..2005/2006 Season Review

Pride, Passion and Promotion at Park Way

Noel Spence reports

Comber Rec capped a highly successful season by securing from their two midweek games the 3 points that were enough to win them promotion from Division 1A straight back up into the Amateur League Premier Division after only one year’s absence. On Tuesday evening last they earned a 1-1 draw at Park Way with Barn United, who pipped them to top spot in 1A by one point. Then on Thursday last in their final game of the season Rec claimed the vital win, by a single goal, over Holywood FC, that edged them above the unfortunate Rosario on goal difference.

The scenes of jubilation on and all around the Park Way pitch were reminiscent of Cup Final celebrations, and were a fitting conclusion to an unparalleled run in Comber Rec’s history: by clinching victory over Holywood, Rec had completed a 17 match unbeaten run, with 15 of those matches wins.

A further statistic that may well have broken new ground is that in this present season Rec have scored the staggering total of 103 goals, 76 of them in the league. When it is recalled that not so long ago Rec registered only 15 goals in an entire league programme, the changes that have taken place under the dream-team management of Jim O’Rourke and Mark Knell will be fully appreciated.

Highlights of the year are many, including convincing wins in cup competitions over Premier sides Drumaness Mills and Albert Foundry, and a sensational 6-0 away league win over Crumlin Utd, who were occupying top of the table position at the time. Equally impressive is the 29 goal tally notched up by leading marksman Mark Miller, with fellow new boy Ricky Barr an impressive second place in the scoring stakes. Memorable too are little moments of great importance, such as the late winner at East Belfast by young sub Ben Gourley to get Rec into their winning way after a shaky start to the season, and the extraordinary 12-0 win over Civil Service.

Few would dispute that the single biggest contribution to the success story this season has been the return to Park Way of Peter Kelly, a giant in the centre of the Rec defensive structure. Add to this the key signings of midfielders Scott McCrory and Keith Dougherty and you have a panel of young but experienced players to reinforce established Rec regulars.

From a tactical point of view, the 2005-2006 season has seen the rejection of the ruinous short passing game that dragged the team into relegation difficulties year after year. Excellent coaching has seen first time forward football, with no unnecessary dwelling on the ball, especially in dangerous areas, and no superfluous running with the ball or taking on of opponents. The results incontrovertibly vindicate these changes.

Quietly spoken Manager Jim O’Rourke is quick to pay tribute both to the players and to his Assistant Manager. “We got off to a poor start, dropping points in our early games, but the infusion of several new signings and first class commitment by the team, especially in training, soon put us back on course. I’ve never worked with a more committed squad of players. They are enjoying the rewards of their own endeavours.”

Mark Knell echoes these sentiments, paying particular tribute to the spirit that exists in the dressing room and on the pitch. “ To be such a young squad, the players have shown all year a remarkable maturity of attitude. As an example, when we decided to make a couple of changes for the last few games, the players who were omitted from the team gave us no grief at all, but recognised that it was for the greater good of the team. That’s a sample of the spirit in the squad, and it makes our job so much easier.”

Team captain and long-serving Rec stalwart Dee Parker applauds the raised levels of expectation and professionalism that the management team have brought to the club. “Jim knows exactly what he wants from each of us, so when we go out there on to the pitch we are in no doubt about the duties we are expected to perform. The improved training facilities, including the use of the pitches kindly provided by Second Comber Church, have been a real asset. I’d also like to mention the part played by our very good backroom staff, and on behalf of the team salute our brilliant supporters who make every away game seem like a home one. Believe me, the players appreciate the loyalty of the supporters.”

Comber Rec will go into the new season in the Premier Division with the self-belief and determination of a side that has come through bad times to emerge stronger and better at the other side.