Bryansburn, with a much-changed side to recent weeks with leading scorers Culbert and Tumelty both left on the bench, had the worst possible start. After only a minute a corner was delivered in from the left, the home goalkeeper misjudged the flight of the ball and the big centre forward of DC unmarked headed it into the net.

Full marks to the home side they responded gallantly and took the game to D.C and the team to be fair passed the ball very well and throughout the first half posed the D.C defence many problems. After only ten minutes great hold up play by Barr in the box, he laid the ball off to Graham who unleashed a venomous left foot shot through a crowded penalty area and fortunately for the D.C keeper it was straight at him.

Another great effort this time by McConkey after a well worked corner by Maguire but McConkey’s well driven shot was saved well once again by the visiting keeper low at the near post.

The game at times was well stretched as D.C tried to boss the game and they had two great efforts of their own but Steventon made up for his earlier error as he made two tremendous saves to deny them. Half time 0-1

D.C started the 2^nd half on fire when firstly Steventon had to scramble one out for a corner in the 1^st minute after the restart and D.C continued to press and showed their superiority by scoring two quick goals on 50 & 55 minutes, which ultimately killed the tie. The first coming when the D.C winger skipped by Graham on the right and delivered a tame cross into the box which quite frankly was poorly dealt with and the big centre forward reacted quicker to poke the ball home for what can only be described as a soft goal.

The 3^rd goal however was scored by the substitute Gargin who showed how classy a player he is when he unleashed an unstoppable left foot drive from the left edge of the box which flew past the outstretched Steventon into the far corner of the net.

You would have thought the ‘Burn side would have collapsed under the pressure but to their credit they got themselves together and once again started to play some clever football of their own. Malomo-Paris especially having a good game both defensively and offensively.

On 65 minutes Culbert and Tumelty were now introduced to the game and what an introduction by Culbert. Maguire with an exquisite ball to the edge of the box found Culbert who watched the ball drop over the defenders head and he connected a sublime volley that rifled past the visiting keeper for what was a great individual goal and surely one for the scrap book.

This gave the ‘Burn side a bit of impetus as they tried to muster something from the game. Although D.C were relatively comfortable the Bryansburn attacks were still able to cause the D.C problems but in most of the attacks the D.C keeper was equal to them.

Tumelty was given the best great chance of the half when he was put in on goal wide left but unfortunately his shot went wide and high of the target.

D.C were to have the final say of the day when on 90 minutes Gargin again dropped off the centre forward and delivered a great strike from all of 25 yards which flew past Steventon.

Bryansburn can take a lot of heart from Saturday’s performance but overall they can be pleased with their performances during the first half of the season. No trophies are won at Christmas so it is important that the players realise this and ensure they take this form into 2010 starting with an away game against league favourites Newcastle on 2^nd January.

The only other side in action on Saturday were the 4^th XI who travelled to Ravenhill YM ll on Saturday and won 4-2.

‘Burn took the field without a recognised keeper and all credit to A.Geddis who volunteered to don the gloves and proceeded to show some safe handling throughout the match. ‘Burn were gifted a great start when the home keeper sliced a clearance straight to Beattie who controlled the ball and sent it back past the custodian and into the net. As the half wore on ‘Burn missed a number of chances to extend their lead while at the other end the home side went close on a number of occasions before A.Geddis dropped a cross and the ball was forced home just before halftime.

In the second half ‘Burn killed the game off with three goals in the space of ten minutes from Thompson, Dempster and J.Geddis making it 4-1. Further chances were missed before Ravenhill finished strongly pulling a goal back and forcing a couple of fine saves out of A.Geddis. ]

There is no training tonight (Thur) or next Thursday 31^st but training will be as normal at the Sportsplex on the respective Tuesday nights.

On Boxing Day the Annual Over 30’s managed by Alan Dempster V Under 30’d managed by Campbell Rea will take place. Kick-off at Ballywooley is 1pm.

Fixtures for Saturday 2^nd January: 1^st XI V Newcastle (a), 2^nd XI V Wellington Rec ll (h), 3^rd XI V Vision Athletic (a) and 4^th XI V Moat Park Rangers ll (a)

Kick-off at Ballywooley on Saturday is at 1.30pm and all support will be most welcome. Admission is £3 for adults and free for kids

‘Burn came out of the blocks well and took the lead when McCullough crossed for Kehoe to flick on into the net. However, the home side responded soon after with two goals, both of which looked decidedly off side. The game ebbed and flowed, with both teams looking likely to score again. The visitors had a couple of chances to equalise with both Coard and Morrison coming close, before taking their chance just before the break when Coard squared the ball to Peeples, who lashed the ball into the top corner from 25 yards with a wonder strike. HT 2-2

The game was tight in the second half until the home referee gave East a very soft penalty when he adjudged their no.9 had been fouled in the box. They then extended their lead when they broke on a counter attack. Coard had a couple of excellent chances to get ‘Burn back into it but was thwarted by a couple of good saves by the keeper. ‘Burn did pull one back when Morrison hit a low drive into the bottom corner of the net, giving the keeper no chance. Unfortunately the ref then took centre stage again with a ridiculous decision. East’s striker blatantly fouled S McAllister, but tucked the ball away when there was no whistle for the foul. They made it six shortly after when they beat the offside trap. ‘Burn tried to keep their heads up in spite of their obvious frustration and Edwards pulled one back, but it was too little too late and the home side held on for the win. A decent performance in parts from the 2nds but scoring four goals should be enough to win any game. FT 6-4

The 3^rd XI’s game at home to Corrymeela had to be called off as the 1^st team were at home in the JJB Sports Irish Cup and IFA rules do not allow a second match to take place in the same vicinity.

‘Burn 4^th XI travelled to Sydenham to play Corrymeela ll and returned on the wrong end of a 4-1 score-line.

The match started with neither side making many chances until, after twenty minutes, a clearance by the ‘Burn defence was hit on the half volley from 25 yards straight into the top left hand corner of the net giving keeper Patterson no chance. Bryansburn responded well and had a couple of half chances without putting the home side under any real pressure. McAllister had to go off injured and Armstrong moved into the defence with Jones pushing forward into midfield. Corrymeela went close again and then struck the post but halftime arrived with just the one goal in it.

‘Burn started the second half pressing for an equaliser but then got caught on the break and a Corrymeela forward clipped the ball over the onrushing Patterson to extend their lead. Corrymeela added two further goals outpacing the tiring ‘Burn defence to go 4-0 up but to their credit the visitors’ refused to give up and Jeffers, ‘Burn’s best player on the day, fired home from close range. Turnbull then nearly pulled another goal back but his shot just went the wrong side of the post leaving Corrymeela 4-1 winners.

This Saturday Bryansburn 1^st XI host IFA Championship side Donegal Celtic in the 2^nd Round of the WKD Intermediate Cup, kick-off 1.30pm. Unfortunately the rearrangement of this fixture has meant that both the 2nds Walter Moore Cup tie against Wellington Rec ll and the 3^rd XI Down Area Premier League game V Bangor Rangers lll have had to be postponed. The 4^th XI travel to Ravenhill YM ll. We trust we will have the support of everyone connected to Bryansburn Rangers FC as the side play one of their biggest ever games.

Training continues at Ward Park tonight (Thur) at 6.30pm and on Tuesday 8pm at Bangor Sportsplex.

The Christmas Dinner is this Saturday 19^th at the Stormont Hotel. The bus will be leaving Ballywooley at 7pm sharp and is scheduled to return to Stormont at 1.30am

All players are reminded that annual subscriptions are now overdue. Could those who have not yet paid please do so this Saturday.

The Grand Christmas Draw will take place this Saturday 19^th December. Would all players please note that they will be still be charged even if they fail to sell their quota.

However Bryansburn will be buoyed by the fact that they have already defeated two NI Intermediate sides in the competition. In Round 1 they defeated NFC Kesh 3-2 after extra time and in Round 3 Dungiven were beaten 3-1 at Ballywooley. Inbetween ‘Burn had a remarkable 4-3 victory at Amateur League side Rosario YC having been 3-0 down with fifteen minutes left.

Kick-off at Ballywooley on Saturday is at 1.30pm and all support will be most welcome. Admission is free. At stake for both sides is a place in the 5^th Round draw, which is the stage that all the Irish Premier League sides, including Glentoran and Linfield, enter the competition. However before dreaming of a glamour tie ’Burn must focus on getting a result on Saturday.

As expected Rosemount started on top and the opening exchanges were all in the Bryansburn half. However with bodies behind the ball ‘Burn were able to cope comfortably enough and then stunned the home side by opening the scoring with their first attack of note. The ball was played up to Cardwell and he produced a sublime finish from the corner of the box as his low effort went in off the far post. Normal service was resumed with Rosemount pinning ‘Burn back again but despite all their dominance and possession keeper Steventon did not have much to do with the few decent chances created failing to hit the target.

On the half hour mark Bryansburn doubled their lead with what was actually only their second shot. It came from the unlikely source of Beckett who strode forward from Left-back, combined with Beattie and Cardwell before rifling home a right foot shot from the edge of the box. The home side did not seem to know how to react to this set-back, unaccustomed to being behind at all this season, whereas ‘Burn raised their game now having something substantial to protect. With McComb and Hardy immense at the heart of the defence and Murphy and Thompson on top in midfield ‘Burn continued to defend well and catch their opponents on the break. Twice the home side lived dangerously. First when Beattie put Cardwell through only for the striker to be harshly ruled offside and then when Cardwell got through a second time the keeper managed to grab the ball as he tried to round him. It did not matter because minutes later Cardwell got another chance and lifted the ball over the keepers head to make it 3-0.

The second half followed the same pattern as the first with Rosemount dominating possession and territory but lacking a cutting edge as ‘Burn were happy to get bodies behind the ball, defend and try and catch them on the break. To their credit Rosemount did play a lot more like potential champions in the second half and carved out a number of good opportunities but as they continued to squander them there was a general feeling around the ground that it was going to be one of those days. ‘Burn caught them several times and Dempster put a close range effort over the bar before having a header well saved.

Midway through the half Bryansburn killed the game off. Beattie delivered an excellent corner and Dempster headed home his 12^th goal of the season. At 4-0 down even the Rosemount players knew they were not coming back. They did not give up but their shooting accuracy did not improve as Steventon still had little to do in the visitors’ goal. In the final minute the cap was put on an amazing performance with a 5^th Bryansburn goal. The home keeper parried a shot straight to the feet of Cardwell and he duly completed his hat-trick and 18^th goal of the season.

This was one of those days when everything went for ‘Burn. Nine times out of ten Rosemount would win this contest and win well but the beauty of football is that every now and again the underdog wins. “Man of the Match” was Cardwell for his hat-trick and overall performance. His finishing was definitely the difference between the teams.

Bryansburn 1^st XI host Oxford United Stars this Saturday in the 4^th Round of the Irish Cup, kick-off 1.30pm. It is a tough fixture for ‘Burn but there can be no bigger incentive for winning than a place in the 5^th Round when all the Irish League Premier sides, including Linfield and Glentoran, join the competition.

We trust we will have the support of everyone connected to Bryansburn Rangers FC as the side try to make a bit of history.

Other fixtures: 2^nd XI V East Belfast ll (a), 3^rd XI V Corrymeela (h) and 4^th XI V Corrymeela ll (a).

Training continues at Ward Park tonight (Thur) at 6.30pm and on Tuesday 8pm at Bangor Sportsplex.

The Christmas Dinner is at the Stormont Hotel on Saturday 19^th December. All places have now been filled.

All players are reminded that annual subscriptions are now overdue. Could those who have not yet paid please do so this Saturday.

The Grand Christmas Draw will take place next Saturday 19^th December. Would all players please note that they will be still be charged even if they fail to sell their quota.

Bryansburn, just as they did against Lisburn Rangers in their previous game, came out of the blocks right from the first whistle and the visitors did not know what had hit them as within fifteen explosive minutes they found themselves 3-0 down and basically out of the contest.

In the 6^th minute Shaw, making his long awaited return to the 1^st team after many years, played a great ball to Tumelty and with great precision he split the Dungiven defence and sent Barr charging into the box only for him to be upended for an easy decision for the referee to make and he duly obliged by pointing to the spot. After numerous misses from twelve yards from various players this year, up stepped Tumelty who made no mistake and rifled it into the net.

On nine minutes, after great play from Barr & McGimpsey, Barr was once again fouled halfway into the Dungiven half. Maguire delivered a deep free kick to the back post where Culbert was on hand to smash a volley goalwards only for the keeper to save it with his legs but fortunately for Culbert the ball came back to him and with quick reactions he poked the ball home for the 2^nd.

The 3^rd and decisive goal came in the 14^th minute when great play down the right from Murray found Tumelty eighteen yards out and he flicked the ball up with his right foot and smashed it with his left foot sending it wide of the outstretched hand of the keeper into the corner of the net for what was a great individual goal.

Dungiven now began to settle and started to come back into the game and in particular their right sided player Boyle who at times was giving Shaw a headache. Although Boyle danced past him a couple of times the tricky winger’s final ball into the box was easily cleared by the home defence.

The ‘Burn attack consisting of Culbert, Tumelty and Barr continued to look very dangerous and had the Dungiven defence in turmoil. McGimpsey and Murray once again were inspirational and the impressive Maguire with his creative passing was a joy to watch.

At the other end the visitors were trying to get back into the game and the home side had to endure a few uncomfortable situations. One in particular were Kane clearly barged the Dungiven player in the box but the referee who had a great view of it deemed it fair and play carried on.

The game was certainly stretched with end-to-end action but the visitors were reduced to long-range efforts and the half finished without anymore scoring. HT 3-0

Dungiven started the 2^nd half as if they meant business. After only one minute and great work once again down the right, the ball was fizzed low across the edge of the box, and after two dummied attacks the midfield player found himself in front of goal but his shot went well wide of the target.

Certainly a wake up call the home team needed but ‘Burn with the cushion of the 3-0 found it difficult to keep the ball as it was the visitors who had all the momentum.

Dungiven now were on top and playing a nice passing game and as Bryansburn struggled for possession this allowed the visitors to camp themselves in the ‘Burn half. However, the Bryansburn defence, well marshalled by Graham, stood up to everything they through at them.

The turning point of the game was when Doran pulled off two tremendous saves, one when he was at full stretch to his left with a strong hand to turn the ball round the post and the 2^nd one equally as impressive as he saved it with his legs.
Maybe if one of those chances had gone in the game may have got that little bit nervier for the home side.

As Dungiven pressed to get back into the game, the pitch clearly was taking its toll and this allowed for the ‘Burn attacks to be more frequent.

Tumelty, Culbert and Barr as they did most of the afternoon, looked dangerous in every flow of attack and but for lack of composure and poor finishing the score line could have been more impressive.

On 82 minutes after a goal mouth scramble where the ball come back off the post, Dungiven finally got a consolation goal their efforts fully deserved but it was Bryansburn who held out to progress to the 4^th Round of the Irish Cup where they will play another NI Intermediate League team Oxford Utd Stars on the 12^th December at Ballywooley with the winners going into the hat with the chance of a big draw against an Irish League Club such as Linfield or Glentoran.

Bryansburn host top Championship Side Donegal Celtic this Saturday in the Intermediate Cup, which will be a mammoth task for the players but a game they should all enjoy.

We trust we will have the support of everyone connected to Bryansburn Rangers FC and as we all know football sometimes can cause upsets and just maybe this weekend at Ballywooley we could record one of the biggest upsets in the clubs history.

The 2nds played only their 2nd game in six weeks, hosting Park View in the 3^rd Round of the Junior Cup and were well beaten.

The lack of match practice showed with Bryansburn taking time to get into the game. The visitors created three chances in the opening twenty minutes and took all of them to open up a significant lead. Bryansburn started to get into the game and Edwards had a couple of excellent chances before he did pull one back, firing into the roof of the net after a brilliant through ball from midfield. However Park View were excellent in attack and took every chance that fell to them to open up their lead further and leave Bryansburn to play for pride.

The hosts put in a good effort during the opening of the second half. Morrison, J McAllister and S McAllister had chances to give the score-line some respectability but were thwarted by good goalkeeping and goal-line clearances. The game went from bad to worse for ‘Burn when the visiting striker netted himself a couple more goals and the game ended with a very comfortable victory for Park View.

This was a mixture of a very good performance from Parkview and a very poor performance from Bryansburn, who will want to get back to League action and put things right.

The 3^rd XI had to draft in no fewer than four players from the 4^th team into the starting line-up for their Sittlington Cup tie at Comber Star and were knocked out of the competition going down 3-1.

The home side had the better of the first half exchanges yet rarely troubled Steventon in the Bryansburn goal thanks to some poor finishing and some trouble keeping on side. At the other end ‘Burn rarely threatened although McComb stabbed the ball against the crossbar from a corner while another corner from Murphy was cleared off the line. The only goal of the half went to Comber when a long free-kick into the box deceived everybody and nestled in the corner of the net.

Bryansburn made a better show of it in the second half with Cardwell testing the keeper from distance and J.Geddis twice being denied by the keeper. The introduction of Henderson also helped as he produced a stream of dangerous crosses from the right. At the other end Comber also looked more threatening but failed to find that crucial second goal. The goal finally came and ironically from a ‘Burn corner as the home side counter-attacked, working the ball to the by-line before pulling it back for an excellent finish. In the 81^st minute the tie was then killed off when Steventon was unsighted for a shot from the edge of the box. He did then make an excellent one-on-one save before Patterson drilled home a consolation strike with seven minutes left.

Bryansburn could have made the final score closer in the closing minutes when, in a bout of sustained pressure, three good chances were put over the bar from close range. However it was too little too late as over the ninety minutes Comber Star thoroughly deserved their victory.

Bryansburn 4^th XI sent a patched up team to Rosemount Rec ll on Saturday due to the loss of four players called up to the third team. Veterans Pinion and Campbell were drafted in, White made his debut and there were recalls for Speers and Crawley allowing ‘Burn to field a team with no substitutes. However the side put in a good showing before finally going down 3-1.

In the early stages ‘Burn took the game to Rosemount and created several chances. Their early dominance was rewarded after fifteen minutes when Turnbull rose well to head home a corner. Gilmer went close to extending the lead before Rosemount rallied with Pinion making one great reaction save and White making a last ditch saving tackle. Their pressure was rewarded after 35 minutes when a poor clearance was lashed past Pinion into the top corner from 25 yards to make the score 1-1. ‘Burn steadied and saw out the half with no addition to the score.

Bryansburn again started the 2nd half brightly with Gilmer and the lively Turnbull causing problems for the home defence. However disaster struck ten minutes in when Gilmer fell awkwardly damaging his ankle ligaments and had to be helped off. The ten remaining men fought a gallant rear guard action relying on breaks out of defence. Crawley had some success down the left and the home defence was kept on its toes. However, as legs tired, Rosemount applied more pressure. Armstrong blocked at close range and Pinion made another fine save before the home team scored midway through the half with a header after the goalkeeper misjudged a cross. A third goal followed soon after when a left wing cross was powerfully headed home. Rosemount had a chance to put a rather flattering slant to the score when they were awarded a late penalty but the kick was fired wide leaving the final score 3 to 1.

Overall ‘Burn produced a brave battling display in difficult circumstances with everyone deserving praise but special mention goes to Turnbull who worked his socks off throughout, especially after losing his striking partner.

Training continues at Ward Park tonight (Thur) at 6.30pm and on Tuesday 8pm at Bangor Sportsplex.

The Christmas Dinner is at the Stormont Hotel on Saturday 19^th December. All outstanding money must be paid this Saturday.

All players are reminded that annual subscriptions are now due. Could those who have not yet paid please do so this Saturday.

Christmas Draw tickets are now available from the respective Managers. Would all players please note that they are expected to sell their quota.

This Saturday: 1^st XI V Donegal Celtic (h), 2^nd XI V Downpatrick ll (h), 3^rd XI V Rosemount Rec (a) and 4^th XI V Queens Grads IV (h)

Also on Saturday the 2^nd XI host Park View, unbeaten leaders in the Newry Carbane League, in the 3^rd Round of the IFA Junior Cup. This game has been moved to the Valentines because of the Irish Cup tie at Ballywooley.

In the Down Area League the 3^rd XI have given up home advantage to travel to Comber Star in the Sittlington Cup while the 4^th XI are away to Rosemount Rec ll.

Training continues at Ward Park tonight (Thur) at 6.30pm and on Tuesday 8pm at Bangor Sportsplex.

The Christmas Dinner is at the Stormont Hotel on Saturday 19^th December. This weekend is the final chance for anyone who has not yet paid their £25 deposit. Please see Alan Dempster at the Club on Saturday.

All players are reminded that annual subscriptions are now due. Could those who have not yet paid please do so this Saturday.

In the 2^nd round of the Intermediate Cup ‘Burn have been drawn at home to Donegal Celtic on 5^th December.

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 this Saturday 28^th November starting at 7.30pm. All members are asked to come along with friends and family for a great evening. Quizmaster is David Corr.

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 2^nd 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 1^st XI entertain Dungiven in the 3^rd Round of the Irish Cup, kick-off 1.30pm, looking to get into the 4^th Round for the first time in their history. The 2^nd XI face Park View at the Valentines in the 3^rd Round of the Junior Cup. In the Down Area League the 3^rd XI visit Vision Athletic and the 4^th XI are away to Moat Park Rangers ll.

The Christmas Dinner has been booked in the Stormont Hotel for Saturday 19^th 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 2^nd round of the Intermediate Cup ‘Burn have been drawn at home to Donegal Celtic on 28^th 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 28^th November starting at 7.30pm. All members are asked to come along with friends and family for a great evening. Quizmaster is David Corr.

‘Burn took the lead after only five minutes with a contender for goal of the season. Cooling’s cross from the right was headed clear to Tumelty who controlled the ball on his chest and volleyed over the keeper from all of thirty-five yards. With fifteen minutes gone ‘Burn doubled their lead with Centre-half Kane finishing well into the bottom corner from twelve yards after a Maguire set play on the right. Bryansburn had a twenty minute spell when they played some outstanding one touch football and should have killed the game but both Culbert and Barr missed some glaring chances. With only minutes to go before half time Lisburn pulled one back when some slack marking again from a set play let the attacker in to head past keeper Steventon.

In the second half ‘Burn again piled on the pressure and put Lisburn on the back foot but could still not get the third goal with the home keeper denying Barr with two outstanding saves. Bryansburn got their third goal from Full-back Graham who saw his shot deflected past the keeper from the edge of the box after Lisburn failed to clear a corner form the left hand side. With time ticking away Culbert finished off a flowing move involving five players to finish the scoring and give ‘Burn all three points. However there was still time for Coard on his return to Bryansburn colours to miss an easy header from just outside the six-yard box.

An important three points with an excellent performance from the entire squad as they moved top of the table for Bryansburn’s highest League position in their history.

Bryansburn 2^nd XI played their 1^st game in three weeks, looking to turn around a recent run of poor results and returned from Dromara Village ll with a point after a 1-1 draw.

They started brightly and had the first opening of the game in the opening minute when a Bryansburn head just failed to meet a Cole cross. Both teams tried to get into their passing game and created chances and Morrison hit a long-range effort that went narrowly wide. At the other end, the Dromara striker forced an excellent save from Gardiner who did well to keep the game scoreless. On the half hour mark, ‘Burn broke the deadlock. Peeples challenged the keeper for a Cole cross and the ball fell to Corr who was in the right place at the right time for a tap in. The visitors had several chances to extend their lead. A great move down the right saw the ball crossed in but J McAllister just failed to connect with his diving header attempt. Corr then went on a mazy run and beat three defenders only for the keeper to snuff out the danger. HT 0-1.

The home team started to put pressure on the Bryansburn defence in the second half, but the back four stood firm and reduced the Dromara attack to half chances. The visitors searched for an elusive 2^nd on the counter attack, with Morrison going close on a couple of occasions. However, home domination in terms of possession eventually told with fifteen minutes to go. ‘Burn failed to clear a corner and the Dromara striker hit the ball in through a pile of bodies to equalise. Chances after this were few and far between as Bryansburn held out for a well fought and well earned draw. FT 1-1.

The 3^rd XI were vastly understrength including having no recognised keeper for the trip to Brentwood and suffered their worst defeat of the season going down 4-1.

The home side dominated the first half but some sterling defensive work from the back four of Larmour, McComb, Storey and Beckett meant that stand-in keeper Edwards had only one save of note to make. Little was seen from ‘Burn by way of an attacking threat but they looked capable of reaching the break level until a flicked header sailed into the top corner.

‘Burn made a terrible start to the second half and Brentwood doubled their lead with a well-taken goal. However Bryansburn stuck to their task and enjoyed their best spell of the match before being rewarded with a goal. A flowing move saw the ball worked to Lemon outside the box and his low drive took a deflection to leave the keeper wrong-footed. At 2-1 ‘Burn were well in the game but Brentwood scored a well-taken third goal to all but make the points safe.

When Storey had to leave the field ill ‘Burn had to play the remainder of the game with ten men and Brentwood really took over playing some great one-touch football. They only added one more goal but could have made the score even more impressive only some good chances were missed while Gilmer, who took over from Edwards in nets, made one fine save.

No complaints from the 3rds on the day. Simply they were beaten by a much better side who will definitely be in contention for the title this season.

The 4^th XI game at home to Rosemount Rec ll was off due to a waterlogged pitch.

Training continues at Ward Park tonight (Thur) at 6.30pm and on Tuesday 8pm at Bangor Sportsplex.

Fixtures this Saturday: 1^st XI V Shorts FC (a), 2^nd XI V Wellington Rec ll (h), 3^rd XI V Oakfield Breda (h) and 4^th XI V Queens Grads IV (a).

The Christmas Dinner has been booked in the Stormont Hotel for Saturday 19^th 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 3^rd Round of the Irish Cup Bryansburn have been drawn at home to Dungiven on 21^st November. On the same date the 2^nd XI have been drawn at home to Park View in the 3^rd Round of the Junior Cup.

In the 2^nd round of the Intermediate Cup ‘Burn have been drawn at home to Donegal Celtic on 28^th November.

Christmas Draw tickets are now available from the respective Managers. Would all players please note that they are expected to sell their quota.

Right from the off Orangefield tried to kick Bryansburn off the pitch and it was no surprise in the 3^rd minute when their No 8 received the 1^st yellow of the game for a two-footed lunge on Murray.

‘Burn started knocking the ball about and after great work from Barr, returning from a three match suspension, played the ball to Tumelty whose weak shot never troubled the away side keeper.

The home side were finding more and more space down the left flank and should have taken the lead when the ball was switched from left to right and a great pass found Culbert but he blazed his shot well over the bar.

Two minutes before the break Bryansburn finally managed to stick the ball in the net. The hard working Murray found his way into the box and a clever chip sailed into the far corner of the net to leave the home support ecstatic.

The pitch was starting to cut up badly at the start of the 2^nd half but it was the home side who were trying to play the football. Any efforts that Orangefield had did not trouble Doran in the Bryansburn goal.

However, with twenty minutes remaining on the clock the away side levelled the scores and what a howler it was. There seemed no trouble at all but when the ball was passed back to Doran but he miss-kicked his clearance straight to their Centre-Forward who slotted into the corner from the edge of the box.

This fired the home side back into life and chances from McGimpsey, Tumelty and Maguire should have troubled the keeper but completely missed the target.

Ten minutes from the end the referee awarded a penalty to the home side when from a corner Kane was pulled to the ground. Up stepped striker Culbert but despite sending the keeper the wrong way, his penalty hit the post and rebounded to safety.

‘Burn did have another few chances before the end of the game but again couldn’t find the target.

Both the management team and players were disappointed with the final score and again it was another two vital points dropped.

This Saturday Bryansburn have a tricky away game to many people’s favourites for the title Lisburn Rangers.

The other three Bryansburn senior games were all postponed.

Training continues at Ward Park tonight (Thur) at 6.30pm and on Tuesday 8pm at Bangor Sportsplex.

Fixtures this Saturday: 1^st XI V Lisburn Rangers (a), 2^nd XI V Dromara Village ll (a), 3^rd XI V Brentwood (a) and 4^th XI V Rosemount Rec ll (h).

The Christmas Dinner has been booked in the Stormont Hotel for Saturday 19^th 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 3^rd Round of the Irish Cup Bryansburn have been drawn at home to Dungiven on 21^st November. On the same date the 2^nd XI have been drawn at home to Park View in the 3^rd Round of the Junior Cup.

In the 2^nd round of the Intermediate Cup ‘Burn have been drawn at home to the winners of Donegal Celtic and Ballynahinch United on 28^th November.