West Clubs Women’s Hockey League
Sedgemoor Division 1
Taunton Vale 4ths 1, Burnham-on-Sea 3

BURNHAM-ON-SEA got their league campaign off to a flyer with a determined victory late in the afternoon in Taunton on Saturday.

Despite missing some players and with their previous friendly games cancelled, Burnham started the better of the two teams.

They were very positive going forward, and the front three of Amy Edmundson, Caroline Hunt and Jemima Johnson showed plenty of pace and skill, while linking well together, but they came up against a goalkeeper in fine form.

Any of those three could have opened the scoring on chances created, but it was the home side who shocked the Blues with a soft goal against the run of play.

The visitors were in danger of missing out completely, as they went into half time 1-0 down and starting to rue all of those missed opportunities.

However, they were even better in the second half – the only difference being their decision-making.

Sarah Johnson began to knit things together in the midfield, spraying balls across the pitch and through to the attackers, and it was only a matter of time before they equalised.

Imogen Wright won the ball in defence and fed Johnson, who set Hunt scampering away down the right.

She ran half the length of the pitch before coolly slotting the ball into the corner of the goal.

Burnham then took the lead and never looked back, as Carly Bush and Edmundson combined to win a penalty corner.

Lousie Peace found Johnson, whose strike was perfectly placed back to Peace to flick in as she ran towards the near post.

Burnham had defended well throughout the match but were particularly good in the second half, with Nicki Glanville leading by example with her calm and commanding influence.

Keeper Sian Kelly made some vital chest-high saves, as she athletically dived to hand one round the post to make sure Taunton did not get through.

Edmundson then capped off a super team performance with a well-deserved goal.

A move that began at the back with Wright and Glanville went onto Bush, who found Edmudson, and after combining passes with J Johnson, she struck a powerful shot past the keeper.

Burnham deserved the points for their resilience, and for not panicking but sticking to their task.

This should give them increased confidence as they entertain Taunton Civil Service this Saturday (September 30, 10am) for their next match.

Players of the match: Nicki Glanville and Amy Edmundson

Training has begun at KAS on Mondays, at 7-8pm for juniors and 7-9pm for seniors (including a fitness session from 7-8pm).

New players, both young and old, are always welcome at Burnham-on-Sea Hockey Club.