Kirk Cup Defeat
North Down travelled to CI to play Annadale in their first group game in the Kirk Cup on Saturday.
Both teams played some fast flowing hockey in the first quarter. Templeton at the heart of the North Down defence was controlling things superbly. Annadale had a shot cleared before at the other end McKeown had a shot well saved. Rodgers made a fine save from a deflected effort. Ross Linter was causing problems with his strong runs down the right and skipper Wilson was making strong runs into the circle but was unable to get a shot away. HarryTempleton made a strong run into the circle and thought he had won a corner when the ball came off a defenders foot but the umpire saw it differently and no corner was awarded.
The second quarter continued in the same vein with both teams playing entertaining hockey. North Down took the lead when they were awarded a free. McKanes quick thinking played the ball to Blair and his accurate cross was slotted home by Bailie. Annadale upped the pace and Rodgers had to be on his toes to keep his goal intact. Annadale equalised when a cross was picked up by the centre forward and hammered home.Just on the stroke of half-time Annadale were awarded a penalty for a defender stopping a goalbound shot with his feet and they made no mistake from the spot.
The third quarter started disasterously for the visitors. Robinson was caught in possession deep in his own half and the ball was crossed for a simple goal. The result was never in doubt after Annadale got their fourth. They won a free but as the defence waited for the free to be taken the Annadale attacker ran in unchallenged and scored. North Down to no avail appealed that the ball was not under control when the free was taken but the umpire ignored their appeal. At the other end McKane crossed for Gilmore but he failed to control the ball 5yards from goal and Annadale scrambled clear. Blair made a fine run but had no support when he crossed into the circle. North Down lost their shape and Annadale took advantage to score 3 further goals.
The final quarter began with Annadale increasing their lead after a number of defenders missed tackles. Rodgers made a double save from a corner. Annadale won a long corner and in a goalmouth scramble the ball was flicked over Rodgers. North Down did not give up and a fine run by McKane won a corner which McKeown smashed into the net. As North Down continued to press they were awarded a penalty for feet and McKeown duly converted. In the final minutes Blair made a fine run winning another corner.The ball was switched right and Blair’s effort was well saved by the keeper at the base of the post.
Burch Autos man of match Ross Blair