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.