Keeper Incident Proves Match Decider

Having been defeated narrowly in the away fixture, Woodley Town must have gone into this match with some confidence, especially as James Pheby had returned from suspension and Keyron Hylton was fit to start.

In the first minute, Lemar Maycock showed positive intent with a burst up the wing but, as the match settled into a rhythm, Burnham started to win a lot of possession and territory. Then, on 15 minutes, the game's pivotal moment arrived. A weak back pass by the Burnham last defender left Chris Christie with a lot to do and Maycock's pace got him to the ball well before. Then with Maycock still outside the box but flying and seemingly with just a side foot to make it 1-0, there was contact with the keeper and Maycock went down. With the home bench screaming for a free kick and red card, the referee reached for his pocket and booked Maycock for simulation.

The incident initially inspired Woodley and they came close twice in the next ten minutes, through a Maycock header and, following a sublime Iain Graham through ball, Keyron Hylton, who missed the ball as the keeper rushed out of his six yard area to defend the one on one.

At the other end, Burnham were winning plenty of corners and looked dangerous with these, despite the home side's aerial defensive strength. On one occasion Iain Graham had to clear off the line after the defence failed to clear the corner first time round. Then, in the 37th minute, another corner sailed across to the far post where substitute Alex Simmonds headed firmly home giving Burnham a 1-0 lead.

Despite the obvious danger from corners, the home defence conceded another just six minutes later this time from the other side of the pitch. As the ball swung over so Alex Simmonds appeared again to convert simply with absolutely no marker in sight.

The second half started well for Woodley with Iain Graham setting up Maycock who passed on to Hylton in front of goal. It was a fantastic chance to get back in the match but Hylton's left foot shot finished wide of the keeper's right hand post.

Shortly after Burnham should have made it three but struck the crossbar from close range.

Manager Louie Tallett rang the changes with Tyrone May replacing Keyron Hylton, Tom Cooper replacing Maycock and, with ten minutes to go, Lee Wheeler coming on for Jordan Goddard. The changes gave Woodley some momentum but the chances created never really troubled Christie in the Burnham goal. In fact the most dangerous moves involved the Dan Watkiss long throw, with both Mike Alleyne and Tom Cooper coming close with resulting chances.

In the final minute of the match and with Woodley pushing forward, a Burnham break led to a great chance but once again the ball struck the woodwork and this time Gareth Davies was there to clear.

This disppointing defeat leaves Woodley Town in a small cluster of teams near the foot of Division 1 East. Next Saturday sees the start of the League Cup programme with the visit to East Park Farm of Tytherington Rocks who are currently top of Division 1 West.

Woodley Town Squad: Tanner, Thomas, Davies, Alleyne (c), Pheby, Blissett, Graham, Watkiss, Hylton (May), Goddard (Wheeler), Maycock (Cooper). Unused Sub: Lamb