Bryansburn Rangers had a comfortable although unconvincing 2-1 win over Newtownards side 1st Bangor OB in a Division 1B League encounter.
Following heavy overnight rain, which left the playing surface a bit greasy, Bryansburn started brightly enough with both McConkey and Tumelty leading the 1st Bangor defence a merry dance but despite enumerable shots at goal, all attempts to really test the ‘keeper were to no avail as most sailed harmlessly wide or over the bar. Thankfully, 1st posed no great threat themselves resulting in a goal-less first half with only ex Bryansburn starlet Ennis putting in some powerful runs on the right for 1st.
Bryansburn got the second period off to a great start when yet another mazy run from McConkey set up Culbert to hit the target from close range. Fifteen minutes into the half Bryansburn should have had the match well sewn up in the space of three minutes. First, Tumelty jinked his way through the 1st defence but when faced with the ‘keeper from six yards out somehow managed to tamely poke the ball into the custodian’s hands. A minute later, Culbert stormed his way along the six yard line but was tripped when about to pull the trigger. Unfortunately the referee was on the blind side of the incident and waved play on and then unbelievably, Tumelty again found himself face to face with the ‘keeper and yet again harmlessly poked the ball into the ‘keeper’s hands.
When you miss chances like this you deserve to be punished and that is just what happened. 1st made a quick break on the right but as Steventon went wide to narrow the angle, a cute lob left him in no mans land as the ball sailed over his head and into the net for the equaliser. However, midway through the half Tumelty again wriggled clear but before he could get in his shot, hopefully this time with a bit more power, he was pulled down leaving Culbert the task of hammering in the spot kick.
With fifteen minutes to go 1st were reduced to ten men when Magee had to be carried off, victim of a crude, dangerous tackle. However, the ten men of 1st seemed more able to use the ball and the space better in the remaining time and held out comfortably but before the end there was yet another moment of madness. The 1st ‘keeper accepted a pass back from one full back and whilst trying to play the ball with his feet across to the other full back, he misread his angle and it took a last gasp desperate lunge to hook the ball off the goal line.
Although it was another three points for Bryansburn, the news from Dundonald was a 2-1 win against Shorts leaving Bryansburn still twelve points adrift from the top, albeit with four games in hand.
Bryansburn 2nd XI’s trip to Shorts FC ll was called off due to a burst water pipe meaning that they still have a massive eleven League games to play in the last month of the season.
The 3rd XI had a 3-2 win over Ballygowan, which was more comfortable than the final score suggests.
The first half was one-way traffic as ‘Burn gave Ballygowan a footballing lesson. Bryansburn took an early lead when Beattie split the defence and Dempster scored with a cross-cum-shot to settle the nerves. A second goal soon followed with Thompson flicking a ball from Beckett past ex-Burn player Baillie in the Ballygowan nets. Dempster then played a one-two with Beattie and although his low shot beat the keeper a covering defender managed to clear the ball off the line. ‘Burn were pushing the ball about well all around the pitch but on one occasion were too casual at the back but a forward shot over the bar. Ballygowan did get a foothold in the match when a corner was not cleared and they reduced the deficit.
However minutes later the two-goal advantage was restored when Edwards volleyed a Beattie cross home at the back post. After that the only surprise was that the score remained 3-1 at the interval. ‘Burn attacked at will with Ballygowan chasing shadows and only some good goalkeeping and bad luck prevented a rout.
The second half was a different story as a spirited Ballygowan side battled to the end. They created and missed numerous chances before a good header gave Andrews no chance to pull the score back to 3-2.
At the other end ‘Burn did have their chances to kill the game off. Murphy headed against the bar before Edwards set Cardwell up six yards out but the keeper saved with his legs. Then substitute Flynn stormed through the middle but his drive just cleared the crossbar.
The problem with not finding the 4th goal was that Ballygowan were in with a chance of snatching a point right up to the final whistle. However, ‘Burn held out comfortably enough although based on their first half superiority they should never have been in the position of defending a one goal cushion late in the game.
The 4th XI had a comfortable 4-0 win at Agape ll in the Tommy Murphy Memorial shield.
Goals from Patterson and Jeffers in the first twenty minutes put ‘Burn in the driving seat. McAllister then added a third before half time. Agape improved in the second half creating some chances, which were capably dealt with by goalkeeper Geddis. Their cause was not helped however when they had a player somewhat harshly sent off. Even so, Agape continued to press and were awarded a penalty after a foul in the box. Geddis however produced a fine save to maintain the three goal cushion. Bryansburn raised their game again and pressure from Turnbull led to an Agape defender pushing the ball into his own net. Alex Jones came on at the back for the last ten minutes to partner son Kris and ‘Burn comfortably saw out the remainder of the match.
Tonight the 3rd XI entertain Ravenhill YM at Ballywooley, kick-off 6.15pm while training is as normal for the other three senior teams.
On Saturday: 1st XI V Civil Service (a), 2nd XI V Drumaness Mills ll (h), 3rd XI V Ballygowan (a) and 4th XI V Corrymeela ll (h).
The next social function is a “Nite at the Races” in the Rose on Saturday 24th April so please keep that night free. Horses are now on sale – please see Alan Dempster. Tickets are available for that event and also for the Annual Dinner and Awards Night in the Marine Court Hotel on Friday 21st May. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come basis. Tickets are £25 – again see Alan Dempster.
