Bryansburn 2nd XI were knocked out of the Junior Shield at Ballywooley at the 1st round stage by a strong St Pauls’ outfit.
Both teams started on the offensive seeking an early goal but it was the visitors who got it when their striker arrived on the end of a well-worked move. The game flowed from end to end with neither team giving the other any breathing space. St. Pauls’ broke on several occasions and ‘Burn had to thank keeper Murdock, who made a number of excellent saves, for not conceding further. For the last twenty minutes of the half Bryansburn took a stranglehold on the game and looked likely to score from any one of several pinpoint crosses but McMullan and J McAllister were unable to find the back of the net. The visitors were glad to hear the half time whistle with their slender lead still intact. H-T 0-1.
Bryansburn started well in the second half and the visitors to their credit defended well. ‘Burn created a couple of chances with Cole coming closest but firing just over the bar from the edge of the box. Then the game turned on its head when St Pauls’ scored their second after a couple of unfortunate ricochets for ‘Burn left the St Pauls striker with a tap in. Bryansburn tried to respond but lost some belief after this sucker punch and were vulnerable to some good counter attacking play from the visitors. A miserable day was complete when St Pauls’ scored three further goals in the last fifteen minutes against a beleaguered Bryansburn side.
‘Burn will be disappointed with this heavy cup defeat despite the final score flattering the visitors but must look forward to returning to league action next week. F-T 0-5.
The 3rd XI moved top of their League with a comfortable 6-2 win over a much-changed Bangor Swifts lll side from the previous week.
For the opening half hour the spirited visitors were the much better side and they had four decent opportunities to open the scoring but failed to take them. The home side just could not get going and as a result failed to trouble the Swifts keeper. However from the half-hour mark onwards ‘Burn got to grips with the game and the chances began to come thick and fast. Edwards and Cardwell both missed from point-blank range when it looked easier to score before the deadlock was broken in the 33rd minute. Williamson found Cardwell out on the left flank and he headed for goal. For some reason the Swifts defenders backed off him and he made it into the box and finished in the bottom corner. Minutes later the lead should have been doubled but Williamson was guilty of a terrible miss. However he redeemed himself shortly after with a tremendous finish that gave the Swifts keeper no chance to make it 2-0. With Cardwell missing another good chance ‘Burn finished the half well on top.
The first goal of the second half was going to be important and it was Bryansburn who made it 3-0 within two minutes of the restart with Cardwell on target for his second strike of the game. At this stage the home side were in complete control with Hardy and Williamson running the midfield. Swifts battled hard and were rewarded with a goal on the hour mark to make it 3-1.
‘Burn merely stepped up a gear and Cardwell squared the ball for Edwards to score the 4th goal before the veteran striker produced a sublime finish to complete his hat-trick and kill the game off making it 5-1. ‘Burn were now able to introduce all three subs including sixteen year-old striker Keable. A late strike from Bangor Swifts was followed by a 6th Bryansburn goal in the final minute. Shivers made a darting run, played a one-two on the edge of the area, darted into the box and just as he was about to pull the trigger he was chopped from behind. Justice was done as Shivers dusted himself down and hammered the resultant penalty into the top corner.
Yet another great team performance but tougher games lie ahead. Best for Bryansburn were Hardy and Williamson. Great to see Murphy making his first start of the season after injury and Cardwell notching yet another hat-trick. Special mention to teenager Nelson who was drafted in for his 3rd team debut at Right-back and acquitted himself very well.
The 4th XI’s trip to North Down ll was called off at the request of the Newtownards side leaving ’Burn with a free week.
