West Clubs Women’s League
Sedgemoor Division 1
Burnham-on-Sea 2, Sidmouth & Ottery 2nds 1

BURNHAM gave their league position a timely boost with this vitally important win in a closely-fought game.

In a calm, controlled and measured performance Burnham were incredibly focused on the job in hand and determined not to lose.

They started well but conceded first from a penalty corner strike.

They did not panic, however, and began to move the ball around quicker, with Sarah Johnson and Charlotte Rogers shining in midfield, and they were soon back on level terms.

Louise Peace combined well with Caroline Hunt and, with Sidmouth’s goalkeeper expecting a pull back as Hunt drove towards the byline, she instead flicked it past her at the near post.

Amy Edmundson was causing problems with her selfless running and passing and Hunt looked really sharp, but some half chances came and went for them both before half time.

Burnham took the lead shortly after the interval and Rogers was involved again – seizing on a loose ball in the midfield, she dribbled past several defenders before bursting into the D and smashing the ball home.

Now Burnham had something to hold on to they showed their steel and determination.

Substitutes Lauren Cook and June England were vital to the cause and more than contributed when they came on, with Cook showing some good touches.

Ali Evely was a giant, defending and covering superbly, and goalscorers Hunt and Rogers did the dirty defensive work as Burnham stayed strong.

Burnham should have made the game safe as they had plenty of chances to increase their lead.

Edmundson went one-on-one with the ‘keeper, who saved her shot, while Jem Johnson was involved in a few goalmouth scrambles.

Due to the tight and disciplined home display, the visitors only looked like scoring once in the second half, but magnificent defending on the line from Emma Ballard after GK Sian Kelly had already made a tremendous save ensured Burnham took all three points.

Player of the match: Charlotte Rogers

The scheduled match against Winscombe on Sunday was postponed again and will now have to be played in April.

Next up for Burnham is a trip to Minehead on Saturday (10.30am).