Under 17s Match Report

Comber U17 V Newington Colts

Comber travelled to Beltoy on Saturday to play a Newington side that they could not once beat last season, knowing that they needed a win to ‘get back on track’ with their league aspirations. This was not assisted by the unfortunate illnesses to Childs, Brown and Beattie and the injury to Finney however it gave some of the players who had been featuring predominantly as a sub a chance to show their worth in this talented squad. The Comber management impressed on the players that a good start was essential and that they play their best football at a high tempo and they did just that. With Irwin back pulling the strings in midfield, ably assisted by Majury, and Hanna providing pace up front, comber took the game to Newington. They fully deserved their lead when Irwin struck a shot that bounced awkwardly in front of the Newington ‘keeper. Comber continued to press with Marsh supporting Crooks well from full back and the centre backs of Gibson and McBriar marshalling the defence well. The second goal came as the full back Mullin found himself in the 6 yard box after a corner and had time to control the ball and rifle the ball home. Deadly from a yard!! The third and fourth goals were scored by Hanna, who was having a sublime game at centre forward, ably assisted by Laird, who was showing the management exactly what he is capable of!

Half Time 4-0

Comber started the second half the way they finished the first (which has been unusual for this team), playing flowing football and it was no surprise when Hanna completed his hat-trick, rifling a left footed shot beyond the helpless ‘keeper. The Newington team competed much better in the second half and their hard working centre forward certainly deserved his well taken goal. This spurred comber on and it wasn’t long before they restored their 5 goal advantage, with Pinnons delightfully volleying the ball over a stranded keeper. Wylie replaced Crooks with 20 minutes remaining and his pace should have heaped more pressure on the Newington defence however Comber then took their foot off the gas and Newington definitely became more involved in the game, winning a penalty from an innocuous challenge from a corner. Again their number 10 dispatched the ball from 12 yards giving Topping no chance. However, the talented Comber ‘keeper wasn’t to be beaten again as he produced three stunning saves late in the game to deny Newington a come back.

Final Score 6-2

The twelve players that travelled should be extremely proud of the way they performed on Saturday. Their attitude and work rate was first class and although it was extremely difficult to name a man of the match, it was given to Hanna for his sublime hat-trick. The teams performance on Saturday just increased the fierce competition for places within this squad!