Timsbury Athletic’s opening home fixture of the season in the Somerset County League Division 1 ended in a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Burnham United First. The damage was done in the first 20 minutes of the game when Curtis Bradshaw scored twice for the visitors. Although Timsbury had plenty of possession, especially at the start of the second half, they lacked a cutting edge in front of goal.
The game began with a minute’s silence to mark the death of former Bath City director and keen supporter of Timsbury sport John Newth. Within six minutes Burnham went in front when Bradshaw was allowed to run through unchallenged to shoot past keeper Charlie Phillips. The same player then added a second after confusion in the Timsbury box from Elliott Lamb’s free-kick.
Rhys Cook had a great chance to reduce the arrears when he burst through but he hooked his shot wide of the post. As Timsbury pressed Jem Lutwama saw his goal-bound effort from Ebner Heatley’s cross saved by keeper Dylan Webb before Ellis Hancock pulled a goal back for the home side with a crisp left foot shot that gave Webb no chance. Another effort from the scorer then went wide while Lutwama again saw his header held by Webb.
Timsbury came out strongly in the second half and after Cook had shot just wide Ben Flower rattled the visitor’s crossbar with a tremendous shot from distance. Heatley wasted a good run down the left with a cross that was far too hard but he then brought Webb into action again with a fine shot that the keeper held confidently.
Burnham were always a danger on the counter attack with Bradshaw a constant threat up front. Lamb also posed problems with his free-kicks and, after one of them had sailed wide, the second forced Phillips to push the ball onto the bar. Lamb, however, had the final word lashing home Burnham’s third goal with a clinical finish.
Star Man Elliott Lamb (Burnham)
Malcolm Tucker