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.