West Clubs Women's League
Sedgemoor Division 1
Mid Somerset 4, Burnham-on-Sea 4

BURNHAM ladies did what they should have done last week and gained a vital point from another pulsating match against top-of-the-table opposition.

Missing several players through injury or illness, the Blues put in a tremendous team performance, especially in the second half where their junior players in particular shone.

Inspired by goalkeeper Imogen Wright, who went on to have a superb game, the visiting defence of Caroline Hunt, Sarah Johnson and Tracey Dunn looked strong and composed, as they did everything they could to support her.

In driving rain they restricted the home side to few chances in a hard-working first half, conceding only from two penalty corners.

Hunt had already made a double clearance off the goal-line when Wright palmed a shot over the bar, and she went on to make several more first-class saves.

Only trailing 2-0 at half time gave the Blues hope they could get back into the match, and they always had a chance with the fantastic Amy Edmundson on the pitch.

She took centre stage and no doubt all the plaudits, as she scored all four of the away side's goals, albeit it was her supporting cast and the midfield who made so much of the difference.

Charlotte Rogers and Hattie Lambourne ran the show in the second half, with an impressive display of pace, skill and energy as they passed and moved their way through Mid Somerset, continually linking well with the excellent Ellie Bishop, Jemima Johnson and June England.

In fact it was England who rolled back the years as she motored down the wing to provide Edmundson with her and Burnham's first goal.

Mid Somerset then made it 3-1, but Burnham were undeterred and looked like they could score every time they attacked.

Youngsters Becky Evans and Beth House showed their ongoing improvement with strong performances in midfield, and it was Evans who found Bishop, who combined with England to make another assist for Edmundson's second goal.

Conceding a fourth with about five minutes to go would have crushed many teams, but not Burnham – they never know when they are beaten.

Driven on by the super Louise Peace, Rogers forced a penalty corner which was crashed in powerfully by Edmundson, and she completed the fightback moments later.

Johnson passed to Lambourne, who jinked through some tackles before laying the ball off to Edmundson to slot home.

There was still time for Dunn to clear off the line after Wright had made the initial stop and for Hunt to make an important block, but this time Burnham determinedly held on to the draw.

Player of the match: Amy Edmundson

The league table is so tight that the point gained at Mid Somerset moved Burnham up two places to sixth, at the head of a pack of four teams on 11 or 10 points.

The Blues' next match is at home to fifth-placed Yeovil & Sherborne this coming Saturday (9.45am start).

Training continues at King Alfred Sports Centre, on Mondays from 7-9pm.