‘Burn Lose Local Derby

Bryansburn 1^st 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 65^th 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 1^st Bangor ll was called off on Friday with 1^st 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 3^rd 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 4^th 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 19^th 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:  1^st XI V 18^th Newtownabbey OB (a), 2^nd XI V Portaferry Rovers ll (a), 3^rd XI V 82^nd (h) and 4^th 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 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. 

The next social event is a Pool Tournament on Saturday 8^th 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.

Finally congratulations to Phil Tyson and Mark Coard who were the winner and runner-up in the Poker Tournament on Saturday. Thanks to all those who attended to support the Club.