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.