Somerset County Division One West

Portishead Town Res 0, Burnham United 3

BURNHAM United manager Luke Hussey says the continuity in team selection and availability has helped his side find their feet following a tough start to the season.

United were 3-0 winners at Portishead Town Reserves on Saturday thanks to goals from Steve Leaf, Joe Selway and Charlie Harding – and manager Hussey said his side were fully deserving of the win.

He said: “We have worked really hard over the past three weeks in training changing our shape and formation to make us more difficult to break down so to keep our second consecutive clean sheet was important, plus having a settled side is also helping us find some form.

“Terrific effort from the lads on a hot day to keep playing at such a high tempo, both in and out of possession.”

With Steve Leaf back from holiday and Joe Selway, promoted from the Reserves, playing up front together the visitors were constantly looking threatening.

It was Leaf who should have opened the scoring on 23 minutes - after being fouled just outside the box he regained his feet and rounded two defenders only to see his goal bound shot cleared off the line.

This was only a temporary blip as a sublime defence splitting sliding pass from Charlie Harding was met by Leaf who smashed the ball home without breaking stride.

Burnham were now controlling the game and after beautifully delivered free kick by the impressive Ed Lamb - Joe Selway headed the ball into the back of the net from 17 yards out.

After the break the midfield four of Jonny Hunt, Waz Mylum, Mike Stevens and Charlie Harding had to work hard as Portishead raised their game in what was become a real tough battle.

The game was put beyond doubt when Harding hit one of his specials - smashing the ball into the top corner from fully 25 yards out.

Burnham United host Dundry Athletic in the first round of the Premier First Division Cup.