Ramblers returned to winning ways with a league victory that really should have been by a greater margin on Saturday.

After going 3-0 up within half an hour, they looked good at that point for half a dozen, but disappointment failed to press their advantage home.

It was as bleak an afternoon as could be imagined, at a virtually deserted Clapton ground. The pitch was in poor shape and the game, late to start, because of traffic problems.

Woodford presented a rather disjointed opposition, defensively suspect and disorganised, but containing a number of players with considerable pace and strength.

Ramblers fielded a rather new looking set up, with three at the back Paul Younan, Neil Moss in central midfield, and Dean Francis moved up front.

They began well and looked for a while as if they would overwhelm their hosts.

Wright opened the scoring on 20 minutes getting on the end of Francis' cross and then Younan doubled the lead with a fine acrobatic effort on the half hour.

Francis made it 3-0 with a skilful effort from the angle of the box.

Not only did Ramblers fade after half time, but poor defending allowed James on 53 minutes to put Woodford back in the contest.

The new shape had worked well in the first period and had Burnham not missed several good chances, the hosts could well have been routed before the interval.

At 3-1 though they probably could not believe their good fortune.

As Ramblers then continued to both miss good opportunities and to find the Woodford goal keeper in such good form, the home side grew in confidence and were a couple of times near to scoring a second.

Burnham Ramblers: Clare, Robson, Arnold, Tracey, Brown, Muttley, Wright, Younan, Moss, Francis and Miyoba.

Substitutes: Down (Francis), Fletcher (Moss), Hewes (Wright).

On Saturday Ramblers are at home to Ilford (kick off 3pm) in an Essex Senior League fixture.

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