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!