Burn FC fell short once again in their penultimate game of the season against a strong Econsoc team who ran out 5-1 winners on a sunny but cold Bournebrook pitch.
Econsoc dominated from the start in what was a tough game but Burn FC made a very good account of themselves and created chances during the game. It was a fast start for Econsoc as they took an early 1-0 lead, a powerful shot from the left hand side into the roof of the net making it a difficult start. Joe Camp and Seth Nobes started solidly in defence though and held firm as an onslaught followed but not many chances found their way through. Burn even caused problems at the other end, with Ollie Lenga and Dylan Clarke firing in shots that caused the goalkeeper problems. A beautiful bit of skill set up Dylan Clarke with a long range effort that would have been Burn’s goal of the season. Ella Kipling also caused problems for the opposition up front, putting in some strong tackles and linking up the play brilliantly.
Towards the end of the first half, it was Econsoc’s pressure that paid in impressive style. A rasping drive from long range caught myself and Burn out as it swerved viciously into the bottom corner. Unstoppable. Then an even better goal made it 3-0 to Econsoc, as a stepover sold Dylan Clarke and then the shot was curled perfectly into the top corner. There was not much Burn could do to stop it and the lead was trebled for the opposition in double quick time. A few more saves from myself and the post being rattled meant this was the score at half-time.
Burn were proud of their efforts though and it was positive in the halftime team talk. As the team headed out for the second half, the hope was to try and draw or win the second period and come back in proud as always.
Burn created chances again, with Anthony Johnson’s driving runs forward and Katie Hill linking up with Dylan Clarke to create more chances. However, an early goal in the second half stunted the progress. I made a save from an initial set but the ball squirmed out of my grasp and out to the side, with the rebound being converted from a tight angle. This didn’t stop the Burn train though and we continued to push and try to cause problems.
Bella Shepard-Evans and Katie Hill caused issues for the defence and then Ollie Lenga pounced on a mistake to grab Burn a goal. The goalkeeper tried to play out from the back and found the feet of Lenga, who curled it round him and in. Back to back goal scoring games for the purple army and gaining confidence that they can put the ball in the back of the net against BACAS after Easter.
Econsoc continued to put on pressure however and the game started to really open up ad Burn pushed high. Chances came in and Joe Camp put in a magnificent defensive shift, as I was also forced into quite a few saves to keep the score down. The pressure did tell right at the death though as a 5th goal was curled in from the left with a great finish on the counter. That ended the game with little happening after that, with the final shot of the game striking an unfortunate bystander in the face. Burn put in a big shift and against a very strong team, the score could have been much bigger.
With the Easter break coming up now, Burn have a long break before they return for the biggest game of the year. Confidence can definitely be taken into the game between the two bottom sides, as Burn have put in multiple strong performances towards the end of this season. We go again!
STARTING LINEUP: Seth Nobes (C), Dylan Clarke (VC), Aidan Clarke (GK), Joe Camp, Ella Kipling, Ollie Lenga.
SUBSTITUTES: Katie Hill, Anthony Johnson, Bella Shepard-Evans, Oli Shaw.
