Mens thirds hosted Kilkeel seconds on Saturday, a warm up against their upcoming League Cup Final opposition. North Down got off to the brighter start moving the ball well and a good passing move deserved more with Daniel Griffin coming close on the goal line with a last ditch clearance keeping the scores level. Sam Pyper looked sure to score at the back post soon after but a Kilkeel touch deflected onto the striker’s foot. All square at the end of the quarter but the hosts looked to be on top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kilkeel grew into the game soon after the break and went one up with a well executed drag flick from a short corner. With momentum on their side they soon made it 2 with a well worked play round the back of the North defence. The heads didn’t drop and North Down got back into the game immediately when Jonny Proctor found Finn Cross making a good run into the area with an even better finish. 2-1 at half time to the visitors<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The thirds rallied at half time and Jonny Green started to control the centre of the pitch. A disguised long pass found Ben Bond at the top of the area. A sublime first touch sent the defender the wrong way and committed the goal keeper to charge out taking no ball but all of the forward. A penalty stroke was awarded and skipper Pyper did the needful finding the side netting and making it 2-2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the hosts now on top was a winner on the cards? A good series of passes found Pyper along the byline who pulled back for Bond. A swing and a miss let the ball run through to Cross who found himself in a similar position than that of the first half and the youngster finished well again. A goal was awarded followed by a melee of players surrounding the home umpire. Both umpires in discussions and a very disgruntled Kilkeel side up in arms. In the good spirit of the game, captain Pyper threw the ball back for a hit out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It ended with a fair draw and a good point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Burch Autos Man of the Match: Finn Cross<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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