Bryansburn Rangers won 4–2 away to Shorts at Aircraft Park on Saturday in their first League match since the beginning of December.
‘Burn took the lead after 15 minutes when a sweeping ball from the left by S Barr was latched onto by R Barr who took his time before smashing his shot by the keeper into the roof of the net. ‘Burn increased their lead on the half hour mark when Tumelty curled in a free kick from 20 yards which left the keeper with no chance. With half time approaching Shorts got back into the game when the centre forward tapped home from close range after Galbraith had saved his original effort.
The second half was only a couple of minutes old when Shorts got the equaliser as Bryansburn where caught cold although the strike from the edge of the box gave keeper Galbraith no chance. ‘Burn then upped their game again and created several good chances but failed to get the lead back until Tumelty scored again after some excellent work down the right flank by Culbert who had chased a long ball by S Barr. As time was running out and Burn seemed “dead on their feet” substitute Thompson scored with his first touch after being released by Culbert.
A solid performance after all the cup games that ‘Burn have played recently and good to get three points considering all of their title rivals where occupied with cup games this week.
Bryansburn 2nd XI travelled to Larne in Walter Moore Cup action on Saturday but suffered a 2-1 defeat to Wellington Rec ll.
The tie had a scrappy start with both teams unable to get their passing games going and it came as no surprise when the first goal came from a hopeful punt upfield which the ‘Burn defence failed to clear and the Wellington striker scored with a simple finish. The setback woke the visitors up and they started to string a few moves together but unfortunately the front pair wasted every chance that came their way.
’Burn were denied a penalty when Flynn was tackled from behind and the referee waved play on claiming that he had tripped over a rabbit hole.
The 2nd half started well for Bryansburn as they put Wellington under a lot of pressure despite failing to trouble the keeper. Corr came on for Flynn and linked play up with the midfield more as ‘Burn searched for a goal. However it was Wellington who doubled their lead when they got down the wing and put a good cross in and with all ‘Burn players turning away as the ball went out on its way over, a home player tapped in. The referee, 30 yards away, let the goal stand.
Bryansburn again pushed hard and finally pulled a goal back when Edwards connected well with a cross to fire into the corner of the net.
Peeples replaced the injured Bowater but with time running out the visitors failed to grab the equaliser that would have forced extra time.
On the day Bryansburn played well enough but the strike force failed to capitalise on the chances that were created.
The 3rd XI lost 2-1 at Comber YM in a game that was always in the balance and either side could have won.
‘Burn started well and the Comber keeper made a superb save to deny Dempster in only the 2nd minute. Minutes later Bryansburn were awarded a penalty when Gallagher, making his return after several months out injured, surged down the left flank and was chopped as he went into the box. Dempster slotted home the resultant spot kick to give ‘Burn a deserved lead.
Comber came back strongly and had a glorious chance to equalise when Cole made a rash tackle in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. However keeper Andrews made a great stop from the penalty kick. Comber went close several times to an equaliser with Andrews making a couple of smart saves before Bryansburn should have extended their lead. Cardwell burst through and lobbed the advancing keeper but just as the ball was going in to the unguarded net an awkward bounce saw it hit the post and stay out. The miss was to prove costly as minutes later Comber equalised. Andrews reacted brilliantly to tip a rasping shot against the crossbar but unfortunately the rebound went straight to a home forward who made no mistake.
Dempster had a header saved from an excellent Beckett cross and likewise McComb from a Beattie corner but the game remained 1-1 at the break.
The second half was in the balance with both sides having chances to snatch all three points. Bryansburn had three free-kicks at the edge of the box but only Cole managed to work the keeper while Cardwell hooked a close-range shot just over. At the other end ‘Burn defended well and Andrews dealt capably with anything that did get through.
What proved to be the winning goal came midway through the half when Comber crossed from the right and although Andrews got a hand to the header he could not keep it out. Bryansburn finished strongly searching for an equaliser but despite a lot of possession and territorial advantage failed to create many chances. The home side had a goal disallowed late on for offside but that did not matter as they held on to win 2-1.
The 4ths match against Moat Park Rangers ll was off due to a waterlogged pitch.
Fixtures this Saturday: 1st XI V Dundonald (a), 2nd XI V Mossley YM ll (h), 3rd XI V Comber Star (h) and 4th XI V Greenwell Star ll (a).
