BEDWORTH UNITED 0 BURNHAM  1

Burnham due to injuries was forced to make their first changes of the season, with keeper Chay Morris making his debut in place of Paul McCarthy and Daryl Jones replacing Ben Hudell. Burnham had a fine chance to go ahead in the very first minute when Rob Saunders released Dean Papali, but Papali dwelled too long and Sam Shilton came to United’s rescue. For the home team the lively Matty Blair down the right forced an early corner, but in the main the first half belonged to Burnham. Stuart Swift unleashed a firm shot that keeper Andy Kemp tipped onto the crossbar and over for a corner. Three times corners on the left taken by Rob Saunders found the head of Will Dunlop at the far post. The first header hit the underside of the bar and was scrambled clear, the second was just over and the third hit the outside of the upright. Burnham had to survive a scramble of their own, but was rescued when an Assistant Refereee spotted an infringement. The only goal came on 23 minutes, when United’s Gary Moran was dispossessed on their right, DEAN PAPALI took advantage and advanced and clipped a precise shot over keeper Kemp. Burnham continued to have control and Ryan Bird went close after a good interchange between Saunders and Swift. As the half ended United finally got forward and a Shilton cross found Ashley Robinson in space. However his header was wide of the mark.

The home team had the better of second half and Burnham had a lot of defending to do, Matty Blair was a constant threat down the right and Robert Beard was always in the thick of it. Blues Terry O’Connor was on hand to clear close to the goal line when a score looked likely and Paul Brett made a timely tackle to block a goal bound shot from Beard.   Richard Allen for the home team tried his luck from long range but Blues keeper Morris was equal to the task and saved well. Burnham had defended well and held out without too many alarms, to make it three clean sheets and to remain unbeaten.