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.