Comber ended their first round of league fixtures on Saturday, hitting 6 past their opponents Ballyclare Comrades to earn a 3 point gap at the top of the league table. It was stressed to the players that a more lively start was needed than in recent games. The players responded well and after only 2 minutes Comber were 1 goal ahead. Aaron Milligan opening the scoring with an accurate finish following a skilful run from outside the box. As the half progressed it was pleasing to see Comber working hard all over the pitch but in particular the midfield who had been guilty of not tracking back to defend in recent weeks. Aaron Milligan and Robbie Johnston were winning the ball back quickly in the midfield and were also quick to set up a Comber attack. Ollie Wilson and Callum McCloskey were also causing problems for their markers down both wings as both were keen to take on the defenders and get a ball into the box for their strikers. Mid way through the first half Robbie Johnston doubled Combers lead, beating a couple of defenders on the edge of the area before driving the ball low into the corner of the net. Combers back line and keeper didn’t have an awful lot to do so far but when Ballyclare did manage to get forward Billy Davidson and Matthew Foster dealt with the danger promptly, often getting the ball to the full backs Cameron Foster and Thomas Gibson with some neat passing. It was Cameron at right back who began the move for Combers 3rd as he played a good pass forward which Robbie Johnston latched on to. Robbie went on a long mazy run beating one player after another and with only one thing on his mind he made no mistake as he smashed the ball past the keeper for his 2ndgoal of the game.

Comber went into the break with a well deserved 3 goal lead. There wasn’t much the management had to say at half time as each player had done their jobs well so it was a case of keep it going and get another few goals to finish the game off.

Half Time Comber 3 Ballyclare Comrades 0

Comber came out in the second half strongly again and just like the first half the home side were dominating possession. Scott Mckeag was a whisker away from scoring a 4th for Comber as he broke free of the defence showing a great burst of speed but his shot just missed the far post. Callum McCloskey also came close from a free kick but saw his effort fly over the crossbar. Again Combers midfield were working very hard ensuring to help the back line when Ballyclare attacked. Skipper Aaron Milligan grabbed a 4th goal for Comber after Callum McCloskey done well to beat a couple of players down the left hand side then driving a ball in low to the danger area which Aaron got to and found the net. Scott McKeag netted his 2nd of the season for Combers 5thgoal which was well deserved after working very hard since coming on. Similar to his chance minutes earlier Scott showed a burst of speed to beat the defence and this time found the net with a tidy finish from inside the box. With the score now at 5 – 0 Ballyclare did have a big chance to grab a consolation goal but Matthew Davidson showed great reflexes to make the save and ensure his side kept a clean sheet. With only minutes left Callum McCloskey who had been very eager to get in on the scoring action got Combers 6th and final goal. Callum has scored a number of free kicks this season but his strike from this one was by far the best. From 25 yards out and against the wind Callum struck the ball sweetly and it flew like a bullet into the top left corner, an excellent goal which any keeper would have struggled to get close to.

Final score 6 – 0 Comber, a dominating display from Comber who played very good passing football from start to finish. Having played everyone once now in the league Comber can be very proud of their effort which sees them winning 13, drawing once and losing just once. A very impressive record but a massive effort is now needed for the next half of the season as many tough games lie ahead both in the league and cup.

Man of the Match was awarded to Robbie Johnston by the match referee.

Goals

Robbie Johnston 2
Aaron Milligan 2
Callum McCloskey 1
Scott Mckeag 1