Bryansburn 1sts lost 3-2 to newly-promoted Ballynahinch Olympic in a disappointing home performance at Ballywooley. ‘Burn snatched two early goals against the run of play but were probably lucky to escape with only a single goal deficit to stronger and more compact opponents.
Playing an experimental 4-5-1 formation with mixed success, Bryansburn invited early pressure and only escaped courtesy of a number of near-misses and a couple of good saves from Moore before hitting a dominant Ballynahinch on the break. Good work from A.Cooling and Moore in midfield found Coard on the wing and Morrison chased his 25-yard pass to escape two defenders and slot home from a tight angle. 1-0 with thirteen minutes gone and the opposition clearly rattled, ‘Burn were suddenly in the game. Seven minutes later Coard was again the provider, weaving his way from the halfway line to the penalty spot only to see the Olympic keeper parry his powerful drive straight to Morrison who gratefully tapped in for 2-0.
The score-line looked good but Ballynahinch were gaining more and more possession and finding gaps in the ‘Burn defence. McCormick and Hannion stood firm against the onslaught but full backs MacLeod and Devlin were continually dragged out of position to plug the gaps. Breakaways saw free-kicks from C.Cooling and Coard go agonisingly wide but it was largely one-way traffic with Olympic repeatedly attacking down the right, playing two or three cross field passes, and finding their right winger in open ground. ‘Keeper Moore came to the rescue more than once, a string of corners were conceded but ‘Burn fell foul of the tactics not once but twice as Ballynahinch found the net in the 44th and 54th minute of an extraordinarily long first half. Half-time 2-2.
The restart saw Ballynahinch in total control and within fifteen minutes they took the lead, copying their successful first half assault on the Bryansburn left flank. Further damage seemed inevitable and even when subs Mitchell, Higginson & McMullan entered the fray in a 4-4-2 line up Bryansburn could only manage a couple of half-chances to Ballynahinch’s couple of dozen. In the end a spectacular penalty-save from the outstanding Moore and some wild finishing was all that stopped a more depressing score-line.
On the plus side there are definite signs that the new management team are strengthening the squad and creating real competition for places and a boost given by Mallon’s long-awaited return from injury.
On Tuesday Bryansburn took on Donard Hospital in the first league game of 2013/14 and a solid performance saw them register a 2-0 win. With four new signings in Moore, Mellon, G.McMullan and Cochrane missing due to injury, ‘Burn still fielded a starting line-up that included seven new faces – D.Moore, McCormick, Hannion, Devlin, A.Cooling, C.Cooling and Mitchell with Coard, A.McMullan, MacLeod and Morrison making up the starting eleven.
In what was a pretty low key first half, the highlight was a superb 40-yard pass by Coard that saw Morrison nip in front of the keeper and head high into top corner to give ‘Burn a 1nil lead. Coard had earlier been denied by a superb save by the Donard keeper whilst at the other end some impressive defensive work kept an impressive Donard outfit at bay.
The second half continued with each side having a few half chances with Donard displaying some pressure trying to get an equaliser. A well worked passage of play saw Morrison played in for his second goal of game by Mitchell with twenty minutes remaining. The home side then proved capable of seeing the game out relatively comfortable to put three points on the board. Mallon, Kehoe, and Tyson replaced Mitchell, Hannion and Devlin as the game petered out.
The 2nd XI had a comfortable 3-1 win over Bangor Rangers ll. Mallon scored a volley from the edge of the box to score the only goal of the first half. Ten minutes into the second half Higginson fired home from 30 yards before ex-Bryansburn player Maxwell rounded keeper Douglas to pull a goal back. M. Tyson finished from close range after a great run by Cole to complete the scoring.
The 3rd XI picked up four points from two entertaining games. On Saturday they made the short trip to Bangor Swifts lll and drew 1-1. Swifts made a great start with a terrific finish after only two minutes and proceeded to have the better of the exchanges during the first half. They should have increased their lead when Collins, fortunate to receive a yellow card instead of red, fouled in the box but the resultant penalty was fired against the post.
In the second half Bryansburn were the better side and fired in numerous attempts on goal which were all dealt with by the home keeper. The equaliser deservedly arrived after a Dempster cross and Murphy volley saw the ball land at the feat of Cardwell who finished well.
A crazy two minutes spell then saw ‘Burn awarded a penalty for handball from which Dempster hit the post and Swifts go straight up the pitch to land a penalty of their own which Close saved. The rest of the game saw Bryansburn press for a winner but Swifts held out and nearly snatched a winner themselves with a couple of good opportunities at the other end.
In midweek the 3rds defeated Ballywalter Rec lll 4-3. M.Scott gave ‘Burn the ideal start when he scored with a swerving drive in only the 2nd minute but the visitors soon battled their way into the game to equalise. The home side restored their lead when Cardwell found the top corner from the edge of the box. Yet again ‘Burn failed to hold on to their lead and Ballywalter drew level for a second time just before the break.
Two minutes into the second half Ballywalter took the lead but a period of ‘Burn pressure turned the game round. Murphy lifted the ball over the keeper to make it 3-3 and then Cardwell headed home an M.Scott corner for what proved to be the winner. The 3rds had to endure a nervous last few minutes as Ballywalter through everything at them and forced a series of corners which were well defended. At the other end Bryansburn should have killed the game off with some impressive counter-attacks but players strayed offside.
The 4ths were in action against Rosemount Rec and went down 3-1 with L.Stevenson the Bryansburn marksman.
Tonight (Thur) training is as normal while the 2nd XI are at home to Bangor Swifts ll.
On Saturday the 1st XI travel to UUJ in the 2nd round of the Steel & Sons Cup while the 3rd XI entertain Ards Rangers lll and the 4th XI have a friendly.
Players please note that this weekend is the deadline for annual subs for those who wish to avail of a 20% discount.
