Under 17s Match Report

Comber Rec V Ballyclare

Comber took the field in a hastily arranged league match, feeling worse for wear after a rigorous training session the previous Thursday night. This probably wasn’t the greatest ever decision made by the management, however the fitness gained is exactly what the squad needed in order to maintain competitive in the league. Ballyclare were the opponents and would have rightfully expected to come away with all three points after overturning Comber in the previous game.

Comber started with the same line up as the previous week and were on the score sheet after 2 minutes. Good work from Hanna down the right resulted in a cross that drifted over the keeper and nestled in the back of the net. A fortunate goal but they all count. Comber were playing nice neat football and it was no surprise when they claimed their second. A free kick was awarded at the edge of the box and Irwin rifled the ball across the 6 yard box for Pinnons to get on the end of it and power a header home! Comber were in the ascendancy and were pushing for more goals and their third came from a great through ball from Crooks onto Irwin to finish low at the front post. Comber finished the scoring in the first half with the goal of the game being scored by Pinnons, who drifted infield to pick up the ball on the edge of the area and slot home, giving the ‘keeper no chance.

Half time Comber 4-O Ballyclare

The half-time break allowed the management to rest some weary legs and give some players some much needed game time. Laird was brought on for Hanna, Finney was brought on for Brown, Mullin replaced Pinnons and Marsh replaced Beattie. The management impressed the fact that a goal would see Ballyclare gain in confidence and that it was imperative to gain possession quickly in order to take control of the game. Comber started well however Laird, who was closing down defenders in order to win possession, went into a challenge and the referee quickly blew for a foul. The referee adjudged Laird went into the challenge with studs up and issued a red card. This was harsh as there was no maliciousness in the tackle, maybe just over enthusiasm on the players’ part. Comber could have sat back in order to defend their lead, however this is not the way the Comber team play football and with Irwin pulling the strings, the ever willing Crooks and Clegg were constant threats to Ballyclare. It was Clegg who scored the fifth, a lobbed through ball beat the offside trap and Clegg showed great iniative to use his knee to lob the on-rushing ‘keeper. Clegg scored the sixth, great work from Crooks down the right culminated in a cross being flashed across goal and the rangy centre forward was at the back post to finish well. There was enough time for Comber to score a seventh. Clegg found himself in space and fired in a low cross/shot that the advancing Mullin turned in.

Final score Comber 7-0 Ballyclare

MOM: Ryan Irwin