Ocansey and Fashanu help Holyport strike back against derby rivals Burnham

Cyril Ocansey and Amari Fashanu. Credit: Holyport FC

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Burnham 1, Holyport 2

Amari Fashanu swept home a brilliant late winner for Holyport as they overcame derby rivals Burnham at the 1878 Stadium to claim a crucial win.

The Blues had the better of the first half and they finally took one of their chances when Saaed Darankai was picked out in the area with a low cross and he side-footed home in the 41st minute.

However, Port ended a run of four games without victory with a much-improved second half display. They were boosted by the return to the club of Cyril Ocansey, who headed their equaliser shortly after half-time before substitute Fashanu curled home a brilliant winner in the final minutes.

Shortly after the restart, Cyril Ocansey heads the visitors level #nonleague #groundhopping @BurnhamFC1878 @HolyportFC pic.twitter.com/aaubPaUIsu

— M O T O H P P E R (@kc_mcqueen) December 18, 2024

The result – and second half performance – also came at just the right time for a Port side that had won just one of their last eight matches.

In a first half littered with half chances, Burnham broke the deadlock four minutes before the break when Darankai steered home a low cross from the left.

Holyport hadn’t been at their best in the opening period, but they roused themselves for the second with Ocansey rising well at the far post to powerfully head home their equaliser from a free kick on the right.

The visitors were the dominant side in the second half, and they got their just deserts with a couple of minutes to play when the ball was laid off to Fashanu on the edge of the area and he curled home an absolutely beauty to seal victory.

Very good second half showing from Holyport to turn this round. Amari Fashanu with the 88th minute winner - and what a winner! #nonleague #groundhopping @BurnhamFC1878 @HolyportFC pic.twitter.com/TtZDQh0hpi

— M O T O H P P E R (@kc_mcqueen) December 18, 2024

Instead of shutting up shot for the final minutes, Port pushed forward in search of a third and they nearly got it when Jake Beck saw his attempt saved from keeper Sam Hayes’ brilliant assist.

Burnham would have moved to within three points of Port with a victory. Instead, their hopes of catching the sides above them for a play-off place have been knocked back for the time being. It strengthens Holyport’s hopes of a top five finish however, with the side moving three points clear of Virginia Water in sixth.

They have the chance to put further distance between them and Virginia Water when they visit them this Saturday.

Tenth placed Burnham host Wembley this Saturday.

After the game, Port’s goal scorers Ocansey and Fashanu spoke to the club.

Ocansey said: “Yeah, obviously I was gone for a bit. I had to come back because I missed the boys. And it’s always good to return with a goal.

“This result is overdue. It’s just about being confident and positive. Things haven’t been going our way lately. Today, we were 1-0 down but everyone stayed focused and positive and that’s what happens when you put in the work.

Fashanu: “I was glad to come on and get the winning goal and the three points. Hopefully, I can get many more (goals) to be honest.”