Bryansburn 2nd XI returned to League action away to East Belfast ll and lost 6-4 in an open and entertaining match.
‘Burn came out of the blocks well and took the lead when McCullough crossed for Kehoe to flick on into the net. However, the home side responded soon after with two goals, both of which looked decidedly off side. The game ebbed and flowed, with both teams looking likely to score again. The visitors had a couple of chances to equalise with both Coard and Morrison coming close, before taking their chance just before the break when Coard squared the ball to Peeples, who lashed the ball into the top corner from 25 yards with a wonder strike. HT 2-2
The game was tight in the second half until the home referee gave East a very soft penalty when he adjudged their no.9 had been fouled in the box. They then extended their lead when they broke on a counter attack. Coard had a couple of excellent chances to get ‘Burn back into it but was thwarted by a couple of good saves by the keeper. ‘Burn did pull one back when Morrison hit a low drive into the bottom corner of the net, giving the keeper no chance. Unfortunately the ref then took centre stage again with a ridiculous decision. East’s striker blatantly fouled S McAllister, but tucked the ball away when there was no whistle for the foul. They made it six shortly after when they beat the offside trap. ‘Burn tried to keep their heads up in spite of their obvious frustration and Edwards pulled one back, but it was too little too late and the home side held on for the win. A decent performance in parts from the 2nds but scoring four goals should be enough to win any game. FT 6-4
The 3rd XI’s game at home to Corrymeela had to be called off as the 1st team were at home in the JJB Sports Irish Cup and IFA rules do not allow a second match to take place in the same vicinity.
‘Burn 4th XI travelled to Sydenham to play Corrymeela ll and returned on the wrong end of a 4-1 score-line.
The match started with neither side making many chances until, after twenty minutes, a clearance by the ‘Burn defence was hit on the half volley from 25 yards straight into the top left hand corner of the net giving keeper Patterson no chance. Bryansburn responded well and had a couple of half chances without putting the home side under any real pressure. McAllister had to go off injured and Armstrong moved into the defence with Jones pushing forward into midfield. Corrymeela went close again and then struck the post but halftime arrived with just the one goal in it.
‘Burn started the second half pressing for an equaliser but then got caught on the break and a Corrymeela forward clipped the ball over the onrushing Patterson to extend their lead. Corrymeela added two further goals outpacing the tiring ‘Burn defence to go 4-0 up but to their credit the visitors’ refused to give up and Jeffers, ‘Burn’s best player on the day, fired home from close range. Turnbull then nearly pulled another goal back but his shot just went the wrong side of the post leaving Corrymeela 4-1 winners.
This Saturday Bryansburn 1st XI host IFA Championship side Donegal Celtic in the 2nd Round of the WKD Intermediate Cup, kick-off 1.30pm. Unfortunately the rearrangement of this fixture has meant that both the 2nds Walter Moore Cup tie against Wellington Rec ll and the 3rd XI Down Area Premier League game V Bangor Rangers lll have had to be postponed. The 4th XI travel to Ravenhill YM ll. We trust we will have the support of everyone connected to Bryansburn Rangers FC as the side play one of their biggest ever games.
Training continues at Ward Park tonight (Thur) at 6.30pm and on Tuesday 8pm at Bangor Sportsplex.
The Christmas Dinner is this Saturday 19th at the Stormont Hotel. The bus will be leaving Ballywooley at 7pm sharp and is scheduled to return to Stormont at 1.30am
All players are reminded that annual subscriptions are now overdue. Could those who have not yet paid please do so this Saturday.
The Grand Christmas Draw will take place this Saturday 19th December. Would all players please note that they will be still be charged even if they fail to sell their quota.
