Somerset County Division one West

Weston St Johns 0 Burnham United 2

BURNHAM United bounced back from last weekend’s humbling at the hands of Clevedon United with a 2-0 win at Weston St Johns.

A second half brace from 16-year-old Charlie Harding sealed the three points for a young United side and manager Luke Hussey was delighted with their response to last week’s thrashing.

He said: “It was a much improved performance and particularly pleasing as our average age was 18¼ for this game.

“The players called up for the first time this season were excellent and showed we have real potential in our young squad.

“The more experienced players were outstanding in a tough encounter.”

United, with enforced changes to their line-up, produced their best performance of the season so far.

Matt Dibble returned in goal for the absent Will Lamb and made a huge difference with excellent, composed distribution.

United retained possession much better than in the previous two games and were in total control in the early exchanges.

St Johns were also setting out as a passing team and both sides looked comfortable in possession, but it was Burnham who had the extra quality.

The sides went in level at half-time, though Burnham had created some good chances with Dibble yet to make a save.

United looked to penetrate quicker in the second half, and it was Harding who put the visitors in front with a stunning 20-yard strike.

Ed Lamb and Lee Vaughan were in total control at the back, and with Mike Stevens breaking up almost all the home side forays it was inevitable that the Seasiders would soon make the game safe with a second goal.

The impressive Dan Reason, another 16-year-old making his full debut, helped set up an attack which saw captain Waz Mylum fouled 25 yards from goal.

Harding showed quality and confidence with another exquisite strike from the resulting free kick to put the game beyond doubt.

Dan Broom, returning to first team action, gave a mature, hard-working performance, and was a constant thorn in St Johns’ side and a worthy man-of-the-match.