North Down edged out by Instonians

North down hosted Instonians in the first game of the 2025/26 Ulster Hockey Premier league season at Comber Leisure Centre. With new coach at the helm, Gareth McKeown, the team has bolstered its squad with fresh young talent, aiming to build energy and success for the season ahead.

Instonians started on the front foot, winning a penalty corner directly from their push back, showing their intent to take the game to North Down early. The corner was well charged down by Conor Tweedie as North Down survived an early scare. Inst continued their pressure throughout the first quarter with North Down barely able to get out of their half.

The start of the second quarter started very much the same, with Inst making their breakthrough following a high press leading to a shot on goal well saved by Darren Rodgers, who was impressive throughout the game, however the Inst captain was on hand to score the rebound.

North down grew in confidence as the game went on, with much better play in the second half, with North Down able to connect between the lines. The best chance of the quarter fell to Josh Gilmore after a clever aerial pass from Oliver Smith found Frazer McKane, who was able to drive through several Inst players and find a pass to Gilmore at the top of the D who’s reverse stick shot went wide. North Down were happy to go into half time 1-0 down following a first half dominated by Inst.

Inst went 2-0 up early in the second half thanks to another high press that caught North down out with this time Inst converting the first time of asking. However, North Down responded quickly. A free hit won just outside the Inst circle was quickly taken by Gilmore, finding the overlapping David Morris who fired in a cross, expertly finished by 15 year old debutant Flynn Roden.

North Down continued this pressure, quickly winning a short corner after the goal, showing real intent on getting back into this game. That moment come early in the final quarter, when a great run and pass from Stephen Boyd found Gilmore, who played through Roden, who’s composure to round the keeper was rewarded with a penalty stroke following a foul from the Inst defender. This was scored by Josh Gilmore, and North Down found themselves level with about 12 minutes to go.

Unfortunately North Down couldn’t hold out and Inst scored with minutes left on the clock. A performance North Down can be proud of with plenty of positives for Coach McKeown to build on for the upcoming season. A special mention to the 3 young players making their Premier League debuts Flynn Roden, Kane Mockford and Connor McClemments.

Burch autos Man of the Match – Flynn Roden