BURNHAM UTD 2 TIMSBURY ATHLETIC 1

Timsbury were very much second best in this first versus third clash at the top of the Uhlsport Somerset County Division One, losing by a 2–1 scoreline.

In a first half of few chances, it took until the half-hour mark before any meaningful attempt was made on either goal, when a Burnham shot from twenty yards by Whitfield flew just wide. This was followed almost immediately with the first goal, when Birch found Watkins with space to run clear into the penalty box and neatly beat the keeper to make it 1–0.

Timsbury responded with a couple of long-range shots from Neilson, neither troubling Bailey in the home goal. On the stroke of half-time, Cook was unlucky to see his shot hit the outside of the post after being fed by Neilson.

Burnham had a chance to increase their lead early in the second half when a defensive header fell to the feet of Bradshaw who, with only the keeper to beat, shot high over the bar.

Within minutes, Timsbury were level, a through ball from Craize allowed Cook to evade the last defender before rounding the keeper to score and make it one all.

At the other end, Timsbury nearly paid for some slack marking when Bradshaw was given a free shot on goal, only to see it hit the post with keeper, Wilcox, well beaten. Hancock sent Midgley wide on the right wing before he cut inside the full back, and then saw his fine shot tipped over the bar by Bailey.

The winning goal came after 25 minutes, a floated free-kick to the edge of the Timsbury box which should have been easily cleared, but somehow they contrived to allow the ball to reach Burnham’s forward, Watkins, who was able to hook his shot past Wilcox to make it 2–1.

With just over fifteen minutes remaining, Burnham were reduced to ten men after Birch was sent off for two bookings, this should have been the signal for Timsbury to rally, but in truth, it was the ten men from Burnham who looked the more likely to score.

Timsbury failed to muster another clear-cut chance and the home side were able to see out the game to claim all three points. Star Man was Josh Watkins (Burnham United).

Rob Veater