IFA health seminar

Bryansburn Rangers FC are Hosting an IFA health seminar at the the club on Monday 11th November at 7 pm . 
All club members and players are encouraged to attend .
This seminar is one of many being rolled out across northern Ireland to promote health aspects in our national game.

New Sponsorship deal with Ballyrobert Vauxhall

Bryansburn Rangers are delighted to announce the addition of Ballyrobert Vauxhall as a major sponsor of the club. Ballyrobert Vauxhall is the largest locally owned Vauxhall outlet in Ireland and offers a wide range of services.  The Bangor showroom is based on the A2 Bangor to Belfast road.

This is an exciting partnership with a high profile sponsor and Bryansburn Rangers are looking forward to working with Ballyrobert Vauxhall.

A new team kit for the under 16s team has been supplied and a presentation will take place on Wednesday 30th October @ 3pm at the Bryansburn Rangers club house.

Three out of Three for Bryansburn

Bryansburn 1^st XI’s Intermediate Cup game against Banbridge Rangers fell victim to the weather but the other three teams played as scheduled with all recording impressive away victories.

The 2^nd XI travelled to unbeaten Saintfield United ll and inflicted their first league defeat with an emphatic 5-1 score-line. The success was built upon commanding performances at the heart of the defence by J.McMullan and Jones while Scott and Mallon controlled the centre of the park. ‘Burn were on top from the start and the surprise was that it took until the 19^th minute for them to make the breakthrough. The best of the early chances fell to McGreevy who was through one on one with the keeper but although he sent the keeper the wrong way, his shot went the wrong side of the post. Then Mallon tried his luck from the edge of the area and his shot missed everyone in the box to go in off the far post. Unfortunately ‘Burn failed to build on their good start and the home side equalised on the half hour mark. A throw in from the left bounced in the Bryansburn box and the loose ball was converted. However, Bryansburn remained on top and regained their lead seven minutes before the break with a good strike from Ballantine.

Four minutes into the second half Bryansburn went 3-1 in front. McGreevy made a powerful run down the left and he crossed for Ballantine to tap home his second of the game at the far post. Cochrane replaced Stanex on the hour mark and he was immediately involved in the action. His speed got him in behind the Saintfield defence only for the keeper to save with his legs.

However the fourth goal was not denied for long arriving in the 71^st minute. Cochrane blasted a 25-yard free-kick on target and the ball took a slight deflection before going in off the post. The scoring was completed tem minutes from time when the keeper let a speculative long range shot from McGreevy slip through his legs to make it 5-1.  

Great team performance and result.

The 3^rd XI completed the double over Queens Grads lll with a hard fought 3-1 win at the Dub.

‘Burn made a bright start, forcing several early corners but it was the home side who took the lead. Cole failed to cut out a long ball from the defence and the finish from the left-winger was clinical. He fired into the top corner from twenty-five yards giving stand-in keeper Gilmer no chance. Bryansburn plugged away and deservedly equalised when Cardwell surged into the box and pulled the ball back for Murphy to blast into the net. Bryansburn should have taken the lead, playing some great football but too often the final ball did not match the quality of the approach play. Neither side carved out any real chances of note in the final twenty minutes of the half and the score remained 1-1 at the interval.

Queens had their best spell of the match in the early part of the second half but the back four of Cole, McComb, Patterson and Dickson held firm. ‘Burn battled their way back into the game and the turning point came when the official referee awarded Bryansburn a penalty when the Queens defender looked to have played the ball first. Cardwell stepped up and converted the spot kick into the bottom corner.

This unsettled the home side and Bryansburn threatened a few times before they made it 3-1 in the 73^rd minute. Cole surged forward from the back and his hard, low, twenty-five yard shot squirmed under the keeper. After this Bryansburn had the experience to close the game out and were able to give sixteen year-old Reece Dempster his first taste of senior football and he settled in well showing some nice touches.

The 4^th XI had an impressive 5-3 win at league champions Brentwood ll. Playing with the wind in the first half the visitors struggled to play neat football with passes being blown astray by the mere gale-force winds.  Both sides were creating chances and Black prevented the home side from taking the lead, with his customary excellent goal-keeping.  The visitors created a couple of chances, the closest being a scrambled clearance off the line, following a corner. With the wind dropping ten minutes before the interval, Burn managed to retain possession and play some good football.  This was rewarded four minutes before the break, when a five man move, culminated in Emberson taking a reverse pass from Dickinson, before firing in a tremendous shot from 25 yards out.

The second period against the wind was actually an advantage for the visitors as the ball was no longer running away from them. On the hour mark Lowry doubled the scoring, having beaten two defenders before firing in at the near post.  Soon after an Emberson corner to the front post was majestically back-heeled by Lowry for the visitors' 3^rd strike. Brentwood pushed hard and pulled one back.  Within minutes Stevenson picked up the ball at the halfway line and despite the presence of the two midfielders in pursuit, continued his strong run towards the goals where he rounded the centre half before firing home a strong shot from outside the box to make it 4-1.  Brentwood pulled another goal back in the closing stages, but Attipoe fired home number five for the visitors, to take all three points.

Training continues tonight (Thur) at Bangor Sportsplex, 7 – 8pm, and on Tuesday 8 – 9.30pm.

On Saturday the 1^st XI entertain Banbridge Rangers in the 1^st round of the Intermediate Cup with a 1.30pm kick-off while the 2^nd XI travel to Groomsport ll. In the Down Area League the 3^rd XI play Bangor Rangers lll at Bloomfield while the 4^th XI hope to arrange a friendly.

Players are reminded that annual subs are now overdue and must be paid or they will not be available for team selection.

There are still places available on the annual Club trip. The price has now gone up to £120 for return flights to Newcastle and three nights in a Travelodge Hotel and will continue to rise as more people book on. Note that places will only be booked as payment up front is received.  Please see Alan Dempster if interested.

Bryansburn Looking to Appoint a New Manager

Bryansburn FC would like to invite applications for the post of 1^st XI/Club Manager for the remainder of season 2013/14. Applications can be made by emailing bryansburnfc@btopenworld.com

Based at Ballywooley, Crawfordsburn Road, Bangor, Bryansburn have four senior teams. The 1^st XI are currently in Division 1C of the Northern Amateur Football League and last season just missed out on promotion securing a 3^rd place finish. With last year’s squad all resigned and twelve new signings added to the panel in the close season there is high hopes that the side will be capable of going one better this year. To date Bryansburn have recorded two wins out of five in the League but with twenty-three games left, there is everything to play for. The side are also through to the 3^rd round of the Irish Cup. 

The Club would like to thank outgoing Manager Paul Moore for his efforts over the past three and a half months. In the short term Stuart Mellon has been appointed Interim Manager. Bryansburn will make no further comment regarding the full-time position until it has been filled.

‘Burn Second Half Collapse

Bryansburn 1^st slumped to a disastrous 5-2 defeat away to Iveagh United despite having looked the better side for the first thirty-five minutes. The loss of MacLeod to a bad injury early in the second half did little to help their cause but poor passing in the middle of the park and suicidal defending at the back made it all too easy for the home side to run riot in the final hour.

Returning to league action after recent cup distractions, ‘Burn were looking to build on their shaky start to the season but it took an early miss-kick by Moore and face-saving save to shock them into action. Bryansburn’s wide men were soon making good progress down the flanks while their strikers were more than a match for the Iveagh defence. A Tolson cross saw a Cochrane shot well saved, Morrison’s near-post flick was clearly palmed away  by the home defender, McGreevy was tripped in the box when through on goal but at the other end Moore pulled off a great blocking save to keep scores level in for the first fifteen minutes.

Moore again came to the rescue with a great stop after twenty minutes but careless passing and hesitant defending allowed Iveagh to slip through the gaps and draw first blood with a clinical finish wide of the keeper. At 1-0 down ‘Burn rallied and after Morrison’s shot from McMullan’s through-ball was well-saved, a second try moments later saw Tolson hold off the centre half to coolly slide the ball under the keeper to level midway through the half. Suddenly it was one-way traffic with Iveagh struggling to contain a rampant Bryansburn. McGreevy took it to 2-1 with blistering run and twenty yard effort and Cochrane went close with a chip just over the bar. Unfortunately all the hard work was undone seconds before halftime when Iveagh again found it all too simple to make progress down the ‘Burn left, pull Kehoe, Mellon and MacLeod across the pitch, fire in a low cross behind the back three and find an unmarked striker to level at 2-2.

The restart saw Morrison shoot wide of the post and Cooling loft an effort over the bar but it was déjà-vu when Iveagh broke and ‘Burns failure to deal with a simple ball over the top allowed them to fire home for a 3-2 lead after 51 minutes. Coard and Stanex came on for Cochrane and McGreevy but a fluke, accidental, fall saw MacLeod seriously damage his ankle and leave the field by ambulance to be replaced by Tyson.

Bryansburn rallied briefly after the twenty minute injury delay and Morrison saw a powerful header stifled on the Iveagh goal-line, Stanex drew a good save and a Cooling free-kick went into the keeper’s arms but it was clear that their opponents were just waiting for another opportunity to exploit ‘Burns midfield confusion and defensive frailties. Thompson and Cooling joined the three man attack in an effort to salvage something from the match but two further Iveagh goals came in the final ten minutes, each witnessed by five Bryansburn players from the halfway line as a bad day descended into chaos and a 5-2 thrashing.

Verdict: must do better/cannot do worse. Best wishes from everyone at the club to Andy MacLeod for a speedy recovery.

The 2^nd XI recorded a comfortable 3-0 home win over Portaferry Rovers ll with all the goals coming in the first half.

Higginson was the chief tormentor of Portaferry as he exploited a poor Left-back time and time again. A series of crosses from him caused havoc in the visitors’ rearguard, while the home side forced a number of corners and set pieces. Then pressure was relentless and the only surprise was that it took until the 14^th minute until the deadlock was broken. Higginson was found in space out on the right with his marker caught up the pitch and he cut in to beat the keeper at his near post. ‘Burn continued to see plenty of the ball and created a couple of half chances before doubling their lead ten minutes later. Higginson was fouled on the right and Parkes fired the free-kick into the box where a slight deflection took the ball into the net.

Portaferry forced a couple of corners but it was Bryansburn who remained on top and they increased their lead to 3-0 in the 36^th minute. Higginson forced a corner on the right and when the ball came into the box it landed at the feet of Higginson and he stabbed the ball home.

The second half saw the visitors’ come into the game more but the Bryansburn defence was superbly marshalled by J.McMullan and Jones who dealt with anything Portaferry had to offer. Keeper Close made one superb point blank save to keep his clean sheet intact as ‘Burn coasted through the half content to sit on their three goal lead and could afford the luxury of giving all three subs a lengthy run-out. They should, however, have made it four ten minutes from time but substitute Cole missed a sitter from four yards out.

The 3^rd XI’s trip to Ards Rangers lll was called off on Saturday morning when Drome Park was declared unplayable.

In perfect conditions at Bloomfield Playing Fields the 4^th XI entertained Bangor Rangers IV in round 1 of the Mervyn Bassett Cup and romped to a convincing 7-2 victory.

‘Burn started brightly and should have opened the scoring in only the 2^nd minute only for Dickinson to shoot wide.  Kennedy, who was playing in a right wing position, was creating a number of chances down the flank, but his approach play yielded no success. Bryansburn opened the scoring in the 24^th minute when Dickinson made amends and calmly slotted home the opening goal.  Within five minutes the score was level.  The game was very even, however ‘Burn restored the lead with Kennedy bearing down the right wing and after bravely challenging for the ball knocked it in for his first goal of the season.

The second period saw the home side dominate and a quick fire double by Lowry in the opening twenty minutes of the half saw the game end as a contest.  Dickinson added his second, although Bangor Rangers again responded by scoring their second to make it 5-2.  Lowry completed his second half hat trick when coolly rounding the defenders and accurately shooting home.  With five minutes remaining Emberson slotted home number seven.

This was a solid display for the second week running from Bryansburn leaving a final score of 7-2.

Training continues tonight (Thur) at Bangor Sportsplex, 7 – 8pm, and on Tuesday 8 – 9.30pm.

On Saturday the 1^st XI entertain Banbridge Rangers in the 1^st round of the Intermediate Cup while the 2^nd XI travel to Saintfield United Rovers ll. In the Down Area League the 3^rd XI visit Queens Grads lll and the 4^th XI are at home to Brentwood ll.

Players are reminded that annual subs are now overdue and must be paid or they will not be available for team selection.

A number of those booked in for the Club Christmas Dinner at the Stormont Hotel on Saturday 21^st December have still not paid their deposits (£25). Money is also being taken for the Club Trip to Newcastle. The price has now gone up to £120 for return flights to Newcastle and three nights in a Travelodge Hotel and will continue to rise as more people book on. Note that places will only be booked as payment up front is received.  Please see Alan Dempster regarding both events.

The Committee, players, and supporters of Bryansburn Football Club were saddened to hear of the sudden death of long serving Committee Member and Bryansburn stalwart, Jim Crothers. Both Jim and his wife Rosemary spent many years in a caretaking capacity of the Club premises and grounds at Ballywooley. Our thoughts are with Rosie, Stephen and Andrew at this difficult time. The funeral takes place today (Thursday).  

Great Day for ‘Burn

Bryansburn had a successful day on Saturday recording three wins and a draw from the four games played with the highlight being the 1^st XI booking their place in the 3^rd round of the Irish Cup.

The 1^st XI beat Seagoe in their 2^nd round Irish Cup tie but the 2-0 score-line did little justice to an impressive and dominant display in the depths of County Armagh.

Bryansburn were on the front foot from the whistle with Mellon, MacLeod and Kehoe assured in the centre of defence and Tyson & McGreevy causing the home side real problems down the flanks. Half chances fell to Morrison, Cochrane & Thompson with almost no reply from Seagoe but it took a bizarre own-goal after twenty minutes to give ‘Burn the lead. Good work on the right saw Morrison fire in a low shot but as the ‘keeper parried to “safety” their hapless centre-half blasted his clearance against the goalie’s head and the ball rebounded into the back of the net for 1-0. Luck, however, went full circle as the next twenty-five minutes saw ‘Burn totally in control but unable to add to their slim lead. Morrison shot narrowly wide of the post and had a diving header scrambled off the line; a great passing move saw a couple of Thompson shots well saved; Cooling stubbed a twenty yard effort while a string of corners and free-kicks went unrewarded. Half-time 1-0.

Jones replaced Mellon at the re-start and Cooling went close with a free-kick but Bryansburn had ‘keeper Close to thank for a good save to deny Seagoe an unlikely equaliser. ‘Burn resumed the offensive and laid siege to the home goal: Morrison had one shot smothered and another saved; McGreevy’s cross/shot flew inches wide of Tyson’s head and the post and both McGreevy and McMullan shots were foiled by increasingly desperate blocks in the penalty area. Hanna replaced Cochrane and, as ‘Burn pressed with increasing frustration for their second, Close again had to save their blushes by stifling a dangerous free-kick at his near-post. Seagoe sensed that they might get back into the game and threw everything they had at Bryansburn winning a number of free headers from free-kicks and corners but failing to find the net.

As the game went well past the ninety minutes a long clearance found substitute Stannex who calmly rounded two defenders before slotting home for a decisive 2-0 lead and another well-deserved cup victory.

A strange match, with the hardest part of the day negotiating the Belfast traffic chaos on the way to the match. On another day this could have been six or seven nil but as chances came and went without reward there was always the threat of Seagoe snatching a goal and pushing the game into extra time or penalties.

Best for Bryansburn: Macleod, Kehoe and Mellon’s calm and disciplined defending limited Seagoe to a single shot on target in the first forty-five minutes.

The 2^nd XI dropped two points when they drew 3-3 at home to Saintfield ll in an entertaining game at Ballywooley that they should have won.

There was no sign of the goals that were to come in opening twenty minutes as neither side had any chances of note albeit Bryansburn had the balance of play. Then Bryansburn cleared a corner and with a couple of players slow to push out the ball was played back in, headed across goal and tapped in as the visitors’ took the lead.  ‘Burn remained on top but created no more than a few half chances and still trailed 1-0 at the break.

Early in the second half the home side deservedly equalised when Patterson fired in an inviting cross from the left and Mallon headed the ball down and over the keeper to make it 1-1. Tyson then missed a couple of good chances for ‘Burn to take the lead while they survived one scramble in the box at the other end. Hainon replaced Mallon in the centre of the park on the hour mark and within a couple of minutes Bryansburn took the lead. Coard flicked the ball on for Tyson and his shot deflected in off a defender. However, the lead was short-lived as Saintfield hit back. A long throw into the box was flicked on and the ball looped over keeper Moore, hit the bar and was scrambled in.

With fifteen minutes remaining Bryansburn then took the lead for a second time. Coard delivered a pinpoint delivery from a corner to the back post where Parkes timed his run to perfection before volleying in off the underside of the bar. Yet again, ‘Burn failed to hold on to the lead and the damage was caused by another long throw. Patterson failed to clear and the ball fell for a striker to make it 3-3.

In an exciting finale both sides had chances to snatch a winner. Tyson fired the ball across goal and Ballantine hit the inside of the post with the ball rolling across the line before being cleared. At the other end Parkes was caught in possession, Gray brought a player down just outside the box and from the indirect free-kick Saintfield too hit the woodwork. Bryansburn pushed to the end but failed to find the winner their overall play deserved.    

On the other pitch the 3^rd XI were also involved in an entertaining match only they came out on top in a seven goal thriller against Stranmillis 37^th OB.

The opening stages were dominated by Bryansburn and Cardwell was foiled twice by the visiting keeper before the best chance of the match so far. Dempster chipped the ball over the Stranmillis back-line and Cardwell lifted the ball over the advancing keeper. However, the keeper got a hand to the ball taking the pace off it and a defender made it back to clear off the line.

Despite not having been in the game, Stranmillis served a warning as they carved open the ‘Burn rearguard to leave a player in on goal only for Steventon to make a great save. The warning was not heeded as shortly after they were gifted another chance and this time Steventon was beaten at the second attempt as the visitors took the lead.

It did not take long for the home side to equalise when McMurray curled the ball over the keeper, who was off his line, from wide on the left. ‘Burn remained on top and soon took the lead. A free-kick from wide right was swung in by McMurray, Cardwell challenged the keeper, they both missed the ball and it ended up in the net. The game became too open for the rest of the half and Steventon pulled off two saves and Patterson made a great goal-line clearance before 37^th made it 2-2. Even then ‘Burn should have regained the lead before the break. Dempster threaded in Cole and the keeper somehow managed to tip his blistering drive against the bar and over.

Having dominated most of the first half, ‘Burn lost their way somewhat in the early stages of the second half. The visitors had a number of chances to take the lead and would have done so had it not been for Steventon in nets. Finally they did go 3-2 in front, breaking down the right and squaring for the ball to be hammered home.

Bryansburn battled hard and finally played their way back into the game before scoring a brilliant equaliser. Cardwell won the ball in the middle of the park and played it wide right to Cole. He picked out Dempster at the back post and his cushioned header found substitute Gilmer and he blasted the ball home.

The game was now in the balance but Bryansburn always looked the most likely to get the winner and Gilmer was the hero as he chased a ball into the box and stabbed the ball past the keeper. Cole fired in a couple of dangerous crosses, Cardwell was foiled twice and Dempster missed a sitter as ‘Burn tried in vain to kill the game off. In the end it did not matter as Stranmillis never really troubled the ‘Burn defence in the closing ten minutes,

Best for Bryansburn were Cole and Steventon.

The 4^th XI travelled to Greenwell Star ll and returned with all three points after a tremendous 2-1 win.

In perfect conditions a fiercely competitive and entertaining game was played and well refereed by the Match Official.  Greenwell were in the ascendency for the opening twenty minutes, however the visitors defence and keeper Black ensured no break-through was made.  ‘Burn settled for the remainder of the first period and came close on three occasions through Lowry, Dickinson and Stone.  With half time looming a free kick in injury time was met by Lowry whose header back across the six yard box and headed home by Bogle for his second goal in successive games.

The home side were playing some great football and had a number of chances, however with Black in splendid form the visitors remained in front.

Halfway through the second period Stone's pace took him past firstly the midfielder and then the right-back before crossing low towards the back post where Lowry was at hand to double the score. 

‘Burn were reduced to 10 men for a second bookable offence and almost immediately the home side scrambled home a deserved goal.  With ten minutes remaining an injury to Lowry forced a reshuffle.  Canning made his eagerly awaited return to the heart of the defence and maintained stability.  Dickinson broke clear in the dying moments but his shot went past the post.  The visitors defended resolutely until the final whistle to earn all three points.

This was by far the best performance from the squad this season.  “Man of the Match” was Kennedy.

Training continues tonight (Thur) at Bangor Sportsplex, 7 – 8pm, and on Tuesday 8 – 9.30pm.

On Saturday the 1^st XI travel to Iveagh United while the 2^nd XI entertain Portaferry Rovers ll. In the Down Area League the 3^rd XI visit Ards Rangers lll and the 4^th XI are at home to Bangor Rangers IV in the 1^st round of the Reserve Team Cup. .

Players are reminded that annual subs are now overdue and must be paid or they will not be available for team selection.

A number of those booked in for the Club Christmas Dinner at the Stormont Hotel on Saturday 21^st December have still not paid their deposits. Money is also being taken for the Club Trip to Newcastle. Current price is £100 for return flights to Newcastle and three nights in a Travelodge Hotel. Places will be booked as payment up front is received. Please note that the current price will rise as more people book on. Please see Alan Dempster regarding both events.

FLASH HARRY

Bryansburn FC are co-hosting an event at the Stormont Hotel this Saturday 12^th October at 7.30pm. Popular Queen tribute band Flash Harry are appearing in a fundraiser for a couple of great causes. NOW, who find work for and help keep in work, people with learning difficulties and JOINTZ, a support group for children with arthritis will both benefit from proceeds on the night. Tickets (£20) are available from the Stormont Hotel reception as well as from Bill Heron on 91463334, 7 Marlborough Drive, Bangor. Applications can also be made by email to bryansburnfc@btopenworld.com. It is also anticipated that tickets will be made available at the door on the night. Anyone looking for a superb night out should come along for a great time. All welcome.

Bryansburn Looking New Second Team Manager

Bryansburn FC are currently looking for a new 2^nd XI Manager for the rest of season 2013/14. Applications can be made by contacting Hon. Secretary Bill Heron on 91463334 or by email to bryansburnfc@btopenworld.com

This is a great opportunity for either someone looking to take a step up in Management or someone currently taking their coaching badges. The successful candidate will work closely with 1^st XI Manager Paul Moore and the rest of his Management Team and would have an active role to play in coaching players at the Tuesday and Thursday training sessions as well as looking after the 2^nd team on match days.

Good Win for ‘Burn

Bryansburn 1^st XI ran out 4-1 winners against 1C rivals Dromore Amateurs on yet another sun-drenched Ballywooley afternoon on Saturday. Despite the convincing score-line ’Burn had keeper Moore to thank for at least two spectacular saves and probably rode their luck after missing good opportunities and giving the visitors far too many opportunities to get back into the match.

Manager Moore made wholesale changes in his squad for the return to 1C League action and initial signs were good. MacLeod, Mellon and McCormick looked solid at the back; Tyson and Thompson were winning the midfield exchanges and Bryansburn were more than a match for the visiting defence. Morrison & McGreevy saw shots saved after three and five minutes but the game became scrappy and the next twenty saw both sides misplacing passes and squandering good possession.  The tempo lifted with a run from Morrison and shot wide of the post quickly followed by two Thompson shots which whistled over the bar. Dromore were clearly rattled, conceding a string of corners and throw-ins, and ‘Burn finally made the breakthrough when Tyson pounced on a loose ball to slot home for 1-0 on the half-hour mark. Ten minutes later scorer turned provider with the midfielder playing-in Tolson for a clinical finish and a 2-0 cushion at the half-time whistle.

The restart saw Morrison blast over the bar and a Cooling one-on-one saved but at the other end Moore pulled off a sensational finger-tip diving stop to prevent Dromore getting an early foothold. McMullan was unlucky when his powerful drive was blocked and Morrison again found the keepers arms but the Amateurs 60^th minute long clearance stretched the ‘Burn back three and saw the visitors strike for a 2-1 score-line. Nerves were jangling with Dromore going close from distance but the two goal cushion was restored as McMullan released Tyson to double his tally for the afternoon and a 3-1 lead. Dromore responded immediately and even saw a goal disallowed but seconds later Tolson was up-ended in the box allowing Morrison to fire home for 4-1 with twenty minutes to play. Kehoe, Hanna and Jones were introduced but it took another stunning save from Moore, a last-ditch tackle by McCormick, a great tip over the bar and, finally, the woodwork to prevent Dromore snatching at least a couple of consolation goals.

Cooling saw a free kick go high and wide, Tyson was unlucky to miss out on a deserved hat-trick when his shot was deflected onto the post and, in the dying minutes, the tireless Tolson was unlucky not to make it five but the final whistle blew with Bryansburn well pleased with their 4-1 victory.

A solid three points and ‘Burn’s 1C ambitions back on track. Best for Bryansburn were Tyson, two goals and one assist and Moore, three great saves.

 

The 2^nd XI changed all eleven players from their line-up against Bangor Swifts ll the previous week as they fielded arguably the strongest 2^nd XI the Club has fielded in recent years for the trip to league-leaders Greencastle Rovers ll. However, grounds for optimism soon floundered as the team returned with a 5-2 defeat.

To be fair Bryansburn did not deserve to trail 2-1 at the break with Greencastle benefiting from two very fortunate own goals. There was little to choose between the sides in the opening twenty-five minutes of the first half with plenty of endeavour shown by both teams but chances at a premium. Then Greencastle benefited from their first break of the day. Gray headed a corner out to the edge of the box and a shot deflected off Scott and into the opposite corner of the net with Close wrong-footed.

Despite going a goal down ‘Burn were on top for the rest of the half and deservedly equalised ten minutes before the break. Coard collected the ball 25 yards from goal and produced a sublime lob to leave the keeper stranded. It looked like being level at halftime but with the last play of the half the home side forced a corner. The kick came in and header struck Mitchell and deflected into the net. So ‘Burn trailed 2-1 at the interval courtesy of two own goals.

Bryansburn were well in the game in the second half as they tried hard to make it 2-2. However, midway through the half Greencastle struck three times in the space of ten minutes to end the game as a contest. Firstly Gray and Hannion sandwiched a player in the box and Close was sent the wrong way from the penalty spot. Then Brown and McMullan failed to deal with a cross and it was 4-1 before a quick counter-attack left a forward through one on one against Close and he finished well.

After that too many heads dropped although Bryansburn did pull a goal back fifteen minutes from time. Mitchell held the ball up well in the corner and fed Tyson who produced a good finish to leave the final score 5-2.

Best for Bryansburn were Scott and Parkes.

The 3^rd XI were quite simply outclassed by Premier League side Ravenhill YM in the 1^st round of the Sittlington Cup. The home side were young, fast, skilful and played some great football throughout. The effort was there from Bryansburn but a master class in the art of finishing resulted in a heavier defeat than the side deserved. Special mention to stand-in keeper Gilmer who, despite the score-line, made some good saves including one from the penalty spot.

On yet another beautiful autumnal day the 4^th XI entertained Comber YM ll at Bloomfield PF and an entertaining game saw Bryansburn salvage a point with a late equaliser to draw 3-3.

Despite their lowly league position, Comber started the more positively and created a number of early chances which were dealt with by the solid defence aided by Black in nets.
Bryansburn went close with both Stone and Stevenson testing the keeper before the visitors’ took the lead in the 26^th minute. However, ‘Burn plugged away and were rewarded ten minutes later when Bogle equalised with a great header. Just before the break Comber regained the lead with a second strike.

Despite trailing, the home side were playing well and took the game to Comber in the second half before equalising for a second time from a Stone penalty. Chances came and went at both ends as both teams probed for a winner. It was Comber that looked to have taken all three points when they took the lead for the third time in the game with only seven minutes remaining.

 A change of personnel and formation for the last six minutes paid dividends as Bryansburn battled back to earn a point . A long clearance up front was knocked down inside the box and Ferris, who had pushed forward, was on hand to slam home a deserved equaliser with virtually the last kick of the game.

An entertaining game played at a high tempo that sets the standard for the season.

Training continues tonight (Thur) at Bangor Sportsplex, 7 – 8pm, and on Tuesday 8 – 9.30pm.

On Saturday the 1^st XI travel to Mid-Ulster Intermediate side Seagoe in the 2^nd round of the Irish Cup while the 2^nd XI entertain Saintfield United ll. In the Down Area League the 3^rd XI are at home to Stranmillis 37^th OB and the 4^th XI are away to Greenwell Star ll.

Players are reminded that annual subs are now due and must be paid in full by the end of September. Players who have just joined the club have one month from the date of signing.

A number of those booked in for the Club Christmas Dinner at the Stormont Hotel on Saturday 21^st December have still not paid their deposits. Money is also being taken for the Club Trip to Newcastle. Current price is £100 for return flights to Newcastle and three nights in a Travelodge Hotel. Places will be booked as payment up front is received. Please note that the current price will rise as more people book on. Please see Alan Dempster regarding both events.

Tickets are still available for Flash Harry, a fundraiser we are holding in conjunction with NOW and Jointz this Saturday 12^th October at the Stormont Hotel. Tickets (£20) are currently on sale from Alan Dempster and all members are asked to come along with friends and family to support their Club at this event. This is your opportunity to make sure that we do not need to increase annual subscriptions and match fees.   

Finally some great news. Billy Heron was released on Monday from the Royal Hospital after his heart attack and subsequent operation and we are delighted to have him back with us although his role going forward might be more supervisory as he recuperates. Welcome home Bill!

‘Burn Squander Three Points

No fewer than fourteen 1^st and 2^nd team players were on the injured list on Saturday with the knock-on effect being felt throughout the Club as all four senior teams fielded vastly under-strength line-ups for their respective fixtures.

The 1^st XI’s recent Irish and Border Cup heroics were quickly forgotten in a disappointing 5-4 defeat away to League newcomers Colin Valley. A slow start, (which could have seen ‘Burn 3-0 down), was followed by a strong fifty minutes, (turning a 1-0 deficit into a 4-2 lead), before a final collapse saw the three points disappear without trace. Somewhere along the way there were also three disallowed goals, two penalties and two own-goals in a remarkably entertaining game!

A brief, bright opening saw a Morrison shot saved but Colin Valley responded, pouncing on a missed tackle to blast home from eighteen yards for a 9^th minute lead. Two minutes later a goalmouth scramble saw the home side find the net again but, thankfully, the referee spotted the offside. Bryansburn were still riding their luck and only a great save from Moore prevented further loss and while a pin-point McGreevy cross found Morrison the Valley keeper was able to collect the header and launch another attack down ‘Burns left flank. This time a powerful headed effort went inches over the bar and seconds later a free kick from the same position flew across the ‘Burn six yard box failing to find a touch.

Bryansburn’s three man backline of MacLeod, Gray and Hannion began to find their feet and with Tyson, Cooling and Scott making more of an impact in midfield Bryansburn began to create openings. McGreevy & Coard combined down the left to set-up Tolson but his effort went wide before the striker turned provider for Cooling to slot home from the edge of the box for 1-1 on twenty minutes. Colin Valley still looked dangerous on the break but ‘Burn were creating more chances. Coard and Cooling saw shots go wide, Scott had an effort blocked in the box, Tolson’s tap-in at the back post was disallowed for offside and it took a full twenty minutes before Morrison turned their dominance into a 2-1 lead. Thirty-eight minutes gone, with Valley clearly tiring, things looked hopeful but this was Bryansburn and a 42nd minute handball gifted the opposition a penalty and a 2-2 score-line. ‘Burn re-applied the pressure and with seconds on the clock Tolson met a Coard corner to snatch a 3-2 lead just before the half-time whistle.

The early gift of a Colin Valley own goal had Bryansburn 4-2 up within five minutes of the re-start and G.McMullan made a welcome return from injury replacing MacLeod . With Morrison going inches wide with a turn & shot and a Tolson header saved it looked like ‘Burn could extend their lead further but an un-challenged header from a free-kick brought Valley back into the match at 4-3 after sixty-five minutes and only another disallowed effort prevented the scores being level with twenty to go. Bryansburn again pressed the self-destruct button with a rash tackle on the edge of the box and found themselves at 4-4, with fifteen minutes to play, as Colin Valley converted the penalty.

Stannex replaced McGreevy as ‘Burn went to 4-4-2 but casual defending saw the home side go close twice before the unlucky Hannion deflected a vicious cross into his own goal for 5-4 to the home side. Now desperate for an equaliser, or better, ‘Burn brought on Hanna for Scott but the resulting offensive failed and the match was lost.   

Manager Paul Moore would like to thank Lynda Moore, Head Teacher at Pauline Walker School of Dancing for the donation of a match ball for the first team. 

Also, a big thank you to the Burn Supporter for the kind purchase of training balls for the first team.

Along with the number of injuries resulting in so many players being called up to the 1^st team, the 2nds also had to contend with three players cup-tied as they fielded a patched up side for their Junior Shield 1^st Round tie at home to Bangor Swifts ll. This included outfield player Gilmer in goal and Centre-forward Tyson having to play at Centre-half, with two injured goal-keepers on the bench. All in all it proved too much for the young ‘Burn side who battled hard before succumbing to a 4-0 defeat.

 The 1^st half was even enough, with only one goal separating the teams. That arrived early in the half when ex-‘Burn player McKee evaded his marker and volleyed in from a corner. While Swifts had chances to extend their lead, ‘Burn also had chances to equalise. Ballantine was proving the most fruitful outlet for home attacks and saw several shots go narrowly wide.  Then Crawley had a great chance to shoot when put through one-on-one with the keeper but tried to play Ballantine in instead. 

The visitors’ turned the screw in the second half and scored three more goals to seal the game, and it could have been worse for the home team had it not been for a fine defensive display from Jones, Cole, who made several last ditch tackles and Dickson who cleared off the line.

The 3^rd XI competed well for seventy minutes before going down 5-2 at home to Bangor YM lll.

They too felt the knock-on effect from injuries further up the Club but still fielded a team capable of giving the visitors’ a game. In fact Bryansburn were by far the better side for the first half hour of the game. Chances fell to King, Higginson, Dickinson and Wallace as some great attacking play from ‘Burn should have resulted in an advantage. At the other end keeper Steventon was a virtual spectator. Finally the breakthrough came on the half hour mark as King swiveled in the box to fire home.

However, having worked so hard to get in front, Bryansburn then switched off twice in the space of five minutes just before halftime as Bangor YM took the lead. ‘Burn were guilty of allowing YM to get into shooting positions but to be fair both finishes were clinical giving Steventon no chance. Certainly on the balance of play Bryansburn did not deserve to be behind at the break.

‘Burn proceeded to concede again two minutes into the second half and from then on they were up against it. A change of formation to 3-4-3 initially had the desired effect as Dickinson pounced to make it 3-2. However a fourth YM goal all but killed the game as a contest when the visitors’ broke from a Bryansburn corner to race up the pitch and score. So from pushing for an equaliser ‘Burn found themselves two goals down. The final twenty minutes were poor from Bryansburn and Steventon made several good stops as Bangor YM threatened to score more. As it was they just added a final strike in the last couple of minutes.

The 4^th XI returned to winning ways with a fine performance away to Oakfield Breda ll winning 3-2.

‘Burn started brightly with the lively Stone creating a few chances culminating in two excellent saves by the home custodian.

Against the run of play the hosts took the lead with a disputed offside goal and with no official referee it was never easy for ' the man in the middle' to see the offence. Burn equalised almost immediately from a close range tap in and took the deserved lead five minutes before the break.

With six minutes gone in the second period McNeill fired home an unstoppable 25 yarder into the top corner much to his own delight.

Oakfield pushed hard looking to get back into the game and keeper Black made three fantastic saves to keep the two goal lead until he was finally beaten with fifteen minutes remaining. Despite Gardiner having three good efforts on target all saved majestically by the home keeper the visitors could not kill the game off and Bryansburn were glad to hear the final whistle go for a 3-2 win. A better performance than the previous week.

Training continues tonight (Thur) at Bangor Sportsplex, 7 – 8pm, and on Tuesday 8 – 9.30pm.

On Saturday the 1^st XI entertain Dromore Amateurs while the 2^nd XI travel to Greencastle Rovers ll. In the Down Area League the 3^rd XI are away to Ravenhill YM in the Sittlington Cup and the 4^th XI have a home game against Comber YM  ll which has been moved to Bloomfield due to the 1^st team having a home fixture..

Players are reminded that annual subs are now due and must be paid in full by the end of September. Players who have just joined the club have one month from the date of signing.

A number of those booked in for the Club Christmas Dinner at the Stormont Hotel on Saturday 21^st December have still not paid their deposits. Money is also being taken for the Club Trip to Newcastle. Current price is £100 for return flights to Newcastle and three nights in a Travelodge Hotel. Places will be booked as payment up front is received. Please note that the current price will rise as more people book on. Please see Alan Dempster regarding both events.

Finally tickets are now on sale for Flash Harry, a fundraiser we are holding in conjunction with NOW and Jointz. Venue is the Stormont Hotel next Saturday 12^th October and tickets (£20) are currently on sale from Alan Dempster. All members are asked to come along a support their Club at this event.  

HEROIC ‘BURN KNOCKED OUT OF BORDER CUP

Bryansburn 1st XI put in another heroic performance, this time losing 1-0 to Premier side Kilmore Rec in a 2nd round Border Cup tie at Ballywooley, a match that was sponsored by Multiclean, experts in cleaning interior products. Bryansburn would like to thank them for their sponsorship – they can be contacted on 07709 391306.
Always under pressure from the Premier League side after conceding within seven minutes, ‘Burn relied heavily on keeper Moore’s heroics but matched Kilmore all over the pitch and even created a number of chances to make their visitors work hard for a slim victory.
Bryansburn, still struggling with a lengthy list of absentees, were able to welcome back McCormick from injury, Thompson from defection while Scott and Stannex made their first appearances of the season for the 1st team.
Early signs were ominous with Kilmore Rec. looking much the better side and carving out three chances before firing home for 1-0 with ‘Burn slow to settle. When a 25 yard effort whistled over the ‘Burn bar seconds after the restart it looked like the referee’s pre-match prediction of “5-0 at half-time” may have been correct but, fortunately, it was as only as accurate as some of his subsequent decisions. Bryansburn rallied and slick passing from Coard to Tyson saw a Morrison drive denied by a stunning finger-tip save after twelve minutes and moments later a long-range effort from Thompson had the keeper furiously back-pedalling to shepherd the ball over the bar. Bryansburn had another chance when Hannion ghosted into the box and almost connected with a Cooling free-kick but Kilmore were coming to grips with the swirling wind and making their own chances at the other end. The 26th minute saw Moore tip a shot onto the bar, two minutes later a diving save at his near post, seconds after that a safe collection of a 35-yard drive and ‘Burn were well and truly on the back foot. Kehoe, Gray, McCormick and Hannion worked tirelessly to stem the tide and defend eight Kilmore corners while, at the other end, Bryansburn’s only chance came when Thompson volleyed over the bar from a Morrison knock-down. In a frantic final five minutes Kilmore hit the side netting, grazed the woodwork and were thwarted by yet another Moore save, Half-time 0-1.
Normal service resumed after the break with Moore tipping another effort over the bar and a Thompson chip high and wide but ‘Burn could have grabbed an unlikely equaliser when Coard fed Morrison only to see the striker’s shot whistle past the post. Tolson replaced Cooling but last-ditch defending was the order of the day with shots deflected onto the post and corners conceded as Kilmore’s desperation grew. McGreevy replaced Scott and Stannex came on for Thompson but Bryansburn had to dig even deeper to contain Kilmore as the matched edged towards the 90th minute. The final minutes saw Kilmore happy to hold the ball in the corner to protect their slim 1-0 lead to the final whistle.
While it is never good to lose, 1-0, against a side standing three divisions and 42 league places above you, is not a bad result. A great performance from all fourteen ‘Burn players typified by the unusual sight of winger McGreevy’s clean, last ditch, tackle inside his own box with three minutes to play. Best for ‘Burn: Moore’s outstanding display in goal.

With so many first team regulars missing, it was a much changed 2nd XI who travelled to Ballywalter Rec ll for their second league game of the season but the trip was not in vain as they returned with a hard earned point after a 2-2 draw.
 The home team dominated the opening twenty minutes and took a deserved lead although the no9 looked to be in an offside position. However, ‘Burn heads did not go down and they began to create a couple of chances themselves and Ballywalter had their keeper to thank for their lead as he made two top drawer saves from Hanna and Rees. HT 1-0.
The visitors’ made a good start to the second half and equalised through Cardwell from the spot after Hanna was fouled by the home keeper. The Bryansburn defence had to remain on their toes as the home side continued to look dangerous in attack. The home side regained the lead after ‘Burn lost possession and the home striker slotted home. Bryansburn continued to press and the busy Hanna was causing the Rec defence all sorts of problems, with Higginson and Ballantine combining well and having a lot of joy down the right flank. Fittingly it was Hanna who got Bryansburn's equaliser with a smart finish from ten yards. ‘Burn were reduced to ten men when McMullan was forced off with injury and substitutions already made. Ballywalter almost made them pay but Close made a superb save to deny their winger. The visitors had the last chance of the game when Ballantine flew past his marker and looked to have been fouled in the box but the referee waved play on. FT 2-2.

The 3rd XI paid the price for more than a dozen regulars missing from the top two teams and travelled to Abbey Villa lll with a patched up side, by far their weakest lineup of the season. Combined with the fact that the home side fielded a stronger team than the one who had been beaten in a pre-season friendly at Ballywooley, the result was never in doubt. Villa scored in the first minute, last minute and added four goals in between and the score could have been greater had it not been for the ‘Burn keeper who deservedly lifted the “Man of the Match” award closely followed by the Villa no 10 Jamie Turner who ran the midfield as well as helping himself to a clinical hat-trick.

Following last week’s fine performance the 4th XI travelled to Newtown Forest ll with high expectations but returned disappointed with a point after a 2-2 draw bearing in mind they had been 2-0 up at one stage.
Despite missing a number influential players a weakened team deservedly took a 2-0 lead with both goals coming from ‘Burn’s best player Stevenson. However, two points were dropped during a ten minute spell which saw the hosts score twice to earn a draw. Worse still Bryansburn wasted a glorious chance to get the three points their performance merited when they missed from the penalty spot. The management hope for continued improvement over the coming weeks as stability returns to the side as the lengthy injury list clears up.
Training continues tonight (Thur) at Bangor Sportsplex, 7 – 8pm, and on Tuesday 8 – 9.30pm.

On Saturday the 1st XI have an away fixture in Division 1C of the NAFL, opponents unknown at the time of going to press, while the 2nd XI entertain Bangor Swifts ll in the 1st round of the Co Antrim Junior Shield. In the Down Area League the 3rd XI are at home to Bangor YM lll and the 4th XI visit Oakfield Breda ll.

Players are reminded that annual subs are now due and must be paid in full by the end of September. Players who have just joined the club have one month from the date of signing.
Alan Dempster has already taken over twenty names for the Club Christmas Dinner at the Stormont Hotel on Saturday 21st December. Cost is £45 for a five course meal followed by live music from four acts along with 250 revellers at the “Party Nite”. The bus will be leaving Ballywooley at 7pm and leaving the Stormont to return to Bangor at 1.30am. All those going have until the end of September to confirm their place with a £25 non-returnable deposit with the balance due by the end of November.
Alan Dempster also has 18 names for the Club Trip to Newcastle. Current price is £100 for return flights to Newcastle and three nights in a Travelodge Hotel. Places will be booked as payment up front is received. Please note that the current price will rise as more people book on.
Finally tickets are now on sale for Flash Harry, a fundraiser we are holding in conjunction with NOW and Jointz. Venue is the Stormont Hotel on Saturday 12th October and tickets (£20) are currently on sale from Alan Dempster. All members are asked to come along a support their Club at this event.

Bryansburn players and officials would like to send best wishes to Club Stalwart Billy Heron who suffered a heart attack on Friday and has just undergone a major operation in the Royal Victoria Hospital. We hope that he makes a speedy recovery and is well enough to be with us again in the near future