‘Burn Fight Back to Win

Bryansburn 4^th XI were the only side to beat the elements on Saturday and they travelled to Queens Grads IV to open their Tommy Murphy Shield campaign with three points at the impressive facilities of the Dub.
The ‘Burn squad travelled determined to get off to a good start in their qualifying group, knowing that failure to start with three points would leave it a harder task to qualify for the knockout stages.
The game started in almost perfect conditions in what could have been the first day of spring, but despite Bryansburn creating all the early chances, the cold harsh reality of winter soon returned. Quickly, the hardy ‘Burn supporters looked for shelter off the pitch, while the forwards, on the field, continued to look for the opener. Lowry should have opened the scoring only for the ball to take a bobble and his shot went well over from close range much to the amusement of his brother Shane on the sidelines. Other chances came and went as the visitors’ struggled to make the breakthrough. Despite playing into the strong wind and sleet, ‘Burn were always in control and an interval stalemate was looming.

Then from a rare Queens attack the hosts opened the scoring following sloppy defensive indecision and lack of communication. This rattled the Bryansburn side who had not conceded a goal for a number of matches and worse was to follow as the home side added a second on the stroke of halftime.
Wind assisted, the second half was expected to change the game in ‘Burn’s favour and the long ball was used to maximum effect. With only six minutes gone a Stone corner found J.Ferris and he brushed aside two defenders before firing home from eight yards - game on. Armstrong replaced Parkinson and within five minutes the game was level. A Dickinson cross was met by the substitute and although the keeper parried his shot, Stone was on hand to knock in the rebound.

Canning then made a welcome return replacing the hard working and energetic Kennedy. Midway through the half a long ball from keeper Black was controlled majestically by Lowry and he then turned past two defenders, danced around the keeper before slotting home the third and what turned out to be the winning goal. Evergreen Heasley entered the fray to add experience and his hold up play and effortless running kept the hosts at bay until the final whistle.

This was by no means a great display but to quote first team Manager Mellon who was in attendance, "the team displayed resilience and to come from two nil down and win was a positive to be taken from the game"
Better performances lie ahead for this squad.

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:  1^st XI V Bangor Amateurs (h), 2^nd XI V 1^st Bangor ll (a), 3^rd XI V comber Rec lll (a) and 4^th XI V 3^RD Bangor OB ll (h).

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 30^th May returning Monday 2^nd 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. 

On Saturday Bryansburn are running a Poker Night starting at 7pm. Those interested should give their name to Jonny Ferris. There will also be a Pool Tournament on 8^th March so please make plans to attend two events that will help raise funds for the Club as well as being enjoyable nights.