Men’s 1s thriller with Portadown ended 2-2

Coach McKeown, fresh from Ted Lasso marathon on his midweek transatlantic travels made a couple of positional changes and it was North Down that started the brightest. With Mushy and Tweedie full of energy after midweek marriage proposals, North Down took the early momentum moving the ball well to create attacking opportunities. Cunningham dealt comfortably with any Portadown attacks, in the absence of Rodgers.

North Down struck first with Paddy Smith getting his first senior goal after a strong run along the byline passed several defenders and a reverse under the approaching keeper. The work rate continued and a deserved lead held at half time.

Straight after the restart, Gilmore unleashed a reverse strike which Tweedie deflected through the keeper’s legs to make it 2–0, giving the home crowd plenty to cheer about.

Portadown began to press higher in search of a goal, leading to a number of circle entries and short corners. In Q3, one struck Linter on the line and the resultant flick was slotted home. Another rattled the backboard in Q4, levelling the score at 2–2.

Despite elder Boyd’s enforced break, North Down battled hard in search of the winner and there was late drama when Gilmore’s drag flick found the net, only for the umpires to rule it out for an infringement by the stopper.

The match ended 2-2 – not the victory North Down wanted but an improved performance, first point on the board and plenty to build on heading into November.