September 26th 2009 – Home

League

Orangefield 1st XI v Bryansburn Rangers

Coming off the back of a good victory against Shorts the previous week, Orangefield had the chance to take a step into the top five with a win over Bryansburn, moving above them in the table.

The first 10 minutes were evenly contested although Orangefield took time to get organised and pick up the Bryansburn midfielder who was playing high up the pitch. Once this was sorted the home side looked more comfortable – communication needs to be better.

After twenty minutes a bad challenge on Ryan Hardy produced a straight red card from the referee for a Bryanburn midfielder. This should have spurred Orangefield on to make use of the space and spread the game, but it was Bryansburn who took the lead. A lack of communication again on the left hand side and poor marking in the middle let Bryansburn cross and fire a free header into the net.

Shortly before half time, Orangefield got one back to go in at half-time all square.

Half-time: 1-1

With the home side looking to make use of the extra space in the second half and pin Bryansburn back, it was a real kick in the teeth when poor marking again from a corner allowed the visitors an easy second goal. The ball was whipped in and a half hearted challenge was brushed aside for the Bryansburn player to head home from 6 yards.

Orangefield again pushed forward and got the equaliser 10 minutes later when substitute Ryan McNaul came on and latched on to a loose ball in the box, slotting home from 12 yards.

Neither side had any more clear cut chances before a hopeful punt forward by the away goalkeeper caught his home counterpart off guard, the ball bouncing over McIntyre and onto the underside of the crossbar before falling into the net. Disappointing for the keeper after pulling off a great save at the start of the second half.

The third goal knocked the wind out of Orangefield’s sails and there were too many players with heads down to conjure up another equaliser. With 10 minutes to go Bryansburn worked another quick throw in on the left hand side and pulled a good ball back for the forward to knock it into the top corner.

A disappointing day against 10 men and lessons will have to be learnt from the game. Lack of concentration, communication and poor marking cost the home side the game and a valuable 3 points.

Full-time:

Lineup: A. McIntyre, R.Hardy, S. McNaul, A.D’Arcy (Capt), D.Wilson, D.Finlay, D.Tittensor, T.Craig, N.O’Neill, Harvey, Subs: R. McNaul, K. Moore