Combined Counties: Burnham beaten by North Greenford but promotion rivals also falter

Leaders Burnham visit Ardley United this Saturday. Photo: Paul Butler/Burnham FC

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North Greenford United 2, Burnham 0

League leaders Burnham were beaten 2-0 away by North Greenford United last night (Tuesday), yet the Blues may feel they escaped lightly as their promotion rivals failed to make significant inroads into their lead at the top.

The Blues missed a penalty, saw a goal bound shot cleared off the line, hit the post and the crossbar and failed to take several other presentable chances - but it just wasn’t their night in front of goal.

They also saw two of their number, Zakari Otoo and Soul Hale, sent off in the closing minutes, and their absence may be keenly felt in future fixtures.

The visitors had the chance to take the lead when one of their players was bundled over from behind in the area and the referee pointed to the spot, but the penalty was missed and the scores remained level.

Had that gone in it may have been a very different night and result. Instead, North Greenford forged ahead when Charlie Jay Mitchell scored from the spot in the 23rd minute, and though they rode their luck at times, they sealed victory in the 67th minute when a cross was parried into the path of Joseph Mills and he turned the ball home.

They’re back on the road at Ardley United on Saturday in what looks like being a key contest in the promotion race. Burnham battered Ardley 4-1 at home just a couple of weeks ago so their hosts may have revenge on their minds.

Burnham remain four points clear at the top as their rivals also slipped up in the wet conditions.

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Amersham Town 0, Windsor & Eton 0

Further down the table, sixth placed Windsor played their first match since January 10 as they were held to a goalless draw by Amersham Town in the driving rain.

In difficult conditions the Royalists struggled to carve out chances at Spratleys Meadow, and a goalless draw was just about fair for both sides.

The result sees them skip up a place to sixth, now 11 points behind leaders Burnham with seven matches in hand.

This Saturday, the Royalists will look to play their rescheduled fourth round FA Vase tie with Southern Counties East Premier Division rivals Fisher FC at Stag Meadow.

It wasn’t a great night for any of the division’s promotion hopefuls. Second placed Ashford Town were beaten 3-2 at home by Abingdon United, and Virginia Water held fifth placed Ardley United to a 1-1 draw at home. Ashford Town, Ardley and Windsor & Eton could all conceivably move above the Blues with the games they have in hand over them.

Having beaten Hilltop 3-1 on Saturday, Holyport return to action with another home game against North Greenford United this weekend.