All square for Bann Thirds in trip to Newtownards

Niall Kelly and Charlie Norris came into the squad to bolster midfield with Sam Green returning to defence following a spell out due to injury.

North Down started strongly retaining possession well in midfield and probing the Bann defence. Bann grew into the half with Kelly linking up well with the front pairing of Kennedy and Reid.

Midway through the first half North Down opened the scoring with a fierce shot from just inside the circle.

After a quick attack Bann won their first short corner and Anderson powered in a drag flick from the top of the circle to draw the sides level.

Bann were now pressing the North Down defence high up the pitch and after a mistake by a North Down defender Kennedy was on hand to fire the ball into the bottom corner to give Bann the lead.

North Down came back into the game and after winning their first short corner drew level with a drag flick which Bingham was unlucky not to save.

The game continued to be end to end during the second half. North Down pulled in front when Bingham was beaten at his front post with a fierce shot. Reid and Kennedy were continuing to cause the North Down defence problems and after winning another short corner Anderson converted with a strong drag flick.

North Down won a series of short corners and eventually converted one.

Bann again fought their way back into the game with another Anderson drag flick into the top right corner of the goal.

With the game entering the last five minutes of the match both teams had opportunities to win the game and the North Down keeper pulled off a great save from a Kennedy shot after a great run from Ligget. It finished 4-4 which was a fair reflection of the game. The thirds now have a free week due to the first round of the Irish Junior Cup.