North Down make exit from Irish Trophy

North Down travelled to Dublin on Saturday to play Clontarf in the first round of the Irish Trophy and returned disappointed following a 2-1 defeat. North Down were without 4 regulars but those that were called up gave 100% enhancing their reputations.

Jonny Linter was playing dangerous balls into the circle but unfortunately the forwards were unable to take advantage. Clontarf took control of the game with 2 quick goals before the end of the first quarter. The first came from a short corner awarded for feet.Cunningham made a fine save but a Clontarf player found space to hammer the ball into the net. Minutes later a long up and over found the winger unmarked in the circle and he controlled the ball and smashed into the roof of the net.

All the goalmouth action in the second period belonged to North Down but Clontarf were dangerous on the break. Tweedie won a corner but Gilmore’s effort was saved and the rebound cleared. A scrambled effort was then cleared of the line.North Down won another corner but this was cleared

There was little goalmouth action in the third quarter.Clontarf were content to hold onto their lead restricting North Down to scraps. Blair cut out a clearance and attacked the circle before unleashing a reverse wide. Gilmore broke through but a defender was able to deflect his effort over the bar.

In the final quarter North pushed players forward in an effort to reduce the arrears but it was Clontarf who won a corner which was well dealt with by Cunningham. Welsh made a strong run into the circle.He made space but his weak shot was easily cleared. Scott Irwin got into a good position but in a scramble the keeper made a clearanceJust before the final whistle Gilmore got a consolation goal when he hit home from mid circle

A disappointing result but hopefully this will prove a wake-up call for the League which begins next week.

Burch Autos man of match Jonny Linter