West Clubs Women's League
Sedgemoor Division 1
Taunton Civil Service 8, Burnham 5

BURNHAM ultimately paid the price for a desperately slow start but still ran their top-of-the-league opposition close in this thrilling encounter in a rain-soaked Taunton.

Three down within the first 15 minutes, the writing looked to be on the wall for the Blues but a superb team recovery towards half-time saw them right back in the game.

Charlotte Rogers began the revival with a well-taken goal which owed as much to her determination as to her great skill.

Unfortunately, CS went straight up the other end and scored again to maintain their three-goal lead.

Caroline Hunt then won Burnham a penalty corner and Amy Edmundson’s powerful strike was deflected in expertly by Hattie Lambourne on the post.

Again, Burnham conceded straight away but, again, they bounced straight back.

The selfless Hunt was involved in some excellent approach play.

Receiving a quick free hit from the influential Sarah Johnson in the middle of the pitch, she drove forward and supplied Lambourne who in turn found Edmundson in space to knock it past the GK.

Burnham really had their tails up now and finally found their rhythm to have their best spell of the match.

The midfield were dominant and finding their passes to the front three who were at last putting the home side under some sustained pressure.

Jemima Johnson took control down the left as she began to use her skill and tenacity to create chances.

Linking well with Rogers, her ball into the D was seized on by the ever-lively Edmundson who smashed it low into the far corner.

Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News:

TOP TALENT: Burnham-on-Sea's player of the match Amy Edmundson. Pic: Steve Richardson

At 5-4, Burnham had dragged themselves to within a goal so did not really want half-time but, within minutes of the restart, they were, unbelievably, level.

Rogers and Johnson were again the threat as they combined down the left. As Rogers jinked her way into the D to shoot, the ball deflected off a defender and past their GK for an own goal.

With their confidence high, now, Burnham were looking good for at least a point as they managed to stay on level terms for most of this half.

Unfortunately, they lost Rogers to injury during this spell which seemed to disrupt their flow and, before they knew it, had conceded another three quick goals.

The Blues refused to give up, though, and still created some half-chances through Lambourne and Edmundson, but the momentum had gone and Civil Service eventually got their win.

Player of the match: Amy Edmundson.

On Saturday, Burnham visit Mid Somerset (2.30pm start).