Bryansburn Rangers FC

Bryansburn Rangers hosted Bloomfield at Ballywooley on Saturday looking to bounce back from their first League defeat of the season the previous week and they got back on track running out comfortable 4-0 winners.

‘Burn made a sluggish start and allowed the visitors’ to settle early on and it was Bloomfield who had the first real attack on goal when they broke down the right and delivered a whipped cross into the box which had Graham on the back foot. However Steventon courageously came out and smothered it whilst taking a blow to his head for his efforts from the oncoming striker

After a brief spell with both teams cancelling each other out Bryansburn burst into life and within a twenty minute period ran Bloomfield ragged creating numerous chances.

First chance fell to Coard after a well-worked corner routine but his shot went high over the bar. This was quickly followed by a long-range effort from Culbert, which was comfortably dealt with by the keeper.

Malomo-Paris, with his customary turn and dart into the space, found himself clear but the visiting defence cleared his pullback to the penalty spot.

‘Burn continued to press and the opening goal eventually came after great work down the left by Coard and he delivered a great ball to Malomo-Paris who chested it down and poked it into the net under the advancing keeper from six yards.

‘Burn now had the bit between their teeth as they went in search of a second goal with a great solo effort by Graham. He picked the ball up just inside his own half and running at the Bloomfield defence, he played a neat one-two and as he entered the box he unleashed a great effort, which was dually matched by a terrific save low down to the right by the visitors’ keeper. Tumelty then nearly found himself on the score sheet as he rifled a great shot on the turn that had the keeper well beaten but unfortunately for him it went inches the wrong side of the post.

However Bryansburn were not going to be denied that 2nd goal and after a cracking tackle by Thompson in the central midfield area the ball fell to Tumelty who slightly over hit his forward pass to Coard. However, his endeavour paid off because as the defender was trying to shepherd the ball out of play Coard was able to nick the ball off him and chip the ball to Culbert at the edge of the box who took one touch to set it up and half volleyed it across the keeper for a great team goal.

Culbert was denied his 2^nd goal after a mammoth throw in from Maitland which landed at the back post for a simple header but the referee somehow came to the conclusion that the goalkeeper was impeded by Coard who never moved to get out of the way from the keeper attacking the ball.

‘Burn took their foot off the gas after that and tried to slow the play down and play possession football but this seemed to work in Bloomfield’s favour as they slowly began to creep into the game again. As half time drew close Bloomfield had a strong penalty appeal waved away when Maitland seemed to handle the ball in the area but the referee, who was in a great position, adjudged it to come off the chest and out for a corner, much to the dismay of the Bloomfield players and supporters. HT 2-0.

The visitors’, at the start of the 2^nd half, changed their formation to 3-5-2 to try and salvage something from the game and to be fair they did start the more brightly but the back four for ‘Burn were immense as they thwarted any sniff of a chance that Bloomfield tried to conjure.

Thompson and Coard, back in the team after their recent injury setbacks, started to take the initiative in central midfield and once they started to get on the ball more the team started to play some great possession football. Barr was also impressive at Left-back as he started a fair share of the ‘Burn attacks deep in defence.

Kane replaced Maitland on 70 minutes and Kane during his first defensive run felt an immediate twinge to his hamstring and he was off the pitch straight away. Hopefully the injury does not turn out to be too serious. In turn McGimpsey replaced him while Maguire gave way to teenager Morrison. The youngster gave the game the lift it needed making an immediate impact with his direct running and superb delivery into the box, which had Bloomfield stretched.

The home side extended their lead when Morrison’s great cross was well met by Talisman Thompson who thundered the ball home with his head from close range.

Bloomfield by now were out on their feet and were offering nothing in attack as ‘Burn continued to pass the ball from back to front at will looking as if they could score more if they wanted.

Tumelty, who all afternoon had been out of luck despite his constant running at the Bloomfield rearguard, was not going to be denied and deep into injury time he skipped past a weary Bloomfield defender and hit a left footed shot low across the keeper to finish off a great solo effort and put the better reflection on the score line that the performance merited.

This was a great response from the players following the disappointing defeat at Dundonald the previous week. ‘Burn at times today blew hot and cold and they have to get that out of their game. When they find themselves on top during games they need to be more ruthless in attack and not allow teams to get back into the game so easily. Special mention must go to Morrison as his introduction to the game rounded off a great team performance and it shows the youth system at Bryansburn is clearly benefiting the Club. Four goals and more importantly a clean sheet sets the side up well for the long trip to title favourites Newcastle this Saturday.

Bryansburn 2nds travelled to 18th Newtownabbey and returned with a comfortable 4-1 win. Bryansburn were by far the better team start to finish and should have returned with a bigger victory against a side who lost their discipline late on and finished the game with eight men after three red cards.
’Burn started the game well and had 18th pegged back from the start with the back four and midfield in total control and the front line working hard. Bryansburn should have opened the scoring on several occasions but failed to do so and the half finished 0-0.

The visitors’ remained on top in the second period but without many shots on target.
Flynn replaced the injured Bowater and his pace had 18th troubled straight away as he raced to the by-line and crossed for Kehoe to hammer home from close range. Within five minutes 18th were back in it when a long ball over the top fall straight to a forward who equalised with their first shot of the game.
Player-Manager Edwards then replaced Corr and within ten minutes found the net when he followed in a Storey shot that the keeper had fumbled and rounded the keeper for a tap in. Flynn was now running the back four all over the place and when he got upended in the box up stepped Edwards to scuff the resulting penalty wide. However ‘Burn got a deserved third goal when Flynn again made the line and crossed for the incoming Storey to slide the ball home. The fourth and final goal came when Edwards made a great run to beat the offside trap and then sold the keeper a “Ronaldo stepover” before rolling the ball into the empty net.

Good performance from the 2nds with the Bryansburn passing just too good on the day for the home team.

The 3^rd XI had a hard fought 2-1 win at Vision Athletic with both goals coming from Cardwell who took his season tally to twenty goals.

Cardwell should actually have opened the scoring in the opening minute when Gallagher’s flick put him clean through with just the keeper to beat but he put his shot wide. The home side came into the game well and forced one good save from Andrews while missing a couple of other chances. On fourteen minutes ‘Burn opened the scoring. Dempster headed Lemon’s corner back across goal for Cardwell to head home. ‘Burn forced a series of corners during the half, all of which caused the home side problems but it was Vision who carved out the better opportunities but they failed to hit the target.

Bryansburn had a major escape in the opening minute of the second half when the home side rattled the crossbar but although Vision remained on top they the standard of their finishing failed to match some decent approach play. ‘Burn resorted to the counter-attack and nearly caught their hosts a couple of times before they did extend their lead midway through the half. Murphy was the provider as he released Cardwell and he held off a defender before finishing well into the bottom corner.

Vision maintained the balance of play but Bryansburn looked like holding out comfortably enough until the 82^nd minute. Murphy sold Jones short with a short pass and as the teenager tried to rescue the situation he caught an attacker. Even then the foul was outside the area but the referee deemed otherwise and the home side pulled a goal back from the penalty spot.

Vision tried in vain for an equaliser but Bryansburn used all their experience to make sure that the three points were kept in the bag.

The 4^th XI suffered a heavy defeat at a very good Moat Park Rangers ll side that have now put themselves in contention for the title.

‘Burn made the worst possible start falling a goal behind after only four minutes against their in-form hosts. Their forward lost his marker to be allowed a free header from six yards, which gave keeper Gardner no chance. ‘Burn were relying on quick breaks and from one of these J Geddis played Turnbull through and he showed great persistence to hold off a couple of challenges and round the keeper to score an equaliser in the 21^st minute. The continuous pressure told however and another header from close range restored Moat Park’s lead. ‘Burn reached the half way point quite pleased to be just one goal behind and with hopes of causing an upset.

These hopes were dashed ten minutes into the second half when a poor goal kick went straight to a Moat Park forward who ran through to finish easily. The game was over as a contest five minutes later when a mix up with a back pass led to the fourth goal. Bryansburn battled well and created a couple of half chances but it was Moat Park who went on to extend their lead. A visibly tiring ‘Burn side then went on to concede a further two late goals which made the final score 7 – 1 to Moat Park.

Fixtures this Saturday: 1^st XI V Newcastle (a), 2^nd XI V Larne Tech OB ll (h), 3^rd XI V Comber YM (h) and 4^th XI V Comber YM ll (h).

Everyone connected with Bryansburn Rangers FC was saddened to hear of the death of Gordon Matchett’s mother. Our thoughts are with him and his family at this difficult time. The funeral is at 9.30am on Saturday at Bangor Abbey.

Bryansburn Rangers travelled to Billy Neill on Saturday to take on League-leaders and title contenders Dundonald and suffered their first League defeat of the season by going down 3-1.

Bryansburn started the game on fire and were in the ascendancy right from the first whistle and could have found themselves in front within the opening minute when a high ball flicked on by Culbert was met by Rick Barr but his great effort went inches over the bar.

The visitors continued to press early on and took the lead after only four minutes when a well-worked corner on the right between Steven Barr and Coard found Culbert at the back post to rifle it high into the roof of the net for the perfect start.

‘Burn, turning the screw, were in search of the second goal and had Dundonald pinned back in their own half with Rick Barr looking the most dangerous playing down the right flank.

However, against the run of play, in the 14^th minute, a long ball from defence to attack sent Dundonald’s Fisher clear down the right channel and Graham could do nothing but pull him to the ground just outside the box.

Up stepped Harvey for Dundonald who outwitted the ‘Burn side by unleashing a shot around the one-man wall into the net whilst the goalkeeper and defence stood static contemplating a cross.

Bryansburn responded well to this setback and took the game to Dundonald and began to create chance after chance.

Rick Barr on two occasions found himself clear in on goal but his delayed final ball or shot and he was crowded out.

Another telling cross from Rick Barr found Culbert but his header dipped just over the bar. The same player was unfortunate soon after as he connected with a volley just inside the box when the best option was maybe to take a touch but on another day it could have bust the net.

There were then two big decisions by the referee that helped define the outcome of this match. Firstly Bryansburn were denied a stonewall penalty when a shot from the edge of the box was blocked by the hand of the Dundonald defender. Then another controversial decision followed after a back pass to the home keeper was well closed down by Rick Barr and although the ball clearly hit him on the chest the referee harshly deemed it to be a handball.

Bryansburn were still well on top and after another goalmouth scramble Culbert had three snap shot attempts on goal as he tried to force the ball home but Dundonald defence stood firm.

Another chance of note was after more great work down the right from Rick Barr his delivery was flicked on by Culbert but Coard playing his first game in three months tried an acrobatic overhead kick and his effort went inches wide of the upright.

On the stroke of half time Dundonald gave a warning of what was to materialise during the 2^nd half when they broke away down the right channel once again and a telling cross was lost in flight by the ‘Burn goalkeeper and the ball fell to a Dundonald striker whose shot was brilliantly cleared off the line by Magee.

HT 1-1

The 2^nd half started with the home side looking a lot more urgent and playing with more impetus. It was evident that their game plan was to play quick high balls to the stocky built Centre-forward and for the rest to feed off him. It was clearly working as the visitors’ defence, for the first time, looked uncomfortable and under pressure.

Ten minutes in the game turned on its head when Dundonald were awarded a penalty when Matthews was scythed down by Graham who could have no complaints when the referee pointed to the spot. Harvey duly obliged when he despatched his 2nd goal of the game hitting his penalty in off the right hand post.

Bryansburn’s woes deepened when injury prone Magee had to depart due to injury and Maitland replaced him in the centre of the defence. Then a shot by a home striker came off the post and just when it looked as if ‘Burn had escaped, it rebounded back into the grasp of goalkeeper Galbraith but he fumbled it and as Maitland tried to help him out, his clearance only found the midriff of the advancing striker and it rebounded into the net for what can only be described as a farcical goal.

This goal knocked the stuffing out of the visitors and from then on there was only one team in the contest. Dundonald’s trio of forwards were giving the ‘Burn defence a torrid time and were cutting them open at will.

With the midfield three now showing their superiority a 4^th goal looked inevitable but the best chances fell to Matthews wide on the right as he found himself clear on two occasions but his resulting shots were squandered. Dundonald were reduced to ten men late on when the same player was firstly booked for a foul on Cooling. He then trod on thin ice when he kicked out but his fate was sealed when he kicked the ball away minutes from the end of the game

Chances came and went for Dundonald as the visitors looked as if they were looking for the whistle but there was still time for Coard to have an effort on goal. A deep cross form the right found Coard unmarked at the back post but his header was well saved by the keeper and this effort was closely followed by a shot by Culbert from just inside the box which was well met on the line by the Dundonald defender.

The game petered out after that as the home side ran out worthy winners in the end.

Bryansburn have to take the positives from their first half performance as they could easily have had the game won by halftime. It was not to be but to go unbeaten in the league until mid February is still a gallant effort but the side need to get this 2^nd half performance out of their system and get back on track with their next game at home to Bloomfield this Saturday.

The 2^nd XI battled to an entertaining 4-4 draw with Mossley YM ll at Ballywooley in a game were the initiative swung from end to end.

The home side started well but it was Mossley who took command with two goals in the opening twenty minutes. Bryansburn fought back superbly and Andy Thompson reduced the deficit with a header before being pushed in the box and stand-in keeper Edwards equalised from the penalty spot. The comeback was complete just before the break when Morrison scored to put Bryansburn 3-2 up at halftime.

Mossley wrestled the advantage back with two goals in the opening fifteen minutes of the second half to lead 4-3. After that the game flowed from end to end with Mossley unable to get the strike that would kill the game off and ‘Burn failing to get an equaliser. The score remained the same until two minutes from time when Peeples powered home a header to leave the final score 4-4. Overall a draw was probably a fair result.

The 3^rd XI were second best for large periods of their game at home to Comber Star but a rousing finale saw them run out 4-2 winners.

‘Burn made a bright start playing all the football and dominating possession and were particularly unlucky not to take the lead when a Dempster header from a Beattie corner seemed to be cleared after it crossed the line but the referee waved play on. Comber then came into the game and deservedly took the lead when the home defence failed to clear and a forward scored from close range. The visitors should then have doubled their advantage when a penalty was harshly awarded after a challenge by McComb. However the resultant penalty was fired over the bar. ‘Burn failed to capitalise on this escape and Comber continued to create and miss chances on a regular basis with the home side fortunate to only be trailing by one goal.

Bryansburn had one good opportunity when Cardwell fired inches wide from close range.

The second half continued in the same vein as the first with Comber Star well on top but failing to accept any of the chances to extend their lead. With it being seemingly only a matter of time until the game slipped away Bryansburn made a tactical switch pulling Cardwell back into midfield and pushing Gallagher up front and the move reaped dividends minutes later. Cardwell made a superb run and slipped the ball through for Gallagher to equalise. Three minutes after this the game was turned totally on its head when Owens popped up at the back post to volley home a Beckett cross and ‘Burn were now winning a game that they were fortunate to still be in. Gallagher then pounced for his second goal of the match and it was 3-1. Murphy and Cardwell were now running riot in the centre of the park and the visiting keeper made great saves to deny Cole and also Gallagher his hat-trick. Shivers also came on for a cameo role and helped carve out a few chances.

With the points seemingly in the bag Comber reduced the deficit with a blistering volley that seemed to hit the post and then Beckett on the line but the referee gave the goal. With only a couple of minutes remaining Comber sensed the chance to rescue a point but all hopes were quickly distinguished with the goal of the game. Dempster slipped his marker at the corner of the box and curled a delightful effort into the top corner past a static keeper. Game over.

The 4^th XI travelled to title challengers Greenwell Star ll and were well beaten 5-1.

Greenwell started the stronger and stand-in keeper Geddis had to make a couple of early saves. ‘Burn started to settle but went a goal behind after fifteen minutes when a missed clearance allowed the Centre-forward to fire home into the left hand corner from 15 yards. ‘Burn rallied and equalised five minutes later when Patterson showed great persistence to create a chance which he converted with a good right foot shot. Unfortunately poor defending cost Bryansburn again as Greenwell regained the lead on the half hour mark. ‘Burn would have been content to go in 2-1 down at halftime but five minutes from the break failure to clear properly resulted in a cross being powerfully headed home to put Greenwell’s 2 goals to the good.

Bryansburn began the second half strongly without really troubling the Greenwell keeper and gained in confidence as the game went on. Greenwell did create several chances but found Geddis in fine form in goals and he made at least three excellent saves to keep his side in contention. In the 82^nd minute a clumsy challenge resulted in a penalty to Greenwell, which was duly converted, and Burn’s improved second half performance was undone by a fifth goal just before the end.

Best for ‘Burn was Geddis in goals who was let down by a poor performance by his defence.

This Saturday: 1^st XI V Bloomfield (h), 2^nd XI V 18^th Newtownabbey OB ll (a), 3^rd XI V Vision Athletic (a) and 4^th XI V Moat Park Rangers ll (a).

Everyone connected with Bryansburn Football Club would like to pass on deepest sympathy to Vice Chairman Graham Lowry on his recent bereavement. Our thoughts are with him.