The 13's travelled to Ballymena on Saturday for their NIBFA cup match against league rivals Northend.  Comber came out of the dressing rooms looking the stronger team, passing was fluent and the defence was strong.  This good play led to a few chances through Ben and Sam upfront aswell as Harvey Whiteside on the right wing.  Early in the 1st half comber had a very strong shout for a penalty after a Northend defender seemed to handle the ball inside the box.  But the spot kick wasnt given by the referee.
  Comber kept pressing and had a good chance to go ahead, from a corner taken by Harvey Whiteside, the driven cross found Sam Manley who struck the ball sweetly but sadly the shot was too high and flew over the bar for a goal kick.  Comber then had another strong claim for a penalty midway through the half as Sam Manley looked to be brought down from behind as he was through on goal.  Again the referee said no and play continued.
 
HALF TIME
 
The 2nd half got under way with the score still at 0 -0.  Northend were starting to get more involved in the game now as Combers fast tempo seemed to have dropped slightly after dominating the 1st half.  Not long into the 2nd period Northend won a corner, a good cross was delivered and was cleared by Comber Centre back Karl Johnston.  The clearance fell to Northends left back who was just over the half way line, he had a 1st time shot and couldnt have struck it any better. The ball flew into the top corner of Ben Brownes goal.  A fantastic goal which comber had no chance of stopping.  Comber kept pressing for an equaliser but were finding it very hard to break down the Northend defence.  Towards the end of the game Comber were desperatley trying to find the equalising goal to keep them in the tie. Half chances arose but Comber failed to take advantage.  With only minutes to go, Comber had to go for it now.  Johnny Burgess was pushed upfront to join Sam and Ben in the attack but still Comber couldnt get the breakthrough they needed and in the dying minutes Northend secured victory and a place in the next round with a 2nd goal.
 
This was a very good effort from Comber, a definate improvement in both attitude and play form their last 2 league games.  The Northend Management also congratulated the boys after the match on their excellent football and determination throughout the match.
 
Combers Man of The Match goes to Gattis Kalkerts who had an excellent game in centre midfield, battling tirelessly to the final whistle.  The management would also like to thank all those parents who made the trip to Ballymena and assisted with transporting the players.