Comrades opened their league campaign with a good point away to St. James’ Swifts.

The hosts dominated the opening period, and Lewis Deane had to make a good save in the 10th minute when Maguire got in a shot from inside the box after a corner.

Against the run of play Comrades opened the scoring on 19 minutes. The ball was driven across the box to Dylan O’Kane who controlled it well before hitting a great shot which went over the keeper and just under the bar.

The lead lasted only a minute. The visitors did not concentrate after taking the lead and allowed Maguire to run through too easily and fire the ball past the exposed keeper.

From this point on the rest of the first half was evenly balanced, although it was the visitors who created the best chances. On 35 minutes Stuart Hutchinson drove forward before delivering the ball to Lewis Mearns in a good position inside the area. He shot on target, but keeper Neeson made a good save.

In the 42nd minute Comrades had a good opportunity to retake the lead. Ryan McMenemy intercepted a loose pass from Swifts on halfway before advancing and then slipping the ball through to Lewis Mearns who timed his run well to avoid being offside. Mearns advanced one on one with the keeper, but Neeson was again up to the task blocking the striker’s effort.

The second half took a while to get going in terms of goalmouth action as both sides probed but did not create much.

In the 72nd minute Comrades came close. A dangerous ball played forward into the box by Callum Cowan saw Lewis Mearns elude a defender and get his outstretched foot to the ball, but his effort went just wide.

Swifts then came close on 77 minutes. A ball played into the box was not cleared and Hyland hooked and effort over his head towards goal only for Callum Cowan to clear it off the line.

The closing stages of the match saw Comrades look the more likely side to snatch a win, but in the end, they had to be content with a point after an encouraging display against a strong side.