Anderson Cup Update
North Down progressed to the quarter final of the Anderson Cup with a 3-2 victory over Cliftonville last week. A mistake in the Cliftonville defence allowed Michael Black to break through and score his first goal of the season however just before half time Cliftonville equalised with a well taken penalty corner.
Cliftonville were happy to play with all their players behind the ball and make it difficult for North Down to break them down. A mix up in the home defence allowed Cliftonville to take the lead with 20 minutes remaining. David Shepherd equalised five minutes later when he converted a penalty corner and then with eight minutes remaining scored the winner again from a penalty corner.
North Down dominated throughout but found the Cliftonville defence and in particular their keeper difficult to beat. They now face a much tougher test when they entertain league champions Instonians in the quarter finals. This game was initially scheduled for 20 April but has been put back until 27 April due to Instonians’ involvement in the IHL playoffs.
PMB Man of the Match: David Shepherd
Report by Reuben Mitchel