‘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).