Under 13s Match Report

COMBER VS LARNE YOUTH

Comber traveled to Whitehead on Saturday for a league fixture against Larne Youth.  Comber started slowly and were soon 1 down after a soft goal from a Larne Free kick, Combers keeper Ben got his hands to the ball but failed to stop it crossing the line.  Comber were now playing rather sloppy football and giving the ball away carelessly.  A 2nd goal then came as the Larne striker broke through the Comber defence and slotted into the bottom corner.  Comber’s heads were down and things got worse as Larne’s right winger made a good run down the line and delivered a great cross to the back post, met by their striker as he volleyed 1st time passed the goal keeper.  The game looked to be over already and it wasn’t yet half time.  But following the 3rd goal Comber began to play with a bit more confidence and were holding onto possession for longer periods.  Comber attacked well down both flanks and managed to pull a goal back through Harvey Whiteside who’s shot form long range eventually trickled over the line after the Larne keeper got a strong hand to the ball.  This goal lifted Comber even more and they started to believe they could get back into the game.  Manley and Childs in midfield were creating chances for the attackers with some fine passing.  Whiteside netted his 2nd of the game to bring it back to 3 – 2 with not long until half time.  Comber were now in control and were playing good football on the ground.  Comber kept the Larne defence under pressure as they went in search of an equaliser before the break.  It was Adam Childs who struck the 3rd goal to bring it to 3 -3.  A superb fight back from Comber who showed a great attitude and didn’t give up when 3 down early in the game.

HALF TIME 3 -3

At half time the players believed they could go on to win the game in the 2nd period and began the half strong again.  Half chances arose but comber failed to take advantage.  Around 10 – 15 mins into the 2nd half Comber found themselves behind again, as a Larne striker wasn’t closed down and was given a free shot on goal which found the back of the net.  Harvey Whiteside continued to look dangerous on the right wing and almost got a 4th for Comber but his well struck shot just missed the post midway through the 2nd half.  Larne almost got another goal but was denied well by Browne who stopped the shot form close range.  Combers good passing play was beginning to fade now and as they desperately pushed forward in search of a goal Larne countered well and struck a 5th goal which was a huge blow to the players as they looked out of the game now.  Changes were made by Comber in the hope to get back in the game with Johnny Burgess moving from defence to midfield and Sam Manley moving onto the wing.  Comber went very close towards the end of the game following a corner but the ball was stopped on the line as the shot struck Combers Karl Johnson.  Larne quickly attacked following the corner and with a high ball over the heads of the Combers defence Larne were through again and made it 6.  The score finished 7 – 3 to Larne as they found the net in the dying minutes with a tap in as Comber couldn’t clear the danger quickly.

A very disappointing final score which seemed a bit harsh on the away team who showed a great attitude and played very well for most of the game.   Man of The Match for Comber was Harvey Whiteside.  Thanks to all those who assisted with transport to and from Whitehead.