Storm Amy Couldn’t Stop North Down as They Blow Past Cookstown

As Storm Amy battered Comber, both sides braved the elements in search of a spot in the League Cup semi-finals. Both teams started strong, and the pace of play was high from the first whistle. North Down struck first when Scott Irwin pulled off a tidy reverse stick interception, followed by a quick one-two with Blair, and calmly slotted it home.

Cookstown ramped up the pressure in the second quarter, winning a flurry of short corners, all comfortably dealt with by Rory Cunningham who made a series of great saves. North Down’s e̵l̵d̵e̵r̵l̵y̵ experienced defence of Adgey, Mark Linter, Gippy and Jarry D continued to soak up pressure and made sure North kept a 1-0 lead going into HT. 

In the third quarter, Cookstown proved seventh time’s a charm and finally equalised from a relatively bland short corner routine. With one foot finally back in the game, one Cookstown player made the questionable decision to scythe (the always innocent) Dalzell, a bold strategy which really did not pay off for them. Yellow card Cookstown, advantage North.

The home side capitalised thanks to an Adgey through ball and a delicate Moore flick putting Blair through on goal. Blair took a touch, beat his man and launched his shot high into the net, receiving The Times ‘Goal of the Month’ on the spot just 4 days into October. The home side pressed forward again as Robbo picked out Phil Wilson on the bi-line, who produced some silky skills to win a short corner. North Down’s routine found Mark Shannon who swiped it towards goal, hitting a Cookstown player on the line and receiving a penalty stroke in return. Shannon stepped up and gave the keeper the eyes, sent him for a pack of Bensons and made it 3-1.

In the final quarter, North Down kept their structure and defended their lead. As legs tired, the young guns of Thomas, Charlie, Paddy and Harry all stepped up, giving a well needed boost of energy, and helped North close out the game. 

This win sends North Down through to the League Cup semifinals, where they’ll face Lisnagarvey 2s. Unbeaten in their last three, Bailie’s men now look to kick off their Junior 1 League campaign with some momentum on their side!

MOTM: Rory Cunningham