Thurlow Nunn Division 1 South - Saturday 13th December

NW London 2-4 Burnham Ramblers

Stuart Zanone 33' (Burnham Ramblers)
Stuart Zanone 45' (Burnham Ramblers)
Stuart Zanone 76' (Burnham Ramblers)
Fidel Aghati 79' (NW London)
Noah Hayes 82' (Burnham Ramblers)
Fidel Aghati 84' (NW London)

NWL came into the match against Burnham Ramblers looking to halt a four-game losing streak, but despite an easing injury crisis, they were soon hit by fresh setbacks. Both Elijah Sonton and Valentin Burcea picked up hamstring injuries in the build-up to the game.

Teenager Yvann Yohann was handed a start in midfield, while experienced forward Taylan Gul led the line. There was also a debut at centre-back for 18-year-old Abeeb Salami.

The opening 25 minutes offered little from either side, with NWL struggling to find any rhythm. It was Burnham who struck first just after the half-hour mark. Stuart Zanone was played through and calmly slotted his effort underneath Turriel to give the visitors the lead.

Burnham grew in confidence following the opener, using direct play to good effect. Several close offside calls prevented the scoreline from worsening, but right before half-time Burnham doubled their advantage. A ball across the box once again found Zanone, who tapped in for his second of the afternoon.

Trailing after a below-par first half, NWL made changes at the break, introducing Aghati, Lucceshini, and Soares. The hosts showed more attacking intent, but Burnham remained well-organised defensively and began exploiting the space left behind as NWL pushed forward.

A series of counter-attacks were repelled by Turriel, whose heroics kept the score at 0–2 for a period. Despite increased pressure, NWL failed to create clear-cut chances, with crosses repeatedly failing to find a target.

Burnham's third goal eventually arrived amid controversy, as confusion reigned over what appeared to be an offside position before the attacker beat Turriel to the ball.

NWL briefly found hope when Aghati caught the Burnham goalkeeper by surprise, firing a long-range effort that was expected to be a cross but instead sailed into the net. However, the momentum was short-lived, as a deflection off Okoko restored Burnham's three-goal cushion.

Late on, NWL finally showed more attacking threat. Aghati again tried his luck from distance, and a looping deflection found its way in to reduce the deficit. There was nearly a third goal when Salami fired straight at the goalkeeper, who produced a strong save.

In the end, it was an off-colour performance from NWL. Burnham Ramblers were the more threatening side throughout, and aside from a late response, they always looked destined to claim the points once they took the lead.