Under 17's match report.

Comber Rec 2-2 Loughside

Comber started their league campaign, on a perfect park way pitch, looking to go one better than last year against a Loughside team who was fresh to the league. Comber started brightly and were soon attacking through the industry of the midfield and many chances were being created but were not being taken. The inability to take these chances came back to haunt Comber when during a moment of hesitation, a Loughside player was able to steal the ball and open the scoring from close range. This only seemed to spur Comber on and great industry from Pinnons on the left allowed him to win the ball and cross low for Hanna to equalise. Again comber pressed with both Hanna and Irwin rattling the crossbar but they couldn’t find the second goal.

Half time 1-1

The second half started with the Comber boys seemingly still in the dressing room and it was no surprise when Loughside took the lead 5 minutes into the second half. The defence stood still as the Loughside centre forward ran onto a through ball and calmly slotted home. This was to be the end of the Loughside chances as Comber upped their game and began pouring onto the Loughside defence. Again Hanna, Irwin (who was having a fine game) and Majury were at the centre of everything and the chances began to flow. The best chance fell to the left back, Mullin, who expertly beat the offside trap only for his composure to let him down when confronted with a “one on one” against the goalkeeper. Comber threw on Crooks and Lennox who seemed to rejuvenate the team with their industry and passing ability respectively and this lead to Hanna beating the offside trap, pulling the ball back for Crooks to find the net only to be called back for offside. The Comber boys kept pressing and Irwin showed pace to beat the offside trap, pulling the ball back for Crooks again to find the net (even if it was off his knee!!) and this time the goal was good. It was the least the Comber team deserved. Two minutes later the whistle blew and the spoils were shared.

Full time 2-2

Man on the Match: Ryan Irwin