‘Burn Finally Cross Finish Line

Bryansburn somehow completed an horrendous run-in in the Amateur League to complete the season. In the final four weeks the 1^st XI played twelve league games while the 2^nd XI played eleven which combined with a massive injury list tested the Club’s resources to the full. Throw in three Cup Semi-finals and one Cup Final for the 3rds and 4ths and it proved to be quite a finish to the season for Bryansburn FC. For the record those twelve games saw the 1sts win eight draw one and lose three scoring 30 goals in the process and conceding only eleven. In their eleven games the 2nds won six drew one and lost four scoring thirty-six conceding twenty-six. Our congratulations go to all the players involved in the close season programme and in particular the 4^th team squad who lifted the Mervyn Bassett Cup.

The 1^st XI’s final match of the campaign ended with an impressive 4-0 victory over Newington Rangers securing them 6^th place in Division 1C.

Despite missing four regulars, ‘Burn were pleased to welcome back G.McMullan after a bad injury and hopes were high for a chance to overturn an earlier defeat to the Co-Antrim side.

An un-promising start saw ‘Burn unable to get a grip on the game and they repeatedly invited trouble with over-elaborate passing across their own penalty area. Newington spurned three clear chances to score before ‘Burn threatened the visitors’ goal but the home side slowly got into the game with strong running from Tolson providing chances for Mallon and McGreevy. The half hour mark came with Mallon narrowing missing with a diving header from a Coard cross but within a minute Bryansburn again looked rattled as Newington capitalised on a loose pass only to blast over the bar. Nerves were finally settled just before the whistle when Morrison coolly waited for a looping deflection to drop before lashing in a 15 yard volley for welcome 1-0 half-time lead.

‘Burn were a different side after the break. Higginson, Kehoe (replacing A.McMullan), A.Cooling and Thompson broke down every attack and delivered telling balls into midfield where Coard and G.McMullan began to exert total control. Newington had one chance when a free-kick went wide and keeper Beattie twice made comfortable saves but Bryansburn were in command. Mallon’s tireless running was torturing the Newington defence and after forcing a corner he pounced to make it 2-0 from Coard’s delivery while efforts from Tolson and McMullan were only inches wide. Kehoe was equally effective on the right and provided the 76th minute cross for Morrison to head home for 3-0 and with Patterson and Stanex adding to the offensive it was suddenly one-way traffic. A Coard cross found Morrison in the 82^nd and the striker made no mistake in controlling and slotting home to make it 4-0, another hat-trick, and 36 goals from 36 games. G.McMullan, Coard, and Stanex tried their luck in the remaining minutes but a relaxed ‘Burn could not add to their tally.

This was a fitting end to a tough season with the final gruelling twelve matches in twenty-nine days yielding twenty-five points from a possible thirty-six to move the team to a respectable league position. Great to see “new” faces making impressive debuts and strong performances from all the “regulars” (even after the arduous run-in) but it was the “veterans” Mallon, Coard and Morrison who stole the show on the night…

In their penultimate game the 1sts were in action against Champions-elect Portaferry Rovers going down 3-0. Title-chasing Rovers were probably the last side ‘Burn wanted to face in their hectic schedule with the visitors’ anxious to gain revenge for a superb 5-4 win Bryansburn inflicted on them in the first fixture. As it was ‘Burn managed to field a strong side and put up a creditable performance before their bigger, stronger, hungrier opposition finally ran out worthy winners.

Portaferry were quickly into the match concentrating on a long ball game giving defenders Parkes, A.Cooling, Gray and McMullan plenty of work and effectively by-passing the ‘Burn midfield. Two early breaks saw a saved Stanex shot and Morrison 20 yard effort just over the bar but at the other end Close’s goal led a charmed life for the first half hour.  ‘Burn weathered the storm well and Morrison, from a Coard through ball, and McGreevy with a turn & shot just wide almost surprised Rovers but the final fifteen minutes of the half saw the visitors force two good saves, hit the woodwork and have a goal disallowed to leave a fragile 0-0 half-time score.

Predictably, trophy-hungry Rovers went up a gear in the second half and Tolson, McGreevy (replaced by Higginson), Coard and C.Cooling were pushed back to help defend the aerial barrage. A.Cooling was outstanding at centre-half, saving ‘Burn on endless occasions, but Portaferry still managed to make the breakthrough on the hour with a simple passing move and crisp shot making it 1-0. Two minutes later Rovers hit the bar, Close pulled off a point-blank save and ‘Burn were in general struggling to find the energy to respond. A 73^rd minute deep cross and goalmouth scramble made it two and three minutes later a misdirected throw out gifted the visitors their 3^rd. Morrison & Stanex, (replaced by Patterson), worked hard to force a consolation goal but in the end Bryansburn were forced to re-group in an “Alamo” formation to survive the final onslaught. Result: 3-0 to Portaferry.     

Best for ‘Burn: A.Cooling: superb in defence, Stanex: his best performance yet before tiring in the 2^nd half: gritty efforts from the full squad.

The 2^nd XI completed their season with three games in the final five days. Last Tuesday Suffolk FC ll were the visitors’ to Ballywooley and in a feisty game Morrison scored all four goals as an injury time strike saw Bryansburn record a 4-2 victory. Then on Thursday Champions Greencastle ll had a comfortably 5-2 victory at Ballywooley against a depleted Bryansburn side. On target for Bryansburn were Stevenson and Hanna. Finally on Saturday morning another understrength side travelled to Colinvalley ll yet managed to return with all three points and a superb 5-2 victory. Morrison completed yet another hat-trick to take his total to 45 for the season and he was ably supported by Armstrong who struck twice.

On Saturday the 3^rd XI completed their season with a competitive 1-1 draw against Bangor Rangers lll at Upritchard Park. The home side enjoyed the majority of the possession and territorial advantage throughout but it was Bryansburn who created most of the clear-cut chances. ‘Burn took the lead late in the first half with a free-kick from top scorer Cardwell with Bangor Rangers equalising with a cross-cum-shot that found the top corner fifteen minutes from time. Bryansburn should have taken all three points with two golden chances in the closing minutes but over the ninety minutes a draw was a fair result.

In midweek the 3rds were beaten 5-3 by Comber Rec lll at Ballywooley when Shields, Cardwell and Dempster were on target for ‘Burn. “Man of the Match” was keeper Steventon who produced a magnificent performance to stop Bryansburn suffering an even heavier defeat against a strong Comber side.

Hopes of all the Bryansburn veterans reaching one last Cup Final were dashed when the 3^rd XI lost 2-1 to 43^rd OB in the Semi-final of the Frank Moore Memorial Cup. ‘Burn led 1-0 through a well crafted goal from Scott only for 43^rd to equalise from a dubious penalty on the stroke of half-time. ‘Burn conceded from a corner on the hour mark but from then on it was all Bryansburn, playing all the football and creating enough chances to book their place in the Final. McGimpsey missed two one-on-ones, put another over the bar from six yards and Cardwell blasted a last minute penalty over the bar after McGimpsey had been fouled but ‘Burn failed to find the solitary strike that would at least have forced extra time.   

Three thrilling matches in a week – two Semi-finals and a Final - brought the curtain down on a highly successful season for the 4^th XI which also saw them finish runners-up in the League.

On a wonderful, late spring evening at Billy Neill PF the 4ths faced Greenwell Star ll for a place in the final of the Mervyn Bassett Cup. Buoyed by a sizable support, 'Burn opened brightly before, with Greenwell's first attack, a rare mistake by keeper Black saw the red and white forward scramble the ball over for an unexpected early lead. Within three minutes of the restart, the stunned defensive Bryansburn line shipped another to find themselves two down following a great finish. Despite the early double setback Bryansburn showed great resolve and for twenty minutes played exquisite football, creating a number of chances. As halftime loomed, Stevenson was at hand to open the Bryansburn account with a well taken low shot into the corner of the net, giving the opposition keeper no chance.

The second period started in a similar fashion with 'Burn pressing hard for the equaliser. A number of chances came and went, and then totally against the run of play, a rare Greenwell foray saw them go 3-1 up. Despite the score-line, Bryansburn were very much still in the game. With twenty minutes left, Stevenson doubled his and the 'Burn's tally with a sublime shot from a right wing cross originating from young Kennedy. Further chances went begging and with eight minutes left on the clock, it looked to be "one of those nights". Encouragement from the sidelines coupled with some determined and strong managerial advice saw a remarkable finish to the game.

With two minutes left, Stevenson completed his hat-trick to make it 3-3 and virtually straight from the restart, Bryansburn, with their tails up, got their deserved winner. A midfield ball saw both Lowry and Stone attacking the pass; Stone took control and skipped past the last defender before shooting low and hard into the corner, to cap a wonderful display from the entire squad.

Awaiting the 4^th XI in the Final of the Mervyn Bassett Cup were League Champions Moat Park Rangers ll and a thrilling tie saw ‘Burn lift the Cup after a hard fought 2-1 win.

Despite an early downpour the playing surface at Comber Rec's ground Parkway was in perfect condition to host the final of the Mervyn Bassett Cup. Having seen off Moat Park twice in the league this season Bryansburn entered this game with enthusiasm, hope and determination. A sizable crowd saw a great game played by two strong and entertaining teams. 'Burn custodian Black was called into action early with two fine saves. The defence marshalled by Pollard were coping well with the pace of the Moat forwards. From midfield Bryansburn created a number of opportunities with the hardworking Lowry causing problems with his tireless running up top. Stone went close but saw his shot go narrowly wide midway through the first half. A series of Bryansburn corners, while threatening, were cleared. With ten minutes of the half left, a cross from Emberson landed in the six yard box invitingly and from the ensuing scramble, Lowry was at hand to poke home. A further Lowry chance was well saved by the keeper just before the whistle. 

The second half continued in a similar vein with both sides creating chances, a Stone shot skimmed the post which could have put the game to bed if it had gone a couple of inches the other way, but Moat Park showed why they are League champions and continued to press for the equaliser. This duly arrived with an unstoppable shot from the Rangers midfielder Gadget. In the 70^th minute, somewhat against the run of play, Bryansburn took the lead with what turned out to be the winner. A corner from the right was powerfully headed home by Stevenson. Moat Park went three at the back in search of an equaliser and spent the remainder of the match camped in the Bryansburn half but some sterling defensive work kept them at bay. The clock finally reached the ninety mark and the eight minutes of injury time seemed an eternity for those on and off the pitch in 'Burn colours. All eyes were on the ref, waiting for his whistle and with seconds remaining, a loose ball fell to the Moat Park Rangers centre forward, who with the goal at his mercy, was tackled by two defenders to minimise his shot which to Rangers despair saw ‘Burn keeper Black collect the ball in both hands.

The game ended moments later amid scenes of wild celebration which went on long into the night. A fantastic result for the team and the club, and the silverware will be presented at our awards night. The winning squad was Black, Canning, Pollard, Ferris, Kennedy, Bogle, Emberson, Dickinson, Stone, Stevenson, Lowry, Parkinson, Gardner, and McNeill. The management team would like to thank the following for their continued support throughout the past season: McConnell Kelly Solicitors, Main Street Bangor, Ballyrobert Vauxhall, Baillie’s Menswear, High Street Bangor and to Ski and Sports, Dargan Crescent Duncrue for their match ball sponsorship for the Final.

Unfortunately two days later Moat Park Rangers ll gained some revenge by beating the 4ths 3-2 in the Semi-final of the Tommy Murphy. ‘Burn had looked on course for a second Cup Final when they led 2-1 with nine minutes left but the exertions from the Final finally took their toll as Moat scored twice in the closing stages for victory. The game had been tied at 1-1 with Stone on target for Bryansburn with twelve minutes remaining. Then a blocking tackle from Johnny Ferris resulted in excellent midfield play which saw Stone collect the ball and, having beaten two players, fired home a delightful shot into the corner. That looked like being the winner until the late Moat show prematurely ended the 4ths season.

There are still a couple of places available on the Annual Club Trip consisting of return flights to Newcastle and three nights in a Travelodge Hotel leaving on Friday 30^th May returning Monday 2^nd June. Please contact Alan Dempster if you wish to join the travelling party.   

This Saturday there will be a friendly match at Ballywooley between a Bryansburn XI and the 4^th XI, kick-off 1pm. Afterwards there will be a barbeque for all with a good crowd expected for the FA Cup Final and traditional Penalty Kick Competition.

The Annual Dinner & Awards Night is at the Stables on Friday 23^rd May. Tickets (£17.50) are available from Johnny Ferris and Alan Dempster.

The Annual General Meeting of Bryansburn FC will take place in the Clubhouse at 1pm on Saturday 24^th May. All Full Members are expected to attend.

League 1C: Bryansburn Rangers 4 Newington 0

1sts final match of the campaign ended with an impressive 4-0 victory over Newington securing them 6^th place in league 1C.

Despite missing 4 regulars ‘Burn were pleased to welcome back G. McMullan after a bad injury and hopes were high for a chance to overturn an earlier defeat to the Co-Antrim side.

 An un-promising start saw ‘Burn unable to get a grip on the game and they repeatedly invited trouble with over-elaborate passing across their own penalty area. Newington spurned three clear chances to score before ‘Burn threatened the visitor’s goal but the home side slowly got into the game with strong running from Tolson providing chances for Mallon and McGreevy. The half hour mark came with Mallon narrowing missing with a diving header from a Coard cross but within a minute Bryansburn again looked rattled as Newington capitalised on a loose pass only to blast over the bar. Nerves were finally settled just before the whistle when Morrison coolly waited for a looping deflection to drop before lashing in a 15yd volley in for welcome 1-0 half-time lead.

‘Burn were a different side after the break. Higginson, Kehoe (replacing A. McMullan), A. Cooling and Thompson broke down every attack and delivered telling balls into midfield where Coard and G. McMullan began to exert total control. Newington had one chance when a free-kick went wide and keeper Beattie twice made comfortable saves but Bryansburn were in command. Mallon’s tireless running was torturing the Newington defence and after forcing a corner he pounced to make it 2-0 from Coard’s delivery while efforts from Tolson and McMullan were only inches wide. Kehoe was equally effective on the right and provided the 76th minute cross for Morrison to head home for 3-0 and with Patterson and Stannex adding to the offensive it was suddenly one-way traffic. A Coard cross found Morrison in the 82^nd and the striker made no mistake in controlling and slotting home to make it 4-0, another hat-trick, and 36 goals from 36 games. G. McMullan, Coard, and Stannex tried their luck in the remaining minutes but a relaxed ‘Burn couldn’t add to their tally.

            This was a fitting end to a tough season with the final gruelling 12 matches in 29 days yielding 24 points from a possible 36 to move the team to a respectable league position. Great to see “new” faces making impressive debuts and strong performances from all the “regulars” (even after the arduous run-in) but it was the “veterans” Mallon, Coard and Morrison who stole the show on the night…

League 1C: Bryansburn Rangers 0 Portaferry 3

Saturday 3^rd 1sts were in action again going down 0-3 to Portaferry. Title-chasing Rovers were probably the last side ‘Burn wanted to face in their 11^th match in 25 days but they managed to field a strong side and put up a creditable performance before their bigger, stronger, hungrier opposition finally ran out worthy winners.

            Portaferry were quickly into the match concentrating on a long ball game giving defenders Parkes, A. Cooling Gray and McMullan plenty of work and effectively by-passing the ‘Burn midfield. Two early breaks saw a saved Stannex shot and Morrison 20yd effort just over the bar but at the other end Close’s goal led a charmed life for the first half hour.  ‘Burn weathered the storm well and Morrison, from a Coard through ball, and McGreevy with a turn & shot just wide almost surprised Rovers but the final 15 minutes saw the visitors force two good saves, hit the woodwork and have a goal disallowed to leave a fragile 0-0 half-time score.

            Predictably, trophy-hungry Rovers went up a gear in the second half and Tolson, McGreevy (replaced by Higginson), Coard and C. Cooling were pushed back to help defend the aerial barrage. A. Cooling was outstanding at centre-half, saving ‘Burn on endless occasions, but Portaferry still managed to make the breakthrough on the hour with a simple passing move and crisp shot making it 0-1. Two minutes later Rover’s hit the bar, Close pulled off a point-blank save and Burn were struggling to find the energy to respond. A 73^rd minute deep cross and goalmouth scramble made it 0-2 and 3 minutes later a misdirected throw out gifted the visitors their 3^rd. Morrison & Stannex, (replaced by Patterson), worked hard to force a consolation goal but in the end Bryansburn were forced to re-group in an “Alamo” formation to survive the final onslaught. Result: 3-0 to Portaferry.      

            Best for ‘Burn: A. Cooling: superb in defence, Stannex: his best performance yet before tiring in the 2^nd half: gritty efforts from the full squad.

League 1C: Bryansburn Rangers 6 Kilroot 0

May Day saw the 1^sts back at Ballywooley and scoring 6 while making short work of league strugglers Kilroot. Once again ‘Burn were forced to dig deep into their talent pool to field a team but, despite a spirited performance from the visitors, there was never any doubt in the final outcome.

Shots from McGreevy, Tolson, Coard and Thompson all missed the target in a one-sided but hesitant opening period. Debut keeper Beattie showed a good pair of hands and great confidence on the rare occasions when Kilroot managed to escape the efforts of Higginson Gray and Mellon while fellow rookie Patterson got another run out on the wing. Kilroot’s only chance, a quick free kick taken while ‘Burn protested, came closest to breaking the deadlock but minutes later a tame Stannex shot somehow bounced through the visitors defence and crept in for a 25^th minute 1-0 lead. It took only 5 minutes for ‘Burn to double their lead when Morrison ran from deep to slot home and a further 10 for a 25 yard Thompson shot to make it a comfortable 3-0 at half time.

  Collins replaced Mellon and the assault on the Kilroot goal continued. Another direct Morrison run split the defence and set up Stannex to side-foot in his second for 4-0 but 3 direct efforts within 5 minutes from ‘Burn’s No 9 saw a save, a goal-line clearance and the post prevent further success. Coard and Thompson both tried their luck from long range but it wasn’t until the 78^th minute that substitute Hanna made it 5-0. Kilroot showed remarkable resilience in fighting to the bitter end but a penalty from Stannex completed his hat-trick and another 6-0 defeat for the weary visitors.

A solid team performance and a “job well done”, putting Bryansburn into 5^th position in the league 1c.

League 1C: Bryansburn Rangers 2 Groomsport 1

Tuesday 29^th saw 1^sts almost back on home ground collecting a 2-1 win over neighbours Groomsport. The end-of-season build-up continued to limit squad selection possibilities but again a makeshift Bryansburn proved more than a match for the home side even when reduced to ten men for the final 25 minutes.

‘Burn looked dangerous from the start with Patterson, on his full debut, making an early impact on the left. Chances fell to Coard and Stannex before Morrison jinked between two defenders to slot home the opener after only 8 minutes but Groomsport settled and went close with a couple of long range efforts mid-way through the half. Parkes, Thompson and A. McMullan, ably marshalled by manager Mellon, denied Groomsport any possession in the final third and ‘Burn again began to make headway with a more direct central assault. Good balls from Coard and C. Cooling gave Stannex and Morrison two chances to test the keeper but with another header and two free kicks going high or wide for ‘Burn and a single 30 yard effort from Groomsport shepherded over the bar by Close the half ended at 1-0.  

A saved Stannex volley and Coard shot over the bar saw ‘Burn again in control in a lively opening ten minute spell but Groomsport’s 54^th minute set piece opened-up the game when they capitalised on a fluffed clearance and defensive hesitation to bring the scores level at 1-1. Bryansburn clearly heard the wake-up call and with Parkes and McGreevy playing a greater part in the game Groomsport were again on the defensive. A powerful run and though pass from Parkes released Morrison and when the striker hit the bye-line and fired in a cross Stannex was on hand to head home his 5^th of the campaign to restore the lead with an hour played. For a couple of minutes it was all ‘Burn as they chased what seemed to be an inevitable 3^rd goal but disaster struck when McMullan’s exemplary 2013/14 discipline record evaporated in a spat with the home bench: two reds were shown but it was ‘Burn who were left with ten men on the field with 25 minutes still to play. Gray replaced Mellon, Crawley later replaced Parkes and the manager resumed control from the bench re-shuffling the formation repeatedly to stifle a growing Groomsport threat. Close pulled off a match-saving one-on-one stop; the home-side had a handful of shots whistle past the Bryansburn woodwork but in the end a pile-driving shot from Coard which smashed off the post was the closest either side came to troubling the score-keeper. Full time 2-1 to Burn, and a 6^th place league position to defend in their remaining 3 matches.  

Best for ‘Burn: Coard, again the key playmaker and Morrison with 1 goal/1 assist with the full squad showing a spirited performance despite playing their 9^th match in 21 days.

League 1C: Donard Hospital 1 Bryansburn 2

1sts completed their season’s double over Donard Hospital with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Billy Neill Playing fields. In typical ‘Burn style they shook off their indifferent performance against 13^th-placed opposition mid-week, failed to build a strong lead when playing with the wind but went on to out-play 5^th-placed opposition to finally climb above the midway mark in 1C.

            A late start saw Bryansburn very much in command. A series of knock-downs from Morrison failed to find the necessary support but a blistering Mallon run tested the Donard keeper, Morrison’s 35 yard effort flew high over the bar and in the 10^th minute, an A. McMullan cross/shot bounced off the woodwork with no reply from the home side. Both teams were clearly struggling with the blustery conditions but Donard started to play some good football and went close with a long-range effort forcing Close to a great save in the 13^th minute. Two C. Cooling free kicks were collected by the keeper, Coard set up Tolson on the flank but Mallon saw his header clear the bar, and vintage ‘Burn faffing about on the edge of their area twice offered Donard chances to score either side of the half-hour mark. The wind was clearly hindering Donard in their attempts to push forward but equally making it difficult for Bryansburn to control through-balls or shots on goal. Finally good football at ground level prevailed as Coard fed Tolson from midfield and the wingers powerful run into the box was only stopped by a desperate lunge from the defender for a clear penalty. Morrison made it 1-0 from the spot on 31 minutes and was unlucky when first a header from a Parkes throw-in was tipped to safety by the keeper and in the 43^rd minute, when he beat the defence and keeper only to find the post. Half-time 1-0 to Burn.  

            Donard, predictably, launched a wind-assisted assault from the restart but A. Cooling and R. Thompson dealt comfortably with the aerial assault while Parkes and A. McMullan halted any incursions from the wings. Donard hit the side netting, shot wide twice and nearly capitalised when a great stop from Close fell to the feet of their striker but could not find the net. Mallon and Coard were still able to marshal the midfield and, again it was the impressive Tolson who, picking up a Thompson through ball terrorised the home defence before setting up Morrison for his second and a 2-0 lead with 56 minutes played.  ‘Burn could even have extended their lead when, ten minutes later a precision C. Cooling free-kick found Morrison whose side-footed effort was swept just over the goal but Donard were continuing to threaten with a string of wide efforts and corners. Higginson and Gray replaced Mallon and Cooling and ‘Burn continued to weather the storm until a sweeping, cross-field passing move from Donard saw them back in the match at 2-1 with 20 minutes to play. The final exchanges were, understandably, one-sided as Donard pushed hard but heroic defending from Gray, Parkes, Thompson and McMullan and wayward finishing saw Bryansburn inch towards the finish line. McGreevy made a welcome return from injury and almost immediately set-up Higginson on a rare break but there was a huge sigh of relief when the final whistle blew to confirm a deserved 2-1 victory.

            Best for Burn: Tolson with two assists and a constant threat, Coard running the show from midfield, and Morrison notching up his 30^th & 31^st goals in 32 games. 

League 1C: Newington Rangers 3 Bryansburn 1

1sts lost 3-1 to a strong Newington Rangers side in their 3^rd visit to Co-Antrim in 6 days. ‘Burn had plenty of opportunities but on a lumpy, overgrown pitch it was the home side that were the more clinical in their finishing.

            Newington started brightly with a couple of dangerous attacks, a corner and a free kick within the first ten minutes but the ‘Burn back four of Parkes, Gray, A. Cooling and A. McMullan gave great cover to goalkeeper Beattie in his debut outing with the firsts. With the opposition pressing hard and chasing a string of long balls space up-field and chances began to fall to Bryansburn. Morrison benefited when a bad bounce evaded the full back and the keeper but his lob from distance cleared the bar, a Coard shot followed the same route minutes later and he was equally unlucky when heading a Mallon cross inches wide of the post. Three chances in 7 minutes counted for nothing however when a simple Newington cross beat the defence and their forward hit home for 1-0 with 25 minutes played. Undeterred ‘Burn continued to apply pressure with a Tolson break and shot foiled only by another random bounce as he pulled the trigger, a powerful Mallon shot the wrong side of the woodwork and two near misses from Morrison. Balls from R. McMullan and C. Cooling continued to open up opportunities but again Coard, Morrison and Gray couldn’t get the right contact to open the scoring. Rookie ‘keeper Beattie pulled off a great save as Newington rallied but seconds before the break Newington struck with a classy turn and shot into the bottom corner to make it 2-0 at halftime.

            Three minutes into the second half ‘Burn were caught cold and it was 3-0 as a Newington free-kick looped across the defence to curl in at the back post. Again ‘Burn shook off some obviously tired legs to respond and Mallon was unlucky to see a blistering shot clear the cross-bar after 49 minutes while Tolson and Morrison continued to stretch the home defence but couldn’t find a telling shooting opportunity. Stannex replaced C. Cooling and J. McMullan (for Gray) made a welcome return after a long absence and Bryansburn finally got some reward for their efforts. Coard’s free kick was fired goal-wards by a Parkes header and the full-back was quick to respond to the rebound and head in for 1-3 on the hour mark.  Once again Beattie pulled off a vital save to keep ‘Burn in the game but a header from Mallon and two efforts from Stannex failed to close the two-goal gap. Manager Mellon replaced Mallon for the final ten minutes and, while ‘Burn looked the more likely to score, Newington twice came close to extending their lead. Final score 3-1.

Good showing from Bryansburn but, in the end, sheer fatigue and bad luck probably played a big role in the result. Congratulations to Newington on a performance totally out-of-keeping with their current lowly league position.