Somerset Division One: Burnham United 1-3 Nailsea & Tickenham Res

BURNHAM United AFC ended 2023 with a defeat at home against Nailsea & Tickenham Reserves.

The match ended 1-3 in favour of the visitors as they were in control for large parts of the 90 minutes.

The result sees Burnham drop to fifth place in the league and three points adrift from the top four.

In the match, Nailsea's goals came through Dan Cook, Brandon Hurst and Andrew Head.

For Burnham, Curtis Bradshaw scored the sole goal in what was a tricky match for the hosts.

Burnham did enjoy spells of possession and created chances but were unable to deal with the Nailsea attacks.

It continued Burnham's recent run of one win, one loss as whilst they play well most weeks, they struggle to find form.

A club spokesperson said: "Unfortunately the first team couldn't pick up a point at home this weekend.

"Time to look forward to the second half of the season and start putting some points on the board."

Before looking forward to 2024, a quick look at the 2023 half of the season shows strong signs for Burnham.

So far this campaign, they have played 15 games, won eight of them, drawn one and lost six.

That leaves Burnham on 25 points in the league and it has them sitting in fifth place.

In cup competitions, Burnham have been knocked out of both the Somerset County Cup and the Premier and First Division Cup.

In the County Cup, they lost 4-0 away against Ilminster Town, and in the league cup, they lost 1-0 away against Watchet Town.

Bradshaw has been the man in form in front of goal for Burnham as his tally now sits at 12 goals in the season so far.

Aside from him, Nathan Bishop has four, Josh Watkins has three and Joe Selway has two with a number of players with one a piece.

Looking forward to 2024, Burnham start the year with a home match against Westfield on Saturday, January 6 with a 2pm kick off.

The team will be hoping to move back into the promotion places as they push for the step up into the Uhlsport Somerset County Premier Division.

In other news at the club, in late November long standing Reserves Team co-manager Ryan Elliott stepped down from his post.

The club said: "As a club we would like to extend all our thanks to Ryan Elliott for the past 5 years of service as Co Manager for the reserves. There have been many ups and downs but as always Ryan has given everything to the team and more importantly the club.

"Ryan has made the tough decision to step down from that position to help focus on other aspects in life and the club where he will be assisting with more behind the scenes aspects on the committee."