Comber Rec V Broomhedge FC
2nd Round JJB Irish Cup
24.10.09

Comber Sweep Away Broomhedge

Comber shall probably not experience a more comfortable victory in the Irish Cup than the one witnessed last Saturday at Park Way.

The fixture was reversed at the request of the Broomhedge club following concerns over their pitch should the weather turn foul.  This was a wise decision by the Mid-Ulster club following the torrential downpour experienced on Saturday.  The Park Way surface was in immaculate condition which both sets of players must have enjoyed.

The game was only a few minutes old when the hosts took the lead through stand in striker Darren Massey.  The Comber team, missing 5 regulars, looked unfamiliar to many, especially on the subs bench where one of the under 17 up and coming starlets occupied a position. 

Massey was to score again before half time with a Ryan Oliver goal sandwiched in between.  Oliver’s goal was a delight to watch with great interchange of play and a calm finish over the outstretched keeper.  It must be reported though, Broomhedge, after falling behind from Comber’s opening goal, then dominated play for the next 20 minutes and could well have equalized and even taken the lead.  They had to beat the ever present Jason Mooney in goals however, not an easy task.

HT 3-0

The second half was probably one way traffic with Comber’s superior fitness coming to the fore.  Further goals from Paul Emerson, Peter Kelly, Colin Millar and Gary Canmore eased the locals into the 3rd round though Broomhedge showed great determination and a fighting spirit pulling one goal back in the course of the second period.

Young Justin Childs was introduced to the game late on to let him experience football at this level.  He certainly did not look out of place and it must have been a proud moment for his family, sitting in the packed stand, to see him feature for Comber in this game.  It should also be pleasing to the youth team managers to see that they are turning out lads capable of fulfilling roles in the senior teams.  With so many first choice players unavailable for this fixture, it must be reassuring to Jim O’Rourke that the youth teams are producing players capable of stepping up to the mark.

The game finished 7-1 in Comber’s favour.

Comber Rec very much appreciates the Broomhedge team staying on after the game and enjoying some after match entertainment in the clubroom.  Comber would especially thank those who entered into the fundraising event for an injured player and trust that despite loosing, the visitors enjoyed their day.   Match day sponsors, Herron’s Country Fried Chicken of Bridge Street Comber, awarded the Man of the Match award to Paul Emerson.  Paul was presented his award by Mr. Eric Nesbitt.  Comber Rec again fully appreciate the generosity and keen interest of the town’s traders and representatives in maintaining this award each week and also the efforts being made by the supporters club in obtaining the sponsorships.