Money raised so far

The Bryansburn Rangers committee is committed to raising funds to update the facilities at the club.  To date £180 has been raised through football cards and the Christmas night out ballot (not the main Christmas Raffle) .  The prime target for this money is the addition of a new TV in the clubhouse.  Thanks to all who have helped.

Bryansburn Complete Double

Bryansburn 4th XI made it eight wins from the last nine league and cup games on Saturday when they completed the double against fellow title contenders Moat Park Rangers ll. At one stage ‘Burn led 4-0 and looked to be coasting to victory but ended up clinging on as the visitors’ pulled the score back to 4-3 and would maybe have snatched a point had a penalty been converted.
It was imperative that three points were attained by Bryansburn to put them into the mix at the top of the table. A strong line up fuelled by sound advice from the management team provided the platform for a must win game.
From the beginning the home side were in the ascendancy and the pace of Stone and Ballantine were causing problems down each flank. Cardwell had two attempts on goal, one skimming the post the other being pushed away for a corner. ‘Burn were carving the visitors open with dynamic midfield play inspired by Dickinson. On fifteen minutes Stone just failed to reach a sublime Ballantine cross but two minutes later the opener arrived. Again Dickinson harried the defence and the loose ball was slipped under the keeper. Further chances came before in the 21st minute the score was doubled. A free-kick from Gardiner was met on the volley by Stone to give the keeper no chance. Injured Cardwell was replaced on the half hour mark by Lowry and he settled immediately as Bryansburn remained on top. No fewer than ten corners were won and it was one way traffic. A shot by Dickinson was parried by the keeper and the quick thinking and nimble Ballantine nipped in to slot home number three.
The halftime talk ensured complacency did not set in as Moat were smarting. Lowry found the net early in the second half for number four before a lot of pressure from the visitors’.
Emberson replaced Ballantine after Moat scored a scrappy goal. Then a defensive blunder saw them grab a second which renewed their interest in the game and for the last twenty minutes their tails were up and they pressed constantly. Moat missed a penalty, the ball coming back off the post, before with eight minutes remaining the unthinkable happened as they scored a the third goal. The nerves were now jingling but the defence stood firm.
The final whistle could not have arrived soon enough and after three minutes of injury time the points were won. A fantastic result and a great game to watch.
If Bryansburn continue in this form the final league positions will be very interesting.
“Man of the Match” was Dickinson.

There will be no training until next Thursday 2nd January at Bangor Sportsplex, 7 – 8pm. A good turnout is essential with a full programme on Saturday 4th January.

This Saturday the 1st XI entertain Carryduff YM in the 1st round of the Clarence Cup and the 2nd XI have a free week. In the Down Area league the 3rd XI and 4th XI are away to Agape and 3rd Bangor OB ll respectively.

It has been a busy time for Cup draws involving Bryansburn. In the 4th round of the Coca Cola Intermediate Cup the 1st XI have been drawn away to Newcastle on 25th January while the 3rd XI have been drawn away to Queens Grads lll in the Quarter-final of the Frank Memorial Cup on 11th January and the 4th XI have been drawn at home to Comber YM ll in the Quarter-final of the Mervyn Bassett Cup on 18th January. In the group stages of the Tommy Murphy Memorial Shield the 4th XI have been drawn in group C along with 3rd Bangor OB ll, Comber Star ll, Queens Grads IV and Willowfield Parish ll.

Despite constant reminders there are still some players who owe annual subs and match fees. It this is not rectified those concerned they will not be available for team selection.

Flight times for the annual Club trip have been changed by the airline. Those going should speak to Alan Dempster for details. The current price is £120 for return flights to Newcastle and three nights in a Travelodge Hotel but please note that with the number of flights on each day reduced from three to one the remaining places will soon go. Anyone wishing to book on the trip contact Alan Dempster.

The Bryansburn Grand Christmas Draw was held last Saturday in the Clubhouse. Prize winners were (1209) Stuart Mellon, (864) Geoff C, (1817) Paul Nesbitt, (1542) Ian Murdock, (32) Courtney McMullan, (1557) Rob Steventon, (1096) Beth McMullan, (613) Paul Donegan, (157) Agnes Dawson, (869) T.Mathers, (61) Elaine McDonnell, (558) Mrs M.Moore, (1770) Matt Bradley and (1631) David Smith. The Clubhouse will be open this Saturday from 12.30pm onwards for any unclaimed prizes to be collected.  

Support the 4th team

On satursay 21st the Bryansburn 4th team are the only team in competitive action. They are playing Moat Park, the league favourites at bloomfield playing fields at 2pm. Come along and support the team.

The raffle draw will take place after the match at the clubhouse.

Bryansburn Make History

Bryansburn 1^st XI reached the 4^th round of the Coca Cola Intermediate Cup for the first time in the clubs history courtesy of a stunning 4-2 win at Ballynahinch United on Saturday. Division 1B opposition, a howling gale, traffic gridlock in the town and the usual compliment of unavailable players were forgotten in yet another outstanding Cup performance.

In the early stages both sides struggled to cope with the conditions but, playing with the swirling wind, ‘Burn looked the more threatening. Morrison went close from a 7^th minute Coard cross, McGreevy and Mallon found space and opportunities but no telling pass down the flanks until Coard settled the nerves with a 25-yard shot for 1-0 with twelve minutes played. Ballynahinch responded with a dangerous low cross across the six-yard box (which failed to find a touch) and Close had to dive to parry a near-post effort and shepherd a couple of corners past either side of the woodwork. Much of the hard work was undone on the half-hour when indecision between keeper and fullback allowed the Ballynahinch winger to slip in and level at 1-1 but three minutes later McGreevy and Coard combined to find Morrison to restore the lead after his first effort was blocked.

As the minutes ticked away 2-1 looked to be a slim wind-assisted lead and ‘Burn rode their luck as Ballynahinch twice went close to levelling again. Cooling & Tyson worked tirelessly in the mud-bath midfield to break-up attacks and McGreevy was unlucky with a 43^rd minute drive but at halftime Bryansburn retired to the changing room to re-group for what looked like a difficult 2^nd half.

Manager Mellon’s half-time advice on how to defend a slim lead in the face of a howling gale and rejuvenated opposition obviously worked wonders. Bryansburn came out playing a high line with McMullan and Gray ably marshalling a string of long balls to safety and Close providing only one vital save to deny United their single clear opportunity. The ‘Burn midfield, notably Cooling, did well to add some composure in the face of a strengthening gale and managed to pick out the odd opportunity to push back the tide.

On rare breakaways Mallon saw a cross graze the bar and Morrison twice denied when one on one with the ‘keeper but it was increasingly a case of “all hands to the pumps” as the IB side continued to press for an equaliser. After seventy minutes Ballynahinch came close with a shot hitting the post and a goalmouth scramble from the resulting corner but, immediately, ‘Burn responded with the best move of the match (and possibly the season). Close threw to Kehoe who released Mallon down the left and when the winger was finally halted by three United defenders he played a cross-field ball to Tyson on the edge of the box: Tyson contemplated the shot but slipped the ball wide to McGreevy who baffled his marker with a step-over allowing Higginson to get behind the defence and cross for Morrison to complete the seven-man move and head home at the back post for a 3-1 lead with twenty minutes to play.

The home side were clearly rattled and another inch perfect Cooling pass four minutes later allowed Morrison to evade two defenders and blast home from the edge of the box to complete his hat-trick and the safety of a 4-1 lead. Ballynahinch responded immediately to take it to 4-2 with a 25-yard strike but ‘Burn reshuffled bringing on subs Stanex & Ballantine while hat-trick striker Morrison moved to Centre-half.  The final fifteen minutes were undoubtedly tense but there was a renewed confidence and spirit in the squad and Ballynahinch found little reward from their all-out assault on a team contemplating possible opposition in the 4^th round.

Best for ‘Burn: a brilliant team performance by both players and back-room.

              

The 3^rd XI crashed 5-1 at a surprisingly strong Ards Rangers lll side. ‘Burn elected to play into the gale force wind in an attempt to keep the score down but the plans were blown up in the air as they conceded two goals in the opening ten minutes. At least Bryansburn then settled and kept possession well as they managed to frustrate the home side. Reward came in the shape of a goal from Hanna who finished well after being found by McMurray. Cardwell burst through and chipped the keeper only to see his effort go inches wide of the post as ‘Burn looked for what would have been a deserved equaliser.

With ten minutes to go before the break ‘Burn still trailed 2-1 and were on course for a job well done before turning round with wind advantage. However, then it all went wrong. The experienced Bryansburn side were naive as the home side scored three times in nine minutes. A couple of the finishes were excellent but ‘Burn had only themselves to blame for some sloppy play.

Turning round 5-1 with the gale now behind them, ‘Burn went all out to get a foothold in the game. The keeper made smart saves from McMurray, Dempster, Cardwell and Hanna while shots rained over and wide but the deficit remained at 5-1. A change in formation saw ‘Burn go three at the back in a 3-4-3 formation but still they could not make any headway.

As the half wore on it was actually Ards who looked the more likely to score as they put together some impressive counter-attacks and only the agility of keeper Steventon prevented the home side from adding to the score. The time ticked away with Bryansburn unable to pull even one goal back in a goal-less second half.

A very poor performance from a side who had won seven games out of their last eight in league and cup.

The 4^th XI’s great run continued when they followed up last week’s victory over league-leaders Moat Park Rangers ll with a 2-0 victory over Brentwood ll on the main pitch at Ballywooley. This completed the league double over the current league champions.

On an afternoon when it was difficult to control the play ‘Burn created a number of half chances against the gale force wind in the first half, keeping the ball on the deck and enjoying the majority of possession.
On the half hour mark, Stone’s inventive wing play led to the opener when his cross was headed home by Emberson who had made a surging from midfield. This proved to be the only goal of the first half and the home side turned round to have the elements in their favour.
Wind assisted in the second period, Bryansburn pressed Brentwood in their own half with Dickinson, in particular, working tirelessly in midfield. An impressive five man move culminated in Stone’s cross being bravely headed home by Parkinson.

In the closing stages ‘Burn could afford the luxury of giving all three substitutes a decent run out while carefully seeing out the game for a great three points.

Training continues tonight (Thur) at Bangor Sportsplex, 7 – 8pm but please note that there will be no training on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day or New Years’ Eve with the next session scheduled for Thursday 2^nd January.

On Saturday the 2nd travel to Suffolk ll while the 4^th XI entertain Moat Park Rangers ll on the main pitch at Ballywooley.

Despite constant reminders there are still some players who owe annual subs and match fees. It this is not rectified those concerned they will not be available for team selection.

Flight times for the annual Club trip have been changed by the airline. Those going should speak to Alan Dempster for details. The current price is £120 for return flights to Newcastle and three nights in a Travelodge Hotel but please note that with the number of flights on each day reduced from three to one the remaining places will soon go. Anyone wishing to book on the trip contact Alan Dempster.

The Christmas Draw will be made in the Clubhouse this Saturday 21^st December at 5.30pm. Please have all tickets returned in time to be included in the draw.

On Sunday there is a charity game scheduled for Ballywooley and the Clubhouse will be open for the live football. All support welcome.

Everyone connected with Bryansburn Football Club would like to Congratulate James and Robyn Stone on the birth of their first child Lottie.

Finally, the annual Over 30’s V Under 30’s challenge match will take place on Boxing Day. Those interested in playing please contact respective Managers Alan Dempster and Alan McMullan. Kick-off is at 10.30am followed by a day of festivities in the Clubhouse including all the live football so come along prepared to stay.

Welcome Three Points For Bryansburn

A good Saturday for Bryansburn FC saw three wins from the four games played with the highlight being a win for the 4^th XI at league-leaders Moat Park Rangers ll who had boasted a 100% record before the game.

Bryansburn 1^st XI picked up a welcome three points with a 2-1 win over Mossley YM at Ballywooley. Dominating the play, taking a 2-0 lead and seeing their opponents reduced to ten men before half-time, ‘Burn nonetheless struggled to add to their tally, conceded a penalty, and were ultimately relieved when the final whistle confirmed victory.

The first half saw a reshuffled Bryansburn in complete control with Mossley restricted to occasional counter attacks. McGreevy & Tolson tortured the visitors and both Morrison, with a header after five minutes, and Stanex with a shot on nine, were unlucky not to score. Keeper Close shepherded a looping cross/shot past the ‘Burn post after twenty-five minutes and tipped a rasping drive over that bar on the half-hour mark but a solid performance by defenders Gray, McMullan, Higginson and Kehoe denied Mossley any further joy in the final third. Up front Tolson was unlucky to see a goal disallowed for offside but with Coard and Cooling providing a string of through balls it was only a matter of time until ‘Burn would get the better of the stiff following wind and find another scoring opportunity. In the end “route one” provided the answer with a long Close kick finding Stanex and his pass rattled home by Morrison for a 1-0 lead after 37 minutes. Three minutes later the striking pair combined again to exchange passes before Morrison made it 2-0, his 15^th of the season, slotting home a parried Stanex shot with five minutes to go to the break. When Mossley lost a player courtesy of a very harsh red card a minute later, it looked like “pain-sailing” for ‘Burn and they headed to the dressing room as odds on favourites to win by four or five goals.

Bryansburn, however, rarely take the easy route and within ten minutes of the restart ‘keeper Close had made another fine save and Kehoe had to react quickly to clear a goalmouth scramble following a Mossley corner. Hanna came on for the injured Cooling but a 65^th minute 20-yard free-kick was judged to have hit an arm and the visitors duly converted the penalty for an uneasy 2-1 score line. Mallon replaced McGreevy, Bryansburn had plenty of the ball and a man advantage but a string of over-hit long-range passes gave the strikers little ammunition and Mossley continued to hope of snatching at least a draw.

Mallon shot wide, a Higginson cross somehow evaded the vital touch from both ‘Burn strikers and Coard was unlucky when his 20-yard shot from a well-rehearsed Mallon corner went inches wide of the post. The final fifteen minutes saw Mossley in control with ‘Burn scrambling to protect their lead and only a blocked Morrison volley in the 82^nd minute in reply.  The final whistle, a 2-1 win and three points, was greeted with a huge sigh of relief.

Best for ‘Burn: Morrison and Close. 

The 2^nd XI suffered because of the number of regular first and second team players missing and travelled for their Templeton Cup game away to Suffolk ll with a very young, inexperienced team. The final score shows that they were beat 7-1 but the shadow Bryansburn side fought well for over half the game.

‘Burn actually made the better start of the two teams and took a 6^th minute lead when Scott popped up on the end of a set piece. It was a lead that Bryansburn held on to comfortably enough until the half hour mark when the home side equalised courtesy of a drive from the edge of the box that went through a ruck of players and beat keeper Douglas, making a welcome return after several months out with a bad injury. Just before the break Suffolk crept in front when they beat the offside trap to score and lead 2-1.

The second half was competitive until the home side increased their lead and then the wheels came off as heads dropped and some players suffered from a lack of fitness. Still, encouraging signs from a number of the young players including sixteen year-olds Greer and McMullan.

The 3^rd XI made it seven wins from eight with a comfortable 6-1 win at a spirited Clandeboye YM in the Frank Moore Memorial Cup. “Man of the Match” was the prolific Cardwell who helped himself to a five goal haul.

Three of those goals came in the first twenty-five minutes of play while fellow veteran Dempster failed to convert three good chances that came his way. Cole shot over and sixteen year-old Reece Dempster had a shot blocked on the line. He also saw another effort dip just over while Cole could have added to the score with a couple of efforts. Towards halftime Clandeboye should have made more of a couple of counterattacks but it was Bryansburn who scored again with Cardwell getting his own and the visitors’ fourth goal before halftime.

The second half saw a rather lack-lustre performance from Bryansburn with a place in the Quarter-finals already booked. Clandeboye showed a lot of spirit and hit the post before deservedly notching a well-taken consolation. At the other end Cardwell struck for the 5^th time to make it 5-0 before Dempster, who had three efforts cleared off the line in the second half, finally scored to complete the scoring.

The 4^th XI had a number of players unavailable for the trip to unbeaten league-leaders Moat Park Rangers ll but a determined and spirited eleven put in a superb performance to record a 2-0 victory.

The makeshift management team were determined not to let their hosts’ boss the game and the players obliged. The home side created a number of chances but it was Bryansburn who opened the scoring when Dickinson headed in from an Emberson corner. Immediately Moat pressed, putting the visitors’ under a lot of pressure and Black had to make a great save from a penalty to keep the 1-0 lead intact.
The second half was as competitive as the first until just after the hour mark Emberson lobbed the keeper from 35 yards to double the lead. The remainder of the game was all about the ‘Burn defence who stood firm to prevent Moat Park getting back into the game. They managed to restrict Moat to few chances and the whistle finally blew for a well deserved victory.
              

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

On Saturday the 1^st XI travel to Ballynahinch United in the 3^rd Round of the Coca Cola Intermediate Cup in a bid to make the last 32 of the competition for the first time while the 2^nd XI have a free week. In the Down Area League the 3^rd XI are away to Ards Rangers lll and the 4^th XI entertain Brentwood ll at Ballywooley.

Despite constant reminders there are still some players who owe annual subs and match fees. It this is not rectified those concerned they will not be available for team selection.

Flight times for the annual Club trip have been changed by the airline. Those going should speak to Alan Dempster for details. The current price is £120 for return flights to Newcastle and three nights in a Travelodge Hotel but please note that with the number of flights on each day reduced from three to one the remaining places will soon go. Anyone wishing to book on the trip contact Alan Dempster.

The Christmas Draw will be made in the Clubhouse on Saturday 21^st December. Please try and return your ballots this Saturday.

The Club Christmas Dinner is on Saturday 14^th December with 36 booked into The Phoenix. Anyone else wanting booked in please see Johnny Ferris or Mark Coard. Please come prepared to stay on after the football. Note that Christmas Jumpers are compulsory

Congratulations to James & Robyn

Bryansburn Rangers, players, supporters and committee members would like to congratulate James and Robyn Stone on the birth of their first child Lottie who was born on Friday 6th December.

Bryansburn Out of Luck

Bryansburn 1^st XI emerged with only a single point in a 1-1 draw with Iveagh United. A good overall performance saw a big improvement on their last encounter with the West Belfast side but a sleepy first half, poor final balls and no luck in front of goal denied them the three points they probably deserved.

Thanks to the efforts of apprentice grounds-man Russell and his team, ‘Burn were able to run out onto a pristine Ballywooley pitch for the first time in five weeks but a sluggish first half-hour did little justice to the arena. Misplaced passes, over-hit through-balls and poor final delivery made for a scrappy start with only a soft header from Morrison going goal-wards. ‘Burn were unfortunate to lose A.McMullan to injury after only ten minutes but Gray slotted seamlessly into the defence with Close rarely troubled and Higginson, Thompson and Mallon very much in control. Iveagh burst into life with a long-range effort and header both going close after twenty minutes but ‘Burn answered the wake-up call with a Morrison breakaway ending in a shot drifting wide of the post and a Coard sixteen yard effort solidly blocked by United’s defence. As halftime approached Bryansburn finally started to get their passing going and a well worked Tolson, Morrison, Coard move went agonisingly wide before a goalmouth scramble at the other end saw an own-goal gift the visitors’ a 1-0 half-time lead.

The second period opened brightly with a training-ground corner working right up to the point where Morrison’s low drive was well blocked with a tight-angle shot from McGreevy going inches over the bar. Tyson and Coard had the midfield well marshalled and ‘Burn started to win free-kicks and corners as the pressure increased. A pin-point delivery from McGreevy was firmly nodded home by Thompson for 1-1 after 57 minutes and suddenly it was “one-way traffic”. Tyson shot over the bar on 63; Cooling found the hedge rather than the net after 65 and Coard took the same route on 70 as R.McMullan made a welcome return (for Tyson) and Stanex replaced McGreevy.

Iveagh were now relying on the long ball, as much to relieve pressure as seek a winner, but a towering performance by the ‘Burn defence and centre-half Thompson in particular ensured that they didn’t meet with any success. In the last minutes Bryansburn’s bad luck continued with Thompson heading inches wide and, almost on the whistle, Tolson’s fierce drive missing bar and upright to leave a 1-1 draw and single, meagre point in the bag.

Three points would have been a better return but, as with last week, Bryansburn showed that they have the tools but just need a bit of luck a little more confidence.

Best for ‘Burn: Thompson

  

The 3^rd XI made it six wins from seven with an ultimately comfortable but somewhat frustrating 4-1 win at bottom side 82^nd.

The first half was the frustrating aspect of the performance as Bryansburn failed to make the breakthrough despite 45 minutes of dominance. Cardwell could have had a hat-trick and Cole blasted over with the best of the efforts but too often the final pass did not match the quality of the build-up. At the other end keeper Steventon was a virtual spectator with 82^nd not having an effort worth noting. A number of doubtful offside decisions made by the home referee also served to add to the frustration and a series of corners came to nothing.

At least in the second half ‘Burn upped a gear. Dempster had a header cleared off the line and Cardwell tested the keeper twice before the breakthrough finally arrived in the 56^th minute. The keeper failed to hold a through ball from McComb and McGimpsey was first to the loose ball to fire into the empty net. The goal settled the nerves as ‘Burn finally produced the flowing football they are capable of with Full-backs Dickson and Beattie bombing down the flanks to link up with McMurray and Cole. McMurray and Cardwell went close and Dempster was felled in the box for what should have been a stonewall penalty before substitute Hanna was slipped through and he made no mistake to double the lead.

Minutes later fellow sub Ballantine lifted the ball over the keeper to make it three and Cardwell had two more shots saved before he finally got his name on the scoresheet.

‘Burn pressed forward looking for a fifth goal and then disaster struck in the last minute as Bryansburn lost their clean sheet. The home side attacked on the break and a low shot somehow nestled in the corner of the net. Seconds later the final whistle blew with Bryansburn 4-1 victors.  

The 4^th XI entertained Corrymeela ll on a brisk winter's day and came away with all three points after a comprehensive 8-0 victory over the strugglers.

Bogle opened the scoring after three minutes and Lowry doubled the lead soon after. It was one way traffic with Stevenson and Stone both adding to the score sheet after an own goal to make the score 5-0 at the break.

Ten minutes into the second half, with the score still at five, all three substitutions were made and ‘Burn continued to play neat attractive football. Stevenson completed his hat trick with two more including an excellent header and Lowry got his second to complete the scoring. A solid performance ahead of next week's telling game against unbeaten Moat Park Rangers ll.

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

On Saturday the 1^st XI entertain Mossley YM while the 2^nd XI travel to Suffolk FC ll in the 2^nd round of the Templeton Cup. In the Down Area League the 3^rd XI are away to Clandeboye YM in the Frank Moore Memorial Cup and the 4^th XI visit league-leaders Moat Park Rangers ll.

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.

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