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.