Men’s 2s Reel In Big Away Win

North Down Men’s 2XI vs Kilkeel Men’s 2XI

North Down 2s made the long trip to the harbour town of Kilkeel and returned with a fine 3–0 victory, hauling in all three points with a performance full of energy, belief, and just a splash of Ted Lasso–inspired optimism under coach McBride.

From the first whistle, North Down cast their nets wide and pressed with real intent. Their high-octane start quickly hooked the hosts, and it wasn’t long before the breakthrough arrived. Ross Blair, who was clearly in the mood to make a big catch, pounced on his opportunity and slammed the ball into the bottom left corner, leaving the Kilkeel keeper floundering with no chance. It was the perfect early strike to put North Down ahead and leave Kilkeel chasing the tide.

Kilkeel responded strongly in the second quarter and showed they weren’t going to be easily reeled in. Their winger produced a series of mazy runs, weaving through the defence like a fish slipping through a net. However, Rory Cunningham stood firm in nets saving everything thrown at him and ensuring North Down kept their clean sheet intact.

The third quarter saw Ross Blair again threatening to land another big one. Displaying silky skills and sharp movement, he twice came agonisingly close to doubling the lead, only for the Kilkeel defence to hold firm and keep him at bay. Despite their resistance, Kilkeel were being forced deeper and deeper, with North Down controlling the current of the game.

North Down finally tightened their grip early in the fourth quarter. Captain Bailie, showing great awareness, reverse-passed the ball perfectly across the face of goal where Harry McLaughlin was waiting at the back post to calmly slot home. It was a well-worked goal that left Kilkeel stranded and firmly put North Down in command at 2–0.

As the game drifted into its final moments, Bailie was cynically fouled, earning North Down a short corner and one final opportunity to land the knockout blow. Up stepped Toby Fynn, who showed nerves of steel to slam the ball home emphatically, putting the result beyond doubt and ensuring Kilkeel’s hopes were well and truly sunk.

The final whistle confirmed a superb 3–0 victory for North Down, who showed composure, teamwork, and determination to secure a result that is never easy to catch away in Kilkeel. It was a performance that showed they have real momentum as they continue their push this season. The defence stood firm and picked up another clean sheet with some strong individual performances. Paul Adgey commanding the backline and Matthew Bruce not only strong defensively but also some defence splitting through balls to set up attacks.

Man of the Match: Toby Fynn – for his commanding presence and decisive goal that sealed the win.