Newry Olympic 0-2 North Down

Newry Olympic mens 1s hosted North Down on Saturday in their final league game of 2022/23 and already relegated to the Intermediate League for next season.

Neither side had anything to play for, but they put on a combative display for the spectators. The visitors forced a number of early short corners, but never really troubled McGivern in the Newry goals. Newry were working the ball well out of defence and through midfield, which created chances for both Corey Large and Keith McWilliams, but both fired narrowly wide when chances fell their way.

With five minutes left in the first half, North Down went one up when a long ball from the left side was played into the circle and was smartly deflected home to send them in one up at the half-time break.

The second half continued to see plenty of strong tackles and passing play, with both sides looking to assert themselves more in the game. North Down continued to win short corners but again McGivern was more than a match for any attempts fired at him.

The game was tight going into the final stages, but as Newry pushed forward they were starting to get caught on the counterattack.

With three minutes remaining and Olympic deep in the North Down half, the ball was turned over and a rapid attack resulted in North Down getting their second and putting the game to bed as it ended 0-2.

Newry Olympic 1s:

R. McGivern, D. Barlow, N. Liggett, C. Henning (Capt), N. Lutton, A. Baird, J. Greer, J. Porter, K. Fletcher, K. McWilliams, M. Murdock, C. Large