Bryansburn Defeat League Leaders

With all the other games falling victim to the weather, the focus turned to the 3^rd XI who had the unenviable task of travelling to unbeaten league leaders North Down. The home side worked hard on the pitch before it was finally given the green light by the referee but most likely regretted their efforts afterwards as a heroic performance from Bryansburn inflicted their first league defeat of the season.

‘Burn adopted a defensive 4-2-3-1 formation for the game and the tactics worked a treat as they stifled North Down for the whole ninety minutes to the extent that the home side created very few clear cut chances despite that fact that they camped in the Bryansburn half for most of the match.

Right from the start ‘Burn were pinned back by wave after wave of attack but the scene was set with the visitors’ defending resolutely. Centre-backs Cole and Ferris, who was drafted in from the 4^th team, were outstanding from the start coping with everything North Down could throw at them for the ninety minutes. Sitting in front of them Dempster and Murphy protected the back four and proceeded to break up play throughout the game. Keeper Steventon only had a few saves to make, all from long range and his handling was assured in the testing conditions. Last ditch tackles from Cole, Ferris and Dempster all prevented almost certain goals as the home side pressed relentlessly.

As the half wore on the experienced Bryansburn side began to see more of the ball and retained it well as the home side began to get more and more frustrated. ‘Burn began to make headway on the counter-attack and were rewarded when they opened the scoring on the half hour mark. Good build up play involving Scott and McMurray culminated in Cardwell dissecting the North Down defence with a diagonal ball and Scott smashed the ball into the top corner from an acute angle.

As expected, North Down came at Bryansburn with renewed vigour but the visitors’ continued to battle for every ball and fly into every tackle to frustrate their opponents. The defensive heroics looked like protecting the one goal lead to the break when things suddenly got better for ‘Burn with three minutes left of the half. Some good approach play led to McMurray threading the ball though to McGimpsey leaving him one on one with the keeper and he produced a sublime finish into the bottom corner to make it 2-0. At the interval North Down tried to persuade the referee to abandon the game but the conditions had not deteriorated since the start of the game.

‘Burn came out in the second half expecting North Down to throw everything at them and the home side did not disappoint. However, as in the first half, defensive heroics prevented North Down getting a clear sight of goal. McMurray, McGimpsey and Beattie used all their experience to compete in the midfield area while Cardwell continually caused problems in his lone striker role leading to a number of free-kicks for Bryansburn in dangerous areas.

Steventon continued to be assured with his handling and a number of timely challenges and clearances kept the home side at bay. North Down were restricted to little sight of goal resulting in shots from distance that continually went high or wide as Bryansburn run the clock down. ‘Burn then introduced fresh legs in order to assist their battle to hold out.

The defensive rearguard held out until the 82^nd minute when North Down eventually reduced the deficit with a fluke goal as an intended cross sailed over Steventon into the roof of the net. This signalled the start of a frantic last eight minutes plus injury time as North Down threw extra players into attack in a bid to salvage a point. The exchanges became feisty at times with a number of rash challenges from both sides resulting in a number of yellow cards. Defensively ‘Burn remained sound and despite being put under intense pressure the visitors’ never managed to force Steventon into a save.

Then deep into injury time and with everybody bar the home keeper in the Bryansburn half the ball was cleared to McMurray at the half way line and it bounced over the last defender leaving him with a run on goal. He headed straight with two defenders chasing hard but just when they were about to catch him he squared the ball to Beattie who had matched his run and was totally unmarked ten yards out. He took his time to control the ball and clipped the ball past the keeper to make it 3-1 and seal a heroic win.

This was an excellent team performance from an experienced Bryansburn team with a number of players rolling back the years in a vintage display. It was not pretty to watch but Bryansburn got their tactics spot on, frustrating a home side continually for ninety minutes and they simply ran out of ideas as to how and break the defensive formation down.      

Training continues at Bangor Sportsplex tonight (Thur) from 7pm to 8pm and on Tuesday from 8pm to 9.30pm. Players are reminded that attendance in training and payment of any outstanding debts will be taken into consideration when teams are selected for Saturday.  

This Saturday the 1^st XI have a bus booked for their trip to Newcastle in the 4^th round of Coca Cola Intermediate Cup, the furthest ‘Burn have ever been in the competition, while in league action the 2^nd XI are away to St Teresas YC  ll. In the Down Area league the 3^rd XI are away to local rivals Bangor Rangers lll and the 4^th XI are at home to Vision Athletic ll.

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 has now risen to £135 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 as well as the price increasing. Anyone wishing to book on the trip from Friday 30^th May to Monday 2^nd June please contact Alan Dempster.

Finally two social events have been organised in the Clubhouse over the next month. On 22^nd February there will be a Poker Night and on 8^th March a Pool Tournament. Those interested in either of these competitions should give their name to Johnny Ferris.