Match Report | Burnham FC v North Greenford United – League, 19.08.2023
Burnham 3 – North Greenford United 2 – 19th August 2023 – Dean Butler
The Blues come out on top in a game of two halves !
Burnhams kept their 100% record intact after a battling performance against unbeaten North Greenford. However, it was the visitors who got off to a flying start taking the lead after just 2 minutes from a set piece free kick. The ball was floated to the far post where the unmarked North Greenford player scored with a free header. The home side were struggling to keep possession in the early stages and it was the visitors who again took their chance and made it 2 nil inside the first 15 minutes. Burnham failed to clear the ball inside the 18 yard box and after a scramble the ball was poked home from close range, it proved controversial as the ball looked to have hit the inside of the post and back into play but the referee and his assistant were satisfied it had crossed the line and gave the goal.
Burnham started to get a bit of a foothold in the game after going 2 behind and created a number of chances without testing the visiting keeper. Keeper Carl Dennison kept the Blues in the game shortly before the break with a great point blank save from a header at the far post. A disappointing half from the home side although ending the half the stronger side had a lot of work to do to get back into the game. In the second 45, that task would be made harder when forward Jabir Laraba was sent to the sin bin for his protests when leaving the pitch at the break.
HT Burnham 0 – North Greenford United 2
Manager Ben Murray made a number of subs at half time, Ollie Bishop and Aitor Pasantes off and Fran Naut and Anas Igozouln on as the home team set out to overturn the deficit. The tactical change seemed to do the trick as Burnham started the half on the front foot. A couple of early chances were kept out by the North Greenford keeper but on the 52nd minute the blues got the goal they deserved. Following a poor clearance the ball fell to Leo Decabo 12 yards out he fired his effort into the roof of the net to make it 1 – 2. Burnham now piling on the pressure levelled the score after 56 minutes with a great finish from Firas Chniba. When his shot, from the edge of the 18 box, nestled in to the far bottom corner and gave the keeper no chance.
With the home team still dominating play it became a bit of a battle with players from both sides going into the book. It took until the 87th minute for the decisive moment when another good attacking run into the box from Firas saw him taken down by the visiting defender and the ref didn’t hesitate. He pointed straight to the spot and it fell to Leo to step up and take the spot kick. He made no mistake, sending the keeper the wrong way and giving Burnham a deserved 3 – 2 lead. A fantastic turnaround following the first 45.
The visitors rallied to get back on terms and late on Leo was shown his second yellow in the final few minutes of normal time. With the ref adding 7 minutes of additional time, Burnham playing with 10 men defended very well to keep the late surge from the opposition at bay. A vastly improved second half for Burnham keeping the 100% league record intact.
FT Burnham 3 – North Greenford United 2
Back again at The 1878 stadium on Wednesday when Wallingford & Crowmarsh visit in the league followed by a trip to Daventry Town FC in the FA Vase on Saturday 26th August.
Burnham FC 2023
Burnham FC 2023 / Gary House