DUNMURRY REC V COMBER
Team: KERR, MCERLEANE, MCDONNELL, FENTON, MCMULLAN, TUMILTY, NAPIER, WALSH, RUTHERFORD, CORR, MCLARNON
Subs: ANSLEY, CAMLIN & LARKIN
REC TURN ON THE STYLE
For about the first time this season the Rec went into a match with almost a full squad to choose from. Other than Gary Hewitt suspended, Colin Kerr working out of the country and Damian McParland opting to return to Banbridge Town every other 1st team squad member was available.
It was a great day for a match and the game stated brightly with both teams trying to get on top in the first 10 mins. On 10 mins Sean Napier fed Anto Walsh who cut inside his marker but his shot from18 yards was comfortably saved. Then on 12 mins the Rec took the lead. Good work by Ricky Rutherford saw the ball laid back for Anto Walsh to control and shoot home fro the edge of the box into the bottom left hand corner. On 18 mins a great ball by Barry Tumilty released Neil Corr, his cross was palmed by he keeper into the path of Ricky Rutherford but the big striker found the side netting when he really should have scored. Then on 32 mins the Rec extended their lead when Dee McLarnon cut inside from the left past 2 players and fed Neil Corr who steadied himself and slotted past the big keeper for a confident finish. Then on 35 mins almost goal of the season when after super passing Barry Tumilty played a reverse pass to release Dee McLarnon who from all of 14 yards audaciously chipped the 6’6” keeper only for a defender to head the ball out from under the ball. The crowd certainly saw the irony of this passage of play! Again on 39 mins another chance when a Dee McLarnon cross was cleared with 2 Rec players about to finish.
HT Rec 2-0 Comber
The Rec extended their lead with the first attack of the 2nd half when Sean Napier got in behind the Comber back line and headed past the advancing keeper to make it 3-0. On 52 mins the move of the match involving Dee McClarnon, Ricky Rutherford and Anto Walsh ended with the latter blazing over from 10 yards with only he keeper to beat. On 64 mins Barry Tumilty who was bossing the midfield strode past 3 opponents and set up Ricky Rutherford but the shot was wide. On 70 mins Neil Corr broke down the left and crossed for Ricky Rutherford but the shot was well saved. Kenny Camlin came on for Sean Napier. On 76 mins the game was dead and buried when Barry Tumilty broke through 1-1 only for the midfielder to check his run cut back inside 2 defenders and just when it seemed he had delayed too long he slipped the ball to Ricky Rutherford who side footed home from 8 yards out. John Ansley and Paddy Larkin came on for Ricky Rutherford and Barry Tumilty. Comber kept pressing and had a u number of dangerous free kicks around the box but they failed to hit the target. Defensively the Rec were solid and when at last they allowed a clear cut Comber chance on 81 mins big Chris Kerr saved well with his feet. On 85 mins the Rec nearly signed off in style when Anto Walsh produced a bit of magic out on the left and his cross was met by John Ansley who must have thought he scored before the big keeper pushed the ball over the bar.
Rec 4-0 Comber
MANAGERS COMMENTS
I am really pleased for the players and back room staff of Ricky, Colin and Haydie as today the training and preparation all came together. That was probably about the best 90 mins of football the team has produced since I became manager. The work rate, effort, commitment, passion & team spirit was phenomenal today and the players deserve all the credit. Every player was superb and the football we played at times was well worth the entrance fee. I honestly thought we outplayed Comber in every department today, solid at the back, we dominated in midfield and ran them ragged up front. Joint Man of Match today went to Barry Tumilty and Anto Walsh for an incredible midfield display. Today set a new bench mark and the players showed what they are capable of. Numerous Comber supporters came to me after the match and said that was the best footballing display witnessed for years up there so that has to be pleasing. We will need to produce again next week at home to Malachians.
It as also great to hear the 2nds did so well with Paul Redpath scoring 4 goals for the 2nd game running …a fantastic achievement at any level …. I think Paul is certainly sending me an emphatic message that he is ready for the 1st team again. Well done to Ronnie, Neil and 2nds
