West Clubs Women's League
Sedgemoor Division 1
Weston-super-Mare 2nds 4, Burnham-on-Sea 6

BURNHAM made very hard work of getting three vital points against a young and tenacious Weston-super-Mare team, who are bottom of the league table.

After a two-week lay off due to the weather, the Blues could have been excused for starting slowly but they got off to a flyer.

5-1 up by half-time, it was the second half wobble that nearly cost them, but they stuck together to hang on for the points.

Imogen Wright had to make an important early save at her near post before Burnham got going.

Amy Edmundson opened the scoring with a nicely controlled reverse strike after receiving a perfect pass through the middle from Emma Ballard, and this was quickly followed by a second from Jemima Johnson.

Sarah Johnson’s slide rule pass found Hattie Lambourne, who deftly drew out and went around the GK before laying the ball off for a tap-in.

Edmundson soon scored again after sterling work by Ali Evely and Charlotte Rogers, and then turned provider as she fired in a cross from the left that was poked in by June England.

Weston pulled a goal back despite Wright making the initial save, before Edmundson wrapped up another hat-trick.

Johnson and Rogers combined well to set up the chance for her which saw Burnham cruising at half-time.

However, the visitors took their foot off the pedal and allowed the home side back into the match.

They stopped passing and moving, kept giving the ball away and were punished with two quick counter-attack goals.

Caroline Hunt steadied the ship with a super strike from a penalty corner before Burnham conceded a penalty flick.

Wright got her foot to the flick but could not keep it out before, just moments later, producing a magnificent save with her other foot to preserve Burnham’s two-goal advantage.

Rogers was everywhere on the pitch, driving the team forward at every opportunity, while Johnson was defending from the front and providing an important outlet for the Blues.

Evely and Hunt were superb in defence as they took it upon themselves to protect the lead, making several recovery tackles as Burnham held on.

Burnham were rewarded for their character and spirit with a jump up to sixth spot in the table.

Player of the match: Charlotte Rogers

Burnham host Sidmouth & Ottery 2nds on Saturday (10am start), which is another crucial match given that the two teams are in a pack of four jostling to avoid being relegated alongside basement side Weston.