Come-back kids Comber steal the match from Rosario in extra time in spectacular fashion
The NAFL,
Premier Division One, League Match,
Venue: Parkway
This match was certainly riveting, especially in the last 5 minutes as Comber Rec snatched victory from the jaws of what looked like certain defeat in a tense and tough league clash writes Jim Masson.
A cracking Simon Hanna volley from 30 yards through the pack in front of goal on 13 minutes opened the scoring for Comber and it looked as though the home side were going to over-run Rosario as they stepped up their game.
Supporters cheered Comber on expecting a rush of goals but the match stayed relatively goalless again for Comber until the closing minutes – then all hell broke loose as Comber went up the gears.
Dylan Donaldson made an early challenge by was corralled by two defenders before the could unleash a shot.
Dylan Wilson took was grinding from the whistle at the Rosario defenders and made an early attack into the goal area but was contained. Then he chipped through to Brandon Nelson who had a half chance of a goal.
But Rosario were not lying down and Peter Whan received a cross from the left and made a threatening effort at the Comber goal and went wide having a clear shot at the goal. This crucial miss would be regretted after the final whistle.
The second half commenced with both teams again vie-ing for possession. Stuart Hanna played a key role in attacks in the first few minutes for Comber and a pass to Nelson was hit just wide of the Rosario posts at 8 minutes into the second period.
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Rosario stepped up their game and were looking for an equaliser. In the exchanges that followed, Donaldson slide in to an attack with Rosario keeper Mark Hynes and the ball almost went over the line.
Donaldson again attacked and a volley earned a corner from a deflection off a defender.
Then in 81 minutes, Mark Anderson scored for Rosario and it was game on for Comber. The situation were now looking perilous…. and proved to be so when Peter Whan knocked the ball in on the 88th minute giving Rosario the lead leaving Comber all to do.
As the clock ticked into extra time, Comber were now looking for an equaliser which was probably not in their game plan. Comber went flat out pressing hard against Rosario and it was Donaldson who in the second minute in extra time scored the equaliser to the raptures of the Comber spectators.
Rosario were stunned by the sudden loss of two goals as Comber now pounded their half looking for a winner.
And in the closing seconds of the game in the fourth minute of extra time Christian Irvine produced the winning goal in an amazing and dramatic turnaround.
Kristopher Gaw received the Comber Player of the Match for his strong midfield performance.
Comber are hanging in with the leaders in the Premier League. Currently after today’s league win against Rosemount Rec, Comber Rec are lying fourth in the Premier League table on 19 games and with 40 points.
East Belfast are leading at the moment by Derriaghy CC are on their heels with Drumaness Mills too still in the mix in third spot on 22 games for 42 points.
The top of the table is still open but the contenders will be looking for wins to the end of the season and East Belfast dropped a point today which opens up the competition a fraction.
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Comber Rec: 1 Corey Pollock (GK) Ciaran Gillian 3 Lex Walker 4 Stuart Moore 5 Christian Irvine 6 Kristopher Gaw 7 Dylan Wilson 8 Simon Hanna (C) 9 Dylan Donaldson 10 Matthew Gibson 11 Brandon Nelson. Subs: 12 Elliot Wilson 14 Brett Conville 15 Stephen Fleck.
Rosario YC: 1 Mark Hynes 2(GK) Michael Allison 3 Eoin McCarthy 4 Stephen Dougal 5 Neil McGowan 6 Michael Ward 7 Conal McGarry 8 Mark Anderson 9 Peter Whan 10 Daniel Goodacre 11 Cormac Toye. Subs: 12 Dominic McConville 14 Amam McCamley 15 John Paul Lagan.
