Uhlsport Somerset County League
Division 1
Minehead AFC 2, Burnham United AFC 1

BURNHAM United went down to a last-gasp goal in their first County League match of the new season, at Minehead AFC on Saturday.

In what was a close contest, Luke Bloys tested visiting goalkeeper Will Lamb from 20 yards, before Luke Howells rattled the crossbar.

Howells opened the scoring 10 minutes before half time, running from halfway before playing a neat one-two with Matt Harvey and finishing well.

Both Warren Whitfield and Joe Selway had chances to equalise for the away side, but they had to wait until five minutes from the end.

Substitute Steven Leaf blocked an attempted clearance from goalkeeper Kyran Wilkins, allowing Curtis Bradshaw to fire home for a goal on his debut.

Yet, having fought back to seemingly rescue a point, the visitors conceded the killer goal just two minutes later - Callum Barnfield pinching the ball from a defender and netting from six yards.

Burnham now play the first of three successive home games, against Keynsham Town Reserves on Saturday (August 18, ko 3pm).

Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News:

ADVANCE: Warren Whitfield on the ball for Burnham United at Minehead on Saturday. Pic: Steve Richardson

As for Burnham United Reserves, they must wait for their first match in Division 3 - their home game with Tunley Athletic having been called off.

The main pitch at Cassis Close was unplayable on Saturday due to cracks in the surface.

They are due to travel to Chew Magna this coming Saturday (ko 3pm).

Burnham United Ladies, however, have been in action - and in the goals.

Having lost out 2-1 away to Wellington Ladies – Daisy Goldsmith netting for Burnham – they beat Draycott 12-1 last Wednesday and then eased to a 14-2 win over Meadow Park on Sunday.

Against Draycott, the highlights were an excellent headed goal from Jess Wright and two fine strikes from debutant Vanessa Brill.

Burnham made further progress against Meadow Park, utilising their pass and move game to great effect.

The result was hat-tricks from both Abi Connick and Mollie Harvey.

There was also a rocket of a penalty from Tara Chesworth, a confident performance from Trish Phillip, and some superb saves from returning number one goalkeeper Vicky Hitchins.

They have two more pre-season friendlies, the first being this Sunday, at home to Bradley Stoke Ladies (ko 2pm).

Their first match in Division 1 of the Somerset County Women’s League is on Sunday, September 2, at home to Ash Rangers Ladies (ko 2pm).
Training continues on Wednesdays (7-8pm), at Cassis Close.