Late blow ends Burnham's perfect run – But Blues stay top

Burnham striker Jordan Brown takes a shot at goal during Saturday’s win over Abingdon United. Photo: Paul Butler, Burnham FC

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Burnham’s 100 per cent winning start to the season was punctured by a late goal in Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat at Hilltop, however, Mo and Omz Bakali’s Blues remain top of the Combined Counties Premier Division North table having picked up 18 points from seven matches.

The Blues had won all six of their league matches heading into the mid-week clash at Holloways Park, and it looked like the match was headed for a bore draw until Abdirahman Mohamed popped up with an 87th minute winner for the hosts.

It’s the first time Burnham have dropped points in the league, but not the first time they’ve lost this season after the Blues were beaten 3-0 by Jersey Bulls in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup two weeks ago.

Wednesday’s game was the first of five consecutive away matches for Burnham in all competitions, and they’ll be hoping to bounce back at fourth placed Kidlington on Saturday.

Mohamed’s late goal lifted Hilltop to sixth in the table.

The Blues hadn’t been at their best in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Abingdon United at the 1878 Stadium.

Having dominated the first half, they took the lead on the stroke of half-time when Shyon Dennis was played through on goal and took the ball around the Abingdon keeper before slotting home right footed.

Because of a kit clash with their visitors, the hosts played in their red away strip, but they showed their defensive steel in the second half to come away from the match with all three points.

With their closest rivals Broadfields United and Windsor & Eton FC playing out a 1-1 draw at Tithe Farm Sports & Social Club, the result lifted the Blues two points clear at the top of the table with matches in hand over Broadfields in second and Milton United in third.

Holyport’s up and down start to the season has taken a turn for the worse in recent weeks with Port losing their fourth straight game on Saturday with a 3-1 reverse at Harefield United.

Playing their second away game in the space of a few days, Port were largely second best at Preston Park and were 3-0 down before Philip Oladunjoye (87') netted a late consolation. First half goals from Max McLeish (26') (45’+4) and Aiden Swaby (36') had put the home side into a commanding lead.

The result was Holyport’s third league defeat in a row and leaves Lee Ovens and Dan Rapley’s side in 15th.

On Tuesday evening they also bowed out of the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup to Thatcham Town at Summerleaze Park, despite taking a second minute lead through Philip Oladunjoye. Goals from Prince Da Cruz (43') and Aaron Voller (90+5') turned the tie on its head. Port host North Leigh this Saturday.