League 1C: Bryansburn Rangers 0 Portaferry 3

Saturday 3^rd 1sts were in action again going down 0-3 to Portaferry. Title-chasing Rovers were probably the last side ‘Burn wanted to face in their 11^th match in 25 days but they managed to field a strong side and put up a creditable performance before their bigger, stronger, hungrier opposition finally ran out worthy winners.

            Portaferry were quickly into the match concentrating on a long ball game giving defenders Parkes, A. Cooling Gray and McMullan plenty of work and effectively by-passing the ‘Burn midfield. Two early breaks saw a saved Stannex shot and Morrison 20yd effort just over the bar but at the other end Close’s goal led a charmed life for the first half hour.  ‘Burn weathered the storm well and Morrison, from a Coard through ball, and McGreevy with a turn & shot just wide almost surprised Rovers but the final 15 minutes saw the visitors force two good saves, hit the woodwork and have a goal disallowed to leave a fragile 0-0 half-time score.

            Predictably, trophy-hungry Rovers went up a gear in the second half and Tolson, McGreevy (replaced by Higginson), Coard and C. Cooling were pushed back to help defend the aerial barrage. A. Cooling was outstanding at centre-half, saving ‘Burn on endless occasions, but Portaferry still managed to make the breakthrough on the hour with a simple passing move and crisp shot making it 0-1. Two minutes later Rover’s hit the bar, Close pulled off a point-blank save and Burn were struggling to find the energy to respond. A 73^rd minute deep cross and goalmouth scramble made it 0-2 and 3 minutes later a misdirected throw out gifted the visitors their 3^rd. Morrison & Stannex, (replaced by Patterson), worked hard to force a consolation goal but in the end Bryansburn were forced to re-group in an “Alamo” formation to survive the final onslaught. Result: 3-0 to Portaferry.      

            Best for ‘Burn: A. Cooling: superb in defence, Stannex: his best performance yet before tiring in the 2^nd half: gritty efforts from the full squad.