Bryansburn 1st XI went top of Division 1B on Saturday with a convincing 4–1 win away to fellow challengers Lisburn Rangers.
‘Burn took the lead after only five minutes with a contender for goal of the season. Cooling’s cross from the right was headed clear to Tumelty who controlled the ball on his chest and volleyed over the keeper from all of thirty-five yards. With fifteen minutes gone ‘Burn doubled their lead with Centre-half Kane finishing well into the bottom corner from twelve yards after a Maguire set play on the right. Bryansburn had a twenty minute spell when they played some outstanding one touch football and should have killed the game but both Culbert and Barr missed some glaring chances. With only minutes to go before half time Lisburn pulled one back when some slack marking again from a set play let the attacker in to head past keeper Steventon.
In the second half ‘Burn again piled on the pressure and put Lisburn on the back foot but could still not get the third goal with the home keeper denying Barr with two outstanding saves. Bryansburn got their third goal from Full-back Graham who saw his shot deflected past the keeper from the edge of the box after Lisburn failed to clear a corner form the left hand side. With time ticking away Culbert finished off a flowing move involving five players to finish the scoring and give ‘Burn all three points. However there was still time for Coard on his return to Bryansburn colours to miss an easy header from just outside the six-yard box.
An important three points with an excellent performance from the entire squad as they moved top of the table for Bryansburn’s highest League position in their history.
Bryansburn 2nd XI played their 1st game in three weeks, looking to turn around a recent run of poor results and returned from Dromara Village ll with a point after a 1-1 draw.
They started brightly and had the first opening of the game in the opening minute when a Bryansburn head just failed to meet a Cole cross. Both teams tried to get into their passing game and created chances and Morrison hit a long-range effort that went narrowly wide. At the other end, the Dromara striker forced an excellent save from Gardiner who did well to keep the game scoreless. On the half hour mark, ‘Burn broke the deadlock. Peeples challenged the keeper for a Cole cross and the ball fell to Corr who was in the right place at the right time for a tap in. The visitors had several chances to extend their lead. A great move down the right saw the ball crossed in but J McAllister just failed to connect with his diving header attempt. Corr then went on a mazy run and beat three defenders only for the keeper to snuff out the danger. HT 0-1.
The home team started to put pressure on the Bryansburn defence in the second half, but the back four stood firm and reduced the Dromara attack to half chances. The visitors searched for an elusive 2nd on the counter attack, with Morrison going close on a couple of occasions. However, home domination in terms of possession eventually told with fifteen minutes to go. ‘Burn failed to clear a corner and the Dromara striker hit the ball in through a pile of bodies to equalise. Chances after this were few and far between as Bryansburn held out for a well fought and well earned draw. FT 1-1.
The 3rd XI were vastly understrength including having no recognised keeper for the trip to Brentwood and suffered their worst defeat of the season going down 4-1.
The home side dominated the first half but some sterling defensive work from the back four of Larmour, McComb, Storey and Beckett meant that stand-in keeper Edwards had only one save of note to make. Little was seen from ‘Burn by way of an attacking threat but they looked capable of reaching the break level until a flicked header sailed into the top corner.
‘Burn made a terrible start to the second half and Brentwood doubled their lead with a well-taken goal. However Bryansburn stuck to their task and enjoyed their best spell of the match before being rewarded with a goal. A flowing move saw the ball worked to Lemon outside the box and his low drive took a deflection to leave the keeper wrong-footed. At 2-1 ‘Burn were well in the game but Brentwood scored a well-taken third goal to all but make the points safe.
When Storey had to leave the field ill ‘Burn had to play the remainder of the game with ten men and Brentwood really took over playing some great one-touch football. They only added one more goal but could have made the score even more impressive only some good chances were missed while Gilmer, who took over from Edwards in nets, made one fine save.
No complaints from the 3rds on the day. Simply they were beaten by a much better side who will definitely be in contention for the title this season.
The 4th XI game at home to Rosemount Rec ll was off due to a waterlogged pitch.
Training continues at Ward Park tonight (Thur) at 6.30pm and on Tuesday 8pm at Bangor Sportsplex.
Fixtures this Saturday: 1st XI V Shorts FC (a), 2nd XI V Wellington Rec ll (h), 3rd XI V Oakfield Breda (h) and 4th XI V Queens Grads IV (a).
The Christmas Dinner has been booked in the Stormont Hotel for Saturday 19th December. There are still a few players who have been booked in but not yet paid their £25 deposit. Please sort this on Saturday or places will be cancelled.
All players are reminded that annual subscriptions are now due. Could those who have not yet paid please do so this Saturday.
In the 3rd Round of the Irish Cup Bryansburn have been drawn at home to Dungiven on 21st November. On the same date the 2nd XI have been drawn at home to Park View in the 3rd Round of the Junior Cup.
In the 2nd round of the Intermediate Cup ‘Burn have been drawn at home to Donegal Celtic on 28th November.
Christmas Draw tickets are now available from the respective Managers. Would all players please note that they are expected to sell their quota.
