Bryansburn Edged Out in Local Derby

Bryansburn 1st XI lost 1-0 at Bangor Swifts despite dominating the match and creating most of the goal-scoring chances.
The first half was a scrappy affair with both sides over-hitting and slicing passes on a slippery surface but with Thompson, McMullan, Kehoe and Higginson solid in defence, Swifts rarely troubled ‘keeper Close. Tolson and Mallon found some success on the wings but Morrison’s miss-hit shot from three yards, a couple of over-hit free-kicks and a blocked Mallon effort were the only clear opportunities as both sides struggled to play any flowing football. In the dying minutes of the half Swifts saw a rare shot clear the bar before making the breakthrough right on the whistle when a free-kick was poked home after a good block by Close.
Re-starting 1-0 down ‘Burn finally started to threaten and link midfield to attack. A 57th minute Morrison cross found Mallon who hit the side netting and minutes later roles were reversed when the winger’s cross saw the striker’s header well saved by the Swifts’ keeper. Cooling slipped a ball through to Morrison who forced another save, Kehoe supplied Coard but his shot went the wrong side of the post and, in the 70th & 73rd minutes, first Coard, then Mallon found the woodwork rather than the net. Gray replaced Mallon but with the clock ticking down and a Morrison shot flying over the bar it became more a case of “if” rather than “when” Bryansburn would score. Bryansburn, committed to attack, rode their luck as Swifts saw efforts fly past the post and over the bar in the final five minutes but for ‘Burn their chances had come, and gone.
Final score 1-0: disappointing but probably typical of the way football works! Last week saw Bryansburn scoring with every other opportunity and bagging four spectacular goals while this week they probably would not have scored if they had played beyond sunset.

The 2nd XI were ravaged by injury and unavailability resulting in them travelling to Newington Rangers ll with one of their weakest line-ups of the season. On the plus side full debuts were given to sixteen year-olds R.Dempster and R.McMullan and both youngsters did very well despite the side returning with a 3-1 defeat.
The opening twenty minutes were scrappy before Newington took the lead with the first attempt of the match, a forward firing home from the edge of the box. Bryansburn had chances to equalise, most notably efforts by Patterson and Ballantine but it was the home side who increased their lead just before the break with a carbon copy of their first goal.
Collins entered the fray at halftime for his first game since being injured three months ago and he settled in at Centre-half alongside Tyson with Brown moving to Left-back. Five minutes in to the second half Newington attacked down the flank and the ball ran three yards over the line before being crossed. Tyson caught it to take a quick goal kick and the referee unbelievably pointed to the spot. The penalty was converted and ‘Burn were 3-0 down.
After that Bryansburn dominated the rest of the second half but despite so much possession and territorial advantage they created very little in the way of clear-cut chances. With five minutes remaining Crawley pounced to pull a goal back but it was too little too late as ‘Burn did no more than force a few corners in the closing minutes.  

After five wins in a row the 3rd XI finally tasted defeat going down 3-2 at Stranmillis 37th OB. The home side pulled off a real “smash and grab” as they were outplayed for the majority of the match and only had five attempts on goal over the ninety minutes whereas ‘Burn dominated.
The opening exchanges were tight although Bryansburn lost the experienced Dempster after only five minutes to be replaced by sixteen year old Greer making his debut. Cardwell had the only chance of the opening fifteen minutes swivelling in the box to fire over the bar. Midway through the half came a defining moment in the game. Cardwell threaded in Cole and he hammered the ball past the keeper and against the underside of the bar. A defender hoofed the ball down the pitch for the home side to score the opener totally against the run of play.
‘Burn remained on top, playing all the football. They should have equalised when McMurray threaded his way into the box round several players only for the keeper to make a spectacular save, somehow turning his ten yard effort over the bar. The resulting corner was cleared, the ball was hoofed down the pitch and Stranmillis made it 2-0 with Steventon ruthlessly exposed again. The rest of the half saw Bryansburn press for the goal to get the back in the game but with no joy.
The second half continued in the same vein as the first with Bryansburn on top until for the third time in the game the home side broke to make it 3-0 with only their third attempt of the match. ‘Burn stuck to the task but despite creating numerous efforts they failed to reduce the deficit. A change in formation from 4-4-2 to 3-4-3 saw the Stranmillis rearguard put under severe pressure but strikes from Greer, Cardwell, Cole and Murphy were all off target. The keeper then saved brilliantly from McMurray for the second time in the match and denied McGimpsey, Cardwell and Cole. At the other end Steventon, who had been a virtual spectator, pulled off two brilliant saves to prevent the embarrassment of conceding a fourth goal on the break.
In the 82nd minute Bryansburn finally found the net with Cole supplying the finish. Sixty seconds later McGimpsey forced the keeper into an error and squared the ball for Cardwell to roll into the empty net. It was now 3-2 and game on.
Somehow Stranmillis survived the final six minutes plus injury time despite being pinned in their own area. The keeper made a couple more fine stops and a couple of good chances went begging but ‘Burn ran out of time and succumbed to their first reverse in six matches.    

The 4th XI had an easy 11-0 win over visiting 82nd ll in the 2nd round of the Mervyn Bassett Cup.
All the pre-match build up was about the poor performance the previous week and the team had to listen to some stern words from defensive coach Heasley. The team started very brightly and set their stall out in a very attacking 3-4-3 formation. Parkinson, who started on the right, set the marker down with some very mazy runs and after seven minutes was unlucky to see his shot blaze over the bar. It was on ten minutes when Parkinson opened the scoring with a fine finish after great work from Kennedy playing in the wing back role. The score was soon doubled when again Parkinson fired home from close range. Gardiner, who was pulling the strings in midfield, slipped a fine pass to Dickinson who in turn lobbed the keeper from twenty-five yards. The home crowd gave the goal the applause it fully deserved. On 35 minutes another goal arrived this time from Lowry and a fifth was soon added again by Dickinson. Just before half time Kennedy picked up the ball a full 35-yards from goal and let fly with the ball nestling in the corner of the goal. Half time 6-0
There was no let up in the second half and further goals were added by Lowry and Stone. The management gave the three substitutes a good run out and birthday boys Bogle and Emberson showed why they are a vital part of the squad to combine for the former to score twice in the space of a couple of minutes.
The away side were, by this stage, waiting for the full time whistle but a further strike from Stevenson, who put it a faultless shift in midfield, completed the scoring. A fantastic performance with the clean sheet particularly welcomed by the management. “Man of the Match” was awarded to Gardiner who did everything but score.
Final score 11-0

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

On Saturday the 1st XI entertain Iveagh United while the 2nd XI have a free week. In the Down Area League the 3rd XI are away to 82nd and the 4th XI take on Corrymeela ll at Bloomfield.

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.

Finally Christmas ballots are now available. If you have not yet received yours please pick them up from John Russell on Saturday. The Draw will be made in the Clubhouse on Saturday 21st December.

The Club Christmas Dinner is on Saturday 14th December. Please see Johnny Ferris for details.

Stunning Victory for Bryansburn

Bryansburn 1^st XI returned from 1C title favourites Portaferry Rovers with a stunning performance, 5-4 victory, three points, and renewed hope for their 2013/14 league season.

‘Burn played out-of-their-skins to grab a 5-1 lead and then weather a 45 minute backlash from Portaferry (and some unfortunate refereeing decisions) to prove that they may yet be true contenders.

The first fifteen minutes were difficult with Rovers playing the better football and threatening to add to their 4^th minute 1-0 lead but ‘Burn slowly settled, helped by a stunning Tyson 25-yard equaliser, and began to carve out their own chances. Morrison, Tolson and McGreevy were proving too hot for the home defence and two chances and near misses fell to Coard before the midfielder crashed home a 25-yard free-kick on the half hour mark for his 3^rd of the season and a 2-1 lead. Portaferry still looked dangerous on the break but they were not having much luck in front of goal whereas on the other hand ‘Burn were lethal. Three minutes later Morrison headed down to right winger McGreevy who fired in from twenty yards to make it 3-1 and the lively Tolson joined the scoring spree with another spectacular shot from a Kehoe cross to make it 4-1 at half time.

The second half started with Morrison chasing down a first minute back-pass to score for a seemingly unassailable 5-1 advantage. Portaferry were stunned but immediately moved up a gear and peppered Close’s goal before a slick end-to-end passing move saw them grab a second for 5-2 after 55 minutes.  Mallon, McMullan, Thompson and Kehoe worked flat-out to contain an all-out aerial assault but were helpless when yet another long ball dropped to a suspiciously off-side Rover’s striker who made it 5-3 with thirty minutes to play.

Bryansburn thought that they may be off the hook when a Portaferry player was red-carded but eight minutes later a visiting player picked up a second yellow to restore the status quo. Mellon replaced Mallon, Cochrane came on for Cooling but ‘Burn were still struggling to contain a rampant Rovers revival. Close saved well at his near post and dived full-length to get his finger-tips to a low drive but was powerless when a goalmouth scramble & apparent clearance was deemed to be a goal in the 88^th minute. Bryansburn were now hanging on at 5-4 but when the referee added three, then another four minutes to the game nerves were jangling. Thompson, Kehoe, McMullan and Tyson performed the heroics needed while Morrison & Tolson did their best to keep the ball in the opposition half but at the 97^th minute whistle the sigh of relief could probably be heard at Ballywooley!

Stunning goals, a superb team performance, and three points: a great afternoon.         

The previous week the 1sts were knocked out of the Irish Cup at the 3^rd Round stage by Lisburn Rangers despite a spirited second half fightback. A slow, nervous start saw them 3-0 down at the break but anyone joining the game after the interval would have seen Bryansburn totally out-playing the opposition and unlucky not to come even closer or, perhaps, even  salvage a draw and extra time.

The first half was something of a disaster. Bryansburn had no answer to Lisburn Ranger’s flowing passing game and, but for heroic performances from Kehoe, Hanion, McMullan and Close, things may have been a lot worse. Tentative tackling and miss-placed passes in midfield forfeited any control of the proceedings and while Coard, Morrison and Cooling each had a single long range shot Lisburn Rangers forced a dozen corners as well as grabbing goals in the 21^st, 36^th and 42^nd minutes. Halftime came with some relief and a 3-nil score-line.

Whatever happened in the interval Bryansburn emerged as a completely different team. Within four minutes McGreevy had a shot saved and Morrison a drive deflected over the bar and with McMullan and Coard dominating the centre of the park Lisburn were struggling to escape from their own half and growing increasingly more desperate in their attempts to stop the onslaught. A handball gave Morrison the opportunity to slot home a penalty for 3-1 and ‘Burn continued to press for further reward, shuffling the line up to increase the pressure and address his opponents’ attempts to get back into the game. Cochrane, Tolson, Kehoe and McGreevy ran riot down the flanks, a Coard shot was parried into Morrison’s path only for the striker to drive inches high and 35 minutes passed without a single response from the home side. Lisburn introduced all three substitutes and were unlucky when a header, from their single 2^nd half corner, hit the bar, but they still couldn’t find a way to escape ‘Burn’s pace and relentless chasing, harrying and invention. Stannex replaced McMullan, a Coard 30 yard effort drifted agonisingly over the bar on the 85th minute mark but with the clock ticking away ‘Burn simply ran out of time.

The team can be justifiably proud of their second half performance but must regret their “no show” in the first 45. Best for ‘Burn: Hanion & Kehoe.

The 2nds had a very comfortable 8-0 win away to Kilroot Rec ll. ‘Burn would certainly have been well into double figures if the referee had not blown up early. Goals came from Tyson (3), Thompson, Hanna, Higginson, Beattie and sixteen year-old Dempster.

The 3rds made it five wins out of five to move 4^th in the league with a convincing 4-1 win at Ballywalter Rec lll.

‘Burn made a great start when Ballantine skinned his marker in the 3^rd minute only to be sent sprawling in the box and Cardwell converted the resultant penalty. Ballantine was then twice denied by the keeper and Dempster fired a Cardwell cross over from close range as Bryansburn looked to extend their advantage. The home side flashed one effort across Steventon’s goal but apart from that it was one way traffic. Cardwell soon made it two after a great run by Ballantine, his shot deflected past the keeper by a defender before completing his hat-trick after being found unmarked in the box. Just before the break Ballywalter pulled a goal back to give them a glimmer of hope for the second half.

After the break the expected backlash came from the home side but a solid back four of Scott, Patterson, McComb and Dickson weathered the storm to the extent that Steventon did not have a save to make. In the middle of the park McGimpsey and Murphy battled to remain on top while, at the other end, ‘Burn probed for the 4^th goal to kill the game off. The keeper made great saves from Cardwell, Dempster and McMurray before Ballantine deservedly got on the scoresheet with a fine solo run and finish. ‘Burn should have scored again but a blatant penalty was turned down and a defender’s sliced clearance hit the station in his own goal and came back out only for the referee not to give it. Either way, Bryansburn seen out the game comfortably enough. Best for Bryansburn was Ballantine.

The previous week the 100% run was under serious threat when the 3rds trailed 43^rd OB 3-0 after half an hour but a heroic performance saw ‘Burn fight back to win 5-4.

The home side dominated the first half and deserved their lead with two smashing goals. A twenty-five yard free-kick into the top corner followed by a sublime finish both gave Steventon no chance. Then when a sliced free-kick flew into the net to make it 3-0 it looked bleak for Bryansburn. Added to the fact that Steventon made two brilliant saves there seemed no way back.

However in the 38^th minute Cardwell played in Shields and he was brought down by the keeper in the box. Cardwell slotted home the penalty kick and minutes later he was on the end of a McMurray cross to stab home from close range. Suddenly it was 3-2 at the break and game on.

In the second half McMurray crossed for Dempster to power home a header to equalise before Cardwell finished well to complete his hat-trick and put the visitors’ in the lead. When a free-kick from the halfway line from Cole missed everybody in the box and nestled in the net ‘Burn led 5-3. However, 43^rd pulled the score back to 5-4 with ten minutes to go and from then on it was all about Bryansburn trying to get a sixth goal to kill the game off and the home side probing for an equaliser.

The nearest Bryansburn came was a 25-yard shot from McMurray which rattled the crossbar with the keeper well beat. At the other end Patterson and McComb marshalled a sterling defensive show to keep 43^rd at bay.

The 4ths impressive eight game unbeaten run came to an abrupt end on Saturday in a four nil reverse against Greenwell Star 2nds.  Having beaten the same opposition three weeks ago, hopes were high for a further three points but from the start it was apparent that things were going to be more difficult against a much changed Greenwell side.

The first 25 minutes were even with few chances being created by either team.  On the half hour mark Greenwell took the lead with a well taken goal.  As half time neared, from an attacking throw-in deep into Greenwell territory, possession was lost resulting in a long punt up field which wasn't cleared leading to an easy tap in for Greenwell’s 2nd.

‘Burn created a couple of half chances in the opening ten minutes of the second period.  Parkinson was introduced and made an instant impact creating a couple of chances for Ferris who had his header cleared off the line.  The visitors’ veteran goalkeeper also produced a wonder save from Gardiner to keep the score at 2-0.  The management went for a 3-4-3 formation searching for goals; however within a minute found themselves three down following another defensive blunder which led to an easy goal which ultimately killed the game.  A fourth goal was added with fifteen minutes remaining and the game ended in a dull fashion.

A very disappointing end to a promising run, however a number of positives were taken from the game and the same mistakes will not be made in future games.

     

The previous week the 4ths battled to a heard-earned victory over Oakfield Breda ll.      

The first half saw the home side go close on no fewer than ten occasions with the Oakfield keeper in outstanding form. He produced three “out of this world” saves, the best being from a point blank hammer shot from Stone which somehow he managed to push over the bar. The visitors’, against the run of play, then opened the scoring with a well worked goal.
The second half began as the first finished with ‘Bryansburn having attack after attack without scoring. Parkinson replaced Emberson and within five minutes the sub levelled from close range after some excellent approach play. With fifteen remaining it looked like it was not to be - chances were created, goal line clearances, saves were made. Finally, from a right wing cross from Dickinson, Stone back headed to grab the winner.

Evergreen Heasley added composure and experience in the closing stages and it will not be long before he reaches the milestone of 100 goals for Bryansburn albeit over a lengthy split period.

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

On Saturday the 1^st XI entertain Bangor Swifts while the 2^nd XI travel to Newington Rangers ll. In the Down Area League the 3^rd XI are away to Stranmillis 37^th OB and the 4^th XI take on 82^nd ll at Bloomfield in the 2^nd round of the Mervyn Bassett cup.

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.

Finally Christmas ballots are now available. If you have not yet received yours please pick them up from John Russell on Saturday. The Draw will be made in the Clubhouse on Saturday 21^st December. 

Under 16s new kit as part of sponsorship deal

Bryansburn Rangers Under 16s are very pleased to show off their new adidas kit received as part of the sponsorship deal with Ballyrobert Vauxhall.

The team travelled to the Ballyrobert showroom and are pictured here with the new Vauxhall Insignia.

The kit was presented by Jane Mills, Ballyrobert Vauxhall to under 16s manager Russell Proctor.

Also pictured are Lisa, Ballyrobert Vauxhall and John Russell, Bryansburn Rangers committee member. 

 

Excellent Performance from Bryansburn

Bryansburn 1st XI’s up & down season hit a new high with a stunning 6-1 thrashing of Banbridge Rangers in the first round of the Intermediate Cup.
Not only had heavy rain threatened the fixture, (already re-scheduled after last weeks’ deluge) but their opponents were from Mid-Ulster Intermediate A making the performance all the more remarkable. Furthermore ‘Burn were not only missing a number of regulars but were coming into the match after a poor league run and manager-less. Things didn’t look good!
Caretaker manager Mellon shuffled the squad, dumped the unpopular 3-5-2 formation, re-instated Coard and Tyson, and the result was immediate. ‘Burn took to the field with energy and purpose missing from recent weeks and simply out-played their supposedly superior opposition.
Bryansburn were on top from the whistle: Coard and Cooling provided a steady supply of through balls to Morrison, Tolson and McGreevy who tortured the visiting defence while Tyson’s tackling and a solid back four snuffed out any occasional threat. Nonetheless less it took 23 minutes before a slick interchange between Coard and Cooling allowed Morrison tap in for 1-0 and the striker, fed by Tolson, was only denied his second when the keeper saved well moments later. One-way traffic, in swamp conditions, saw a McGreevy cross almost converted by Tolson but on 25 minutes, while everyone hesitated for a free–kick claim, Morrison out-stripped the Banbridge defence to chip in from close range for 2-0. A nervous fifteen minutes saw a predictable response from Banbridge but G&A McMullan, Hainon & Kehoe matched every counter and two finger-tip saves from Close denied longer-range efforts. In the dying minutes Tolson was denied at the other end but the half ended 2-0 to ‘Burn.
The second half saw a temporary suspension of the monsoon rain and Bryansburn played some of their best football of the season. Cooling, Tyson and Coard combined to release McGreevy to convert from twenty yards for 3-0 and Coard started and finished another slick passing move with Morrison and Tolson to make it 4-0 with only fifty minutes on the clock. Banbridge, clearly stunned by the developments, went on the offensive and won a penalty and when Close saved they were lucky to get a toe to the rebound and grab a consolation goal. ‘Burn’s keeper again proved his worth tipping over a vicious shot after 64 minutes and, after clearing the corner, Tyson knocked the ball to Coard who grabbed his second and a 5-1 lead. Bryansburn were home (if not dry) and when Tyson was felled in the box Morrison completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot. Subs Mallon, Higginson, and Cochrane replaced some tired legs and safely saw the game out to a well-deserved 6-1 victory.
This was a fantastic team performance even without considering the match, the conditions and the pre-match circumstances. Best for ‘Burn: Coard, Kehoe, Morrison & Tyson.
Bryansburn have received a bye in the 2nd round so are now through to the last 64 of the competition.

The 3rd XI made it three wins in a row with a last minute winner against Bangor Rangers lll.
The visitors made the more positive start with a couple of long range attempts on goal off target before deservedly taking the lead with a well worked goal and finish. However, ‘Burn hit back to equalise within minutes. McComb played the ball forward from the back, Dempster and the opposing Centre-half challenged for the ball which broke for Cardwell to home in on goal and score.
This settled ‘Burn and the home side began to look the more threatening. Some good attacking moves carved Bangor apart but too often the final ball was not of the same quality as the build-up. Cardwell then cut in from the left and rapped the crossbar with a curling left foot shot from 25 yards. Midway through the half Cardwell then linked with McMurray who was brought down in the box for a clear penalty. Cardwell stepped up to convert the spot kick and make it 2-1.
As expected Bangor Rangers rallied but the Bryansburn defence, superbly marshalled by Patterson and McComb, stood firm although stand-in keeper Gilmer made one superb save from a header.
In the second half the visitors’ enjoyed their best spell of the match and they fired a golden chance wide before the outstretched boot of Gilmer deflected another effort just wide. ‘Burn also had to defend a number of corners which they did successfully until a soft header went through a crowded goalmouth and nestled in the back of the net to make it 2-2.
Both sides then went in search of a winner and Cardwell missed a couple of good chances before McMurray screwed his shot just wide. The introduction of Ballantine gave the home side added impetus and he made one mazy run before firing just wide of the post. In the closing stages Bangor Rangers enjoyed more of the ball without looking like scoring and ‘Burn were always threatening on the break.
With both sides looking to settle for the draw, which would have been a fair result, Bryansburn then struck with a dramatic last minute winner. Ballantine was the architect making a run into the box before squaring for Cole who took one touch and rifled into the bottom corner. There was no chance for a reply as the final whistle blew seconds after the restart.

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

On Saturday the 1st XI entertain Lisburn Rangers in the 3rd round of the Irish Cup with a 1.30pm kick-off while the 2nd XI travel to Kilroot Rec ll. In the Down Area League the 3rd XI are away to 43rd OB and the 4th XI take on Oakfield Breda ll at Bloomfield.

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.

Finally Christmas ballots are now available. If you have not yet received yours please pick them up from John Russell on Saturday.