MEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE
NORTH DOWN 5
BANGOR 4
HARRY Templeton scored twice as North Down overcame Bangor in a nine-goal thriller at Comber to record their first league win of the season.
Both teams entered the fixture at the bottom end of the table having failed to register any points from their opening games, and the home side enjoyed the best of the early exchanges with Gareth McKeown denied by the Bangor ’keeper before captain Phil Wilson deflected home an Andy Boyd ball to put North Down in front.
The second quarter saw Bangor gain more control and they turned the game on its head when brothers JJ and Seb Holley both found the target. But North Down were soon back on level terms after Harry Templeton scored from a corner at the third attempt.
The hosts then edged in front just before half-time with Wilson teeing up Josh Gilmore to score.
The third quarter belonged to North Down. After Andrew Welsh had an effort deflected over the top by a defender, Gilmore and McKeown combined for the latter to increase the lead.
It was then Bailie’s turn to see an effort fly over the bar., before Boyd had a cross cleared off the line.
North Down moved further ahead when Johnny Linter, who was having a fine game, played an overhead ball which found Templeton. He weaved his way into the circle and somehow managed to slot the ball into the roof of the net to make it 5-2.
In the final quarter Bangor mounted a comeback. Corner expert Ryan Burgess scored high to the ’keeper’s left and this lifted Bangor with North’s Darren Rodgers forced into a number of interceptions as the visitors put pressure on the home goal.
As both teams pressed a number of players from both sides received cards for over enthusiasm. With about five minutes remaining Connor Tweedie was penalised for a stick tackle and Burgess again found the net from the resulting corner.
Following the restart North Down were able to retain possession and see time out for a welcome victory.
Burch Autos man of the match was Harry Templeton.
