Comber Rec beat Finaghy to claim a spot in Border Cup semi final
The NAFL,
The Border Cup Quarter Final,
Venue: Park Way, Comber: Saturday 2nd November,
Final Score: Comber Rec 4 0 Finaghy FC.
Comber Rec still had the memory of last year’s Border Cup defeat to Willowbank sticking in their throats and they are gunning this year for the trophy. Last year they were on a high after winning the Steel & Sons Cup and a week later found it difficult over the Christmas period to maintain their focus and do the double writes Jim Masson.
But today the Rec showed their metal and came out clearly looking for a win, and an early goal in the 9th minute set them on the right road. Brett Conville secured his first goal from a rebound after Dyan Donaldson shot at the Finaghy goals and the ball reverbrated off keeper Philip Warnock.
Comber were certainly pressing from the start and enjoyed a few opportunities. Then defender Matthew Gibson went off early with a leg injury and was replaced by Brandon Nelson.
On 10 minutes Matthew Tumilson hit a solid volley but it was inches wide of the left hand post. Then Nelson netted the ball in close but the referee blew for an offside.
The Comber defence were holding out well even after Finaghy had stepped up a couple of gears and looked for an equaliser with several good attacks.
Conville was definitely getting his eye in as he received a pass from Donaldson and hit just over the bar. And minutes later Stephen Fleck hit over the bar from a free kick after Christian Irvine was fouled.
However, that road became long and twisty as the home side battled against the visitors, Finaghy.
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But despite Finaghy’s efforts to bounce back, their forward line was not having a great impact and were not getting near the Rec’s goal area.
Conville was constantly pressing for the ball to get into scoring positions and after one long pass he was inches away from contacting the ball but was blocked by a tackle from Finaghy’s Niall Burke.
Whatever Finaghy dished out to Comber keeper CXorey Pollock, he just soaked it up showing his class as one of the top keepers in the Premier league.
A poor clearnace from the goal area by Finaghy saw Donaldson take advantage and he hit a low screamer but it was held by keeper Warnock.
On 38 minutes Finaghy’s Christopher Watts and Andrew Gordon both had close in shots at the Comber goal in a determined attack but Pollock made two back-to-back reflex saves denying Finaghy their equaliser.
And again Finaghy’s Watts and Greenfield both took shots in a charge at the Comber goal but Pollock was the proverbial brick wall. Finaghy were having a better spell against Comber and the home side had slipped back somewhat in their forays into the Finaghy half.
The first half ended with Conville lashing the ball on target at the Finaghy goal but Warnock was on form at this point blocking his effort.
As the second half commenced, Comber seemed to have a new lease of life and early attacks on the right were through Elliot Wilson who when through made some great sweeping crosses.
Donalson and Conville connecting well were almost clear into the box at one stage but a free was given. Then Finaghjy bounced back and Gladis Cakaj hit a superb cross which ran in front of the Comber goal with no takers.
Comber sub Paul Lowry wasn’t long on and found space to launch a volley at the Finaghy goal and just drifted wide. The home side were knocking on the door for a second goal but just not getting the result they were after.
Then in the 73rd minute, Dylan Wilson received a cross from Conville and got round a defender to knock the ball in past Warnock. This was a valuable goal as Wilson composed himself well knowing how important it was to convert this opportunity.
Then goals were like buses, and the next one arrived at 80 minutes when Brett Conville received the ball at the back of the Finaghy box and keeper Warnock came out to narrow the angle but Conville cleverly hit a well-taken dipping shot over the keeper’s head to the top of the net.
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Finaghy never gave up and did make several efforts to pull back a late goal but Comber were not giving away any concession goals.
And notably through the game, when challenged, Comber keeper Corey Pollock always rose to the occasion.
The final flurry came on the 87th minute when Lex Walker nailed goal number four for Comber.
Comber came through late with their goals but in the last 15 minutes and secured their spot in the Border Cup semi-final. They proved to be the much better side on the day although Finaghy did play a sporting game with only one yellow card compared to Combers 3.
Comber Rec: 1 Corey Pollock (G) 2 Matthew Gibson 3 Lex Walker 4 Christian Irvine 5 Dylan Thompson 6 Kristopher Gaw 7 Dylan Donaldson 8 Stephen Fleck 9 Brett Conville 10 Matthew Tumilson (C) 11 Elliot Wilson. Subs: 12 Brandon Nelson: 14 Dylan Wilson 15 Paul Lowry.
Finaghy FC: 1 Philip Warnock (G) 2 Jon Birnie 3 Aaron Baker 4 Niall Burke (C) 5 Kristian Taylor 6 Luke Hendron 7 Andrew Gordon 8 Marcus Greenfield 9 Benjamin Hendron 10 Christopher Watts 11 Gladis Cakaj. Subs: 12 Curtis Hall 14 Keaton Hamilton 16 Ryan Adair.
