South too strong for North Down
North Down travelled to Lisburn on Saturday to play South Antrim in a Premier League game. On a cool afternoon North Down were very lethargic and South who were much quicker to the ball and who kept possession better ran out comfortable winners by 4 goals to 1.
North Down were first to threaten winning a corner in the fourth minute but this was cleared. At the other end a long ball found the winger and he won a corner the ball coming off Templeton’s feet but their effort went wide. Two goals in as many minutes gave South a comfortable lead. An overhead caught the North Down defence out and from the resulting corner South scored at the second attempt. Another overhead was misjudged by Jordan Linter giving the winger a clear run in on goal giving Rodgers no chance. Blair made a good run leaving several defenders in his wake before finding McKeown in the circle but his effort went wide.
The second period saw South dominate possession. They scored their third again from a short corner. Rodgers made the initial save but a forward pounced to slot home.
The second half began with South again on the attack. They won a corner but this was deflected over the bar. The ball was played into the South circle but Bailie was unable to get a touch. Rodgers made a couple of fine saves to stop South running away with the points. McKeown played the ball into the circle but Gilmore was unable to control it at the top of the circle. Just on the blow a poor tackle won South a corner but their effort went to safety of a post.
Coach Massey decided to put another man up front and go all out attack in the final quarter.
He got an early reward when McKane scored from a corner. South were struggling to cope and North won a corner which was saved. The rebound appeared to hit a defender on the line but the umpire awarded another corner which was cleared. North were open for the quick break and Rodgers had to be on his toes to keep his goal intact. Just before the end the South keeper made a diving save to keep a McKeown short corner effort out.
A disappointing performance which will have to show improvement for Wednesdays home game against Portadown
Burch Autos man of match Darren Rodgers.