Seconds great cup win at Limavady

North Down seconds made the trip north last Saturday to play Limavady 1st XI in the second round of the Intermediate Cup. This was a tough fixture for North Down playing a team several leagues above them but the visitors were sharp from the whistle and a quick sideline ball taken by Katie Migan found Tilly Nield unmarked in the circle and she didn’t hesitate in getting the ball in the back of the net, giving the visitors an early and unexpected lead.

During the second quarter play was very even with both teams having chances before Neve Armstrong won North Down’s first penalty corner of the game. Karen Moore pushed the ball out to Megan Murray at the top of the circle, a quick pass left to Ali Campbell who scored to give North Down a 2-0 lead at half time.

Limavady came out strongly at the start of the second half putting a lot of pressure on the North Down defence, with Helena Press making a number of vital saves.  Limavady’s centre forward made a quick break from set play driving into the circle along the byline, slotting the ball into the goal from a very tight angle to make the score 2-1.

Limavady had the majority of possession in the final quarter but the visitors also had their chances with some quick balls from Connie Magee, Megan Murray and Neve Armstrong in midfield finding forwards Kate McConnell and Rhiannon Davies free in the circle but both were unlucky not to get on the score sheet.

Limavady also had a number of shots on goal but fine saves from Helena Press and some strong defending from Judith Orr, Megan Spence, Ali Campbell and Karen Moore denied Limavady a late equaliser.

North Down held on to their lead and secured the unexpected win to progress through to the third round of the Intermediate Cup.

Burch Autos Player of the Match was Judith Orr.