Comber faced very strong opposition in their last 16 cup tie on Saturday as they welcomed National League side St. Oliver Plunkett to Park Way. The management made sure the players were well motivated before the kick off. Ensuring the players went into the game with desire and the belief that they could win the game. From the beginning the visitors looked sharp and looked to break down the Comber team with some slick passing moves. Comber were up to the challenge however and from early on the Comber lads were tackling with real purpose. St. Oliver Plunkett looked dangerous in attack and came close to opening the scoring mid-way through the half. But a last ditch tackle from Billy Davidson ensured the game stayed level. Matthew Davidson also dealt well with a few long range efforts from the visiting team. Comber’s biggest chance to score fell to Timmy Browne as he latched onto a lovely through ball from Robbie Johnston but a slightly heavy touch from the forward on the edge of the box allowed the keeper to come and collect. Again St. Oliver Plunkett created chances but yet again Comber stood strong as Robbie and Aaron worked tirelessly to close down play in the midfield. St. Oliver Plunkett came close again just before the half time whistle as a well worked corner allowed the number 7 to whip a good ball into the danger area but was eventually cleared by a Comber defender.

0 – 0 at half time, a tough 30 minutes for Comber but every player had done their jobs well. The players knew another tough 30 minutes lay ahead but were all in positive spirits and ready for the second half. The management told the lads to try and keep a hold of the ball for longer in the second half and try to get a few more shots at the Plunkett keeper.

2nd Half

Comber started the second half brightly; some good link up play between Scott McKeag and Oliver Wilson put the Plunkett defence under pressure during the opening minutes. Scott won the ball through a strong tackle in his own half and played an accurate pass into Ollie who showed good speed and control to get clear of 2 players but a Plunkett centre back managed to get across before Ollie could get the ball into the box. Moments later Robbie Johnston got a shot away from long range but the muddy pitch slowed the ball down and the keeper made a comfortable save. At the other end St. Oliver Plunkett were starting to set up more and more opportunities to score and the number 9 just missed the cross bar with a powerful headed effort. Mid-Way through the 2nd period Matthew Davidson palmed the ball off the goal line following a Plunketts corner. Comber were now struggling to create chances from open play as St. Oliver Plunkett pressed for an opening goal but time after time the Comber players closed them down. Cameron Foster was superb at right back and during a series of attacking plays from St. Oliver Plunkett; having read the game very well Cameron was able to cut out the threat on several occasions with some strong tackles.

The visitors looked certain to score when the skilful number 9 weaved his way through the Comber defence but his shot from 12 yards flew passed the post. The number 10 broke through shortly after and this time Matthew Davidson anticipated well and was quick to slide out and scoop the ball bravely from the forwards feet. Combers best chances in the second half came from set plays. Callum McCloskey whipped some good crosses in from free kicks but a very well organised defence made sure the danger was cleared. With normal time now up and only stoppage time remaining there was heart break for Comber. St. Oliver Plunketts captain played his forward through with a perfect pass and as Matthew Davidson rushed from his goal, he miss-timed his challenge and sent the attacker up in the air leaving the referee no choice but to award a penalty kick. The number 9 made no mistake from 12 yards as he coolly stroked the ball into the bottom corner. Comber took the resulting kick off and as play was broken down the game was brought to an end.

The disappointment was clear to see on the faces of the Comber players at the final whistle. To lose the game so late on after giving everything they had for 60 minutes was hard to take. But every member of the squad can hold their heads high and be proud of their efforts. To get to this stage of the competition was a good achievement in itself and getting beat 1- 0 from a penalty kick against a very successful national league side is nothing to be ashamed of. The commitment and team spirit shown by Comber was immense and it’s hoped this same commitment can be carried into the team’s future games in the league and other cup competitions. The man of the match this week goes to the whole team.

Man of Match – Whole Team