West Clubs Women's League
Brunel Division 1
Cheddar 3, Burnham-on-Sea 1

BURNHAM put in a really good performance in this local derby and were unlucky not to earn a share of the spoils from a game played in atrocious weather conditions.

They had to withstand a barrage of pressure as well as rain early on but keeper Lucy Stacey stood up to it all with several outstanding saves including a terrific right-footed volley to keep the ball out.

Nicki Glanville and Caroline Hunt made important interceptions and put their bodies on the line before Burnham managed to create a scoring chance through Amy Edmundson.

Olivia Hunt was working hard down the left supported by wing-back Carly Bush, as most of the play was fought out in the middle third of the pitch.

The Blues eventually succumbed to a strike from a penalty corner just before half-time, but came out even more positive after the break.

They had Cheddar rattled as they began to string some decisive passes together and forced several penalty corners.

Sarah Johnson took one of these short to Kerry Harvey, whose cracking shot was expertly deflected in by Johnson pirouetting at the near post.

The game see-sawed back and forth with Harvey and Edmundson going close, and Hattie Rogers and Louise Peace driving the team on from midfield.

An excellent solo goal from Cheddar put them back into the lead, before their keeper make a double save to deny Edmundson.

The game then turned in the hosts’ favour when they were controversially awarded a penalty corner, and scored.

As Glanville went to clear the ball out of the D, a Cheddar forward approached from behind with a stick tackle, injuring Glanville’s hand in the process.

Despite Blue protests, the umpire deemed Burnham to be at fault and awarded a corner to the hosts instead of a free hit.

Burnham tried to get back into the match, with Carly Bush battling hard down the left, Johnson at the heart of everything and Glanville playing on one-handed, but a goal just would not come.

Player of the match: Lucy Stacey

Burnham are at home to Lodway this coming Saturday (9.45am start).

Training continues on Mondays at King Alfred School, 7-8.30pm.