Match Report
Thurlow Nunn Division 1 South - Saturday 18th October
Burnham Ramblers 3-0 NW London
Will Hayes 49' (Burnham Ramblers)
Jamie Marsh 55' (Burnham Ramblers)
Immanuel Soetan 87' (Burnham Ramblers)
NW London travelled to Burnham Ramblers on Saturday in a meeting between two sides separated by just one place in the table. It was a tough afternoon for the Gorillas, who were still searching for their first ever away victory against Burnham — having lost on all three previous visits.
The injury situation worsened in midweek, with both Al-Nashi and Salama joining the growing list of absentees from the Dunmow game, taking the total number of injuries to nine before kick-off. Carlos Balde started after scoring his first goal of the season on Wednesday night, while Zekariyas Haliu began his three-match suspension.
The first half proved to be a scrappy affair with few chances for either side. Burnham looked most threatening from set pieces and long throws, twice going close from crosses into the box. NW London, meanwhile, struggled to find rhythm in attack and failed to create any clear opportunities before the break.
The game turned early in the second half as Burnham's direct approach paid off — a deep cross was headed in to make it 1–0. Moments later, a long free-kick caused more problems for the visitors, with Barker beaten in the air and the rebound headed home for 2–0.
It took an hour for NWL to produce their first real openings, with Thulio Soares firing narrowly wide and Krasniqi volleying over soon after. The introductions of youngsters Agathi and Yohan gave the visitors more energy late on, but Burnham continued to look the sharper side and sealed the result with a third headed goal from Soetan.
With five forwards unavailable, NW London found it difficult to carry their usual attacking threat. Burnham took full advantage, securing a deserved win on a frustrating afternoon for the Gorillas.