“The Sequel”

Spectators at this match that had also been present at the previous home fixture against Nortel might be excused if they all felt a sensation of deja vu.

With only 4 minutes on the watch, Comber were behind when the visiting number 8, probably one of the smallest players on the pitch, nipped in at the front post, following a free kick from his right hand flank, and headed his team into an early lead.  The same player had a glorious opportunity to double his team’s lead within a couple of minutes but he squandered the chance when he scooped his shot high and wide of the mark.  The visitors were by far the livelier team but were rocked when their goal scorer had to be substituted soon after, as a result of landing heavily on his knee following a fair challenge from Comber’s Ryan Johnston.

The visiting team had a player booked for “simulation” in Comber’s goal area which seemed harsh as his fall was a direct result from a defender’s challenge.

On the 13 minute mark, Comber had 3 opportunities to equalise in a goalmouth scramble following great work from Kyle McQuillan but each effort was either blocked or missed due to “air shots”.

The home team’s passing often left much to be desired, especially when not under pressure.  The final ball into the goal area was usually either miss-placed, over hit or weak therefore not reaching its intended target.

Alex Malcolm-Borne, one of the heroes from the Border Cup encounter against Nortel, showed a lack of experience mid-way through the first half when referee Causby yellow carded him for talking back following a decision awarded against him.  These cautions are fruitless and, over the course of the season, expensive when suspensions result.

Comber had another great opportunity to draw level on 27 minutes when a Jim McClusky cross was headed by Peter Kelly straight into the welcoming hands of the Drumaness keeper.   Even though Comber created a number of chances throughout the first half, it was always Drumaness who looked the more potent side.  Their mid-field looked much sharper and had a better understanding of each other.

The second half saw Chris Ritchie come on for Comber and this appeared to liven up the local’s approach.  It took a great save from Jason Mooney though to keep Comber only one behind following a mazy run from the visitor’s number 2.  Straight from this save, Mooney released Ryan Johnston through the centre of the park, only to see the Comber man cynically  brought down on the half way line when a promising attack was under way.  Strangely this went unpunished.

Johnston was substituted shortly afterwards when he made way for Tim Ritchie.

The ever impressive Mooney in Comber’s goal came to his team’s rescue again when, on 60 minutes, he dived full stretch to his right to divert a certain goal to the safe side of his upright.  Two minutes later, Craig Moore mirrored this action when he made a last ditch challenge to deny a scoring opportunity on the edge of his goal area.  Drumaness were again looking the most likely to score.

The game then experienced the first of two stoppages not for player injuries or cautions, but for referee Causby cramping up.  The game was being played at a fast pace and it was obviously taking its toll on the match official.

The Comber team continued to squander its scoring opportunities, but was unlucky to see a Kelly header strike the upright following a precise delivery from a McQuillan free kick.

The Drumaness passing and movement must have been a pleasure to watch from the visiting support section.  On one occasion, a dozen or so passes were made without the home team being able to do anything about it.  Simple triangular passing with good team support was very effective as Comber, on occasions, were chasing shadows.

Comber though, was sticking to its task.  The defenders held up play well and once again, Jason Mooney in goal was playing out of his skin.  With 80 minutes gone an amazing goalmouth scramble had the large home support scratch their heads in wonderment as to how their team did not score at the pavilion end.

This was only a preamble to what was to follow.  With 7 minutes remaining, a corner from Comber’s left, found the head of that man Kelly and he scored a vital goal once again.  He had brought his team back to life, just as he had done exactly one week before.  Within one minute of the restart, history almost repeated itself when Chris Ritchie could have made it two for Comber.  The Drumaness defence which up to that point had looked solid, now showed cracks that were opening severely.  The visiting keeper pulled off a marvellous point blank save from ‘PK’ to deny the Comber man his brace with only 3 minutes to go.

The visitors were now all encamped in their own half as the tide had turned completely.  The home team now had the bit between its teeth and a belief that the game was there for the taking.  Gareth Larmour still had to make a timely challenge on the edge of his goal area when a Comber attack fell apart in the visitor’s half.

The game now flowed from end to end as both teams (and the referee!) did not wish an extra period of 30 minutes and threw every ounce of effort they could summon in order to score the winner.  The Drumaness keeper denied Kelly on the edge of his goal area with ‘quick feet’ as he obviously was conscious of not conceding a free kick, and sending off, if he used his hands just outside of his area. The eventual winner was scored 4 minutes into added time.  Man of the match, Kyle McQuillan, launched a pile driver towards the visiting goal which took a wicked deflection which directed the ball into the bottom right hand corner of the net.  This should have sunk the visitors, but with 6 minutes of added time elapsed, Gareth Larmour again made a terrific challenge to prevent the visitors draw level.  The eventual final whistle from the referee was a sweet sound to the Comber faithful.  This was another example of not giving up and how to keep your support in the ground until the end!

The Man of the Match award was made to Kyle McQuillan by match day sponsor, and huge Comber Rec fan, Clr.Simon Hamilton.  The club is again very grateful to Simon and all our prospective and past match day sponsors for their generosity.