HOCKEY: McLean scores twice to help Mossley secure win over North Down

Colin McLean opened the scoring for the hosts before doubling his side’s advantage early in the second session. Richard McClintock capitalised on a defensive error to add number three before the visitors netted a consolation goal seven minutes from time.

With both sides going into the match in the bottom three it proved a vital win at an important stage of the campaign.

It was the first of two meetings between the sides this week with Mossley set to travel to Comber on Wednesday evening for the return fixture.

The breakthrough came just before half time when McLean fired in from close range to give Mossley a half-time lead.

In the opening minute of the second half Mossley secured a long corner and a piercing ball from Joel Cathcart found McLean who deflected past the keeper extend Mossley’s lead.

This lifted the home side and they controlled the game well, enjoying the better share of possession and stifling any North Down threats.

Mossley made sure of the win with 10 minutes on the clock when McClintock pounced on a loose pass, leaving him one-on-one with the ‘keeper. He calmly rounded and slotted in with a reverse stick strike.

North Down’s response came just a few minutes later but the Glademen held out to secure three points which lifts them to sixth in the league.

Elsewhere the 2nd XI lost 1-0 at Cookstown 2nd XI. The thirds won 7-0 against Cliftonville 2nd XI with goals from John Young (three), Ian Creighton, Neil Cooke, Paul Johnston and Jason Hill.