Comber Rec v Newcastle

Comber today played hosts to Newcastle in the 1st round of the NIBFA Cup.

The Comber lads looked eager to get the game started on the clubs home pitch at the Rec and were eager to entertain the large home crowd who had turned up to watch todays game against Newcastle.

Comber kicked the game off and immediately showed that they were hungry for the win. Aaron Hawthorn passed to Oliver Wilson who played a ball through the Newcastle defence to Timmy Browne who rounded the Newcastle keeper to score his first goal of the day and to settle the nerves of the boys within 1 minute. 1-0 Comber.

The wind was in Combers favour and the Newcastle team were struggling to get the ball out of their half, Alex Robinson was chasing down the balls from the Newcastle defence and it was only going to be a matter of time before Comber increased their lead. A poor pass from the Newcastle midfield was intercepted by Robbie Johnston who played a ball out to Calum McCloskey. Calum floated the ball into the Newcastle box were Timmy showed great composure to bring the ball down and turn to shoot past the keeper for his second of the day. 2-0 Comber.

Newcastle tried a different tactic this time and knocked the ball deep into the Comber half were it took Cameron Fosters calm head to ensure that the ball went out safely for a throw in. This seemed to lift the Newcastle boys who managed to get the ball into the box were Matty Davidson was ready to collect and ease and pressure. Matty kicked the ball out and Jack Savage hit a great pass up to Calum McCloskey who dropped his shoulder to beat the Defender and send a perfect pass to Robbie Johnston who took the ball out wide before cutting in and passing to Timmy Browne who again showed a lovely turn of pace to gather the ball and shoot high into the net for his hat-trick. 3-0

Half Time

Newcastle kicked off the second half and immediately put the Comber boys under pressure, Aaron Milligan and Timmy Larmour were caught out by a long ball and the Newcastle striker raced into the box to knock the ball past Matty Davidson to make it 3-1.

The Comber players got the wake up call that they needed and started to play again, within 1 minute of the Newcastle goal Oliver Wilson got the ball and fired it into Timmy Browne who ran into the box to hammer home his fourth of the day for 4-1.

Newcastle continued to push forward and it was keeping the Comber back line busy, An intercepted pass by Jack Savage was coolly played to Calum McCloskey who passed to Robbie Johnston, Robbie beat the Newcastle defence and was unlucky not to score when through on goal.
Comber then increased their lead when Calum McCloskey made sure that the goalkeeper could not save Alex Robinsons shot when he cut in front of the defence to poke home his first goal and making the score 5-1.

Newcastle then got another goal to make it 5-2 when a long ball forward was collected by the Newcastle forward who beat Matty with a low drive which just slipped in off the post. 5-2.

Comber then made a double substitution bringing off Jack Savage and Aaron Hawthorne and bringing on Dean Chadwick and Harry Walker.

Dean Chadwick was immediately called into action as Newcastle pushed forward, Dean made a great tackle to stop the Newcastle striker and Timmy Larmour then assisted to clear the danger.

Oliver Wilson was playing up front again in an unfamiliar roll and Harry Walker was battling hard in the midfield,Harry was playing out of his skin as he hounded every ball in the Newcastle half and it was his determination to win the ball which forced the next goal. Harry won the ball and managed to get a shot on goal which was well stopped by the goalkeeper, but Combers relentless pressure paid off when Timmy Browne rounded off his fine performance with another good finish to score his fifth goal of the day and make the final score 6-2 .

Final Score : Comber Rec 6  v Newcastle  2

Goal Scorers:
Timmy Browne 5
Calum McCloskey 1

The Referee awarded the man of the match award to Timmy Browne.

Thanks again to the Newcastle Players and Coaching staff for a great game which was played in a great sporting atmosphere. The Players and Coaches from Comber Rec wish them a successful season.