The game started in terrible weather conditions with the wind and rain at times very heavy. Comber went into the game with a slightly changed formation, with just Wilson playing up front and five packing midfield.. This was to prove a great tactic against Carrick who were four places above Comber in the league.

 

The Comber boys were totally dominant from kickoff winning the individual battles throughout the pitch and nearly totally dominating the play. Early on Comber had a great chance to score when Childs ran into the box, but the shot was mishit and went wide. Wilson then was clean through on goal but hit a tame shot at the Carrick keeper. Carrick had a few chances to score but new keeper Manley, proved his versatility in nets, making the saves look easy. Walker then had a chance to score but didn't connect cleanly and the shot was saved.

 

In the second half it was more of the same, with Comber seemingly the only team that was going to win. The Comber boys kept up their concentration and work rate and chances again went begging. Walker and Wilson both had what seemed like decent chances to score but failed to hit the target. Then with a few minutes remaining in a rare Carrick attack the referee awarded a very controversial freekick just outside the Comber box.The player seemed to trip over his own feet.Worse was to follow for Comber when the freekick was hit into the box with pace and the Carrick striker appeared to send the ball into the net using his arm.Unbelievably the referee who was from the Carrick club allowed the goal to stand!Up until then all would agree he had a faultless game.Comber just had to accept this and play out the remaining minutes

 

The game ended  1 - 0, but Comber must hold their heads high. They played with a lot of enthusiasm and skill, again with Walker and Whiteside making use of each wing. The midfield and defence were outstanding, particularily Burgess, and Manley in goal. With better finishing Comber could easily have won the game, but it was not to be.

 

The disappontment showed on the faces of the Comber boys at the end of the game, even the opposition coach admitted Comber deserved to win. Not to worry, the performance showed how the team improved, and I am sure it wont't be long before the Comber points tally is added to. Well Done Lads!!

 

Team : Manley, McCloskey, Burgess, Black, Marshall, Walker, Childs, Millar, McCormick, Whiteside, Wilson

 

Subs : Elder, Milligan, Quinn, McCullough.