It was asking a lot for Ramblers to go to the League's form side minus three net players and the home side in the end had just too much for them.

The team Burnham fielded gave a reasonable account of themselves but the result was in no way flattering to Walden.

They have inflicted both of the Ramblers league defeats and must be viewed now as Championship favourites.

Burnham lacked Dobson and Cousins at the back but it was the absence of Dean Francis, recently back to some sort of form, that probably hit hardest.

Under a lot of pressure in the second half, Ramblers defended doggedly and desperately but held their discipline.

Up front though they never really looked that threatening.

It needed something a bit special to open up a competent, well-organised defence, and as the match wore on, it looked less and less likely.

Ramblers began well enough and the first half was hard fought, while chances were hard to come by with the game played almost entirely in midfield.

On 25 minutes Nicky Wright got down the right with a powerful run. As he cut in, his cross sped agonisingly past the far post.

A few minutes later Walden should have scored, Das, free in front of goal, shooting straight at Danny Clare.

The new goalkeeper looked solid throughout and obviously poses a challenge to John Reeve's long time tenure of the spot.

The decisive moment came on 41 minutes when Saggers' fierce 20 yard drive took a slight deflection as it rocketed home. It was a big blow just before the break.

Ramblers exerted some pressure for the next 15 minutes but their only real opening saw Moss brought down in the penalty box on the hour, but ther referee waved play on.

From then on, Walden gained an increasing ascendancy. The pace of Carl Allison on the right continually caused problems, even for a defender with Huttley's speed.

Several times the home side went close, Das hit the woodwork twice and Marchant cleared off the line.

A second goal would not have been unjust as Burnham struggled to get into the last third.

On Saturday Burnham Ramblers first team are away to Woodford, who play at Clapton's Old Spotted Reserves ground in Forest Gate.

On Tuesday Ramblers host Hullbridge in a League Cup group game, with Burnham needing a win to top the group.

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