Panic stations as men’s thirds just hold on!
North Down thirds faced off against a youthful and 16 strong Queens second XI squad last Saturday at the Dub, House of Sport. The hosts looked very professional having arrived very early for warmup, shuttles and extensive drills prior to pass back, something that was quite the opposite of the Comber side who looked disorganised due to lateness of a number of players.
Formalities and berating aside from captain Sam Pyper, the game got under way. Right from the pass back, Andy McKee misplaced a pass and the Queens midfielder made an impressive run down the right into the area only for his square pass to end up amongst a frantic melee of players and North Down clearing the danger. An early fright, and it looked like North Down were in for a long afternoon. Once composure was gathered, North Down quickly started to create with Reuben McIlrath striking first time from a loose ball after 2 minutes. Eleven minutes later it was McIlrath again making a nuisance of himself and wining a short corner. A text book play, out fast and accurate from Scott Irwin, stopped dead by Jonny Green and a rocket into the bottom corner from Pyper took it to 2-0 and the students didn’t know what hit them.
Into the second quarter, North Down defence stood strong and McKee made up for his early mistake by wnining turnover ball time and time again, demonstrating a solid performance circle to circle. North Down saw out the quarter to keep their two goal lead at half time.
The third quarter saw North Down’s high press too much for Queens who continued to mis-control and mis-place passes at the back. At the other end Peter Gray made a few great saves and clearances from short corners. Coach Jonathan Davidson continued to freshen up the side to keep the legs going against a very fit Queens team, knowing that the next goal was crucial. It soon came after 46 minutes and North Down were three up after good work from Sam Brown who nipped in front of his man and slotted the ball towards goal past the keeper. Scott Irwin was on hand to tap in on the line not knowing if Brown’s effort had the legs or was in danger of being cleared.
Into the last quarter and surely the points were secure? Queens had nothing to lose and pushed higher up the pitch creating chances. Jack Bond and Irwin fought tirelessly in midfield however the collective fitness levels throughout were telling and Queens got one back with 7 minutes remaining. When this was followed 3 minutes later with a well deflected strike, Queens were back in it at 2-3. With 7 minutes to go the cry from Corporal Jones was, “Don’t panic!!”. However it fell on deaf ears. All momentum was with the home side but, after a spell of last ditch clearances and misplaced passes, North Down found a bit more gas in the tank and held out for an excellent victory. Almost a master class performance and a real squad effort which sees them continue to climb away from the relegation zone.
Burch Autos Man of the Match was shared by Reuben McIlrath and Andy McKee.