Portavogie Rangers produced a determined performance at Park Way, but Brandon Nelson’s 81st-minute goal gave Comber Rec a narrow 1–0 victory in the Clearer Water Irish Cup.
Rangers made the short journey to Comber seeking a response following their Division 1C defeat against Shorts.
There were four changes to the starting side. Luke McCormick, David Rutherford, Willie Armstrong and Harry Smith came in for Harry Wallace, Ethan Woods, Jack Emerson and Ben Adair.
Armstrong captained the team, while Jay Cully made his 150th appearance for the club.
Comber entered the contest as favourites, but Rangers approached the tie with discipline and determination under interim head coach Paul Emerson.
The home side were unable to make their expected advantage count during a closely contested opening half. Portavogie remained organised without the ball, competed across the pitch and prevented Comber from finding a breakthrough.
Luke McCormick provided an assured presence in goal, with Armstrong, Smith, Jake Sloan and Rutherford working hard in front of him.
At the other end, Alfie McKee led the Rangers attack, supported by Matthew Moore, Jude Carlisle and Jay Cully as the visitors attempted to create an opening of their own.
Neither side could find the decisive moment before the interval, and Rangers went into the break level at 0–0 after a committed first-half display.
The tie remained finely balanced following the restart.
Comber made a triple substitution on 54 minutes, with Elliot Wilson, Lex Walker and Brandon Nelson introduced as the home side searched for a way through the Rangers defence.
Portavogie continued to frustrate their Premier Division opponents, with Dylan Carlisle working tirelessly in midfield and the visitors maintaining their shape as the contest entered its final quarter.
Ethan Woods replaced David Rutherford on 71 minutes, providing fresh energy for the closing stages.
Jake Sloan was shown the game’s only yellow card five minutes later as Rangers continued battling to protect the clean sheet they had worked so hard to preserve.
With the possibility of extra time beginning to draw closer, Comber finally broke the deadlock on 81 minutes.
Nelson, one of the three players introduced early in the second half, scored the decisive goal to put the home side ahead with nine minutes remaining.
Rangers responded by introducing Zach Eccles for Jay Cully on 83 minutes. Robbie Quinn then replaced McKee three minutes later as Portavogie pushed for a late equaliser.
The blue shirts continued working until the final whistle, but Comber protected their narrow advantage and secured their place in the next round.
There will be disappointment that such a committed performance did not earn Rangers the opportunity to take the tie beyond 90 minutes.
However, Portavogie can take encouragement from the way they competed against higher-level opposition and remained firmly in contention until the closing stages.
Attention now returns to the NAFL Division 1C campaign, with Tullycarnet visiting New Harbour Road next Saturday.
Comber Rec 1–0 Portavogie Rangers
Match-day sponsor: The Palmer Family, In Memory of Jimmy Palmer
Milestone: Jay Cully — 150 Portavogie Rangers appearances.
Man of the Match: Harry Smith
Line-up: 1 Luke McCormick, 2 David Rutherford, 3 William Armstrong (c), 4 Harry Smith, 5 Jake Sloan, 7 Matthew Moore, 8 Dylan Carlisle, 9 Alfie McKee, 10 Jude Carlisle, 11 Jay Cully, 16 Reece Cully.
Subs used: 12 Ethan Woods (for David Rutherford 71’), 6 Zach Eccles (for Jay Cully 83’), 17 Robbie Quinn (for Alfie McKee 86’).
Unused sub: 15 Harry Wallace.
