Killyleagh hit by Comber in derby thriller

21 December 2011

THE old master, Eric Halliday, returned to The Showgrounds on Saturday to pile more relegation pressure on Killyleagh.

Halliday came out on top in the clash with his former protégé, Dee Heron, as Comber raced out comfortable winners and pulled further clear of the relegation trap door.

It gives the Rec all six points from the two league meetings between the teams in the past six weeks since the ‘Doc’, who 25 years ago guided Killyleagh to their first league and cup double, took over as manager of the Parkway side.

Comber totally dominated the opening half of this Premier Section clash, with striker Andy McIntyre setting the tone as early as the fourth minute by forcing a fine save out of Michael McKenna in the YC goals. Next up with a fine effort was Gary Sharrott.

It was the 14th minute before Killyleagh even eked out a chance. Barry Walsh picked out Jason Heron but there was no one to get onto his cross into the box. Killyleagh did settle and start to compete with Niall Walsh (inset) providing the one glimmer of a hope of a goal for the home side with some superb frees and corners, the best coming in the 21st minute.

There was an inevitability about Comber’s opener in the 31st minute, though. They were so much more physically stronger and quicker to the ball, although Heron will be annoyed with just how easily it was conceded.

The softest of throw-ins was conceded at the flag and when Leckey’s long throw arrived in the box, Mark Magennis was able to swivel his marker and rifle in to make it 1-0.

Barry Walsh linked with the hard working Ian Mannus to get away a snap shot in response, but it was Comber who were on top.

The game threatened to boil over and at the end of a melee the referee had flashed yellow cards to Magennis and McKenna, although Killyleagh supporters were infuriated that McIntyre escaped without a card.

Killyleagh were a vastly improved team at the start of the second half with the introduction of Paul Rainey, back at the club, gave them some menace in attack. Niall Walsh’s 48th minute corner forced a brave save from ex-YC netminder Mark Morgan in the Rec goals as first Rainey and then Gavin Murray had shots blocked.

Comber’s central defence was creaking and Rainey’s header on was snapped up by Mannus, who thumped a shot that beat Morgan but bounced back off the upright on the hour mark. Three minutes later and Mannus was denied by the woodwork again, this time his blistering drive cannoning off the crossbar.

The visitors went straight down the field and Magennis’ pinpoint cross was met by Graham McMullan, but his header produced the save of the game from McKenna who somehow kept the ball out.

Within a minute at the opposite end, Killyleagh were back on level terms. Mannus was the provider and Rainey produced a brilliant finish after 65 minutes.

This was a derby game that had just about everything and within two minutes of that equaliser, Comber were back in the lead with a superb goal. McIntyre soared through the air to head in a laser-like cross from the left, giving McKenna absolutely no chance.

It was Comber’s turn to be denied by the woodwork now and with McKenna going walkabouts, McMullan’s lob shot ricocheted off the crossbar.

Killyleagh pushed for a vital equaliser and it almost came in the 80th minute when Rainey’s clever flick created space for sub Stephen Kennedy but his effort flashed inches over. Morgan then punched clear from Rainey.

It was all over though in the 87th minute when sub Adam Whitehead made it 3-1. In added time fellow sub Johnnie Hunter almost rubbed salt into Killyleagh wounds, rounding the keeper but being denied by the upright.

Killyleagh: M. McKenna, J. Kennedy, H. Ross, J. Heron, G. Murray, G. Murdoch, I. Mannus, B. Walsh, N. Walsh, D. McConnell, D. Heaney. Subs: P. Rainey, S. Kennedy, P. Strain.

Comber Rec: M. Morgan, R. Leckey, K. McQuillan, N. Moore, T. Kennedy, G. McMullan, R. Tumelty, M. Magennis, A. McIntyre, G. Sharrott, Wm. McBurney. Subs: A. Whitehead, J. Hunter, Wm. Gracey.

• Match sponsored by: Dessie Orr, Central Garages, Crossgar.

Killyleagh YC 1

Comber Rec 3

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