North Down Disappoint

North Down travelled to Newforge on Saturday to play newly promoted PSNI in the first League game of the season hoping to get the season off to a positive start

North Down dominated play for long periods but it was PSNI who showed them how to be clinical taking advantage of every opportunity that came their way and running out comfortable 6-2 winners

Jonny Linter played a great ball into the circle and Ross Blair was unlucky not to get a touch.Blair then picked up an overhead and attacked the circle but his pass to mid circle was cut out.In their first attack PSNI won turnover ball and won a penalty which was easily converted.North Down were stunned when the Police went 2 up.They attacked along the byline winning a short corner which they converted. At the other end Gilmore had an attempt saved and then Boyd won a corner but Gilmore completely missed his effort on goal.Gilmore made an interception winning a long corner but the danger was cleared

The second quarter was only minutes old when the Police won a corner for obstruction .The effort at goal went In off Rodgers pads.Blair was the visitors danger man and he won a corner which was cleared Welsh then found space but his effort went wide.Just before halftime the Police won another corner which again was dispatched into the net giving them a4 nil lead

The third quarter belonged to North Down but their inability to convert chances into goals was evident,Linter played a ball into the circle but McKanes effort went over the bar .Welsh had a shot saved and then Gilmore saw the keeper block his cross.Blair and Bailie combined and Bailie saw the keeper make the save of the game from his deflection which looked goalbound.Gilmore had his stick hacked and a penalty was awarded.Linters effort was well saved by the keeper.Wilson won a corner and the ball was switched to Wilson who slotted home.

North Down were pushing forward. But were caught on the break and the centre forward gave Rodgers no chance.The Police got a sixth when they were awarded a penalty to everyone’s amazement as the defender was first to the ball and made a good clearance.North won a series of corners but were unable to convert.In the final minutes Boyd crossed for Irwin to score from close in.

A solid performance from PSNI who took their chances and thoroughly deserved their victory.