Down seconds and derby rivals North Down fifths braved poor weather conditions to serve up a thrilling Junior 6 clash at Comber Leisure Centre last Friday night.

The locals once again fielded all their young players who did really well over the 70 minutes when it rained incessantly.

Down took the lead in the ninth minute through Jordan Aidey and what a cracking goal it was. He collected the ball just outside the 25 and once inside the penalty area he unleashed a terrific shot which gave the 'keeper no chance.

North Down equalised 10 minutes later when a forward was allowed too much time to pick his spot past David Moreland, but the visitors were playing with confidence and it was no surprise when they took the lead for the second time in the game.

The goal was a real cracker and the delighted scorer was Andy Teggart. He did all the hard work to manufacture a shot on goal and while his initial effort was saved, the ball rebounded back to him and with the North Down defence slow to react, Teggart cleverly flicked the ball into the net.

The visitors held the lead until the interval with Moreland making a number of fine saves, but within five minutes of the restart, North Down were back on level terms.

But back came Down once more to take the lead for a third time. The scorer was veteran striker Trevor Lennon. Aidey started the move which led to the goal. After beating his marker he passed to Jordan Wade with the winger picking out Lennon whose control was instant and before the 'keeper had time to settle himself, Lennon drilled the ball past him.

Down's inexperience then told with some of the young players trying to play hockey at the back when they really should have cleared their lines. But they will have learnt from the experience.

The stronger North Down side scored three more goals in the last 15 minutes to win 5-3 which was rather cruel on the visitors, in particular, their young players.

With a two-week break to look forward to, the young players can recharge their batteries ahead of their next game on January 5 away to North Down sixths.