With the other three games off on Saturday the senior focus fell on the 4th XI who travelled to Queens Grads IV and they did not disappoint recording an impressive 4-2 victory.
With a number of regulars unavailable due to the early kick-off Manager Armstrong drafted in Murphy, Beckett, Cardwell and Dempster from the 3rds and their inclusion had an immediate affect as ‘Burn controlled the opening stages. In fact they should have taken a 2nd minute lead when Cardwell broke through only to see his curling shot go just the wrong side of the upright. Minutes later Cardwell wriggled free again and squared the ball to Dempster but he was unable to convert with the goal gaping. Bryansburn remained well on top with Murphy running the middle of the park and bringing Jeffers and J.Geddis into play on the flanks. Then completely against the run of play Queens took the lead. There was no apparent danger when a midfielder received the ball thirty yards from goal but he just smacked the ball and it sailed over Steventon’s head and into the top corner. Undeterred ‘Burn plugged away and Beckett, marauding down the left, produced a string of excellent crosses which caused mayhem in the home rearguard. From one of these Dempster headed narrowly wide but minutes later the same player connected with a diving header into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.
Having worked hard to get on level terms Bryansburn then fell behind a second time with a superb individual goal. A midfielder went on a mazy run and curled the ball into the top corner from 25 yards. Minutes later Gilmer broke through and smacked the ball off the post before the keeper saved again from Dempster. However Bryansburn still trailed 2-1 at the break.
Ten minutes into the second half ‘Burn were level when another Beckett cross was powerfully headed home from six yards by Gilmer. ‘Burn continued to press and Cardwell slipped Dempster through and he was fouled in the box but the referee played a good advantage as the ball broke to Gilmer who rolled it into the empty net. It could have been four when Cardwell fed Dempster yet again only for the keeper to turn his effort round the post.
For a period Bryansburn then kept possession well although at 3-2 the three points were still not safe. Queens rallied somewhat and one effort was drilled just wide before Steventon had to come to the rescue with two excellent stops as the home side threatened to rescue a point. Four minutes from time the points were finally made secure. The home keeper made a great save from a Patterson header and Gilmer pounced on the rebound to complete his hat-trick.
Very encouraging performance from the 4ths with veteran Murphy the defining difference between the two teams closely followed by Beckett who starred at Left-back.
Training continues at Ward Park tonight (Thur) at 6.30pm and on Tuesday 8pm at Bangor Sportsplex.
This Saturday the 1st XI entertain Dungiven in the 3rd Round of the Irish Cup, kick-off 1.30pm, looking to get into the 4th Round for the first time in their history. The 2nd XI face Park View at the Valentines in the 3rd Round of the Junior Cup. In the Down Area League the 3rd XI visit Vision Athletic and the 4th XI are away to Moat Park Rangers ll.
The Christmas Dinner has been booked in the Stormont Hotel for Saturday 19th December. There are still a few players who have been booked in but not yet paid their £25 deposit. Please sort this on Saturday or places will be cancelled.
All players are reminded that annual subscriptions are now due. Could those who have not yet paid please do so this Saturday.
In the 2nd round of the Intermediate Cup ‘Burn have been drawn at home to Donegal Celtic on 28th November.
Christmas Draw tickets are now available from the respective Managers. Would all players please note that they are expected to sell their quota.
Finally the next social event is a Quiz in the Clubhouse on Saturday 28th November starting at 7.30pm. All members are asked to come along with friends and family for a great evening. Quizmaster is David Corr.
