearance but lost control and the ball went over the byline.  Then Andy Boyd played a great pass to McKeown on the left and his fierce cross evaded everyone.

The second half was a much more even contest with both sides creating opportunities. South won an early corner for feet but Rodgers was able to clear.  Orr made a good run deep into the South half but his pass into the circle was high and the danger disappeared.  Hunter was caught in possession and Rodgers had to be at his best to make a save.  At the other end a loose ball in the circle fell to Gilmore who calmly slotted the ball into the corner of the net for a deserved equaliser.  Ross Blair was showing his skills and made a penetrating run into the South half but he was well tackled and the ball was cleared.

Both teams pressed hard for the winner.  South won six corners but were unable to convert either due to a poor routine or excellent goalkeeping from Rodgers. Connor Tweedie won a corner and McKeown’s effort went narrowly past.  A long clearance from Orr was deflected by Andy Welsh into McKeown’s path and he cleverly rounded the keeper to slot the ball into the net from a narrow angle.  South had another chance to equalise but again their corner routine failed and the visitors were able to play out time thanks to some clever close control from Blair.

This was a great team performance with everyone making a contribution and they now look forward to this Saturday’s home game against Cookstown, a much sterner opposition!

Burch Autos Man of the Match was shared between Darren Rodgers and Jamie Orr.