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