Queens too Strong for North Down

North Down travelled to The Dub on Saturday to play high flying Queens in the Premier League hoping to follow up their victory over Bangor with another fine performance.

It was Queens who inserted early pressure with a short corner being awarded for feet but this was cleared by the reliable Jordan Linter. At the other end Fraser McKane had a shot saved. Queens continued to dominate winning a series of corners. The first resulted in a goal and then the second resulted in a penalty flick being awarded after the two umpires consulted. This was easily converted.Just before the end of the quarter they won another corner but this time it was saved and the danger cleared.

The second quarter was played out in midfield with neither side able to dominate. The closest to a goal came when Linter was caught in possession and the winger pounced to play the perfect pass to his teammate in front of goal but somehow he managed to screw the effort wide.

Queens increased their lead when Linters attempted clearance was deflected to an unmarked Queens player in midfield. He made ground before passing to his winger who scored with a strong shot. McKane was proving North Downs biggest threat. Firstly he made a fine intercept and attacked the circle before unleashing a reverse shot which the keeper did well to save. He then repeated the action but again his shot was well saved.Rodgers was called into action on several occasions and had to make a number of blocks to keep the eager Queens forwards at bay. Tweedie won a corner but the effort was easily saved.

In the final quarter North Down saw a shot flash past the post.Linter was caught and he watched as the ball flew over the bar. Queens scored their final goal when they walked the ball along the byline and squared for the centre forward to slot past Rodgers. Blair won the ball and found space on the edge of the circle but his reverse shot went wide. In a final push North Down won a series of corners but were unable to convert any of these leaving Queens comfortable 4 nil winners

Burch Autos man of match, Darren Rodgers