FA CUP PRELIMINARY ROUND

SATURDAY 3 SEPTEMBER

BURNHAM 2  ASHFORD TOWN (MIDDX) 1

Burnham had to come from behind to win this close encounter against fellow Central Division opponents. Town had the  better of the early exchanges but both side forced unproductive corners in the opening minutes.

A Lewis Cook free kick on the left found the head of Burnham skipper Will Dunlop, but this effort proved no problems for ex Burnham keeper Paul McCarthy. Dan Brown a lively striker for Ashford rounded both Dunlop and Ed Chemlal but dragged his shot wide after creating a good opening.  Ashford’s outstanding defender BairohConteh then robbed Jordan Dowdican as he broke loose.  Neither keeper was really troubled during the first period, with both defences appearing sound.  Mitch Woodward had a shot deflected for a corner for Burnham before the opening goal came on 24 minutes. Burnham’s Chris Elsegood and Leigh Mason lost possession in midfield and the ball found its way to Brown on the right wing. His low firm cross was met close in by PIETRO PALLADIO giving Jamie Jackson no chance in the Burnham goal.  Elsegood provided a good opening for an equaliser shortly afterwards but his excellent cross from the by line on the left was missed by all.  The equaliser did arrive on 41 minutes and was the result of a piece of individualism from ADAM DICKENS who picked the ball up close to the byline on the right and ran on to place the ball  wide of McCarthy.  A second goal almost followed when a corner on the right from Cook was headed by Dickens but was blocked close to the goal line.

The visitors started the second half on the attack,  Burnham keeper Jackson spilled a fine effort from Mark Bitmead but defender Ed Chemlal cleared for a corner.  Palladino had two chances for Town, the first he volleyed straight into the hands of Jackson and then the Burnham keeper had to leave his goal to clear as Palladino broke clear.

Central defender Conteh placed a header wide of his own advancing keeper but raced back to clear as an own goal looked to have been conceded.

Burnham then enjoyed a good period with Mason and Cook having close efforts, before on 76 minutes Burnham scored what turned out to be the winner. Bird made ground down the right and his cross picked out substitute CRAIG O’CONNOR who was unmarked at the far post and the much travelled striker made no mistake.

Town pushed men forward in the final minutes but failed to penetrate a determined Burnham defence.

This game was superbly officiated with not a card of any colour in sight.

Entertainment value 3/5

 Man of the Match Will Dunlop of Burnham