Bryansburn opened their league campaign away to much fancied Ballynahinch United last Saturday and came away with a well deserved two nil win.
‘Burn started rather nervously in the opening minutes, however, the midfield partnership of the influential Maguire and McGimpsey started to stamp their authority on the game and with great passing released Mallon down the left only for his low cross to be too close to the home side’s goalkeeper.
The away side’s back line was well marshalled by young keeper Wallace who dealt comfortably with everything that was asked of him.
McConkey, playing alongside main striker Culbert, should have opened the scoring early on for Bryansburn. After great wing play from Mallon he was put through on goal but his resulting chip was deflected away for a corner.
McConkey’s League debut for Bryansburn was short lived as he had been suffering the affects of a chest affection and with his energy levels sapped he unfortunately was unable to continue and had to retire after only twenty minutes. A further blow to the visiting team was when Mallon, only five minutes later, also had to go off due to a reoccurring knee problem. The players were replaced Williams and Mills who made their competitive debuts for the Club.
In past seasons this would have disrupted the ‘Burn attack but with the new additions Bryansburn continued to control the game. The hard-working Murray burst by three Ballynahinch players to unleash a great effort only for it to go inches wide. Shortly after he had another great effort when at point blank range the keeper managed to get his body in the way and scramble the ball away. The agile keeper was in magnificent form and he continued to keep his side in the game.
Firstly from McGimpsey, back to his normal self and along with Maguire dominating the midfield, after a great move down the right by Cooling forced a corner for the away side. After a scramble in the box the home side keeper made a miraculous save to turn the ball away for another corner. A great ball in then found the head of Graham and with the ball heading into the corner of the net the keeper once again managed to get across his goal to put the ball around the post, for a save that can only be described as world class.
The second half started as the first half finished with striker Culbert using his strength on the half way line to release Mills but his effort did not trouble the home keeper.
The 1st goal finally came when a free kick from Chambers was nodded into the path of Culbert who fired home from eighteen yards much to the delight of the away side management.
Ballynahinch came at ‘Burn but with the central defence pairing of Magee and particularly the impressive Graham standing firm denying the home side any real chances of note in the entire game.
The killer goal finally came with ten minutes left on the clock and after a few attempts from McGimpsey and Thompson the deadly Culbert slotted the ball into the net for the final score 2-0 to the away side.
Culbert was denied a hat-trick when he was put through on goal but the home keeper, in keeping with his “Man of the Match” performance got to the ball just before him to deny what would have glossed a very good performance.
When the fixtures were drawn, today’s match was always going to be a difficult and well contested affair. The management team no doubt will be happy with the result but more so in the manner in which it was earned. This very impressive team performance from Bryansburn has hopefully set the standard for the season. We only hope that the injuries picked up during the game are not too serious and the team can go into Tuesday’s game away to Donard Hospital with plenty of confidence.
Also on Saturday the 2nd XI travelled to Bangor YM ll for a local derby that saw an emphatic and morale-boosting 6-1 win for Bryansburn.
‘Burn took an early lead through Morrison, who hit a low shot past a crowd of players into the bottom corner of the net. The second came from a well-delivered corner from McCullough that was well met by the head of S McAllister to double the lead. HT 2-0
‘Burn continued were they left off at halftime and a couple of quick-fire goals extended their lead. Peeples scored from a narrow angle at the back post and then a flowing move from the back finished with Corr playing the ball through to Kehoe who burst through the YM defence and coolly slotted past the YM keeper. An Edwards penalty and a slick finish from J McAllister made it six and YM replied with a consolation goal with ten minutes left on the clock. FT 6-1.
The 3rd XI lost 8-3 against Agape. The game was a lot closer than the final score would suggest but ‘Burn suffered from the lack of a recognised keeper. Agape played some good football, took their goals well and certainly deserved to come out on top, just not by five goals. On target for Bryansburn were Shivers, Dempster and Cardwell.
In midweek the 2nd XI travelled to Ballynahinch United ll. ‘Burn got off to a strong start, taking the lead fifteen minutes into the game when Edwards fired the ball into the roof of the net. However the home side battled back to equalise through a penalty and then took the lead with a well-worked move after ‘Burn lost possession. HT 1-2
Bryansburn played some good football in the 2nd half and Edwards had several chances to restore parity for the visitors but either failed to find the target or was thwarted by the Ballynahinch keeper. The home side were always dangerous with a ball over the top and they extended their lead when their striker fired home from close range. Edwards pulled one back late on for ‘Burn but the home side held on for the win. FT 2-3
Also midweek the 3rd XI entertained 3rd Bangor OB and were narrowly beaten 3-2. All the goals came in the last fifteen minutes after an evenly contested first seventy-five. Cardwell opened the scoring for ‘Burn before 3rd equalised in the 79th minute. Within minutes Dempster put Bryansburn back in the lead from the penalty spot. 3rd Bangor plugged away and two goals in the final five minutes put them 3-2 in front. In injury time ‘Burn were awarded a second penalty but this time Dempster’s spot kick smacked back off the crossbar.
On Tuesday the 1st XI were away to Donard Hospital in their 2nd League game while last night (Wed) the 3rd XI faced Bangor Amateurs lll. Tonight (Thur) the 2nd XI play a Lisburn Distillery Development Squad while the other three teams train as normal.
On Saturday the 1st XI travel to Dromara Village in the 1st Round of the Steel & Sons Cup. The 2nd XI are at home to a Bangor Rangers side. The 3rd XI entertain Newtown Forest while the 4th XI play their first friendly when they travel to Newtown Forest ll for a 12 noon kick-off.
