Rec Pay The Penalty at Park Way

Comber Rec’s hope of a good Steel and Sons Cup run ended on Saturday at Park Way when they were beaten in a penalty shoot-out by a Ballyclare Comrades team that had been outplayed for much of the match. Rec gave a performance that raised the spirits and gladdened the hearts of their supporters, but unfortunately they once again failed to score and in the process probably set some kind of club record by missing four penalties in a row.
Rec were back to almost full strength and gave indication of a more aggressive approach up front as early as the second minute when Marty Robinson got on the end of a nod-down to fire in a 35 yarder that brought the first of a series of saves from keeper Mannus.
Comrades worked the ball into the Rec area in reply and a bounce fell perfectly for Simms right in front of goal, but he swung wildly from 10 yards out and missed completely.
Again it was Robinson at the other end, with a super 30 yard ground shot that Mannus was relieved to scramble round his right post.
All the attacking play was coming from Comber, and a sweet left foot centre from Chris Nicholl had the Comrades in bother until the whistle went for an infringement. Rec were moving the ball early down the sides and giving the visitors’ defence a serious testing, but the home goal was threatened by an in-swinging corner from the right which troubled Connor Couston on his goal line.
On the quarter hour a Jim McCloskey drive was well taken by Mannus. The home fans had seen more shots on target in the opening period of this game than in all the other matches put together.
Midway through the half a recurring injury forced Kevin Monson to retire, but the Rec offensive continued when a McCloskey back header from a throw- in found Craig McCracken and he fired in a fierce volley that was blocked by a defender in the box.
With half an hour gone Comrades had a rare chance when a cross ball from the left sideline reached Agnew unmarked at the back post, but he placed his header back across goal and past the upright. Ballyclare started to show more in attack as the half drew to a close, and Keith Dougherty was called on to make a vital clearance over the bar to prevent them taking the lead.
10 minutes from the break Agnew shimmied past two defenders and fired in a drive that brought a great save by Couston, the Rec keeper at full length to turn the ball round his right post.
Just before the interval a long Peter Kelly ball found McCloskey in front of goal but he was stopped by what looked suspiciously like a hand ball, but nothing was given. Rec left the field with their most promising display of the season behind them.
A delightful Neil Magowan through ball a couple of minutes into the second period released Ryan Johnston down the right flank, but Mannus confidently held the cross ball.
Rec had a great chance in the 55th minute when a delicate McCloskey lay off set up McCracken, but his mis-hit effort flew high over the top.
McCracken immediately made amends with a lovely dribble past 2 defenders on the left byeline, but Gordon Leckey was unable to connect with his wicked pass to the near post, and another good opportunity was gone.
Rec totally dominated the middle section of the half, with Robinson, McCracken and McCloskey combining prominently, but nobody was able to turn the dominance into a goal. A flashing Robinson ball from the right was met by Leckey at the near post, but his header went a foot wide, and the familiar spectacle of Rec controlling play but unable to finish was beginning to unfold.
With time running out, Johnston flighted a glorious ball into the Comrades’ goalmouth, but Leckey’s poor header went wide and the prospect of extra time loomed large.
The big moment of controversy arrived 3 minutes from the final whistle. Keeper Mannus came out to collect a throw-in and lifted the ball a good two or three yards outside the area. The referee blew his whistle for a free kick and everyone waited to see if he would issue a yellow or red card, but amazingly he showed neither and play continued. It was a decision that the grateful Mannus took advantage of later.
Normal time ended with pure misfortune for Comber Rec. Neil Magowan, who has been in splendid form in recent games, hobbled off with a badly swollen ankle, and Rec’s tale of injury woe continues.
Two periods of extra time failed to break the duck for either side. Comrades came closer with a Simms header from a right side corner crashing back off the home crossbar.
The tie went to penalties and Rec’s weakness in finding the net was highlighted by four missed spot kicks in succession. Mannus stopped all four, but they were feebly taken and the body language of the penalty takers as they stepped up to the spot reflected an absence of confidence that they were going to score. The only bright moment for Rec was a great diving save by Couston to contain Comrades to two spot kick successes, but they were enough to put the Ballyclare side into the next round.
This was a hugely improved performance by Rec, but the goal barrier remains. There is no doubt that at present the failure to score has become a kind of psychological hurdle. Rec need a marksman who genuinely believes that he is going to put the ball into the opposition net and until that attitude of mind returns the team’s creative work and movement will be fruitless.

Fixtures
Comber Rec are at home to league leaders Newington YC on Saturday, with a 2pm kick off.