On a bitter afternoon, Ramblers warmed their supporters' hearts with a battling performance which deserved the narrow victory.

Aside from a strong freezing wind and a heavy pitch, Bowers provided rugged and well organised opposition.

Though generally unspectacular, they possessed in the young Glen Hobdon a midfielder who, if given room, could cause some damage.

With Brown out ill, it was reassuring to see Younan back for Burnham as he was able to mix it in the middle when it mattered.

However, a late tackle on 35 minutes could have brought him more than a booking.

On 24 minutes, a slip by Arnold, mainly due to the conditions, let in Harris who should have done better than shoot straight at Clare in the Burnham goal.

By and large though, Ramblers were worth their half-time lead. They worked hard in midfield and overall their attacks looked more convincing.

Dean Francis was having a fine game for Ramblers, working box to box up and down the right and always looking dangerous as he came forward.

Burnham looked now the more likely scorers, and Huttley twice went close.

However, on 78 minutes, Hobden got room in the middle, ran on and picked out Bolton and the wing back was delighted with his firm drive inside the far post.

Five minutes later, Burnham scored the winner.Down did well to set up Francis who skilfully volleyed home from 15 yards.

Just before the end, Down paced free of the defence, but perhaps hit his shot too early to allow Frankline to make a spectacular save.

It was a well won victory, forged out of hard work. The sort of performance on which seasons are based.

Burnham Ramblers: Clare, Dobson, Cousins, Arnold, Huttley, Wright, Francis, Younan, Fletcher, Miyoba and Down. Substitutes (all unused): Harrison, Lester, Hewes.

On Saturday Ramblers visit fifth placed Sawbridgeworth, a team in impressive form. Kick off is 3pm.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.