Combined Counties review: Ten-man Burnham blast back to the summit with another 5–2 victory

Jordan Brown scored two and assisted two in Burnham’s win over Holyport. Photo: Paul Butler/Burnham FC

--

Burnham moved back above Broadfields United at the top of the Combined Counties Premier Division North after Mo and Omz Bakali’s side defeated Holyport 5-2 at the Summerleaze Park - now named the Redsquid Arena - on Saturday.

With closest challengers Broadfields being held to a goalless draw by Kidlington, the Blues comprehensive victory over their near neighbours moves them two points clear at the top of the table, with two games now in hand over Broadfields.

Windsor & Eton are also just two points behind the Blues - having played the same number of games as the leaders - after they edged out Virginia Water 2-1 at Stag Meadow, Nick Thumwood scoring the winner in that one as the Royalists battled from behind to claim all three points.

After losing five games in seven, leaders Burnham have found form again in recent weeks. This was their second 5-2 win on the spin after they cruised to victory over Sandhurst Town by the same scoreline in the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup in midweek. They’ve been drawn at home to Wycombe Wanderers in the next round of that competition, with the tie to take place at the 1878 Stadium on November 12.

On Saturday, they managed to comfortably beat Lee Ovens and Dan Rapley’s Port side, despite seeing Joel Ampabeng sent off on the stroke of half time. By that stage, the Blues were 4-1 in front thanks to goals from Jordan Brown (7'), Ampabeng (24'), Jamie Mitchell (31') and Zakari Otoo (37').

Shaun Heuer (15') had levelled matters briefly for the home side, while Lucas Surpanu restored hopes of an unlikely comeback when he slotted home from the penalty spot in first half stoppage time after Ampabeng’s dismissal.

But the 10-man visitors were resolute in the second half and were even able to add to their lead when Brown scored his second of the game in the 59th minute.

Brown also contributed two assists in the game and posted afterwards it was the ‘best he’d felt in years.

Derby day delivered

Catch all the goals & big moments from our clash with @BurnhamFC1878 at home, @redsquidcomms Arena — now live.

Sponsored by @PilotPenUK & #DanHorton #GoalHighlights #MatchdayRewind #UpThePort#DerbyDay #HolyportFC @comcofl @fiberkshire @pilotpenuk pic.twitter.com/2RsaCYUXiU

— Holyport FC | Est 1897 (@HolyportFC) October 12, 2025

The Blues take a break from their league campaign on Saturday (October 18) when they host Spelthorne Sports in the first round of the FA Vase at the 1878 Stadium. They’re then back at home to face Hilltop in their next league match on Saturday, October 25.

Keeping up the pressure behind them are Rob Webb’s Windsor & Eton, who showed winning mentality to come from behind to beat Virginia Water at Stag Meadow.

The Royalists’ largest crowd of the season (396) saw the home side fall behind in the 17th minute when Ollie Mason fired Virginia Water in front. But goals from former Burnham man Leo Decabo and Nick Thumwood in the 30th and 44th minute turned the game on its head before half-time.

A selection of photos from Saturday’s win over @vwfcofficial courtesy of Richard Milam pic.twitter.com/15XNF1pLBP

— Windsor & Eton FC (@WindsorEtonFC) October 13, 2025

The hosts were then able to see the game through for their seventh win in 12 league matches this season, an excellent start having only been promoted from Combined Counties League 1 last season.

Windsor & Eton are also in FA Vase action this weekend. The Royalists travel to Whitchurch United.

Holyport are in league action though as they visit North Greenford United on Saturday.