View from the Stands: Gary 'Banger' Bryson

The Listener recently caught up with a man who is widely considered to have been one of Lisahally's most dedicated fans. However not only was he an avid fan, Gary 'Banger' Bryson is sometimes viewed as one of the 'Lost Boys' of Lisahally, because despite his undoubted ability, 'Banger' never got the chance to display his skills in a Lisahally shirt. As a result, he is often viewed as the Andy Reid to Topher Whoriskey's Giovanni Trapattoni. Speaking from the Southern Hemisphere, Bryson shares his thoughts.

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Gary Bryson before scoring the winning penalty during last year's annual 'Married Men versus Single Men' game. (Photo: Ronan Whoriskey)

Lisahally Listener: Good evening Gary, The Listener is delighted to have the opportunity to interview one of the greatest goal-scorers in Strathfoyle history. How are you?
Gary Bryson: Yeah I'm not bad, all is very well over here in Australia!

LL: Now that you are based in Australia, do you miss getting up on those cold Sunday mornings to watch your favourite local team?
GB: I never miss the cold weather back home but I do miss the games. Great entertainment provided week in week out.

LL: Have you been keeping up to date with the fortunes of Lisahally?
GB: Yeah now that I've moved to a city in Brisbane I can get online more and keep up to date with folk back home.

LL: What do you think about the change of management?
GB: I was always a big Topher fan but I was delighted when Rory decided to take the job. When he retired I said many times that he would go into management. You can ask him yourself and he will tell you. I did however recommend him for the Maydown job. [smiles cheekily]

LL: With Lisahally currently top of the league and on course for promotion, do you think they can maintain their form? If so, who do you think will be key to success?
GB: I can't really comment as I havent watched many of the games. That said, from what I've heard from Mark Duffy, he should get the Player of the Year award. Although I don't know if he is being biased but I wouldnt put Mark down for one to blow his own trumpet. [laughs]


LL: You have built up a reputation as being a deadly finisher, with many Stra-Heads dubbing you 'Van Bangelrooy', given your similarity to Ruud Van Nistelrooij. Do you ever feel that your talents were unduly overlooked by the Lisahally management?
GB: Listen, when I was younger I was always confident in terms of scoring goals. I think the problem with me not making it at Lisah' was the fact my that my overall ability was overlooked. Most Stra Heads dubbed me a 'joker' and claimed that I didnt take it seriously enough. With Topher being an old-fashioned manager too, I was never going to be considered for a callup. I think I was was judged on everything other than my goalscoring credentials, which was a pity.

LL: You famously scored the winning penalty in last year's 'Married Men versus Single Men' game and with this years' coming up, will you be making a reappearance?
GB: I'm afraid I wont be making an appearance this year. I would love to land back on a helicopter and grab the winner but that's something which I don't think will happen.

LL: Who would you consider to be Lisahally's best ever player?
GB: Lawrence 'Libby' Mullan is my favourite all time Lisah' player. I've played against him for the Single Men and he's a hard player to get past.

LL: Any final thoughts?
GB: I'd like to tell the Lisah' players to keep barking the way they have been barking and hopefully the league title is on its way. I also would like to bet anyone who believes the single men will be beaten by the married men this year cause it aint gona happen. Thank you Listener!

Lisahally Uninspiring in Defeat

Lisahally 2-4 Bentleys (29.08.10)
Lisahally succumbed to their first defeat of the season at home to Bentleys on Sunday. It was a hard pill to swallow for Lisahally, who had dominated the first half, taking the lead on two occasions, but as the famous saying goes, 'It's a game of two halves' and the second half was one which Lisahally fans and players should try to forget.

There were a number of changes to the Lisahally starting lineup that defeated Strand; notable absentees included defensive lynchpin, Kieran McGlinchey, and injured semi-pro, Paul Lowry. A source close to McGlinchey said:

"Kieran being dropped has sent shockwaves around Strathfoyle. Nevermind Mark Duffy, this man was 'Mr. Consistent' for the past two seasons and was arguably Man-of-the-Match last week against Strand. I don't know how you can justify dropping a player like that. I'd be worried now that he might seek a move elsewhere. I've already heard rumours that Ciaran Dunne is offering him a pint and a packet of Mega Meanies every Sunday to play for Downey's."

Interestingly, self-styled role-model, Mark Duffy, made a return to right back, while popular kamikaze centre back, Christopher Nicholl partnered Jai in the heart of the defence. Super-sub, Cathal O'Kane started on the left-wing and free-scoring Peter Doherty joined Barry Murray in attack. Amazingly, "Iron" Dan Collins once more failed to make the bench, which is a startling indication of Lisahally's new-found strength in depth, something that Dan acknowledges to be "a good headache to have". The Bentleys team included two Strathfoyle men, with Ryan O'Kane playing in the unfamiliar centre-back role and Nathan Strawbridge playing on the left-wing.

The beginning of the game was extremely tentative, with both sides failing to create any clear-cut chances. Indeed, for the first five minutes of the game, the crowd was much more entertained by the shocking state of one Bentleys midfielder, who appeared to be utterly stocious as he staggered gracefully up and down the windswept Beechwood pitch. Such was the hilarity of it that the guy was even heralded as the new 'Poster Boy' for Sunday League football. However, Lisahally soon found a breakthrough after a passage of play, as a cross fell to Peter Doherty, who smashed the ball past the Bentleys goalkeeper. Lisahally had once more found their rhythm and began to create numerous goalscoring opportunities, but Lisahally's almost trademark lack of killer-instinct ensured that these chances were wasted. One attack saw Noel O'Donnell thread through a ball to Peter Doherty, who comically scuffed his shot with his left foot. It seems that Doherty was attempting to silence his critics on the sideline, who had previously derided his ability (or lack thereof) to score with his left foot. It would prove to be a costly miss, as Bentleys scored soon after when the Lisahally defence completely failed to deal with a low corner, allowing former Lisahally youngster, Nathan Strawbridge, to tap in from six yards.

The Strathfoyle Men responded instantly when another pin-point cross from Cathal O'Kane found Barry Murray, who made it 2-1 to Lisahally. It was all smiles at half-time. Lisahally were undoubtedly the better team, yet, oddly, the second half proved to be a disaster of nightmarish proportions as Lisahally conceded three goals without reply. While Lisahally were slow to start in the second half and Bentleys began to look markedly more composed, there was no shortage of chances, with goalscorer Peter Doherty finding many opportunities to score. However, the diminutive forward, who is Lisahally's top goalscorer this season, failed to convert any of the chances, leading the fans to jokingly suggest that he had somehow borrowed Paul Lowry's boots for the second half.

Cultured midfielder, Michael Cooke, replaced tough-tackling Emmett Kirk on the right-wing and the Lisahally management, evidently frustrated by the poor finishing, showed no hesitation when they substituted Peter Doherty for Jason Kam. Indeed, Lisahally's complacency was punished when a mistimed challenge allowed a Bentley's forward through to calmly convert past the Lisahally goalkeeper, making the score 2-2. With twenty minutes to go, Lisahally frantically chased the winner and a long ball over the top from Aidy O'Kane released Jason Kam free on goal. However, the young man's composure was practically non-existent, as he lost his footing and literally took a nose-dive, squandering yet another chance. There were humourous cries of 'Penalty!' from the Lisahally bench and one fan quipped that he was blinded by his dazzling yellow boots, but the laughter soon ceased when Mark Duffy was embarrassingly caught out of position, allowing Nathan Strawbridge to hammer home to make it 3-2 to Bentleys. Following this concession, there was a stark change in attitude from Lisahally, as Bentleys adopted a defensive approach with the aim of shutting out the opposition. Experienced midfielder, Noel Coyle replaced the tired Cathal O'Kane and Decky Brown was replaced by Kieran McGlinchey. Strangely however, McGlinchey was played on the left-wing, as opposed to his more familiar role in defence. As the clock ticked closer to the final whistle, Lisahally changed to 3-4-3 with Noel Coyle dropping into defence and Mark Duffy was sent forward in a desparate bid to salvage a point. The gung-ho mentality encouraged the creation of a number of chances, but Lisahally could not find a way through the determined Bentleys defence and the final nail in the coffin came when Lisahally lost possession in midfield, once more allowing the Bentleys forward through on goal. The Lisahally goalkeeper valiantly saved the initial shot, but was unluckily beaten by the second and the game finished 4-2 to Bentleys.

After the game, former player Stevo McAllister was vociferous in his criticism of the performance. He told the Listener,

"I predicted that Lisah' would triumph easily by two goals, but it wasn't to be. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Hospital passes, reckless challenges, poor finishing and mis-timed headers. The second half was terrible. I hope Rory and Danny can sort this out. Hopefully it's just a blip."

The major criticism, it seems, is what "Iron" Dan Collins previously described as the 'erratic' selection policy of the management. This was perhaps most obviously manifested in the decision to drop Kieran McGlinchey, but there were also questions raised over the motive behind the timing and manner of the substitutions, which caused upheaval to the midfield. Nevertheless, what is certain, is that this loss provides an even bigger incentive to triumph against local rivals Maydown next week. Indeed, if Lisahally are to bounce back with a win and maintain their promotion drive, there will need to be a drastic improvement.

Match Preview: Lisahally v Bentleys (29.08.10)

This weekend's fixture sees Lisahally take on new-comers Bentleys at the Strathfoyle Arena. The Strathfoyle Men are determined to extend their winning streak, which would keep their hopes of promotion alive, but they may find it to be a difficult task against Marty Strawbridge's outfit. In their two games to date, Bentleys have suffered defeat against Culmore, but defeated Maydown easily. However, this fixture will be their first real task, as perennial title-contenders Lisahally are a side very much in form.

Lisahally management will face a selection headache before Sunday, as several players remain doubts with injuries. Key players such as Emmett Kirk and Peter Doherty sat out training yesterday evening while new signing, Aidy O'Kane and defensive lynchpin, Kieran McGlinchey picked up a knocks. There was some good news however, with the return of veteran centre-back Shaun Whoriskey, who took part in training. Midfield playmaker, Michael Cooke, and tenacious midfielder Peter "Mayhem" Mahon also took part in the rigorous session. Interestingly, Lawrence Mullan, a former Lisahally legend, also joined in, fuelling rumours that he may be assuming a coaching role at the club. Fallen star, Mark Duffy, who has recently been relegated to the bench, was one player who desperately needed to make an impression on his coaches and indeed his teammates and it seems he did so. Rory Kirk has expressed his appreciation of Duffy's commitment:

"Mark came in and gave 100%. He played well enough in the training game and I'm glad that he's taken heed of our advice. He's a true professional that lad."

Duffy claims to have reformed and said,

"They told me they wanted to teach me a lesson and I can tell you it's 'Lesson Learned' for Big Duffs. I gave my all in training and there'll be no partying before games now."

When asked about his chances of reclaiming his starting position, Duffy told the Listener,

"There's no better man. You watch me on Sunday, I'll grab the headlines again, because 'The Prodigal Son' will have returned!"

Lucky Lisahally Edge Victory

Strand United 1-2 Lisahally (22.08.10)

Lisahally continued their campaign for promotion on Sunday morning with a hard-fought victory over Strand United at Lisnagelvin. Splendid goals from striker Barry Murray and diminutive midfield dynamo, Peter Doherty overturned the early 1-0 deficit to complete the comeback and seal victory for the Strathfoyle men.

Fresh off their momentous 6-0 opening day victory over Beechtree, Lisahally were keen to maintain their push for promotion with a win over Strand. There were several changes made to the team which triumphed so easily over Beechtree, with versatile defender, Kieran McGlinchey moved to centre-back and speed-demon Paul Lowry starting on the right-wing. Decky Brown partnered Noel O'Donnell in midfield, while Emmett Kirk joined Barry Murray in attack. However, the real talking-point was undoubtedly the controversial decision to start with talisman and self-styled superstar, Mark Duffy, on the bench.

Strand started the game the livelier of the two sides, playing some attractive football and exploiting the gaps in Lisahally's untried midfield. Lisahally's midfield were evidently frustrated by Strand, as Noel O'Donnell uncharacteristically lost possession and Decky Brown committed a number of reckless fouls in dangerous positions. Indeed, this would prove to be their undoing, as a poorly timed tackle from Decky Brown gifted the opposition a freekick outside the box. A quick pass into the box landed perfectly at a Strand player's feet, who wasted no time in smashing the ball past the Lisahally goalkeeper.

Lisahally's sense of urgency was quickly heightened and Paul Lowry moved into the more familiar forward position, with Kirk assuming the right wing role. Strand instantly felt the impact of Lowry's lightning pace, as he raced clear of the last man, only to prematurely blast his shot straight at the Strand goalkeeper. As the Strand management breathed a sigh of relief, Lisahally fans and coaches alike were furious and berated their team. However, the equaliser came minutes before half-time, when Barry Murray charged after a loose ball and catching the Strand goalkeeper off his line, found the net with a fantastic placed shot.

In what seemed to be a stark indication of intent, Lisahally made two changes at half-time, with Mark Duffy introduced at right-back and Lisahally's exotic new signing, Jé Roberto, replacing Decky Brown. Lisahally appeared to be much more assured in possession and disciplined in defence in the second half, but they struggled to make any clear-cut chances, such was the determination of Strand's defence. Aidy O'Kane created a number of chances when he surged down the left wing, but the majority of Barry Murrary's shots were blocked by the heroic defending of Strand. In a scramble in the box following a Peter Doherty cross, Paul Lowry found himself in acres of space, but the striker blazed the ball over the bar. Lowry was then substituted for Cathal O'Kane, who slotted in at left-wing, while Peter Doherty assumed the forward position.

Cathal O'Kane proved to be an inspired substitution yet again, as he linked up with Aidy O'Kane and threaded a marvelous through-ball to Peter Doherty, who skilfully rounded the goalkeeper before drilling the ball into the net to make it 2-1 to Lisahally. However, following the goal, the Strathfoyle men adopted a defensive mentality and played quite deep, encouraging the Strand attack to commit men forward, which caused considerable distress for the Lisahally defence, who, by sheer luck avoided conceding. Defensive lynchpin, Kieran McGlinchey, was taken off towards the end of the game as a precaution and Noel O'Donnell filled in admirably at centre-back for the final five minutes of the game as Lisahally fought to hold on to their lead.