Bryansburn
1st XI lost 2-0 to Bangor Amateurs in a closely-fought encounter at
Clandeboye Road on Saturday. ‘Burn probably enjoyed more of the play but bad
luck, suicidal defending and poor passing prevented them capitalising on superior
possession.
A
lively opening saw Full-back Parkes crash a 30-yard effort into the bar, a
Tolson shot smothered by the Amateurs’ ‘keeper and Coard go inches wide of the
post from a Higginson cross. At the other end Mallon made a vital block to defend
stand-in keeper McMullan’s goal and Gray and Thompson were continually in
action marshalling a series of high, swirling, long balls but a solid midfield
partnership between McMullan, Coard and Cooling smothered any threat from the
home side. On the 25 minute mark another run and cross from Higginson found
Morrison but his header beat the keeper only to find the woodwork and four
minutes later the roles were reversed when the winger grazed the foot of the
post from the strikers cross. With thirty minutes played and ‘Burn 5-1 up on
missed opportunities it seemed inevitable that the breakthrough was minutes
away, and it was, but unfortunately
falling to the Amateurs courtesy of some suicidal passing. As so often this
year ‘Burn won the ball in midfield, chose to pass towards their own goal and
then tried to play their way out of an increasingly threatening situation: 1-0
for Bangor Amateurs with a clinical finish from their grateful striker. Shaken,
‘Burn redoubled their efforts but with the opposition gaining confidence it
took a diving McMullan save at the near post to take them into half-time with
only a single goal deficit.
The
second half saw early chances at both ends with a couple of fierce drives going
wide of ‘Burn’s posts while Parkes saw a second effort hit the woodwork with
the Amateur’s keeper well beaten. Bryansburn’s hopes were effectively dashed in
the 65th minute, when, with too many players distracted in disputing
the referee’s decision, an Amateurs free-kick and quick pass found the home striker
un-marked and able to slot home for 2-0.
Four
minutes later it could have been 3-0 when a powerful drive whistled wide but
with twenty minutes to play ‘Burn were still seeing enough of the ball to hold
out hopes of a come-back. Tolson was twice unlucky to see shots saved but over
and under-hit passes in an increasingly swirling wind provided little
additional ammunition for the strikers and easy chances for the opposition to
break up any ‘Burn threat. Stanex and A.Thompson replaced Higginson and Mallon
as Rangers tried to chase an increasing unlikely recovery against the clock.
Final score: a disappointing 2-0 defeat.
Best
for ‘Burn: Parkes, impressive after a long absence. Good first half
contributions from Higginson and Mallon.
The
2nds trip to 1st Bangor ll was called off on Friday with 1st
Bangor’s pitch waterlogged. The plan was to play the same opposition in a
friendly at Moat Park but that idea was shelved on Saturday morning leaving the
side with yet another free week.
The
3rd XI had a terrific result, winning 3-2 away to a Comber Rec lll
side who until last week had only suffered one league defeat. ‘Burn put in a
solid performance and the win was more comfortable than the final score
suggests.
Bryansburn
should have taken the lead in the opening minute when Hanna was threaded clean
through but his shot went wide of the upright. The opening goal was not long in
coming as Ballantine surged into the box and was sent sprawling. The keeper got
a hand to Cardwell’s penalty kick but could not keep the ball out. From that
point Bryansburn were always comfortable to the extent that Steventon had only
one shot to save from the home side in the entire half. At the other end ‘Burn
forced a series of corners and missed a number of chances to increase their lead.
Murphy saw his shot saved while Hanna, Cardwell and Ballantine should all have
scored. Minutes before halftime Cardwell found McGimpsey with a splendid
through ball and he finished comfortably to make it 2-0.
The
second half carried on in the same vein with Bryansburn on top but unable to
get the third goal to kill the game off. Cardwell burst through and squared the
ball to Dempster but over-hit his pass. Then Cardwell made a brilliant mazy run
into the box and pulled the ball back for Ballantine who saw his shot blocked
on the line. As the half wore on Comber began to exert more pressure on the
visitors goal finally calling keeper Steventon into action. They also forced
several corners before finally reducing the deficit with a scrambled goal.
Although Rec continued to press ‘Burn always looked threatening on the break
and it was from one such attack that Ballantine lifted the ball over the
keepers head to make it 3-1.
‘Burn
then introduced all three subs with Jones, Shields and R.Dempster all coming on
to help see the game out. This was being done comfortably enough until four
minutes from time when Murphy fouled in the box and Comber scored a second goal
from the penalty spot. However, it was too little to late as Bryansburn seen
out the last few minutes for a deserved 3-2 win.
The 4th XI gained another three points in the Tommy
Murphy Shield winning 5-2 in a local derby against 3rd Bangor ll.
The opening fifteen minutes saw a competitive start to the
game with the ‘Burn having the better of the exchanges. Having won their 7th
corner it was inevitable that the opener would arrive which it duly did in the
19th minute with Stone firing home from close range after good build
up play by Emberson. Within five minutes the score had been doubled when a 5
man move culminated with Stevenson scoring from ten yards. The hosts continued
to press and Stone added his second with a back post strike from a Dickinson
cross to make it 3-0. Stevenson then hit his second and with five remaining
before the break Stone grabbed his hat-trick to make it 5-0 and end the game as
a contest.
Three changes were made at the start of the second half,
disrupting the rhythm of the side somewhat and 3rd Bangor, determined to
salvage some pride from the game, put in a dogged 2nd half performance to score
two goals. In effect a scrappy second half showing followed an impressive first
half which saw a number of good personal performances. It is the form shown in
the first half that needs to be carried into this week’s important clash
against fellow league contenders Ravenhill YM ll.
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.
Fixtures this Saturday: 1st XI V 18th
Newtownabbey OB (a), 2nd XI V Portaferry Rovers ll (a), 3rd
XI V 82nd (h) and 4th XI V Ravenhill YM ll (a).
For those interested in the Annual Club Trip, the current price
has now risen to £175 for return flights to Newcastle and three nights in a
Travelodge Hotel leaving on Friday 30th May returning Monday 2nd
June. Note that a price of £150 is available travelling with a different
airline but staying at the same hotel. Please contact Alan Dempster if you wish
to join the travelling party.
A bus trip to Down Royal as been arranged for St Patrick’s
Day, cost is £10 for the return trip. Those interested please book your place
with Alan Dempster.
The next social event is a Pool Tournament on Saturday 8th
March so please make plans to attend for what will be an important fundraiser
as well as an enjoyable night. Those interested in competing should give their
name to Johnny Ferris.
