With Comber starting the game with three of their normal starting line up missing due to sickness, and other commitments. Memories I'm sure were still fresh from the teams last meeting which Ridgeway won with a resounding victory over the Comber boys in the first match of the season.  This however was to be an entirely different game, showing how much Comber has developed into a strong, battling team.

 

Comber kicked off confidentally, with new signing Porter playing upfront in his first match. The game was very even with Ridgeway playing slightly the better football, but Comber very able to contain their opponents attacks. The Ridgeway number 8 was causing Comber a lot of problems, but Buchanan when asked was able to put a halt to some of his efforts. The Comber defence and midfield played very well and Walker went close when his shot from just outside the box just wasn't hit high enough. Manley did very well in goal when he bravely came out to save a Ridgeway attack, hurting himself in the process. Walker then hit a great cross from the left but nobody was there to prod the ball home. Ridgeway then scored just before half time, but Comber heads didn't drop.

 

Changes were made in the second half, and the Comber subs did very well, in particular Elder, and Larmour who was also playing in his first game. Walker had the ball in the net for Comber but was ruled offside. Then Ridgeway attacked and were awarded a dubious penalty, when the attacker went down, some would say easily after a trip. The penalty was scored to make it 2 - 0. Comber were unlucky not to score themselves but the ball just wouldn't run in their favour. Manley did very well in goal saving Comber on many occasions, earning himself Man of the Match. Both Black and Burgess also played very well in the centre of Comber's defence.

 

The game ended 2-0, showing what a difference a few months can make, and how much Comber has improved. This said, Ridgeway were the better footballing side, but a lot praise must go to the Comber boys who played strongly and never gave up. After each game they are getting better and better with it proving difficult to select a team from a very strong squad. Well done again!