By Phil Gilmore
NEWLY-CROWNED NAFL Premier Division champions Comber Rec completed the most successful year in its history with back to back fixtures against Mossley FC last week.
Having already won the league title, Comber firstly met Mossley in a home fixture on Wednesday, May 28 which turned out to be a celebration for the team as they turned on the style playing some terrific football.
The visitors provided a guard of honour for the new champions following which Comber entertained the large support which had come to Parkway to congratulate the team. A Kris Gaw goal in the first half was all that separated the teams at half-time but three further goals in the second half, a second from Gaw and then strikes from Dylan Wilson and Simon Hanna, ensured that Comber remained unbeaten at home in the league since the first game of the season way back in August of last year.
The return fixture on Saturday at Mossley was an end of season affair with both sides trading goal scoring opportunities. Played on a terrific grass playing surface, Comber took the lead through Dylan Donaldson after seven minutes with a great finish over Paul Hughes in the Mossley goal. Kyle Crowe replied for Mossley on 14 minutes before Dylan Wilson restored the lead seven minutes later following a fantastic pass from Donaldson.
Comber went further ahead just past the half-hour when Dylan Thompson burst through the centre of the Mossley defence and finished well past Hughes. Mossley scored directly from the restart and went on to add two further goals through Kurt Cooper and Bobbie Crowe to lead 4-3 at half-time.
Stephen Lecky put Mossley 5-3 ahead at the start of the second half and this free-scoring game was completed with Dylan Wilson’s 79 minute strike which gave the visitors hope of a draw which never materialised.
This was a very creditable display from the home side given they had three tough games in a week against the two top sides in the division. Comber Rec would again like to thank Mossley FC for their hospitality on Saturday after the match which was greatly appreciated.
On behalf of the Comber Rec Supporters’ Club, congratulations to all of the players, manager Gareth McKeown, assistant manager Mark Picking and all the coaching team on a magnificent season which resulted in a NAFL Premier Division and Border Cup double. Congratulations also to the chairman Gary McKibben and all of the committee and backroom support team, as well as the club’s sponsors who have made this season so successful and enjoyable. Finally, a huge thanks to the members of the Supporters’ Club and all those who have followed and supported the team throughout the season.
