East Antrim Youth League Connor 1 v 6 Comber Rec
Three mile water
Saturday 1st march 2008
After a late change of location comber’s match kicked of against Connor at three mile water. Conditions were blustery and due to overnight rain the pitch was fairly heavy. Comber won the toss and elected to play into the wind for the first half. The opening minutes were frantic with neither side settling into any rhythm. The Connor side were the first to create any real chances and, but for a touch of good fortune, could have taken the lead after hitting both bar and post in a matter of five minutes. It soon became apparent that the referee, a member of the Connor coaching staff, was not on Comber’s side giving all the decisions to the opposition.
This was to be confirmed on 23 minutes. After a Connor long ball into the box and a deflected clearance he awarded a penalty for a dubious hand ball. Comber keeper Hackett guessed the right way but was unable to reach the ball.1-0 to Connor. The Comber lads still weren’t into any rhythm and the match was stuck in the middle third. A through ball from mid field was played through to Wilson who was through on goal. The referee blew for off-side when he looked clearly on. Comber were now starting to play the better football. In the 34 minute a great run by Wilson down the right beating two men allowed him to cross for Clifford who put the ball into the net 1-1. Right on half time another great run by Wilson saw him make a great run into the box, round the keeper, and slot the ball into the empty net. Again the referee showed his bias towards the Connor team when he disallowed the goal for being scored after he had blown for half time.
This only fired the comber boys up and the second half was played entirely in the Connor half. Clifford went close on 43 minutes but made amends on 45. After a slide rule pass from Hanna he coolly rolled the ball into the net 2-1. Patmore added another two minutes later following a deft pass from mid field 3-1. Comber were now on top and eight minutes later Hanna was fouled inside the box. He picked himself up and slotted the penalty away with his usual coolness 4-1. On 66 minutes Wilson finally got his goal following a poor clearance 5-1. Patmore got his second 2minutes later following a poor goal kick. He controlled the ball and a great shot left the keeper with no chance 6-1. With the final whistle sounding soon after Comber were delighted with the result. A great performance by all.
Man of the match: The Whole Team
TEAM Hackett, Crooks, Walker, Stewart, Rowan, Wilson D, Hanna, Mcvicker, Magee, Clifford, Halliday.
