Eastleigh Res. 2-2 Burnham Res.

Eastleigh Res. 2-2 Burnham Res.
Suburban Premier League


TEAM: Jon Webb, James Powell, Niall Bryant, Scott Gilham, Jack Dukes, Arron Milburn, Chris Mason (c), Jeff Cavey, Nick Watt, Leonildo Simoes, Scott Waters.

Subs: Jamie Cousins (on for Simoes 60), Joe Crook (on for Powell 72), Mohammed Arahji (on for Bryant 72).

By Jamie Montigue

A perfect corner kick by Nick Watt saw centre back Scott Gilham charge in at the back post and head the inch-perfect delivery narrowly wide after just seven minutes.

Three minutes later Eastleigh were behind as Burnham Reserves took a 10th minute lead with a low shot past goalkeeper Jon Webb.

The Spitfires came extremely close to pulling level through Leo Simoes who reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box from an Arron Milburn free kick though his instinctive volley towards goal was met by an even better one-handed diving save from Burnham's skipper and keeper who showed tremendous reactions to keep out the close range effort.

Eastleigh found themselves in a spot of bother at 2-0 down, but again showed good character and desire to get back into the game.

Simoes troubled the Burnham back line with his direct running nine minutes before the break. Cutting in from the left flank and getting into the penalty area, Leo was chopped but managed to stay on his feet and the referee played the advantage as opposed to giving a penalty. The striker continued with the ball and forced a fingertip save out of the goalkeeper. Chris Mason crossed the ball back into the box where Scott Waters collided with a man on the goalline and had to receive treatment.

Two further opportunities from the hosts saw Waters head tamely towards the keeper from a Watt cross, and then just before the break Waters held the ball up before laying it off to Jeff Cavey whose chipped shot flew harmlessly high over the cross bar.

HALF TIME: Eastleigh Res. 0-2 Burnham Res.

The Suburban Premier League table toppers had it all to do after the break and showed early promise through Waters bringing the ball down from 12 yards out and having a shot turned away for a corner kick just a minute into the second half.

It took Eastleigh just five minutes to pull a deserved goal back from a Milburn long throw that Waters flicked on at the near post for NICK WATT to turn home and halve the deficit.

Full of confidence from getting themselves back into the game, Eastleigh continued to pile on the pressure and were so agonisingly close to drawing level. Chris Mason's ball in from the left saw Waters slam the ball ferociously against the under side of the bar.

This high tempo start to the second half continued with Eastleigh taking the game to their opponents now. Mason looked to combine with Waters again with a clever chipped pass that just had a little too much on it for Scott who was stretching for the ball.

A little over the hour mark, Eastleigh conjured up their best opportunity yet. Jack Dukes 'cross from the byline found Arron Milburn in acres of space in front of goal, completely unmarked and with the goal at his mercy. The youngster could not have wished for a better chance but will be disappointed to have steered his side foot shot wide of the goal.

Burnham had a rare chance on the counter attack with a striker going clean through on goal, but Jon Webb in the Eastleigh goal did ever so well to come off his line and keep his side in with a shout by saving bravely with his legs.

Scott Gilham was well placed to make a saving header off the goalline from the resulting corner kick.

Paul Wiltshire and Wayne Mew made a double substitution late on, changing things around slightly, and the results were almost instant.

Second half substitute JAMIE COUSINS nipped in on goal and showed great composure to slot past the keeper with a cool finish from Webb's route-one style kick up the field.

Cousins was denied a late winner as his sublime attempt from 25-yards produced a fine save out of the goalkeeper but Eastleigh will be pleased with their second half efforts in turning the game around in their favour and earning a point to keep themselves at the head of the Division.

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