North Down Let Victory Slip in Late Collapse Against Harlequins
North Down entertained Harlequins at the Leisure Centre on Saturday hoping to make further progress as they attempt to climb up the table to safety.
North Down continue to shoot themselves in the foot. With 10 minutes in the game remaining they lead 3-1 but with Harlequins pushing to get back in the game the home defence crumbled and conceded three goals. Coach Massey had to reorganise the defence as keeper Rodgers and centre back Templeton were unavailable. Two 16 year old teenagers were introduced Rory Cunningham in goal and Paddy Smith at centre back and both played with confidence and could not in any way be held responsible for collapse.
North opened at a fast pace.Jonny Linter played a great ball to McKeown but he failed to control.A strong run by Wilson won a free but the ball was scrambled free. At the other end Jordan Linter deflected a dangerous effort wide.Jonny Linter won a tackle, slipped the ball to McKeown who shot wide.
At the start of the second quarter Quins won a corner and Cunningham made a fine save. Jonny Linter played a perfect pass to Gilmore but his touch let him down and the danger was cleared. Tweedie made a strong run and passed to Linter but his shot was high and wide.Just before half time Linter and McKane combined to win a corner. McKeowns effort was deflected into the net by Boyd.
Quins started the second half in a positive mood. A stick tackle by Bailie won them a corner but Cunningham made a fine save. A piece of poor defending allowed Quins in with the equaliser. Wilson made a fine run but was well defended by Quins. Linter and Gilmore combined to win a corner. The variation was stopped illegally and McKeown scored from the penalty spot. Boyd broke from defence and found himself with a 2v1 but his slip pass was well cut out. Blair beat a number of defenders and won a corner which was expertly crashed into the net by Gilmore.
The final quarter started with North in control with McKeown shooting over. Quins started to win the midfield battle and put the North defence under pressure. Then Quins won a corner but this was well defended. Quins reduced the arrears when the home defence was caught out with a simple tap in. The home defence began to panic and poor marking allowed Quins to get the equaliser.Jordan Linter was harshly awarded a yellow card. Quins saw an effort hit the side net and then with time ticking away scored the winner despite strong appeals from the home side for feet before the ball was played to the goal scorer.
Burch Autos player of match Jonny Linter.