Is it a witch? BURNHaM!!!!

[ron6632]

Ok. Crap title - I apologise!!!

Using the lower league extension, I randomly took control of Burnham, starting in the Evo-Stik Southern D1 C.

The early posts will be light on images - I'm currently running through season 2020/21.

Burnham F.C. is a non-League football club from Burnham in Buckinghamshire, near Slough. They currently compete in the Southern Football League Division One Central. The team play in blue and white quartered shirts and blue shorts. The manager is Martin Stone and the chairman is Bob Breen.[1] Home matches are played at The Gore. The Gore has been recently redeveloped and boasts an impressive new stand and facilities.

History

The club was founded in 1878, Burnham FC is the second oldest club Buckinghamshire. The club spent its first years in various local leagues, and then joined the Great Western Combination league in 1948. 16 years later they moved to the Wycombe Combination in 1964 and then spent one year in the Reading Combination for the 1970-71 season.

The team first joined a senior league in 1971 when they entered the Hellenic Football League Division One A, finishing as runners-up in their first season, followed by a runners-up position in Division One which saw them promoted to the Premier Division. In 1975–76 they were Premier Division champions. In 1977 they switched to the Athenian League, where they achieved two runners-up finishes, and also reached the semi-finals of the FA Vase.

In 1984 Burnham switched leagues to the London Spartan League, where they were champions at the first attempt. The following year the club merged with Hillingdon Borough to form Burnham & Hillingdon F.C., taking over Hillingdon's place in the Southern League.[3][4] In 1987 the club's name reverted simply to Burnham F.C. but performances on the pitch declined and the 1994–95 season saw the club relegated back to the Hellenic League. In four seasons back at this level the club never finished out of the top 5, resulting in promotion back to the Southern League in 1999, where they remain to this day, although due to the renaming and restructuring of divisions they have technically played in three different divisions without ever being relegated or promoted.

Burnham have had modest success in cup competitions. Their best run in the FA Vase came in the 1982–83 season where they lost to Halesowen Town in a two legged semi-final (the home match being the clubs highest recorded attendance). In 1999–2000 they reached the 4th Round of the FA Trophy where they drew Scarborough, then residing in the Conference (they had also recently been relegated from the Football League). Burnham managed a very creditable 1–1 draw at home before losing 6–0 in the replay. In the 2005–06 season Dave Mudge's Burnham side achieved their best run in the FA Cup, losing 3–1 at home to Aldershot Town in the 1st Round Proper. The game was watched by one of the biggest crowds at Burnham in recent years and even saw Burnham appear briefly on Match of the Day.

Burnham completed one of their best seasons in recent memory when they finished 3rd in the Southern League Division One South & West in 2006–07. Due to this league position they entered the promotion playoffs but lost at home in the semi-final 1–2 to eventual playoff winners Swindon Supermarine. This misfortunate was mirrored three seasons later, when, under the managerial guidance of Jamie Jarvis, the Blues again lost out in the semi-final of the play-offs, this time to Chesham United.

League Competition 
-------------------------------------------
2011/12  Evo-Stik Southern D1 C - 10th   |
2012/13  Evo-Stik Southern D1 C - 4th    | Lost in Playoff S/F
2013/14  Evo-Stik Northern D1 S - 1st    | Champions - Promoted to Evo-Stik Southern Prem
2014/15  Evo-Stik Southern Premier - 1st | Champions - Promoted to BSS
2015/16  Blue Square South - 9th         |
2016/17  Blue Square South - 2nd         | Promoted to BSP via Playoffs
2017/18  Blue Square Prem - 6th          |
2018/19  Blue Square Prem - 1st          | Champions - Promoted to League 2
2019/20  League 2 - 9th                  |
2020/21  League 2 - 1st                  | Champions - Promoted to League 1
2021/22  League 1 - 1st                  | Champions - Promoted to Championship
2022/23  Championship - 6th              | Lost in Playoff Semi-Final to Stoke City
2023/24  Championship - 2nd              | Runners-up - Promoted to Premier Division
2024/25  Premier League - 8th            |

Cups
---------------------------------
FA Cup
---------------------------------
2011/12 - 1st Qualifying Round v Congleton
2012/13 - 4th Qualifying Round v Corby
2013/14 - 2nd Qualifying Round v Eastbourne Boro
2014/15 - 2nd Qualifying Round v Staines
2015/16 - 4th Qualifying Round v Chippenham
2016/17 - 2nd Round v Cheltenham
2017/18 - 3rd Round Replay v Middlesbrough
2018/19 - 1st Round v Norwich City
2019/20 - 3rd Round Replay v Nottingham Forest
2020/21 - 3rd Round v Southampton
2021/22 - 3rd Round Replay v Leeds Utd
2022/23 - 4th Round v Derby County
2023/24 - 5th Round v Middlesbrough
2024/25 - 4th Round v Birmingham

Carling Cup
---------------------------------
2019/20 - 1st Round v Aldershot
2020/21 - 2nd Round v Stoke City
2021/22 - Semi Final v Manchester City
2022/23 - 2nd Round v Stoke City
2023/24 - 2nd Round v Walsall
2024/25 - 3rd Round v Wigan

JPT
---------------------------------
2019/20 - Runners Up v Hull City
2020/21 - Winners v York City
2021/22 - Winners v Hull City

FA Trophy
---------------------------------
2011/12 - Preliminary Round v Brentwood
2012/13 - 3rd Qualifying Round v Colwyn Bay
2013/14 - 1st Qualifying Round v AFC Fylde
2014/15 - 3rd Qualifying Round v Nuneaton
2015/16 - 1st Round v Cambridge Utd
2016/17 - 3rd Qualifying Round v Guisley
2017/18 - 1st Round v Fleetwood
2018/19 - 2nd Round v Colwyn Bay

Berks & Bucks Senior Cup
--------------------------------
2011/12 - 2nd Round v Beaconsfield
2012/13 - 2nd Round v Maidenhead Reserves
2013/14 - Winners v Hungerford
2014/15 - Semi Final v Wycombe Reserves
2015/16 - Quarter Final v Chalfont St Peter
2016/17 - Runners Up v Wycombe Reserves
2017/18 - Winners v Wycombe Reserves
2018/19 - Winners v Beaconsfield
2019/20 - Winners v Marlow
2020/21 - Winners v Didcot
2021/22 - Winners v Chalfont St Peter
2022/23 - Winners v Chalfont St Peter (aet)
2023/24 - Winners v Didcot
2024/25 - Winners v Chalfont St Peter

Red Insure Cup
---------------------------------
2011/12 1st Round v Bedford
2012/13 Winners v Whyteleafe
2013/14 DNE
2014/15 1st Round v Cheppenham

Doodson Sports Cup
---------------------------------
2013/14 Winners v Ossett Town

Southern Championship Match
----------------------------------
2013/14 Runners Up v Bognor Regis
2015/16 Runners Up v Greys

Evo-Stik President's Cup
---------------------------------
2013/14 Runners Up v Bridgewater

Evo-Stik Chairman's Cup
---------------------------------
2013/14 Winners v Prescot

Peter Swales Shield
--------------------------------
2014/15 Winners v Nortwich

[ron6632]

Trophy Cabinet

--------------------------------------
Championship
--------------------------------------
Runners-Up
2023/24

--------------------------------------
League 1
--------------------------------------
Winners 
2021/22

--------------------------------------
League 2
--------------------------------------
Winners
2020/21

--------------------------------------
Blue Square Premier
--------------------------------------
Winners
2018/19

--------------------------------------
Blue Square South
--------------------------------------
Runners Up
2016/17

--------------------------------------
Evo-Stik Southern Premier
--------------------------------------
Winners
2014/15

--------------------------------------
Evo-Stik Northern D1 S
--------------------------------------
Winners
2013/14

--------------------------------------
Johnstone Paints Trophy
--------------------------------------
Winners
2020/21, 2021/22

Runners Up
2019/20

--------------------------------------
Berks & Bucks Senior Cup
--------------------------------------
Winners
2013/14, 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20,
2021/22, 2022/23, 2023/24, 2024/25

Runners Up
2016/17

-------------------------------------
Red Insure Cup
-------------------------------------
Winners
2012/13

-------------------------------------
Doodson Sports Cup
-------------------------------------
Winners
2013/14

-------------------------------------
Southern Championship Match
-------------------------------------
Runners Up
2013/14, 2015/16

-------------------------------------
Evo-Stik President's Cup
-------------------------------------
Runners Up
2013/14

-------------------------------------
Evo-Stik Chairman's Cup
-------------------------------------
Winners
2013/14

------------------------------------
Peter Swales Sheild
------------------------------------
Winners
2014/15

Top Goalscorer       | Top League Scorer    |  Most Assists      |  Best Average      | Player of the Year| Most League App           | Most League Goals
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Craig Henney 12      | Craig Henney 11      | Craig Henney 11    | Craig Henney 6.95  | Craig Henney      | Paul Brett 97             | Craig Henney 11
Steve Thompson 30    | Steve Thompson 24    | Craig Ryan 21      | Steve Thompson 7.20| Steve Thompson    | David Tilbury 92          | Steve Thompson 24
Torbjorn Agdestein 25| Steve Thompson 18    | Ashley Smith 19    | Steve Thompson 7.14| Steve Thompson    | Kynan Isaac 108           | Steve Thompson 42
Torbjorn Agdestein 23| Torbjorn Agdestein 20| Kieran MacDonald 13| Torbjorn Agdestein 7.07| Anthony Ashman| Kynan Isaac 141           | Steve Thompson 48
Scott Davidson 22    | Scott Davidson 16    | Ricky Hawes 12     | Scott Davidson 7.11| Ian Wilson        | Christopher Brightwell 174| Steve Thompson 51
Shane Cramp 29       | Shane Cramp 22       | Shane Cramp 15     | Shane Cramp 7.25   | Scott Davidson    | Michael Wright 193        | Shane Cramp 55
Jason Baxter 35      | Jason Baxter 28      | Callum Bowman 18   | Jason Baxter 7.39  | Shane Cramp       | Michael Wright 222        | Shane Cramp 83
Jason Baxter 38      | Jason Baxter 31      | Callum Bowman 18   | Jason Baxter 7.45  | Jason Baxter      | Shane Cramp 205           | Shane Cramp 99
Jason Baxter 22      | Jason Baxter 17      | Niki Klopcic 12    | Tiago Monteiro 7.15| Jason Baxter      | Shane Cramp 245           | Shane Cramp 113
Jason Baxter 40      | Jason Baxter 30      | Lewis Hendry 16    | Jason Baxter 7.40  | Jason Baxter      | Shane Cramp 284           | Shane Cramp 139
Jason Baxter 44      | Jason Baxter 33      | Shane Cramp 19     | Jason Baxter 7.41  | Jason Baxter      | Shane Cramp 326           | Shane Cramp 151
Jason Baxter 22      | Shane Cramp 18       | Aris Esposito 18   | Jason Baxter 7.20  | Aris Esposito     | Shane Cramp 370           | Shane Cramp 169
Nikolay Kolev 31     | Nikolay Kolev 22     | Derek Tong 19      | Nikolay Kolev 7.27 | Nikolay Kolev     | Shane Cramp 387           | Jason Baxter 174
Nikolay Kolev 25     | Nikolay Kolev 22     | Aris Esposito 10   | Nikolay Kolev 7.26 | Nikolay Kolev     | Shane Cramp 399           | Jason Baxter 180

Ave Attendence     | Biggest Win             | Biggest Loss              |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2011/12 - 108      | 5-1 v Barton Rovers (a) | 0-6 v Aylsbury (a)        |
2012/13 - 164      | 6-0 v Horsham YMCA (h)  | 1-5 v Eastbourne Town (a) |
2013/14 - 210      | 5-0 v Tiverton (h)      | 0-3 v AFC Fylde (h)       |
2014/15 - 176      | 5-0 v Avely (a)         | 0-3 v Gosport (a)         |
2015/16 - 417      | 5-0 v Tonbridge (h)     | 0-3 v Tonbridge (a)       | 
2016/17 - 731      | 6-0 v Droylsden (h)     | 0-5 v Wycombe Res (n)     |
2017/18 - 1473     | 7-0 v Beaconsfield (h)  | 1-6 v AFC Wimbledon (h)   |
2018/19 - 1336     | 7-1 v Thatcham (h)      | 1-4 v Norwich City (a)    |
2019/20 - 3033     | 7-1 v Port Vale (h)     | 0-3 v Brentford (a)       |
2020/21 - 2937     | 5-0 v Oldham (a)        | 0-4 v Bournmouth (a)      |
2021/22 - 4808     | 6-1 v Oldham (h)        | 1-4 v Derby County (h)    |
2022/23 - 6447     | 7-0 v Burton (h)        | 1-6 v Middlesbrough (h)   |
2023/24 - 5166     | 7-0 v Beaconsfield (a)  | 2-6 v Bolton (a)          | 
2024/25 - 13780    | 6-0 v Aylesbury (h)     | 0-5 v Chelsea (a)         |

[ron6632]

Season 1 - 2011/12

Preview

At this level, the first season is always a bit of a struggle. Team building was the name of the game, mainly because I had a shock looking at my squad. How many players did I have - almost diddly squat. A virtually clean slate then and literally starting from scratch.

In came as many players as I could get my hands on in an attempt to at least be able to compete in the division!

Key Players

Jack Wright DCR - Good (for this level) Right back who finished the season with a creditable 6.80 average
Stuart Tuck DCL - Very experienced centre back with league experience. Something of a coup for the club. 6.81 average and 7 goals from all comps.
Ashley Smith M RLC - Versatile midfielder who could play anywhere in the centre of the pitch. 6.58 and 5 goals doesn't show how valuable he was
Craig Henney SC - Goals at this level are hard to come by. Knocked in 12 in all competitions, vital in keeping us clear from the drop.

The Season

A great start to the campaign saw us win 5 in a row, including a 4-1, 5-1 result and an early FA cup win. That was really as good as it got until February! We followed the great start with 1 win from 11, although around half were draws. Low scoring games were the order of the day.

The season continued, riddled with inconsistency, and we flirted with the lower end of the table and in November a run of 8 defeats from 10 games (no wins) had me fearing the worst. We somehow turned it round in February, and a series of 1-0 wins meant we climbed into delightful mid-table obscurity as the season gently petered out.

10th in the league was creditable, and the cups were an unmitigated disaster.

Review

Mission accomplished in so far as we survived comfortably in the division. 10th with 63 points was more than I could have dreamed of, especially with our horrible run in November. Helped somewhat by the hopeless AFC Hayes who managed only 12 points, we never really looked in too much danger.

Much work ahead in the close season, and I tend to look as season 2 as being the real "1st" season.

League

10th P42 W18 D9 L15

Cups

Hopeless. Out in the 1st round of everything, apart from the FA Cup, in which we did progress to the 1st qualifying round.

Records

Top Scorer - Craig Henney - 12
Top League Scorer - Craig Henney - 11
Most Assists - Craig Henney - 11
Average Rating - Craig Henney - 6.95
Player of the Year - Craig Henney

[ron6632]

Season 2 - 2012/13

Preview

The close season was not as busy as might have been anticipated. With the shoots of recovery at the tail end of the previous season I decided to stick with pretty much the same squad. In the end it was 4 in and 4 out, the major target being a striker, as we lacked goals throughout the team. I was hoping that a reasonably settled team, allied with some new blood would give us the spark I was looking for.

Key Players

Remo Nesa S C- Signed from Biggleswade Town on a free. Had scored plenty of goals there and I hoped would do the same for us.
Steve Thompson AM R/ S C - Signed from Durhum. Pacey winger come striker who was a clinical finisher. Played up front and was a revelation for us. 30 goals at this level is impressive.
Anthony Ashman D RC - An ex West Ham youth product and a rock in defence for us. Key player for us at the back.
Michael Wright GK - Young keeper brought in as our existing two were useless. Made the no1 spot his.
Craig Ryan M LC - Bit part player last year, was our midfield maestro this season. Weighed in with over 20 assists and was as vital to this seasons success as Steve Thompson.

The Season

A 6-0 win at home against Horsham YMCA on the opening day set the standard for the rest of the season. We kept good form, despite a heavy 5-1 defeat to Eastbourne Town, right through to April, culminating in a run to the Final of the Red Insure Cup. With 4 games to go we were in prime position to take the title. Cue the wheels falling off as we lose three of the last four to drop us into the playoffs. The only upside is that we manage to beat Whyteleafe over two legs in the cup final to win my first trophy. We finish only 3 points behind the champions, and I am furious with the bottle merchants.

Horsham YMCA get revenge on their opening day hammering by dumping us out the playoff at the semi-final stage. They go on to lose to Fleet, who are promoted.

We make better progress in the other cups, earning some much needed prise money.

Of note is the appearance of a certain Shane Cramp in the youth trials. Keep an eye out for this name!

Review

Overall a superb 2nd season. The team gelled well and we played some great football. Steve Thompson was lethal for us, and for a long time it looked like the title was ours. The collapse at the end of the season was gutting in the extreme, but on this evidence I was confident that we would improve next year. A cup win was more than welcome, giving me the first trophy of my career.

Steve Thompson was immense and terrorised most of the divisions defences. Also Craig Ryan, a young M LC, came of age, and was the creative force behind our midfield. With any luck, this combination will continue to bear fruit next season.

League

4th P42 W22 D9 L11 75 pts

Cups

Good progress in both the FA Cup and Trophy saw us almost reaching the 1st round proper in both, although the runs added major fixture congestion in the middle of the season.
A fine run in the Red Insure Cup saw us lift the trophy over two legs, a bumper crowd of over 1000 watching us at the Gore.
The Berks & Bucks Cup - waste of time.

Records

Top Scorer - Steve Thompson 30
Top League Scorer - Steve Thompson 24
Most Assists - Craig Ryan 21
Average Rating - Steve Thompson 7.20
Player of the Year - Steve Thompson

[cerud]

I actually love the title! Made me laugh.

[Jason the Yank]

Ok. Crap title - I apologise!!!

I actually love the title! Made me laugh.

It got better.

[ron6632]

Season 3 - 2013/14

Preview

I was in for a small surprise pre-season, in as much as we were to play in a different division this season. For some reason we now found ourselves in the Evo-Stik Northern D1S. Whether this was a good or bad thing we would find out in due course.

I kept to the philosophy of a settled team is a good team, with only one player coming in. Eight went the other way, including Remo Nesa who, while scoring a few goals last season, had struggled a bit in the league. Pre-season went well, including very creditable defeats to Charlton and Millwall, to give me much optimism for the season ahead.



Key Players

Torbjorn Adgestein - The Striker was my only signing of the whole season. Former Norway u-21 international and Brighton player. 16 League goals was a fine haul, along with his 9 cup goals. A lethal partnership with Thompson
Steve Thompson - Another super season for the front man. Didn't quite hit the heights of last season with "only" 18 league goals, but along with his strike partner, ripped the league apart.
Shane Cramp - Striker from our youth system who played off the bench for most of the season. 16 goals in all competitions - and he is only going to get better!
Christopher Brightwell - Young centre back who is rapidly becoming a key player. 65 appearances for us this season at 7.07 shows how important he was
Michael Wright - Keeper was ever present in goal this season, equalling the 65 appearances. Super player at this level, although his handling can be suspect.



The Season

We start the season with a cup final, curtesy of our Red Insure Cup win last season. We take the lead in the Southern Championship Match Final against Bognor Regis, but a late equaliser takes it to extra time. We succumb to injuries and ship a goal in extra time to hand Bognor the trophy. We go on to lose the 1st league game too, 2-0 against Oxford City, and deserve the defeat. Not the best start to a season ever!

We improve in our next game to smash North Leigh 3-1, and set us on some good form, although we do crash out the FA Cup and FA Trophy early, albeit to better opposition. The loss in the FA Trophy is a pivotal moment, as we then go on a 38 match unbeaten run in all competitions almost to the end of the season. With the title wrapped up, we lose 3 of the 4 last league games and one of our four cup finals. Still, a league title and 3 cup wins (Doodson Sports Cup, Berks & Bucks Senior Cup, Evo-Stik Chairmans Cup) is not a bad haul for one season!


Review

Despite the odd blip we were superb, highlighted by the 38 match unbeaten run, which included 10 league wins in a row to guide us to our first league title. Defeat in the Evo-Stik President's Cup Final was really the only black mark on a season in which we scored almost for fun, while being a tight defensive unit. My first ever quadruple in FM - even though they were all diddy competitions.

A great front partnership that bore fruit throughout the season, with Steve Thompson picking up the PoTY award for the second season running.

League

1st P42 W29 D7 L6 94 pts

Cups

Southern Championship Match - Lost in extra time to Bognor Regis
FA Cup - An early out was a disappointment
FA Trophy - Poor performance and another early exit
Doodson Sports Cup - Lifted the trophy beating Osset Town 5-0 in the final in our only appearance in the competition
Evo-Stik Presidents Cup - The first of 4 end of season finals. We bottled it and lost 1-0 to Bridgwater, Anthony Ashman not helping by getting sent off early on.
Berks & Bucks Senior Cup - We beat Hungerford to lift our local association trophy for the 1st time
Evo-Stik Chairman's Cup - A late Ashley Smith goal gives us the trophy in the last game of the season.

Records

Top Scorer - Torbjorn Adgestein 25
Top League Scorer - Steve Thompson 18
Most Assists - Ashley Smith 19
Average Rating - Steve Thompson 7.14
Player of the Year - Steve Thompson

[Romanista1994]

It got better.

A newt thread? Good pun and good luck!

[ron6632]

Couldn't resist the title - still bad jokes are great......honest

[deltablue]

Lets say it was so bad it's good.

[ron6632]

Season 4 - 2014/15

Preview

Our 1st promotion to the Evo-Stik Southern Premier came after what was quite an incredible season. Again I wanted to keep a settled squad, and as a result, only a few bit part players left, while a hodge-podge of squad players, 5 in all, were brought in to add a little depth to the squad.

Up front things were looking solid, Thompson and Adgestein as my main strikers, with Cramp as a youthful backup. The defence was kept intact after its fine performance the previous year. Midfield was the big concern, as we were looking a little lightweight there.

I was confident, though, with the squad I had and was looking for a good mid table berth this season.


Key Players

Torbjorn Adgestein - Another fine season from the Norwegian, who scores 23 in all competitions.
Shane Cramp - The youngster really came of age. Steve Thompson was under performing, Cramp came in and couldn't stop scoring. 21 in all competitions
Anthony Ashman - Central defender formed a superb partnership with Brightwell, and at 24 has some years ahead of him. Solid and reliable.
Christopher Brightwell - Only 21, the Central Defender is crucial to our team. Like Ashman, solid reliable and no nonsense. A good defender for this level.


The Season

Like last year, we start the season with a cup final. Ashman scores the only goal of the game to land us another obscure trophy, the Peter Swales Shield.

We lose our opening league game 3-0 to a superior Gosport side, and I begin to fear that we may struggle at this level. A far better performance in game 2 sees us win, and enter some good form, which the team maintain until the end of the season. 3 or 4 wins in a row followed by the odd draw or defeat was the order of the day and we gradually worked our way towards the title. In the end we picked up our second league title and promotion with 2 games left, finishing with an 8 point lead over our nearest rivals.

The cups were slightly less successful, but in a way it helped to avoid the fixture congestion that we had last season.


Review

Way beyond expectations. A promotion to the BSS and a double winning season was way more than I could have expected at the start of the season. Based on a solid defence we only ever lost by the odd goal, discounting cup matches against higher opposition. Shane Cramp was a revelation and it looks like he will be good enough to score at any level. Consistency was the most important aspect, and again I will look to keep the nucleus of this squad together.

Our youth intake produced another striker with bags of potential. Jason Baxter will look to get some playing time off the bench next season. He is already scoring for fun in the U-18's.

League

1st P42 W24 D10 L8 82 pts

Cups

Peter Swales Shield - Winners, beating Northwitch in this one off season opener.
FA Cup - Another early out was a disappointment, Stains beating us in the 2nd Qualifying round
FA Trophy - A run to the 3rd Qualifying round sees us out after a replay with Nuneaton
Red Insure Cup - Out at the 1st round. We somehow lose to Chippenham at home, who have only 1 shot on target.
Berks & Bucks Senior Cup - We make it to the Semi, losing to Wycombe Reserves.

Records

Top Scorer - Torbjorn Adgestein 23
Top League Scorer - Torbjorn Adgestein 20
Most Assists - Kieran MacDonald 13
Average Rating - Torbjorn Adgestein 7.07
Player of the Year - Anthony Ashman

[Nobby_McDonald]

Very solid start.

[Lenzar]

I did wonder if this was about a team from Burnham-On-Sea, and was a little disappointed to find it wasn't.

Still, I always love to read this sort of thing - will you stay with Burnham or move about?

[ron6632]

I did wonder if this was about a team from Burnham-On-Sea, and was a little disappointed to find it wasn't.

Still, I always love to read this sort of thing - will you stay with Burnham or move about?

I want to stay with them as long as possible. Ideally, I'd like to get them to the Premiership...eventually, but so far it has been great fun. I enjoy the team building side of the game so at the risk of a spoiler, it's nice to see some home grown talent bringing the club some success!

[cerud]

From that, it sonds are though you have a good update coming

[Nobby_McDonald]

Developing home grown talent is one of the best aspects of the game.

[ron6632]

Season 5 - 2015/16

Preview

The progress the side has been making has been very encouraging so far, especially when back to back promotions have propelled us to a new level for Burnham. It is possibly the natural pessimist in me that is cautious about our chances in the BSS, but as usual after a promotion I am happy just to look for consolidation. In this situation there is always the aspect of the club over acheiving to be considered. Have we over reached ourselves or has the success been a true reflection of the clubs progress?

Again I am keen to keep the close knit squad together as much as possible, although a number of players do leave the club, including Ashley Smith who, after his performances last year, just wouldn't be cut out at this level. The remainder of the departures were squad players, not really good enough to merit their places as squad players. In came 4 players.

Lee Beech - Young DM/M C - Young influencial sitting midfielder
Paul Weldon - D LC - Signed from Southport. A player whose quality is a level above what we have in Defence. At home on the left or in the centre
Bradley Garston - DL/M L - Versitile player who was rattling around the lower Scottish Leagues, signed from Berwick. Cover for the left side, equally at home as a winger or full-back
Barry Duncan - DM/M C - Youth player who looks to have bags of potential, released by Crystal Palace.

Key Players

Scot Davidson - 22 goals in all competitions and a rating of 7.11 he was our leading striker
Shane Cramp - Had a bad injury at the start of the season. Never really recovered, but managed 10 in 36 games. Unfortunate season.
Anthony Ashman - Once again formed a superb partnership with Brightwell. Solid and reliable.
Christopher Brightwell - Another standout season for the Central Defender. Is porbably over achieving now, but still both he and Ashman contrive to get us the 3rd best defensive record in the league.
Ian Wilson - M/AM L - Winger from our Youth system in his first full season. Works his way into the team scoring twice and creating 6. An average of 7.09 for the season gives an indication of his progress.


The Season

Again we have a cup match to look forward to as a season opener, once again competing in the Southern Championship Final. This time we lose 2-0 to a Grays side who completely outplay us.

We make steady progress in the league, never really hitting any brilliant or awful form. Our best was 4 wins in a row and worst 5 without a win. In general we had a solid defence, it was scoring goals that proved to be the problem. Shane Cramp had an early injury that put him out for 3 months and we missed his influence on the side. He is still only 17. Davidson took up the mantle, but never really found the right strike partner. Towards the end of the season Jason Baxter made his first appearances for the club at 16, and the young striker managed to bag a goal.

We finish in a comfortable 9th, never looking like relegation fodder, while always just off the pace for the playoffs. We almost make it to the FA Cup 1st round, but frustratingly lose to Chippenham at home. We do make it to the FA Trophy 1st round, but crash out there to a good Cambridge Utd side. We are dumped out the local cup at the Q/F stage to make it a trophyless season.


Review

Good solid season. Steady and unspectacular and was more comfortable than I was ever expecting. The league performances give us plenty to build on next season, and in general I am happy with the squad we have. A few additions would be nice though! Built on good defensive work our status never looked in doubt, but of concern was the relative lack of goals throughout the team. Another quality (ha - at this level) striker is a must for the next season.
League

9th P42 W21 D8 L13 71 pts

Cups

Southern Championship Match - Was hoping to win this. An early goal and one in 1st half injury time give Grays the win, not to mention the rather biased ref - a certain Mr Howard Webb. 23 fouls to 8? I don't think we are a dirty side - honest!
FA Cup - A trip to the 4th Qualifying round, just missing out on the first round proper.
FA Trophy - 1st round replay with Cambridge Utd puts us out.
Berks & Bucks Senior Cup - Q/F against Chalfont St Peter. Shane Cramp gives us the leade, but we eventually lose to a goal 3 minutes into injury time in an abject 2nd half.

Records

Top Scorer - Scott Davidson 22
Top League Scorer - Scott Davidson 16
Most Assists - Ricky Hawes 12
Average Rating - Scott Davidson 7.11
Player of the Year - Ian Wilson

[ron6632]

Season 6 - 2016/17

Preview

A solid season last year gave me optimism that we could improve and go onto at least a playoff spot. We were rocked though by Anthony Ashman's refusal to sign a new contract, and he dicided to leave in the close season for pastures new. This meant we were now in the market for a defender or two. In came Paul McCabe from Albion Rovers and Ross Main, an Aberdeen cast off - both central defenders. Again some bit-part players left and our only other two signings struggled to make an impact on the squad. Again, squad stability was the key as I planned an assault on the BSS.

Meanwhile, for some inexplicable reason, my board has decided to build a brand new stadium - almost the same size as The Gore (called, wait for it........YES - BURNHAM STADIUM!!!). We move in halfway through the season.

Key Players

Scott Davidson - Another fine season for Scott. 26 goals in all competitions and a rating of 7.16 he formed a fine partnership with Shane Cramp.
Shane Cramp - Injury free, and started the season on fire. Finished with 29 goals in all competitions and quickly becoming a fans favourite.
Ross Main - Filled the space that Ashman left admirably, and is arguably a better player
Paul Weldon - Moved into the Centre to form a partnership with Main. Great season for the Defender.
Ian Wilson - M/AM L - Another excellent season. 8 goals and 6 assists from the young winger


The Season

A dreadful start to the season saw us lose three of the first four games, scoring only once. Naturally I was concerned with individuals performances, and made wholesale changes to the side. Cue 10 wins in 13 and the early blip was but a memory. We keep our good form going, and with 3 games to go we are within touching distance of the title and playing some outstanding football. The wheels come off, and can only pick up 1 point from the final 9 (losing to Eastbourne Boro and drawing with St Albans), losing out on the title by 5 points and finishing 2nd. We draw St Albans in the play off s/f, drawing 1-1 away and blitzing them 4-2 in a whirlwind first half. We play Eastbourne in the final in front of nearly 3,000 people. It is a nervy game, both sides scoring in the 1st 10 minutes. Scott Davidson puts us up with a goal 6 minutes from time.

BSP here we come!


Review

After our awful start, it really looked like we were heading for the title right to the end of the season. The players bottled it when things were in our own hands, but to their credit, they managed to pull out three fine performances in the playoffs. Next season will require a major squad overhaul, as many of the players really are not cut out for the BSP. The young Shane Cramp was immense and James Baxter continued his development, making a few appearances from the bench to score 3 goals. Did I mention how good Shane Cramp Was?

League

2nd P42 W26 D4 L12 82 pts

Cups

FA Cup - We made it through to the 2nd round proper, losing out to a good Cheltenham side.
FA Trophy - Out in extra time, losing to Guisley in the third qualifying round. Another poor performance in the competition.
Berks & Bucks Senior Cup - We make it to the final, which is sandwiched between the playoffs. I sacrifice the cup and put out a second string side - we lose 5-0 to Wycombe Reserves. Oh well...

Records

Top Scorer - Shane Cramp 29
Top League Scorer - Shane Cramp 22
Most Assists - Shane Cramp 15
Average Rating - Shane Cramp 7.25
Player of the Year - Scott Davidson...what the hell were the fans thinking!!!?

[ron6632]

From that, it sonds are though you have a good update coming

;
Might be.....got a few years to update yet before I'm current

[ron6632]

Season 7 - 2017/18

Preview

7 seasons in, and we are far closer to the goal of entry into the football league than I could ever have imagined at the start of the game. New players were needed at this level, but rather than going for a huge overhaul I chose carefully and brought only 5 new players to the club. With little time for sentiment, out went some players I had hoped would stay with the club for some time. Our progress though, had outstripped their abilities, so we said goodbye to one-time record scorer Steve Thompson and the fine servant to the club, Christopher Brightwell, who had 180 league appearances, scoring 12 times.

In came:

Callum Bowman - AM/M C - Signed from Stenhousmuir. Bags of ability, pacey and skilful. A huge boost to our midfield.
Pat Carberry - AMR / ST - Irish winger signed from Stirling Albion. Good crosser and all rounder
Anthony Stewart - DC - Centre back with bags of league experience with Wycombe Wanderers
Peter Crook - GK - Signed on a free from Northampton Town. A class above Wright, who was looking rather suspect at this level.

Key Players

Anthony Stewart - Solid first season for us. 7.09 rating doesn't really show how well he did for us.
Shane Cramp - Brilliant season. 34 goals in all competitions, 12 assists and 11 MoM
Jason Baxter - First Full season. 35 goals in all competitions isn't a bad way to introduce yourself. Lethal partnership with Shane Cramp
Callum Bowman - Was the driving force in midfield. Pulled the strings and laid on the goals for Cramp and Baxter. Also got on the scoresheet 7 times.
Peter Crook - Took over the no1 spot from the foundering Wright. Steady if unspectacular start, but reliable and consistent, making the shirt his.

The Season

We were all over the place the first few games, 1 win in 5, although that was a 6-1 thrashing of Dartford. We picked up form, but the defence seem to enjoy self destructing every 4 or 5 games leading to some high scoring games and heavy defeats. This increased in regularity in the latter stages, as we went from superb to dire performances and back in the space of a week. Win 4-0, lose 4-0, win 4-0. Our middle season form cost us a chance at the title, but our end of season form looked like it could land us in the play-offs. Draws in our final two league matches cost us, as we finished 1 place outside the play-offs on goal difference.

The FA Cup saw us through to the 3rd round. We met Middlesborough at home, and despite losing an early goal, found ourselves 3-1 ahead with 30 minutes left. They fought back and equalised in injury time to force a replay which we lost. We were seconds away from a 4th round tie at Old Trafford

In the local cup, we gained revenge on Wycombe Reserves in the final, beating them 3-0 to secure some (diddy) silver ware for the season.

Review

The Shane Cramp and Jason Baxter show, aided and abetted by Callum Bowman. When these three played, we were unplayable. When they didn't we were bog awful. Some big wins and some hefty defeats plus a good run in the FA Cup made for a successful season. Progress is being made, but a leaky defence could be our major downfall if not sorted. Once more though, a season to surpass all expectations.

League

6th P46 W21 D13 L12 76 pts

Cups

FA Cup - Into the 3rd round for the 1st time ever. Nearly pulled off a shock against Premiership opposition - and the reward would have been priceless. Had to make do with a replay at the Riverside.
FA Trophy - Crap again. Out in the 1st round. We are doomed never to do anything in this competition.
Berks & Bucks Senior Cup - Revenge on Wycombe. Baxter, Cramp and Stewart all score in a comprehensive victory to give us the cup for the second time.

Records

Top Scorer - Jason Baxter 35
Top League Scorer - Jason Baxter 28
Most Assists - Callum Bowman 18
Average Rating - Jason Baxter 7.39
Player of the Year - Shane Cramp (at least that makes up for last year....)

[ron6632]

Season 8 - 2018/19

Preview

Once more, the progress of the club has been beyond all expectations, but now was the first time I felt big changes were needed. We had shipped far too many goals last season, and this was something I was keen to address. The arrival of Peter Crook in goal had helped, but much more experience at the back was needed. 7 players came in while 6 left the club, all players who had contributed to the cause, but unfortunately were now just not good enough for the team.

In came:

Alex Lacey - DCR - Brought in as a squad player for full back cover
Sam Morsy - MC - Combative Midfielder who is more of a squad player
Florian Madlmayr - DLR - Austrian Full Back who is superb on either flank. Important addition to the squad.
George King - DC - More cover in Defence.
Joe Rothwell - MC - Brought in to add depth to our midfield. Also to give extra options for centre midfield when switching between 442 or 4132
Patrick Ada - DC - 34. Defender who has been there and done it. Brings a wealth of experience to the club and I see his age here as being a benefit to the young squad. Huge player for us
Niki Klopcic - MC - High quality Slovenian MC signed from Colwyn Bay. Already capped by his country at 21



Key Players

Patrick Ada - Was the rock our season was founded on. Getting on a bit, but a class apart in defence for us.
Shane Cramp - 21 goals in all competitions.
Jason Baxter - Just getting better. 38 goals in all competitions, and looks like he is only going to get better.
Callum Bowman - Once again ran the show in midfield, alongside Klopcic.
Florian Madlmayr - Full back who was superb all season. Great defender and superb going forward. Part of my long term plans.

The Season

For once we were out the blocks fast, and the team performed superbly all season, apart from a 4 game blip in November. We negotiated the fixture congestion at Christmas well, and from mid January there was a superb race for the title between us and York. We lose to them with 6 games left to hand them the initiative, but they lose at Southend on the penultimate day handing us top spot on goal difference. We beat Newport County 3-0 away on the last day to land the title and a promotion to the Football League for the first time ever.

We turn full-time on the promotion.

Diddy Cup - we score 21 goals in 4 games. Beaconsfield were the unfortunates to meet us in the final as we retain the trophy.

Review

Round two of the Shane Cramp and Jason Baxter show, aided and abetted by Callum Bowman. We were far better defensively, mainly due to the experience of Patrick Ada and a super season from Peter Crook in goal with 16 clean sheets. Another promotion and league football to look forward to.

League

1st P46 W27 D12 L7 93 pts

Cups

FA Cup - Out in the first round. Poor performance against a superior Norwich side
FA Trophy - Crap, crap, crap. We might as well not bother.
Berks & Bucks Senior Cup - We can't stop scoring and retain the trophy with a 5-1 win to round off an amazing season.

Records

Top Scorer - Jason Baxter 38
Top League Scorer - Jason Baxter 31
Most Assists - Callum Bowman 18
Average Rating - Jason Baxter 7.45
Player of the Year - Jason Baxter

[ron6632]

Season 9 - 2019/20

Preview

A super performance last season saw us enter the English League for the first time in the clubs history. Despite the club going full time, only one or two contracts were upgraded, with mast of the side left with their part time deals in attempt to avoid breaking the bank. The board had decided to turn the away terracing into a seated area during the close season, reducing the stadium capacity slightly.

At the risk of repeating myself, the aim for the season was consolidation, pure and simple. For the first time I went for a major change in personnel, with no less than 28 players leaving the club over the course of the season, many of them long serving. Only 5 came in, Portugese Midfielder Tiago Monteiro and Irish Left Winger Derek Kehoe being the only two to cement a starting berth in the team.


Key Players

Patrick Ada - Was the rock our season was founded on. Getting on a bit, but a class apart in defence for us.
Shane Cramp - 20 goals in all competitions, 14 in the league. Struggled in the second half of the season after a series of injuries.
Jason Baxter - 22 goals, 17 in the league. Along with Cramp has now become a club legend!
Niki Klopcic - Ran our midfield. 7.10 average, 7 goals and 9 assists was a good haul for him
Florian Madlmayr - Superb again. Is an automatic first pick for the team.

The Season

We have a fine start to the season, and by mid October I am once again surprised by our league position, as we sit proudly at the top of the league. We keep playing well up to Christmas, but lose at home to lowly Hereford on Boxing day, signalling the beginning of a quite horrible run. 5 wins in 18 games dropped us to mid table as our early form became a distant memory as we just cant seem to hold a lead. Towards the end of the season it all comes together as we demolish Port Vale 7-1 at home, even after falling 1-0 down. We finish the season with 3 wins, our early form meaning that we finish just one place outside the playoffs.

We win the diddy cup once again, but of greater significance is our progress to the final of the Johnstone Paints Trophy. We play Hull City in the final, and are just seconds away from going to extra time, but we self implode to lose the final at the death.

Review

Brilliant start to the season was followed by a long spell of poor form. For a while it looked like we could make a title challenge, but as reality kicked in, it was obvious life was going to be tough in the division. In the end our finishing position of 9th was well beyond expectations. The poor late form was of concern, and something we will have to address next season. Still, not a bad debut in the League, especially when adding in the JPT final - an added bonus.


League

1st P46 W19 D13 L14 70 pts

Cups

FA Cup - Took Notts Forest to a 3rd round replay.
Carling Cup - Aldershot take us to extra time. We are knackered and they put us out with a goal 4 minutes from the end.
JPT - A trip to the final and 40,000 turn up to watch us play Hull. The players are like rabbits in the headlights and deserve to lose, albeit deep into injury time
Berks & Bucks Senior Cup - Another win in what is fast becoming "our" trophy

Records

Top Scorer - Jason Baxter 22
Top League Scorer - Jason Baxter 17
Most Assists - Niki Klopcic 12
Average Rating - Tiago Monteiro 7.15
Player of the Year - Jason Baxter

[CityAndColour]

Can you put up screenies of Baxter and Cramp? Awesome progress.

[deltablue]

Hopefully can go up next time.

[ron6632]

Here you go

Baxter



Cramp



I would post their histories, but that would be a bit of a spoiler. Will do it when I catch up with the save

[ron6632]

Season 10 - 2020/21

Preview

A solid debut in the league system saw us start well, but fall away somewhat. I looked to strengthen the squad further, but with little money coming in and a rather large wage deficit, it was imperative that the squad be small and functional. Out went a host of youngsters on loan - plenty of potential, but not quite good enough for the 1st team. In came some youngsters for the youth team who had bags of potential, a goalkeeper (to cover the injured Crook), a striker come winger and a couple of young full-backs.


Key Players

Shane Cramp - another productive season. 29 goals for the striker, still only 23.
Jason Baxter - with 40 goals he managed to beat his own record for goals in a season. 30 in the league.
Niki Klopcic - The engine room of the team now. Ran our midfield. 7.21 average.
Lloyd Playford - A surprise to me, and another product of the youth system. Crap stats, but performed brilliantly on the wing. 7 goals and 7 assists.

The Season

After two opening wins, we go on to take only 4 points from a possible 18, plunging us towards the wrong end of the table. With my usual GK out injured for the first 6 weeks of the season I was in trouble. My younger back ups were all out on loan. A decent looking replacement for Crook was found, but he proved that Crook was one of my most important players by performing poorly, contributing to our dodgy start. With Crook back in the side our form improved dramatically, and indeed, we only lost 2 out of 20 league games from that point on. A minor blip in January saw us recover well, and we had the form to push towards the title. A loss to Burton Albion gave us concern, but in the end we won our final 6 league games, securing promotion with 3 games left and the title on the penultimate day.

Another promotion, and a new adventure in League 1.

We retained the diddy cup, but made heavy weather of the final against Didcot, but more importantly we made it to the JPT final, this time lifting the trophy against a poor York side. A nice treble!

Review

Crooks absence at the start of the season was crucial. The team just didn't perform without him. Once back in the side, we were motoring, with Cramp and Baxter terrorising almost every defence they came up against. Another appearance in the JPT final was a huge bonus, and to win it was even better - our first "proper" cup win if you like. Next season is going to be interesting!


League

1st P46 W27 D11 L8 92 pts

Cups

FA Cup - Lost in the 3rd round away to a Southampton side sitting top of the Championship
Carling Cup - Stoke give us a doing in the 2nd round.
JPT - We go one better and lift the cup against a lacklustre York City
Berks & Bucks Senior Cup - Another season, another final, another cup.

Records

Top Scorer - Jason Baxter 40
Top League Scorer - Jason Baxter 30
Most Assists - Lewis Hendry 16
Average Rating - Jason Baxter 7.40
Player of the Year - Jason Baxter

[cerud]

Congrats on the back-to-back promotions!

[deltablue]

Yay, you did it!

[ron6632]

Cheers Guys. I'm now up to date (yay) and can begin work on a proper update. With pictures. And everything

[deltablue]

Ah good, was slightly worried at the briefness of updates.

[Nobby_McDonald]

Rapid progress.

[ron6632]

Season 11 - 2021/22

Preview

Another fine season to look back on saw us gain promotion to the 3rd tier of English football, a far cry from where we started over a decade ago. League 1 will undoubtedly be a big step up as we will try to be competitive on limited finances. The last league game of last season saw a capacity crowd at Burnham Stadium (5,259), something that will hopefully continue into the new year.

Players In

Barry Milne - Scottish attacking midfielder signed from Hearts. Can dribble and has pace.
Donald Park - ML signed from Partick Thistle. Had been after him for a while and signed on a pre-contract. May not have the impact I am hoping for due to other signings.
Mark Adamson - Another central midfielder, formerly from Ross County. Adds depth to the squad
Derek Tong - The winger is something of a coup for the club. Capped twice for England U-21 the 19yr old signed from Liverpool could be a star of the future.
Kevin Sainte-Luc - French winger who can play on either flank. Has been a consistent performer throughout his career, mainly at BSP level though. Spent last season at Coventry in League 1.

Players Out

Alex Lacey - The DCR hadn't really featured last season and was beginning to make waves. Let him go on a free as barring an injury catastrophe would be unlikely to get a game.
Sam Morsy - The MC had signed a pre-contract with Exeter. Was only ever really a squad player, never really doing enough to cement a run in the side.
Pat Carberry - Had one good season for us in the BSP in 2018/19 but drifted in and out the side after that. Spent some time away on loan last season and wanted to leave, so obliged with a mutual termination. Signed for League 1 Notts County in the close season.

Meet the squad



Club Progress



Facilities



Expectations

Board

League - Stay clear of relegation
FA Cup - 3rd Round
League Cup - Enjoy it!
JPT - 2nd Round
Diddy Cup - Couldn't care less!

Media

Prediction of 23rd. At least they don't have us bottom!

[ron6632]

L1 = League 1
CC = Carling Cup
FA = FA Cup
JPT - Johnstone's Paints Trophy

August

L1 (a) v QPR 2-2 Cramp (78, 90+1)

Our first ever visit to Loftus Road. We look to repeat a 4-1 win at home in the JPT last season. Despite dominating we fall 2-0 behind, QPR's first goal being scored by former Burnham player Callum Bowman. We keep plugging away, and club legend Shane Cramp lobs the keeper to keep us in it, then blasts home his second in injury time to rescue a deserved point.

CC1 (a) v Ipswich p1-1 Klopcic (35)

We travel to Portman Road to play recently relegated Ipswich. We struggle early on and fall behind to a counter attack, before Klopcic scores from outside the box to level before half time. Neither side finds a winner, and it is up to youngster Tong to slot the winning penalty in the shootout.

L1 (h) v Carlisle 0-0

First home game of the season. Dreadful game with only 3 shots on target between the teams.

L1 (a) v Shrewsbury 3-0 Baxter (35, 45+2), White (43)

We blow the Shrews away in an incredible first half. Baxter scores a super individual goal for his 1st of the season, White taps in a corner and Baxter is fed by Cramp to secure the points in 1st half injury time.

L1 (h) v Portsmouth 0-0

We welcome Pompy to a full house. We dominate, and things look good when Pompy have a man sent off midway through the first half. Our finishing is dreadful as we can't find a way through, despite the 64% - 36% domination.

CC2 (h) v Burnley 1-0 Baxter (15)

High flying Championship side Burnley fall behind to a well worked Baxter goal early on. We put on a great defensive display as Burnley struggle to break us down, although they do hit the woodwork twice. First home win of the season.

L1 (a) v Coventry 2-0 Evans (8, 14)

On paper a hugely difficult away day for us, especially with Baxter out through injury. Evans puts us in the lead through Cramps flick on from a route 1 ball, then can't believe his luck as the Coventry defence fall asleep from a freekick. We see the game out comfortably in what could be a watershed result for us.

[ron6632]

September

JPTS1 (h) v Southend 2-0 Cramp (37), Evans (49)

Goals either side of half time see us through this tricky tie against League Two opposition. Cramps scores after a super team move, and Evans slots home from a fine through ball to start the defence of the JPT

L1 (h) v Rotherham 1-0 Duffy (87)

We leave it late in front of a full house as our finishing is dreadful. With the game heading for 0-0, centre back Duffy flicks a corner home from the near post to give us a deserved win.

L1 (a) v Exeter 3-2 Klopcic (28), Cramp (34), Duffy (64)

A see-saw game sees us fall behind to an early counter attack. Klopcic thunders in a long range equaliser after a poor clearance from a freekick. Cramp gives us the lead before half time after a fine run by Kehoe. We lose a deserved equaliser as we fail to clear, then Duffy scores his second in two games to win it, tapping in after stramash in the box after a corner. A tight game that neither side really deserved to lose

L1 (a) v Chesterfield 2-2 Cramp (14), Baxter (79)

We are relatively poor and fall behind twice, the first to an uncharacteristic mistake by GK Crook. Cramp scores after being put through by Evans to leave things level at half time. We lose the second from a corner, then Baxter comes off the bench to score a brilliant goal as I gamble with his fitness. A big point for us as we don't perform particularly well.

L1 (h) v Aldershot 4-2 Baxter (6), Sainte-Luce (10), Duffy (32), Heneghan (o.g. 59)

Blistering start to the game sees us fall behind then take the lead, all within 10 minutes. We concede from an early corner, but equalise through Baxter from the kickoff. Sainte-Luce gets his first for the club with a neat finish, then Duffy scores the third with a thumping header from a corner. We manage to concede a second from a freekick before a defender puts the ball into his own net after the keeper drops the ball


CC3 (a) v Wolves 2-1 Slama (o.g. 24), Baxter (81)

We travel to Molineux to face a Wolves side sitting 4th in the Premier League fully expecting a defeat. We match them pound for pound all game and take a deserved lead when a fine Milne shot hits the bar, rebounds off the keeper and in. Wolves equalise early in the second half after a super move, but the onslaught doesn't materialise. Baxter hits the winner after being sent through by the superb Milne late on to give us an historic victory.


L1 (h) v Notts County 1-1 Park (4)

Park thunders an early shot home to score his first for the season in a blistering start. That was as good as it got as we look as if we have a hangover from the Wolves game. County get a deserved equaliser in the first half as both teams toil. Only 2 shots on target all game for both sides - the goals. Poor performance.

[deltablue]

Good undefeated run.

[ron6632]

October

L1 (a) v Ipswich 3-0 Baxter (51), Tong (81), Sainte-Luce (84)

Ipswich have been poor in the league so far and the result was a little flattering for us. An even game until Baxter put us ahead early in the second half, once again scoring a superb goal. Tong headed in from a corner for his first ever Burham goal and Sainte-Luce taps in Tongs cross to complete the scoring as Ipswich collapse in the last 10 minutes.

JPTS2 (a) v Millwall 1-0 Milne (7)

Milne gives us an early lead with a fine finish, the only goal of the game. More notable was the referee Carl McGregor who ruined the game with some strange decisions and booking 11 players.

L1 (a) v Cheltenham 2-0 Baxter (46,60)

An even game, lit up by a super Baxter double in the second half.

L1 (a) v Bournemouth 3-0 Milne (55), White (70), Bradbrook (o.g. 85)

Having never beaten Bournemouth at Dean Court I was expecting a tough game, especially after of 4-0 thumping there last season. We are by far the better side, but it takes us until the second half to take the lead, Milne tapping in from a poorly defended freekick. White heads in an almost carbon copy goal from a Tong freekick before a defender puts past his own keeper late on. Great performance.


L1 (h) v Barnet 3-0 Baxter (6, 14, 22)

We try to beat Barnet for the first time in three attempts. Baxter gives us the lead after a dreadful defensive pass, then doubles the lead with a super finish after a fine pass from Madlmayr on his return after injury. He seals a hattrick in 21 minutes with a thundering finish after wriggling through the barnet defence to complete the scoring.

CC4 (a) v Leicester City 2-1 Cramp (24), Baxter (68)

We travel to another Premiership side, with City struggling in 17th place. It is an even start, but gradually we get into the game, Baxter having a goal ruled out, correctly, for offside. Cramp then gives us the lead, tapping home the rebound from his initial shot which hit the post. City start the second half well and equalise as White is unlucky in trying to clear a goal bound shot. Baxter gives us the lead again with 30 minutes to go, taking the ball round the keeper as our defence creaks a little. Despite wave after wave of City attack we hold firm and go through to the next round. Another fantastic result against superior opposition.


L1 (h) v Doncaster Rovers 4-1 Milne (29), Cramp (35, 63), Baxter (49)

We entertain a struggling Rovers side who sit in 20th, just outside the relegation zone. We dominate the early stages and take the lead midway through the first half, Milne turning in Baxters cross with a diving header. Cramp makes it two, firing home off the post from a Milne through ball. Baxter mad it three after half-time, pouncing on a defenders mistake. Doncaster pull one back, their first shot at goal, then Cramp restores the lead from the kickoff. The result is a flattering one, for Doncaster

[cerud]

You're on a tear right now! Great job

[ron6632]

November

L1 (h) v Oldham 6-1 Sainte-Luce (12), Cramp (pen 26), Baxter (49, 57), Maxwell (o.g. 66 ), Duffy (88)

Oldham are rock bottom of the table with only 3 points from 15 games and on a run of 21 games without a win….I fear the FM curse!

We are on top from the start and take the lead after 11 minutes, Sainte-Luce starting and finishing a sweeping move. Cramp then scores a penalty after a combination of defender and keeper poleaxe him in the box. Baxter added a third right after the break and gets his second not long after when the defence fails to clear. Saint-Luces cut back forces an O.G., Oldham pull one back (their first shot at goal ) Baxter misses a penalty, then Duffy scores from a brilliant Milne cross. Oldham weren't helped by the ref, 11 yellows and 2 reds, not to mention 2 penalties!



L1 (h) v Peterborough 3-3 Baxter (10), Sainte-Luce (18), Cramp (29)

Cramp makes his 300th league appearance for the club in this game, having scored a whopping 144 goals. Peterborough are sitting just outside the playoffs in 7th place. The visitors take the lead as we fall asleep at the start of the game. It doesn't take long for Baxter to equalise from a Cramp head flick. Sainte-Luce then heads in a Cramp freekick only for us to concede the same way moments later. Cramp then passes the ball into the net to put us 3-2 up. They peg us back just before half time. We keep going second half, but fail to find a winner through a combination of woodwork and keeper. Cramp even misses a penalty in stoppage time.

Shane Cramps History - 300 games and 145 goals from the home grown striker who is a club legend.



JPTS Q/F (h) v Ipswich 3-1 Cramp (34), Hendry (58), Tong (79)

We fall behind to a scrappy goal early with the Ipswich keeper in fine form. Cramp equalises then Hendry gives us the lead in the second half then Tong seals the win after a bad defensive mistake.

FA1 (h) v FC Halifax 2-0 Duffy (10), Evans (48)

We meet a BSP side who we last played in 2019, winning 2-1 at home. A comfortable victory, 1st half goals from Duffy and Evans putting us through.

B&BSC (h) v Maidenhead 4-1 Baxter (3, 75, 82), Cramp (84)

A few fringe players come in for the diddy cup. We make heavy weather of it despite an early goal and Maidenhead manage to conjure up an equaliser. Baxter completes a hattrick and Cramp slots home to make the scoreline look comfortable.

L1 (a) v Hull City 3-1 Milne (52), Baxter (62), Cramp (90+1)

My 600th match in charge at Burnham is against 4th placed Hull. We are terrible for the 1st half, outplayed and outfought, leaving us lucky to only be a goal down. We improve 2nd half as both Milne and Baxter score superb individual efforts. We somehow survive the Hull onslaught only for Cramp to complete the burglary in injury time with an outstanding goal. Very flattering result.


JPTS S/F (a) v Aldershot 4-2 Milne (36, 71) Cramp (52, 81)

We are second best for most of the first half but Milne still manages to put us ahead. Cramp stabs in a second on the counter and suddenly we look a lot more comfortable. Milne then score his second before Aldershot pull one back. Cramp then seals the smash and grab with his second from a Park through ball. Shots get their second after a defensive mix up to complete the scoring in a frantic last 20 minutes.

L1 (h) v Crystal Palace 0-0

Our first ever competitive meeting with a Palace side sitting in 18th, just outside the relegation zone. Neither side creates any real chances in a dismal 1st half and if anything the 2nd half was worse. Poor, poor performance from both sides. I'll blame the downpour!

[ron6632]

You're on a tear right now! Great job

Good undefeated run.

Cheers guys.

I can't believe the run this team is on. Never in my wildest dreams did I think the season would be panning out like this at the end of November.

The last few performances have been laboured, so I'm fully expecting the bubble to burst, quite spectacularly very soon - possibly in the next match - against Premier Cardiff, at home, in the Q/F of the Carling Cup. I have a bad feeling about this one!

[ron6632]

December

CC Q/F (h) v Cardiff City 2-0 Sainte-Luce (44, 45+2)

We meet a Cardiff side on a poor run in the Premiership in arguably the biggest match in Burnhams history. It is an even game with few chances, but we take the lead when Sainte-Luce heads in a brilliantly taken Cramp freekick just before half time. He then doubles his tally in 1st half injury time, sliding in a Tong cross. The 2nd half is comfortable for us as we never look like conceding, the result taking us to the Semi Final.


FA2 (h) v QPR 3-1 Cramp (28, 64), Baxter (74)

We are poor early on in this match, conceding an easy goal on the counter as we look very complacent. Cramp pulls us back level, though, with a sweet half volley. He puts us ahead mid way through the 2nd half with a deft finish after the ball found its way to him. Baxter score a superbly work 3rd with a tap in to give us breathing space and ultimately win the tie.

With this result we create a new club record of 39 games without defeat, breaking a record set in 2013/14.

Some injury news - Influential full back Alex Smith has had his leg broken in training by Derek Tong. Big loss which will see him out to the end of the season. Arse

The line up for the Carling Cup semi-final is complete now as well, and we have finally hit the cup jackpot, playing Man City. Hopefully the away gate will virtually wipe out our debt!

L1 (a) v Derby County 3-0 Baxter (51, 71), Cramp (56)

Huge match for us as this is 1st against 2nd. Our only fixture against them so far was a pre-season friendly this year which Derby won at Burnham Stadium. Both sides miss gilt edge chances in a 1st half that ebbs and flows. Tong lays a cross on a plate for Baxter to tap in early in the 2nd half and Cramp then delicately lobs the keeper a few minutes later to make it 2. Baxter seals the win from a Cramp flick on with 20 minutes to go as we dominate the 2nd half.

L1 (h) v Nottingham Forest 1-2 Sainte-Luce (75)

Forest sit in 4th in another important league game for us. So far, in our head-to-head is a dead heat after 6 games. 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses each with both sides scoring 9 goals. We fall behind to a swift counter early on as we struggle to get into the game. We lose a second with 15 to go then pull one back through Sainte-Luce from the kick off. We throw the sink at them but can't find an equaliser. Our first defeat in all competitions this season.

L1 (a) v Ebbsfleet Utd 1-3 Baxter (60)

The Boxing day fixture sees us visit a badly struggling Ebbsfleet side who lie 3rd bottom of the league. With our loss to Forest in the last match this is a potential banana skin. They take the lead from a stupid direct free kick as we direct one way traffic towards the Ebbsfleet goal. Baxter finally gets an equaliser after squandering numerous chances only for Ebbsfleet to retake the lead from a corner then score another from the kickoff. A poor, poor performance which due to injury and suspensions, has left me with no strikers for the next match.

As an aside, that was also Jason Baxters 200th Burnham league match and his 127th goal.



L1 (h) v Blackpool 2-1 White (56), Elengo (72)

We play second bottom Blackpool, who have been deducted 10 points due to their financial situation, although I am forced to play two youth team strikers. We dominate the game, but, unsurprisingly we struggle to create chances with the two youngsters up front. White eventually gives us the lead from a corner only for Blackpool to score immediately with their first effort on goal. I change formation, leaving 16 year old Elengo up front on his own, and he rewards me with a calm turn and finish inside the box that wins the game. He is still rubbish though!

The League Table at the half-way point

[deltablue]

Ah well, wasn't going to last forever, still great work being top.

[Lenzar]

At what league can Baxter play at according to your coaches? Given his AR is still pretty high I'd say you're alright until the EPL.

[ron6632]

At what league can Baxter play at according to your coaches? Given his AR is still pretty high I'd say you're alright until the EPL.

They reckon he could make a decent PL striker atm. The interesting thing is, I keep getting messages about him making great improvements in training. Would be nice to see him go all the way with Burnham. I am concerned though, that we may be becoming a bit of a one man team

[ron6632]

January

FA3 (a) v Leeds Utd 1-1 Baxter (45+2)

Our first ever fixture against Leeds is with a patched up side as we trundle through some poor form. We fall behind to an early deflected effort as we struggle to get into the game. However, Baxter poaches a goal in 1st half injury time to make things even. We struggle in the 2nd half until I make some major changes, then we go on to create some chances that really should have been scored. A cup replay isn't what we need at the moment, although the extra payday will be welcome.

B&B Q/F (h) v Marlow 2-0 Caridi (14), Evans (pen 34)

We line up with a mix of fringe and youth players, giving my first team a much needed break. Youth prospect midfielder Bruno Caridi fires us ahead from distance for his first goal for the club. Evans converts a penalty for our second to complete the scoring in the first half as we see the game out comfortably.

L1 (h) v Shrewsbury 1-1 Baxter (41)

The Shrews sit in the relegation zone, 6 points from safety. We have a poor start and quickly fall behind from a corner. Baxter is fed by Cramp to equalise before half time.

CC S/F Leg 1 (a) v Manchester City 2-1 Sainte-Luce

The biggest game ever for Burnham. Man City sit in 2nd in the Premiership. We last less than 4 minutes before falling behind. We rally well though and Sainte-Luce gets a deserved equaliser. We fall behind after a defensive mistake in the 2nd half.

On the plus side, the gate receipts put us back in the black, even if it is only 50k!

JPTS Final 1st Leg (a) v Gillingham 0-0

A postponement to the FA Cup replay against Leeds has caused major fixture chaos for us. We drop to 3rd in the league, mainly down to only having 1 league game in the midst of 7 cup matches. Ouch!

Poor finishing, poor game, poor everything. We finish the game with 9 men, Cramp injured, and Kerr sent off in the last minute of injury time

CC S/F Leg 2(h) v Man City 0-1

We are arguably the better side, but can't find a way through the City defence. Crook drops the ball right at the end to consign us to glorious defeat.

FA3 Replay (h) v Leeds Utd 2-3 Baxter (17), Cramp (42)

We finally get round to this cup tie on 4th round weekend. Baxter fires us ahead after good work by Milne only for Leeds to equalise soon after. Milne then sets up Cramp to put us back in front. We gift an equaliser then fall behind in the 2nd half in a game we don't deserve to lose to round off a pretty dreadful and cup filled January. In a way I'm relieved to be out the cup as we now have 5 games in hand in the league to catch up on.

[ron6632]

February

L1 (a) v Carlisle 3-0 Klopcic (5), White (49), Baxter (87)

We drew 0-0 with Carlisle at home earlier in the season. This is our first "catchup" game against mid-table opposition. Klopcic ghosts through the defence early on to give us the lead. We miss a barrel load of chances then White White heads home a freekick at the start of the 2nd half and Baxter makes up for his earlier misses by getting a deserved 3rd at the death.

L1 (h) v Exeter City 1-0 Sainte-Luce (53)

Exeter sit in 16th place, comfortably outside the relegation places. They set up to spoil us and succeed in a goalless 1st half. In the end brilliant wing play by Tong lays a tap in for Sainte-Luce to give us the lead and the winner. Of concern is our poor finishing of late.


JPTS Final 2nd Leg (h) v Gillingham 3-2 Baxter (5, 37), Evans (25)

0-0 from the first leg. Baxter gives us an early lead with a smart turn in the box. Evans nods in a second and Baxter scores our third before half time. They pull one back after half time then grab a second with 15 minutres left. We hold on to progress to our third consecutive JPT final.

L1 (a) v Notts County 1-1 Baxter (2)

A six pointer. We have 5 games in hand over County who sit in 2nd, 5 points ahead of us. Baxter gives us the lead within 2 minutes, they equalise within 10 minutes. We hit the woodwork 3 times but can't find a winner. A point is still a good result for us though.

L1 (h) v Chesterfield 2-0 Danzey (o.g. 62), Baxter (90+1)

It is one way traffic. We take the lead when a defender slides a rebound into his own net. Baxter seals the win in injury time. 3 shots on target from 18 is very poor though, despite our dominance.

L1 (h) v QPR 3-1 Klopcic (45+4), Sainte-Luce (50), Baxter (75)

They take the lead on half time, White giving away a penalty that he is sent off for. Klopcic equalises immediately with a tap in on the goal line before the ref can blow for half-time. Sainte-Luce heads us in front from a corner. Baxter makes it three with a fine solo goal to confirm the win with 10 men

L1 (h) v Ipswich Town 4-2 Duffy (58), Baxter (70), Klopcic (74,82)

Ipswich are still struggling in 20th place. We just about edge a poor first half then Ipswich have a man sent off right at the start of the 2nd. Duffy then heads in from a corner and Park feeds the off key Baxter, who turns and scores from the 6 yard line. Klopcic makes it 3 with a fine placed shot from outside the area as Ipswich implode then rounds off the victory with another 8 minutes from time. Ipswich do pull one back, a quite exquisite lob of the keeper then get an undeserved second in injury time to make the score look much closer than it was.

[ron6632]

Ah well, wasn't going to last forever, still great work being top.

We have created one hell of a bubble to burst this season. The natural pessimist in me is still waiting for the atom bomb bursting that will inevitably happen

[ron6632]

March

L1 (a) v Oldham Athletic 3-0 Duffy (3), Mitchell (21, 39)

We play the side sit 2nd bottom of the league, with only 3 wins to their name (courtesy of the Blackpool 10pt deduction). We take an early lead, Duffy heading in a corner for the second game in a row. Martin Mitchell (a youth product who has spent some time away onloan), in for the suspended Cramp, gets his 1st of the season with a super individual effort. He then gets his 2nd, sliding in a superb Tong cross. A deserved, dominant victory.

B&B S/F (h) v Didcot 1-0 Johnson (o.g. 22)

A chance to rest my war weary troops and let some of the fringe players have a go in the diddy cup. We take the lead when Stewarts header is blasted into his own net by a defender. We toil against a well disciplined side, but the o.g. is enough to see us in the final.

L1 (a) v Barnet 3-1 Mitchell (1), Klopcic (38), Cramp (89)

We visit underhill to play a mid-table Barnet side. It takes Mitchell just 23 seconds to open the scoring. We dominate and Klopcic makes it 2 with a fine freekick. DUffy gave away a penalty right on half time to allow Barnet back in the match. Despite Tongs sending off, Cramp ends his goal drought with a fine free kick late on. The result could have been more comfortable as we hit the woodwork 5 times.

Youth Intake



Oliver Boardley - the best of the intake



L1 (a) v Portsmouth 3-3 Mitchell (48, 65), Baxter (59)

Pompy sit in 5th and take an early lead and add a second near the break. A brilliant run from Baxter lets Mitchell nod in unmarked to get us back in the game but we concede immediately. Baxter pulls us back in the game after a Mitchell flick then Milne plays in Mitchell for the equaliser. We ride our luck to come away with a valuable point.


L1 (h) v Bournemouth 3-1 Sainte-Luce (49), White (55), Deering (o.g. 87)

Poor game. Lit up by Sainte-Luce's stunning 2nd half strike. White makes it two, heading in from a well worked corner routine. We seal the game when Deering puts through his own net, although we concede straight from the kick off.

L1 (a) v Peterborough 3-4 Duffy (57), Baxter (66), Monterio (69)

The Posh sit in 10th, chasing a playoff place. It is an even game in which we fall behind midway through the 1st half, losing a 2nd soon after and a 3rd on half time. Duffy gives us hope, Baxter volleys in to take us within one goal then moments later Baxter feeds Monteiro to find a gap at the near post. The Defence fall asleep and we go behind once more and are unable to recover. Our 3rd league defeat of the season.

JPT Final (N) v Hull City p1-1 Cramp (78)

We are the better side, but fall behind when the defence switch off to a through ball right on half time. Cramp fires us level with just over 10 minutes left, taking the game to extra time and ultimately penalties. Despite Mitchell missing the first penalty, we hold our nerve to win the shootout and lift the cup.


L1 (h) v Coventry City 3-0 Cramp (pen 26), Baxter (83, 90+3)

Cramp gives us the lead from the spot, Baxter seals it late on with two fine finishes. Not pretty and very scrappy, but a very important three points.

[ron6632]

April

L1 (a) v Doncaster Rovers 1-2 Mitchell

Rovers are in a relegation battle in this, the first of 4 away games in a row. They are the better side and take the lead before half time and we lose another after the break. Mitchell grabs one back but it is not enough to avoid defeat, although other results mean we have secured a playoff spot.

L1 (a) v Rotherham 0-2

I make a few changes for this match, including a makeshift back four to cover for my rather fatigued defence. Despite our domination, they take the lead from a well worked throw in and work a second right after half time to complete the scoring.

L1 (a) v Crystal Palace 1-1 Baxter (38)

I change tack in this game, going for a 4-1-4-1 formation in an attempt to stop the rot. We concede from a corner in an even game, but Baxter gets an equaliser before half time to give us a valuable point that see us move back to 1st.

L1 (a) v Aldershot 1-1 Baxter (20)

We are almost back to full strength against a struggling Aldershot side. Baxter gives us the lead from a corner. Shots equalise in the 2nd half, with my defence wandering about like lost sheep to cost us 2pts.

L1 (h) v Derby County 1-4 Cramp (73)

Huge game against the side sitting 1pt and 1 place behind us. We continue our poor form and fall behind early then lose the second on half time. Cramp pulls one back, his 150th league goal for the club, but we lose a 3rd from a corner. We lose no4 in injury time. I am furious at the capitulation

L1 (a) v Nottingham Forest 1-2 Baxter (38)

Baxter gives us a late 1st half lead, but we squander it early in the 2nd, losing 2 quick goals.

L1 (h) v Ebbsfleet Utd 0-1

We play a side struggling against relegation. We are pish, and I start fining players we are that bad.

L1 (h) v Hull City 2-0 White (43), Sainte-Luce (67)

White nods us in front on his return from injury and Sainte-Luce makes it 2 to stop our awful run.

L1 (h) v Cheltenham Town 3-1 Cramp (24), Sainte-Luce (40), Baxter (54)

Cheltenham are chasing a playoff place. A win would secure us promotion in the penultimate match and a shot at the title in the final game.

Cramp gives us the lead on his 325th league appearance as we dominate proceedings. Sainte-Luce makes it two (triggering a clause that gives him 30k) then Baxter makes it 3 after Cramps penalty hits the post and the promotion party begins! They do pull one back but it is not enough to spoil the result. We go top level on points with Derby with one game to play for the title.

League Table

[ron6632]

May

We have only two games left this season, with promotion in the bag. Our local association cup final and a title decider against Blackpool.

B&B Final (a) v Chalfont St Peter 3-2 Mitchell (1, 25, 76)

It is an entirely different 11 that is named for the diddy cup final, a mixture of fringe and youth players, Oliver Boardley making his club debut. It takes Mitchell 45 seconds to take the ball round the keeper and give us the lead. He makes it two with a simple finish. We let them back in the game from a 2nd half corner before a fine Evans run sets up Mitchell for his hatrick. They get a second in injury time, making the scoreline look close.

L1 (a) v Blackpool ?-?

We play relegated Blackpool. To win the championship we need to equal or better the Derby County result. They play Doncaster at home.

We finally have a fully fit squad to chose from, and I can put out a full strength side.

1st Half

10 mins: So far so good with both games at 0-0, although Blackpool are beginning to control things.. Doncaster have had a player taken off injured though.

15 mins: We can't get into the game and are giving away silly freekicks. Still 0-0 in the other game.

21 mins: White heads onto the bar from a Cramp freekick

26 mins: Again White heads over, this time from a Tong corner.

27 mins: Baxter has a great opportunity, but the keeper stands his ground and makes the save. Still 0-0 at Derby.

30 mins: Blackpool go close with a shot that fizzes past the left hand post.

39 mins: Goal - Tong splits the defence with a pass that plays in Baxter who slots under the keeper to put us 1-0 ahead. Derby score at almost the same moment in their game to keep the pressure on.



41 mins: Blackpool try to hit back. A goal bound shot deflected over our bar for a corner which we eventually clear.

43 mins: A long punt puts Blackpool clear. Crook pulls off a fine stop.

45+3 mins: Goal - The ref plays over a minute and a half of extra injury time and Blackpool capitalise, heading in from a freekick to hand the initiative to Derby. 1-1

Halftime



An even and rather tepid game. We looked like we had a lead to build on for the 2nd half, but a goal at the death has left us chasing the game, especially with Derby leading. 45 minutes to win the title.

2nd Half

46 mins: Blackpool shoot over from distance.

50 mins: It swings back our way as Doncaster equalise at Derby. 1-1 in that match.

51 mins: Milne plays in Baxter, but the Keeper is just too quick for him.

54 mins: Blackpool miss a golden chance, a weak shot easy for Crook to save.

57 mins: Duffy turns and shoots from a corner. The ball though slips the wrong side of the post.

62 mins: Mitchell replaces the lacklustre Cramp

67 mins: Crook pulls off another good save to keep us in the hunt.

75 mins: White is unmarked but hits the post from a Tong freekick when it is easier to score.

79 mins: Another White header is cleared off the line from a Tong corner

81 mins: Tong heads over from a Sainte-Luce cross then Monterio replaces the tired Milne as the score remains 1-1 in both matches.

85 mins: Kerr gives the ball away, and just as it looks like Blackpool are going to score, Duffy pulls off a last gasp tackle to keep us in it.

89 mins: A Tong cross finds Baxter unmarked 6 yards out, but he can't get the ball from under his feet and the keeper manages to smuggle it away.

90+1 mins: There has been a goal at Pride Park in injury time…..

Full Time



1-1 draw. We just about edged the 2nd half but just could not break a stubborn Blackpool side down. Has it been enough to secure the title?

[ron6632]

The Derby result



We are very, very lucky. County batter Doncaster all match, only to lose in injury time and hand us the title.

Final League Table



Another league title and promotion to the Championship.

[ron6632]

Just had this news



Our terracing is being converted to seating, all to comply with League Requirements.

We move to the 15000 seater Elm Park in Reading while the work is carried out.

[deltablue]

Good luck in the championship.

[ron6632]

Season review

An absolutely incredible season. Up until around Christmas we were unplayable, resulting in a 40 match unbeaten run (including 8 games from last season), with a quite incredible run to the Semi Final of the Carling Cup. A cup filled January nearly cost us with games being moved left right and centre through a combination of cup replays and weather. At one point we had 5 games in hand over the league which really started to take its toll in April. Injuries and fatigue, especially through my defence, looked like it was going to cost us the title as we went on a run of 7 games without a win - our second ever worst run! Our early form means though that everything is still in our own hands with three games left. 2 wins and a final day draw are enough to lift the title, although we do get a huge helping hand from Doncaster on the last day, beating Derby at home as we win the league by a single point.

On top of this, we manage to defend the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and win the Local association trophy again to make it a treble season. Add to this the Semi-Final with Man City and this season will take some beating for the club.

League 1 - Champions. I say this every season, but way beyond expectations. Next year will be tough. Honest

Carling Cup - Semi Final. Brilliant run, and in the end we give Man City a bit of a fright. So close to the final

FA Cup - 3rd Round. Out on a replay with Leeds. A blessing in disguise as our fixture backlog was getting ridiculous

JPT - Winners. Third consecutive appearance in the final, second consecutive win. Revenge for our defeat by Hull 2 seasons ago.

Diddy Cup - Winners. Nuff said.

Key Players

Peter Crook - GK kept 17 clean sheets in the league. Generally solid but did have the odd off game. Vital to the defence

Michael White - At 23, the Irish CB has his best years ahead of him. Immense at the back and when injured or suspended the defence struggled without him.

Sean Duffy - Whites partner in crime is only 21 but just as important to the defence as White. Super partnership at the back, although he did struggle a little when White was not playing. His second full season for the club.

Florian Madlmayr - The Austrian was running on empty at the end of the season, clocking up 53 appearances for the club. Unspectacular, steady and consistent. Hugely important member of the side. Will probably lose him in the close season as I can't afford to renew his contract. Watch this space.

Derek Tong - His first full season of football for the ex Liverpool youngster. 16 assists from the right wing, and he looks like he will develop into something special. May struggle to keep hold of him.

Niki Klopcic - Solid and dependable, the beating heart of the team. We don't perform when he is unavailable. Now capped 20 times for Slovenia.

Barry Milne - 11 assists and 3 goals from the midfielder who likes to run at defences. Only 23 and developing well, although he is prone to bouts of inconsistency and seems to get upset quite easily.

Kevin Sainte-Luce - One of the older members of the squad at 28. The Frenchman has performed well above my expectations. 10 league goals and 6 assists for the winger who grew into the side after a slow start.

Shane Cramp - Record appearances and record scorer. 24 goals in all competitions is a fine haul for a player that has scored goals from level 8 up to level 3. Had a bit of a disappointing 2nd half to the season, but popped up with some vital goals. Very much overshadowed by….

James Baxter - What a player. 142 goals in 223 league appearances. 44 in all competitions with 33 in the league - he will surely overtake Shane Cramp as the record goalscorer for the club. And still only 23, homegrown talent at its best. Wow

Records

Top Scorer - Jason Baxter 44
Top League Scorer - Jason Baxter 33 - Wins the League 1 golden boot
Most Assists - Lewis Hendry 19
Average Rating - Jason Baxter 7.41
Player of the Year - Jason Baxter

League Competition 
-------------------------------------------
2011/12  Evo-Stik Southern D1 C - 10th   |
2012/13  Evo-Stik Southern D1 C - 4th    | Lost in Playoff S/F
2013/14  Evo-Stik Northern D1 S - 1st    | Champions - Promoted to Evo-Stik Southern Prem
2014/15  Evo-Stik Southern Premier - 1st | Champions - Promoted to BSS
2015/16  Blue Square South - 9th         |
2016/17  Blue Square South - 2nd         | Promoted to BSP via Playoffs
2017/18  Blue Square Prem - 6th          |
2018/19  Blue Square Prem - 1st          | Champions - Promoted to League 2
2019/20  League 2 - 9th                  |
2020/21  League 2 - 1st                  | Champions - Promoted to League 1
2021/22  League 1 - 1st                  | Champions - Promoted to Championship

Cups
---------------------------------
FA Cup
---------------------------------
2011/12 - 1st Qualifying Round v Congleton
2012/13 - 4th Qualifying Round v Corby
2013/14 - 2nd Qualifying Round v Eastbourne Boro
2014/15 - 2nd Qualifying Round v Staines
2015/16 - 4th Qualifying Round v Chippenham
2016/17 - 2nd Round v Cheltenham
2017/18 - 3rd Round Replay v Middlesbrough
2018/19 - 1st Round v Norwich City
2019/20 - 3rd Round Replay v Nottingham Forest
2020/21 - 3rd Round v Southampton
2021/22 - 3rd Round Replay v Leeds Utd

Carling Cup
---------------------------------
2019/20 - 1st Round v Aldershot
2020/21 - 2nd Round v Stoke
2021/22 - Semi Final v Manchester City

JPT
---------------------------------
2019/20 - Runners Up v Hull City
2020/21 - Winners v York City
2021/22 - Winners v Hull City

[ron6632]

Good luck in the championship.

Cheers. I think I'll need it. We are skint with a few contracts running out. Could be a long hard season ahead to look forward to

As long as I can hang on to Baxter though we should be alright

[Lenzar]

I am surprised that Baxter didn't get into the U21s at some point, given the game picks regens for the younger sides on potential.

[Nobby_McDonald]

Great job reaching the Championship.

Is Elm Park even still in existance?

[ron6632]

Great job reaching the Championship.

Is Elm Park even still in existance?

I have no idea. The wikipedia page is a bit vague, but I can only assume that it is now a Tesco or something similar.

Season 12 Preview - Season 2022/23

Another huge step in my quest to get Burnham into the Premier League, although this step might turn out to be one of the most difficult to negotiate. Financially we are leaching money away rapidly, and with the redevelopment of Burnham Stadium (making it all seater) this has only added to the debt. The silver lining is our temporary home at Elm Park, a 15000 all seater stadium that probably shouldn't exist (any Reading fans know - it must be a Tesco's by now after Reading moved to the Madjeski). Anyway, we might be able to pick up a few large gates to help us before we move back to our 5000 capacity home.

With the club having almost always been in the red, I have been unable to upgrade our training facilities, something that is very unlikely to happen until we start making money. Fairly basic and Minimal youth facilities just don't cut it at this level.

Only 4 players come in, I am generally happy with my squad, but a number of fringe and squad players leave. I am gambling in Central Defence, with only one quality back up player in Stewart, but the rest of the squad has some good depth to it, hopefully enough to see us avoid relegation and get a foothold in the Championship.

Players In

Ashley Gorman - Winger who can play on either wing. Youngster signed from Dundee Utd

Octavio Martinich - Argentinian striker with a good scoring record in Spain, albeit from the lower leagues. Exciting back up for Cramp and Baxter - at 27 one of the oldest in the squad!

Jan Krog - Danish youngster who looks like he will be a star. Will get game time off the bench

Aris Esposito - Youngster signed on a free from Juventus where he hadn't managed to break into the first team. Signs that we have made huge progress as a club.

Players Out

Steven Evans - Hadn't really performed. Moved on to free up the wage bill

Derek Kehoe - Had injury problems and never really established himself last season. Too many player in front of him now so it was time to move on at the end of his contract

Glyn Lang - Fringe player who was never really going to have a future at the club

Chris Duguid - Had big hopes for this player. Spent last season on loan at Dundee in the SPL and was poor so was shown the door.

Mark Adamson - Had talent but never performed in the side. With a class midfield he was awalys going to struggle to establish himself, so moved on.

Donald Park - Again never perfumed when given the chance and complained about not being picked. Sainte-Luce was first choice and performing well so there was no more room for Park who was picking up a big wage.

Stefan White - Striker and former Youth player released. Not good enough for the club

Ian Wilson - Home grown talent who had surpassed his level. Felt bad about letting him go but he hadn't really featured since promotion from the BSP. Spent a lot of time away on loan

Ashley Ahmed - In another game may have been a first choice midfielder. Was another product of the youth system, but seemed to upset a lot of people at the club. Signed for Bradford on a free.

Club Info

Chairman Status: Enjoying life at the club



Finances: Okay



Estimated Value: £4.6M



Stadium: Burnham Stadium 5257 (Temporarily at Elm Park 15000 all seater due to redevelopment)



Training Facilities: Fairly Basic



Youth Facilities: Minimal



Junior Coaching: Exceptional



Youth Recruitment: Basic



Media Prediction: 24th

Expectations

Board

League - Avoid Relegation
FA Cup - 3rd round
Diddy cup - Couldn't care less
Carling Cup - 2nd Round

Media

The have us dead last in 24th

Me

League - Consolidation
FA Cup - 3rd round
Diddy - win with kids
Carling Cup - 3rd round

Somehow get my dreadful training facilities upgraded. With around £1M debt, this isn't going to happen any time soon.

Club Progress and Facilities

[ron6632]

August


Ch (a) v Brighton 3-0 Baxter (2, 74), Sainte-Luce (65)

It takes us less than two minutes to score our 1st Championship goal, and appropriately it is Cramp who feeds Baxter who takes the ball round the keeper. Sainte-Luce makes it two midway through the 2nd half with a fine shot from the corner of the box. Baxter gets a second after a storming run and shot to seal the points and give us the perfect start to life in the division.

CC1 (h) v Burton Albion 7-0 Martinich (12, 56), Harris (o.g. 24), Baxter (49, 64, 66), Neish (o.g. 82)

Burton start well in this game, but Martinich settles the nerves after 12 minutes, sweeping the ball into the net from inside the 6 yard box. We make it 2-0 from a corner when Duffy's header is turned into his own net by a defender. Baxter scores from a through ball early in the 2nd half and Martinich adds his second with a fine finish from the edge of the area. Baxter gets his second, rounding the keeper and completes the hatrick with a powerful turn and shot. Gormans shot is then deflected in by a defender to complete the thrashing.


Ch (h) v Colchester 1-2 Baxter (24)

Although we fall behind in this game, Baxter fires us level and it looks like we will go on to win it. The sucker punch comes 2 minutes from time to consign us to an undeserved defeat.

Ch (a) v Derby County 0-1

Poor game, from both sides. Settled in the first half with the only good move of the game. 2nd half was utter dross.

Ch (h) v Swansea City 6-1 Martinich (3), Cramp (44, 54, 71), Hendry (82), White (87)

Martinich scores an early goal, stabbing in a cross, but the Swans get an undeserved equaliser midway through the half. Cramp then proves he still has what it takes at this level, volleying in a Klopcic cross right on half time. His 2nd is a deft volley and 3rd a calm finish from just inside the box. Hendry scores a rare goal, finishing off a counter attack then White slams in a corner to complete the scoring.

CC2 (h) v Stoke CIty 1-3 Jurakic (o.g. 46)

We don't turn up for this cup tie. Stoke comprehensively outplay us as we start to resemble a Jeckyll and Hyde outfit.

Ch (a) v Wigan Athletic 2-2 Mitchell (49), Sainte-Luce (60)

It is an even game in which we take the lead twice and are pegged back twice. Mitchell produces a class finish to keep him in the first team plans, then Saint-Luce produces some magic for our 2nd. We battled the referee who seemed to do everything possible to aid a Wigan win, even sending Kerr off near the end. A good away point though.

[ron6632]

September

Ch (h) v Sheff Wed 4-1 Cramp (2, 43), Madlmayr (23), Esposito (33)

Inside 3 minutes we are 1 goal up and 1 man down, Cramp tapping in from close range then Smith getting sent off for a dreadful tackle. I move to 3 at the back and from a corner, Full-back (covering CB out of necessity) heads the ball in from a corner to score his 1st ever goal for the club in his 5th season with us. Esposito gets some luck as a clearance hits him and rebounds in, Wednesday pull one back then Cramp taps in his 2nd just before half time to complete the scoring.

Ch (a) v Watford 1-1 Martinich (84)

It is a feisty 1st half with few chances and plenty of meaty challenges. We are by far the better side in the 2nd but can't find a way past the Watford keeper, losing a goal with 10 minutes to play. We hit back quickly the, Martinich calmly taking the ball round the keeper to slot home, then we survive an onslaught to the end of the match to take a point. Their keeper was MoM. Nuff said.

Ch (h) v Newcastle Utd 4-1 Klopcic (19), Baxter (45+1, 82), Sainte-Luce (57)

Klopcic gives us the lead with a stunning long range strike and we make it 2 in injury time when Baxter fires in a Sainte-Luce cross. Sainte-Luce then sneaks the ball home at the near post early in the 2nd half. We lose a goal to a well struck shot as Newcastle tried to get back into the game. Baxter then made the game safe after a good passing move.

Ch (h) v West Ham Utd 1-3 Baxter (44)

It's an even, if rather dreadful game. We lose the first goal from a corner. Baxter then scores with alooping header from a corner to level things just before half-time. Utd re-take the lead just after the break then they waltz through our defence for a third.

[ron6632]

October

Ch (a) v Barnsley 1-1 Cramp (49)

It is another scrappy 1st half, but we gradually assert ourselves on the game. We open the scoring through Cramp early in the 2nd half, shortly after the Barnsley keeper makes the best double save I have seen in FM. We look as if we hold on, until Barnsley get the break of the ball at a corner to equalise in injury time.

Ch (h) v Stoke City 1-3 White (38)

Stoke score a goal out of nothing early on despite us dictating play. They make it 2-0 from a freekick as we struggle to create chances. White pulls one back from a corner but we lose a third on the counter.

Ch (a) v Norwich City 4-0 Montiero (56), Cramp (66), White (79), Milne (81)

We dominate the game and take the lead through Monterio, who scores from a corner. Cramp makes it two with an exquisite turn and shot from outside the area. White gets the third, heading in a corner then Baxter brilliantly sets up Milne who bundles the ball home to seal a fantastic 3 points.

Ch (h) v Cheltenham 1-1 Tong (40)

It is a tight and scrappy affair with both sides missing good chances. Tong givers us the lead, tapping home a super Sainte-Luce cross. We don't finish them off, and once again we lose a late goal to give Cheltenham an undeserved point.

Ch (a) v West Brom 1-1 Cramp (pen 39)

Cramp gives us the lead with a 1st half penalty after Baxter was chopped down in the box. We fail to capitalise on some good chances and lose an equaliser midway through the 2nd half. Defender White is injured in the last few minutes, putting him out for two months.

[ron6632]

November

Ch (h) v Swindon 2-0 Krog (27), Baxter (45+1)

We play a side struggling against relegation and start well. Krog gets his first for the club finishing a fine passing move. Gorman feeds Baxter in 1st half injury time who finally ends his goal drought and seal the points.

Ch (a) v West Brom 0-1

We enter this game with both my regular central defensive pair out until well after Christmas, leaving me with a makeshift back 4. There's more bad news as Tong is taken off injured. We hold out until the last 15 minutes, conceding from a corner which costs us the game.

Diddy Cup (h) v Wycombe 7-1 Readings (6), Martinich (9), Sainte-Luce (44), Esposito (52, 57, 89), Hendry (67)

Readings heads in his first for the club from a corner and Martinich makes it 2 soon after. Sainte-Luce makes it 3 before the break from another corner. Esposito makes it 4 after the break with a tap in just before we give away a penalty which is duly scored. Esposito adds his second after good work by Smith and Hendry makes it 6, heading in yet another corner. Esposito completes the scoring with his hatrick right at the death.

Ch (a) v Luton 0-1

Kerr messes up early and gifts Luton a goal. That costs us the game.

Ch (h) v Sheff Utd 3-3 Baxter (1), Cramp (66), Kerr (86)

It takes us 45 seconds for Baxter to open the scoring - his 150th league goal for the club. We lose the equaliser from a freekick Kerr plays a suicide pass to gift Utd the lead. Cramp equalises in the 2nd half but we go behind again to a long range shot. Kerr redeems himself, heading in Gormans corner

James Baxter



Ch (h) v Leeds Utd 3-2 Baxter (2), Cramp (36), Gordon (o.g. 55)

Once again Baxter scores early, this time lobbing the keeper from outside the area. Our defence is a shambles as we concede an equaliser, we really miss Duffy and White. Cramp then scores a direct freekick only for us to concede a penalty which is saved by Crook. Baxters shot is deflected in to make it 3. Leeds pull one back with 10 minutes left with our defence a shambles again. We hold on for an important win.

[ron6632]

December

Ch (a) v Scunthorpe 1-1 Esposito (27)

We miss a barrowload of chances, they score with their first shot. Esposito equalises immediately though with a tap in from a rebound. Cramp misses a grand total of seven good chances, costing us 2 points.

Ch (h) v Middlesbrough 1-6 Klopcic (41)

Our first game at Burnham stadium in the Championship since it was completed. We fall behind to an early strike with Baxter lying injured and unable to continue. We are poor and it is 3-0 with 30 minutes played. Klopcic pulls one back before half time only for us to concede again. Put in perspective both sides have 10 shots and 5 on target. We have 5 CCC while they have 3. We concede again from the restart and lose no 6 late on.

Ch (a) v Wrexham 1-1 Cramp (62)

We fall a goal behind in the 2nd half after what looked like a foul on one of my players. Cramp puts us on terms with a fine freekick a few minutes later to gain us a valuable point.

Ch (h) v Bristol City 2-0 Tong (82), Esposito (90+2)

White and Duffy return from injury for this game. White is sent off in the first half but it is Tong who gives us a late lead with a neat header. Esposito seals it in injury time, blasting the ball home from a Klopcic pass. Big 3 points.

FA3 (h) v Preston NE 2-1 Klopcic (36), Baxter (65)

The last game of the year comes on New Years Eve. We dominate and has been the way lately, squander many chances. Klopcic gives us the lead with a fine strike from outside the box. Baxter gets the second from a long punt by Crook. Preston pull a goal back with 10 minutes to go but we hold firm to reach the 4th round for the first time in the clubs history.

League Table at the Halfway Point

[ron6632]

January

Ch (h) v Derby County 4-1 Cousins (o.g. 5), Cramp (41), Kerr (75), Klopcic (88)

This is Cramps 350th appearance for the club. We sneak an early lead, a corner being turned into his own net by a Defender. Cramp makes it two after good work by Baxter just before halftime. Derby come out the blocks second half and steal a goal back. Full back Kerr then pops up to score a superb long range effort with 15 minutes left, securing the points. Klopicic scores a great individual effort to make it 4 before the end.

Ch (a) v Colchester 1-1 Baxter (27)

Although we fall behind in this game we are the better side. Baxter fires us level which ends the scoring. A good point.

Diddy Cup (a) v Marlow 3-0 Morris (36), Baxter (51), Cairidi (72)

It is one way traffic, although Marlow seem to cope with our pressure very well. We finally break through when new loanee Morris slots in a corner. Baxter makes it two after the break as I attempt to improve his goalscoring form. Caridi comes on to score a lovely goal in a comfortable victory.

Ch (a) v Swansea City 1-1 Baxter (71)

It is an even game with few chances. Baxter eventually seises on a defensive error to give us a slender lead which we throw away right at the end of the match.

Ch (h) v Brighton 3-2 Baxter (16, 39), White (38)

Baxter opens the scoring with the Brighton defence just standing and watching the ball. White makes it two from a corner then Baxter scores his second from the restart. We lose a goal midway through the second half after a mistake by Kerr. they pull another goal back from a freekick but we hold out for another massive 3 points.

Ch (h) v Wigan 0-2

Wigan take the lead when they fail to kick the ball out for one of my injured players. A defensive mix up lets them score an undeserved second with 10 minutes to go to consign us to defeat.

FA4 (h) v Derby County 1-3 White (5)

Our second meeting with Derby this month. White heads us into an early lead from Tongs corner. Loose defending gifts an equaliser before half time then we fall behind to a direct freekick. The third comes on the counter late on as we push for an equaliser.

Ch (a) v Sheff Wed 1-1 Baxter (80)

Wednesday sit in the relegation zone. They take the lead from a long throw as we dominate. We control the game and with time running out, Baxter is put through to get the equaliser after we miss a number of glorious chances.

[deltablue]

Jammy gits Wigan.

[ron6632]

Jammy gits Wigan.

I was after that game

[ron6632]

February

Ch (h) v Watford 2-1 Baxter (79), Martinich (90)

This is another milestone for Baxter, his 250th league appearance for the club. It is a poor first half with both sides cancelling each other out. Watford open the scoring as we fall asleep in defence from a throw in with 20 minutes to go. Baxter is the man who equalises, an easy finish from Esposito's super low cross with only 11 minutes left (157 goals in 250 games). He then spurns a gilt edge chance after being put through by Krog just moments later. We do get a second in injury time though, Martininch combining brilliantly with Esposito to slide the ball home at the near post, sealing a deserved win.

Ch (a) v West Ham 2-1 Morris (59), Krog (pen 71)

West Ham sit once place below us in 11th. I opt for a more defensive approach in this match to try and grind out a result. We are comfortable for 30 minutes then concede with the defence ball watching from a cut back. On 58 minutes, Morris gets his first league goal, emphatically heading home Esposito's corner as we push for a result. We are awarded a rather dubious penalty on 69 minutes which Krog dispatches superbly. We hold on to take a superb and unexpected victory that moves us up to 8th, only 4 points off the playoffs.

Ch (a) v Newcastle Utd 0-3

They sit two places below us on the same points total making this a crucial game for both sides. We struggle to cope with Utd early on and fall behind to a direct freekick on 17 minutes. Baxter misses a sitter on 28 minutes and moments later we lose the second on the counter then we give away a dubious penalty to fall three behind. We improve in the 2nd half, but fail to make an impact on the Utd goal. Dreadful performance.

Ch (h) v Norwich 3-0 Morris (22), Mard (o.g. 28), Baxter (70)

Norwich are in a relegation dogfight, sitting 2nd bottom of the league. We are the better side eventually taking the lead in the 20th minute, Morris heading home a corner with the keeper AWOL. A Tong cross is then deflected in by a defender a few minutes later. Krog feeds Baxter in the 69th minute who thumps the ball home from an angle to complete a very comfortable victory.

Ch (h) v Barnsley 5-1 Sainte-Luce (13), Tong (17), Baxter (42), Milne (76), Cramp (84)

Barnsley sit in 19th place making this game a 3 point target. Sainte-Luce opens the scoring with a sweet shot from distance after 12 minutes. Tong then beats the keeper with a stunning strike in off the crossbar 4 minutes later. On 41 minutes Baxter manages to slip between two defenders and put the ball beyond the keeper for number 3. Baxter is injured early second half and soon after Barnsley pull a goal back after a mistake by Kerr. Milne then gets our 4th with a long range curler then Tong crosses for Cramp to slam home number 5 with 5 minutes left. That result rounds off, the Newcastle game aside, a very good month.

Table

[ron6632]

Just had this pop into the mail box.



Delayed it until the end of the season. My gut reaction is I don't want the job - I'd rather stay with Burnham to see how far I can take them.

[ron6632]

Youth Intake

This years intake has a few players that look as if they could go somewhere. I am most impressed with Will Bodkin who is being reported as having Premiership potential. He can play almost anywhere as well.



The best of the rest

[ron6632]

March

Ch (a) v Cheltenham 3-2 Sainte-Luce (22), Duffy (42), Tong (56)

We are without Baxter for this game against the side sitting second bottom. We are poor, but still manage to take the lead on 21 minutes when Sainte-Luce turns in a Martinich cutback after Cramp hit the post. They are reduced to 10 men on the half hour and we follow suit 6 minutes larger when White gives away a stupid penalty which is duly dispatched. Defender Duffy comes on and appears to be playing as a striker (player swap positions etc) and produces a piece of magic to give us the lead again. Tong heads in Cramps freekick on 55 minutes to open up a gap but they undeservedly pull one back on 80 after we miss several sitters. Krog is sent off for a second yellow then Cheltenham are reduced to 9 in injury time as we hold on to win. We sit one place outside the palyoffs.

It is a costly game with injuries to White, Klopcic and Duffy as well as Duffy and Krog receiving red cards.

Ch (a) v Stoke 1-4 Cramp (60)

We visit Stoke having never beaten them, our best result a 3-1 defeat at home. A difficult tie with our depleted side. It takes us only 5 minutes to go a goal down with the defence caught flat footed and we lose a second from a poor clearance after 26. Number 3 comes from a direct freekick on the half hour as we implode. Cramp pulls one back on 60, sneaking the ball home at the near post. Stoke get a 4th though with 15 minutes left to confirm the defeat.

Diddy Cup S/F (h) v Chesham 5-1 Madlmayr (15), Cramp (24), Martinich (28), Gorman (68), Esposito (79)

It is constant one way traffic and in the 15th minute Madlmayr bullets a long range shot past the keeper. Cramp heads home an Esposito cross 10 minutes later and Martinich makes it three soon after. We gift them a goal after half time then resume the one way traffic, Gorman turning in a low cross at the back post. Esposito heads in a high cross for 5 to complete the scoring and send us to the final

Ch (h) v West Brom 1-1 Martinich (13)

They sit second in the league for this home game. We lose the first goal from an 8th minute corner. Martinich taps in Espositos cross from a fine counter attack in the 12th minute. Esposito has a perfectly good goal chopped off for offside as we start to dominate. We can't find a way through as the game finishes a draw.

I go mad about the ref in the post match conference and pick up a one match touchline ban.

Ch (a) v Swindon 3-1 Cramp (1), Martinich (46, 84)

I can only chose the team for this game due to my touchline ban. Swindon are in a relegation dogfight as well. A win would see us keep in the hunt for a playoff place. It takes us less than a minute to score, Cramp given time to turn in the box and slot home. Despite the early lead we toil and don't look interested, at times just holding on until we concede from a corner in 1st half injury time. We start the 2nd as we started the 1st, Martinich scoring from a Cramp through ball within a minute of the restart. He seals the game with 6 minutes left, an easy finish from Hendrys through ball in a second half that we dominate.

League Table

[deltablue]

Could sneak promotion through the playoffs.

[cerud]

It's getting close. A move into the playoffs would be great

[ron6632]

It's getting close. A move into the playoffs would be great

Could sneak promotion through the playoffs.

It's going to be touch and go Down to the last match and we have to have results go our way!

April

Ch (h) v Bolton 2-1 Matinich (31, 44)

A six pointer played on April fools day. Bolton are 6 points ahead and sitting in a playoff spot. A win here puts us right in the mix. We give them a roasting for half an hour and it is the in form Martinich who capitalises from a misunderstanding at the back to slot home from an impossible angle. He scores an outstanding second, curling a daisy cutter past the keeper and into the corner of the net a few minutes before half time. They get an undeserved goal back from a corner on 70 minutes making the last 20 minutes rather nervous. We hold firm to take what could be a massive 3 points.

Ch (h) v Luton 1-4 Martinich (34)

It is a poor affair with few chances. We gift the lead to Luton though on the half hour mark with some idle defending. Martinich scores from the restart with the aid of a deflection to level it. Only a few minutes later we switch off again to gift Luton another goal. We batter them for the second half, so it is only natural that Luton get the next goal from a corner with 10 minutes to go. They get a 4th with a couple of minutes to play and I am stunned by the result. They didn't deserve to win let alone score 4. A disastrous result though in the quest for the playoffs.

Cg (a) v Sheff Utd 2-1 Gorman (9), Martinich (14)

We travel to a struggling Utd side. Gorman heads us into the lead after some scintillating wing play by Esposito after 8 minutes. On 14 mintues, Martinich finishes a lovely passing move for number 2. Utd get a goal out of nothing 5 minutes before the break to give them hope. The second half is a non event as we hold on comfortably to win.

Ch (a) v Leeds 2-1 Klopcic (88), Sainte-Luce (90+2)

We give them a first half roasting but fail to score. They open the scoring 10 minutes into the 2nd as they control the game. We get a late equaliser when Klopcic gets on the end of a cross to tap home a deserved goal. We win it in injury time, Sainte-Luce turning his defender then blasting the ball home.

Ch (h) v Scunthorpe 5-2 Esposito (7), Martinich (11), Cramp (40, 84, 90)

A big opportunity against bottom the bottom side. Esposito gives us the lead, heading in a 6th minute corner. Martinich makes it two, rounding off a slick passing move. In the 39th minute Cramp is sent through by Klopcic to score the third. It's one way traffic through the second half as well although we switch off with 15 minutes left and allow Scunthorpe to score. We concede another as our defence sleeps with 10 minutes to go to make things very nervy. Cramp gets his second a few minutes later, turning in an Esposito cut back then seals his hatrick right on 90 minutes, again turning in an Esposito cross.

The result puts us in the last playoff spot with three games to play and relegates Scunthorpe.

Ch (a) v Middlesbrough 1-3 Esposito (81)

We travel to the champions who thrashed us at Burnham Stadium earlier in the season. We try to shut up shop, but it takes only 6 minutes to fall behind - from another corner. Two minutes later we fall further behind from a poorly defended freekick. We lose the third as no one in defence is prepared to deal with a pass back. Esposito does pull one back with 10 minutes to go but we have been comprehensively outplayed by a side that is clearly a level above the rest of the division.

We drop out the playoffs on goal difference.

Ch (h) v Wrexham 3-2 Martinich (15, 70), Sainte-Luce (44)

Huge game for us that we really must win to have any hope of being in the playoffs, especially with Watford and Brighton (the two clubs directly above us) playing each other. It is a scrappy game which we seem to be edging, especialy when Martinich beats his man and passes the ball into the net after 15 minutes to give us the lead and launch us into a playoff place. We begin to dominate possession, without creating any clear chances until some strong play by Martinich results in a cutback slid home by Sainte-luce in the 44th minute. Wrexham look more determined after half time, threatening our goal much more regularly, eventually scoring in the 61st minute with a well worked move. We get a third in the 70th minute, Krog neatly feeding an unmarked Martinich who blasts home from the edge of the box. It takes two minutes for them to pull a second back, our defence falling asleep to a through ball. It begins to get heated with a few hefty tackles flying around in a tense last few minutes but we hold on to win and re-enter the playoffs.

League Table

[Nobby_McDonald]

Finely poised.

[SRL88]

Going to be a little tense.

[deltablue]

You can do it if Watford draw.

[ron6632]

Finely poised.

Going to be a little tense.

You can do it if Watford draw.

Dammit

Loing story short. Got to close season and tried looking at my shortlist - crash. Watford lost but so did we.

Last save point was before the Wrexham game, so things could be different, seriously annoying as I had started squad building for next season.

We do get another crack at the cherry though.

Edit: Even with the win against Wrexham everything still stands. It is too close to call in the last game. Essentially a draw (barring a 3 goal Watford win) or a win should see us in the playoffs.

[cerud]

Just gets yours Can't worry about Watford.

[SRL88]

Nothing worse than a save crashing.

[ron6632]

Just gets yours Can't worry about Watford.

Nothing worse than a save crashing.

Luckily it was "only" three games I lost, the frustrating thing was having found a number of players I was having a look at, I'm going to have to search again. Never mind.

so......


May

Diddy Cup Final (h) v Chalfont St Peter 3-1 Stewart (51), Cramp (96), Esposito (112)

It's a mixture of fringe and youth players for this game. The first half is a turgid affair, neither team creating any clear chances. Stewart gives us the lead early in the 2nd half when the goalkeeper drops the ball at his feet from a corner. They equalise with 2 minutes to go to take the game to extra time. Cramp scores a fine individual effort on 96 minutes to give us the lead again. Esposito seals it coming off the bench, turning in Gormans cross at the back post.

Ch (a) v Bristol City 0-2

Our playoff hopes rest on this game. We can't hold the ball and find ourselves under a lot of early pressure as we are casual and uninterested. We do begin to worm our way into the game and creating one or two half chances. The lads get a rollocking at half time but we still switch off and fall behind to a simple through ball on 55 minutes. We lose a second with 10 minutes to go as we now have to rely on the Watford result going our way....

[ron6632]

Watford could only draw in their final game, leaving us holding on to the playoff-place by our fingernails (and a point). We draw Stoke, who have never failed to put at least three goals past us in any competitive meeting.

Final Table



Ch Playoff Leg 1 (h) v Stoke 1-3 White (79)

We dominate the game until the defence switches off in injury time to gift Stoke the lead. We are by far the better team 2nd half hitting the woodwork 3 times, but lose another from nothing more than a hoof up the pitch. White does get one back with just over 10 minutes to play but we concede right at the death to pretty much put the tie beyond us.

14 shots to 7, 3 efforts off the bar and 61% possession. Bugger.

Ch Playoff Leg 2 (a) v Stoke 1(2)-(3)0 Morris (90)

It is almost a polar opposite of the previous game. They have all the chances, we score the winner in stoppage time. Progression was never likely after the first leg result, but it was nice to sign off with a win, Morris the scorer in our first ever victory over Stoke to complete our first season in the Championship

[Northernpilgrim]

Terriffic effort to get Burnham this far. Are you looking to take them up again, or would you be tempted by an offer from the Premier League now?

[ron6632]

I've got a job offer from Everton who are a mid-table Prem side to decide on (delayed to end of season), but I really don't want to walk away from the club. Next season will be crucial - if we can consolidate or progress well I will stay, if it all goes horribly wrong (relegation) I will probably move on.

I would love to get them into the Prem, and eventually Europe

[deltablue]

Hope you can progress at Burnham.

[ron6632]

Season review

Once again we performed well above everybody's expectations. We had a rather topsy-turvy start to the season which gradually settled into some mid-table form up until Christmas. In the new year we hit good form which was the catalyst for an eventual push for the playoffs. Long term injuries to Baxter and Tong were major stumbling blocks, but we had the cover, and the players who came in excelled themselves, Martinich especially, who went on a super run of goalscoring form during his run in the side. We eventually scraped into the playoffs, only to lose to a Stoke side that were destined for promotion.

While there was much to be positive about I was concerned about our propensity to roll over to bigger sides, and an unhealthy habit of conceding goals from corners. It may be time for one of my young keepers to take over the mantle from Crook, although their may be a deeper defensive problem with the side that needs looking at.

All in all, with a budget that was the 3rd lowest in the division, the club has punched well above its weight. We are leaking cash though, and going into the close season over £3 million in debt. We need a bigger stadium (while at Elm Park (15k capacity) we were just about breaking even) with our 5k capacity ground just not big enough for our needs anymore.

Championship - Great effort to reach the playoffs - promotion would have been a bridge too far.

FA Cup - Furious to go out the cup at home to Derby who we had beaten only a couple of matches before. Lost out on much needed revenue.

Carling Cup - Stoke are becoming my nemesis. I hope to avoid them for a long time now.

Diddy Cup - Sixth consecutive win in the trophy, although we tried our best to give it to Chalfont St Peter.


Key Players

Peter Crook - Now 30, the GK has matured with age and has pulled off some fine saves this season, although he can and has made some pretty awful mistakes. 245 appearances in the league for the club.

Michael White - In his 3rd season with the club, clocking up 114 league appearances. The Irish defender has been a colossus in defence, and weighs in with some pretty important goals, 6 in all competitions this season.

Niki Klopcic - Not as good as previous seasons, but this was a step up for him. Hugely important player in the middle of the park starting off passing moves and supporting the attack.

Jan Krog - 18 year old Danish midfielder. Can only get better, and if he does he will be some player. Midfield dynamo for us and works well with Klopcic.

Aris Esposito - Only 20, the winger created 18 goals this season. Has the ability just to drift past players at will. Huge future

Kevin Sainte-Luce - Another superb season for the Frenchman, 8 goals and 11 assists. Signed a pre-contract with Derby. I have good cover (when not injured) and needed his £6k a week off the wage bill.

Shane Cramp - 18 league goals for our record scorer.

James Baxter - "Only" 17 goals for Baxter this season - he did spend the last 3 months out with a torn hamstring though.

Octavio Martinich - Got a chance at a run in the side and grabbed it with both hands. 17 goals in all competitions and 10 assists made him great competition for Cramp and Baxter.

Records

Top Scorer - Jason Baxter 22
Top League Scorer - Shane Cramp 18
Most Assists - Aris Esposito 18
Average Rating - Jason Baxter 7.20
Player of the Year - Aris Esposito

League Competition 
-------------------------------------------
2011/12  Evo-Stik Southern D1 C - 10th   |
2012/13  Evo-Stik Southern D1 C - 4th    | Lost in Playoff S/F
2013/14  Evo-Stik Northern D1 S - 1st    | Champions - Promoted to Evo-Stik Southern Prem
2014/15  Evo-Stik Southern Premier - 1st | Champions - Promoted to BSS
2015/16  Blue Square South - 9th         |
2016/17  Blue Square South - 2nd         | Promoted to BSP via Playoffs
2017/18  Blue Square Prem - 6th          |
2018/19  Blue Square Prem - 1st          | Champions - Promoted to League 2
2019/20  League 2 - 9th                  |
2020/21  League 2 - 1st                  | Champions - Promoted to League 1
2021/22  League 1 - 1st                  | Champions - Promoted to Championship
2022/23  Championship - 6th              | Lost in Playoff Semi-Final to Stoke City

Cups
---------------------------------
FA Cup
---------------------------------
2011/12 - 1st Qualifying Round v Congleton
2012/13 - 4th Qualifying Round v Corby
2013/14 - 2nd Qualifying Round v Eastbourne Boro
2014/15 - 2nd Qualifying Round v Staines
2015/16 - 4th Qualifying Round v Chippenham
2016/17 - 2nd Round v Cheltenham
2017/18 - 3rd Round Replay v Middlesbrough
2018/19 - 1st Round v Norwich City
2019/20 - 3rd Round Replay v Nottingham Forest
2020/21 - 3rd Round v Southampton
2021/22 - 3rd Round Replay v Leeds Utd
2022/23 - 4th Round v Derby County

Carling Cup
---------------------------------
2019/20 - 1st Round v Aldershot
2020/21 - 2nd Round v Stoke City
2021/22 - Semi Final v Manchester City
2022/23 - 2nd Round v Stoke City

JPT
---------------------------------
2019/20 - Runners Up v Hull City
2020/21 - Winners v York City
2021/22 - Winners v Hull City

[Nobby_McDonald]

Wahey, Stoke go up.

[ron6632]

Hope you can progress at Burnham.

Cheers. I'm looking forward to the next season. It could be pivotal for us

Wahey, Stoke go up.

I'm actually delighted about this. Every time they play us we get hammered. I just hope we avoid them in the cups...

Preview

Very much a transitional season ahead I feel. Financially we are potentially, in deep trouble, if we keep leaking cash as we have been. I have moved on one or two of our top earners and cashed in a £500k transfer fee for Kerr - incidentally, the first time I have sold a player for a fee in this save!

I feel though, that I have managed to strengthen the squad with a few well thought out signings, all though I am still on the trail of that elusive central defender that we so desperately need.

The first few matches will show where we are at - a repeat of last year would be great, but anywhere in mid table will be fine for me. This should be the hardest season yet.

Players In

Aiden Crighton - Signed on a free from St Mirren. Young AM C with bags of potential who looks like he might go far. Adds depth to the midfield.

Nikolay Kolev - 20 year old Bulgarian Striker, already with one cap to his name. Looks a real player.

Antonio Gomes - Portugese left back signed from Portsmouth. A squad addition as cover after Kerr's departure.

Luca Amendola - Young Italian defender/midfielder. Will provide much needed cover at the back. Will play off the bench.

Christopher Neville - Another defender brought in as cover. Youngster who will get his chance when injuries and suspensions kick in.

Players Out

Marvyn Kerr - The right full-back sold to Aberdeen for £500k. We needed the cash and the wages. We still have good players in his position so a calculated sale.

Kevin Sainte-Luce - Sorry to see him go, but he had hit 30, was one of our highest earners and wanted more to renew his contract. £6k a week back in the wage budget.

Tiago Monteiro - The vice Captain was picking up a hefty wage without ever really featuring in the side. I took the hard decision not to renew his contract as there were just too many players ahead of him in the side.

Anthony Stewart - The DC has been a good servant of the club, but the Championship is really way above his level. Cost us quite a few goals when in the side and never performed at a level where I could justify keeping him

Club Info



Chairman Status: Enjoying life at the club


Finances: Okay


Estimated Value: £5.25M


Stadium: Burnham Stadium 5257


Training Facilities: Fairly Basic


Youth Facilities: Minimal


Junior Coaching: Exceptional


Youth Recruitment: Basic


Media Prediction: 13th

Expectations

Board

League - Top Half Finish
FA Cup - 3rd round
Diddy cup - Couldn't care less
Carling Cup - 2nd Round

Media - 13th (much better than last years 24th!)

Me

League - Top Half
FA Cup - 3rd round
Diddy - win with kids
Carling Cup - 3rd round

Reduce the debt (look…a flying pig!)

Club Progress

[SRL88]

An excellent season last year. Hopefully you can make a push for the play-offs this year.

[mglgagrg]

You've done amazing with burnham, are the fiances that bad you may have to sell the likes of Baxter and Cramp? Well done btw

[ron6632]

An excellent season last year. Hopefully you can make a push for the play-offs this year.

Cheers If we have a good start I think we may be able to get there again

You've done amazing with burnham, are the fiances that bad you may have to sell the likes of Baxter and Cramp? Well done btw

They're not that bad yet. Baxter is worth almost £4m so if things do go bad we always have that option. We'll see where we are at the end of the season. A couple of good cup runs wouldn't go amiss

[ron6632]

August

Already we have injury problems, Shane Cramp out injured for three months with an injury from a pre-season friendly.


Ch (a) v Wrexham 2-0 Klopcic (51), Amendola (90)

We dominate possession in a fairly uneventful 1st half against a well organised Wrexham side. On the two occasions we do open them up we hit the post both times. It is Klopcic who gives us the lead in the 51st minute, picking up a cleared corner and firing it into the top corner of the goal. The game degenerates into a scrappy mess until a last minute counter-attack sees Kolev's shot blocked by the keeper, only to land at the feet of Debut sub Amendola who passes the ball into the empty net.


CC1 (h) v Ebbsfleet Utd 4-0 Esposito (14), Kolev (18), Baxter (49), Tong (89)

Ebbsfleet are a bit of a bogey side for us, but it takes us only 13 minutes to work the ball to Esposito who slots home calmly. We make it two 4 minutes later, a deep Smith cross headed home by the unmarked Kolev for his first goal for the club. Baxter is sent through by Klopcic on 49 minutes for his 1st of the season and with 2 minutes left, sub Tong pounces on a defensive mistake to make it four and send us through to the 2nd round.


Ch (h) v Derby County 2-0 Duffy (70), Bower (o.g. 82)

My 700th match in charge of Burnham comes against one of my bogey teams. We have only managed 2 wins in 6 attempts against them. We lose Ashley Gorman to injury after only 4 minutes. We are in complete control but we just can't find the right final ball or shot that would give us the lead. When we do get through we find the post and the goalkeeper in inspired form. The goal finally comes in 70 minutes, Duffy heading in a Tong corner, our 10th of the match. We do get a second, when Klopcic's shot flies into the net. The goal for some reason is awarded as an o.g. for the keeper. A very encouraging display, although our finishing was very poor. 2-0 going on 7-0. The win puts us top.

Ch (a) v Leeds Utd 3-1 White (45+4), Esposito (58), Klopcic (pen 63)

We pick up yet another injury, this time in 30 seconds. Madlmayr coming off worst in a challenge. It takes us a long time to settle, our passing being very poor, but we do create the better chances. We fall behind 5 minutes before the break to a direct freekick. White equalises deep into first half injury time, heading home a Tong corner. Esposito gives us a 57th minute lead, combining with Kolev, beating a man and passing the ball into the net. We are awarded a penalty in the 62nd minute which Klopcic takes brilliantly to put us 3-1 up. A deserved victory in a tough match.

Ch (h) v Bristol City 3-1 Esposito (16), Kolev (25), Gomes (72)

We have a slow start but gradually take control. In the 16th minute Esposito heads in Tongs cross from point blank range. On 24 minutes, Esposito feeds Kolev after a good passing move, and he curls the ball in for his first league goal. City pull a goal back out of nothing 5 minutes bfore the break. The second half is scrappy but we do get a third, Antonio Gomes scoring a sweet freekick on his debut, sealing the 3 points.

CC2 (a) v Walsall 1-2 Kolev (36)

We have never lost to Walsall, who are struggling in league 1. To say we dominate the 1st 10 minutes is an understatement. 98% possession show just how on top we are. Things improve for Walsall, a little, although we continue to press, finally getting a goal in 36 minutes, Kolev rounding the keeper. Smith gives away a stupid penalty early in the 2nd half for the equaliser as Walsall look a different side. They take the lead from a corner with 10 minutes left with a lucky goal to ensure that our ongoing finishing problems cost us a place in the next round.

[ron6632]

September

Ch (a) v Wolves 0-1

We travel to recently relegated Wolves looking to bounce back from the Walsall result. We dominate the 1st half, hitting the post twice and Tong missing the easiest chance ever. It takes Wolves less than a minute to take an undeserved lead at the start of the second half, a goal that proves to be the winner. Once again our poor finishing costs us the game.


Ch (h) v Cheltenham 4-0 Baxter (33, 35, 53), Kolev (56)

It is an even end to end game, with neither side really on top. Baxter finally gets his goal after 32 minutes, barging his way into the box and bundling the ball beyond the keeper. Seconds later, Kolev plays in Baxter who beats his man and dispatches a fine finish past the keeper for number 2. Right on half time Crook pulls off an incredible double save to keep the score at 2-0. A fine move in the 52 minute sees Klopcic run at the heart of the defence then slip in Baxter, who has an easy finish for his hatrick. Esposito then cuts the ball back for Kolev, who hits the post from a yard out, the rebound hits him then the keeper, then back to him to tap in right on the goal line. We remain in control as the game peters out. A fine win.

Ch (a) v Preston 5-3 Klocpcic (pen 25, 48, 59), White (35), Krog (51)

Preston lie bottom of the table, and are something of a yo-yo club between the Championship and League 1. It is a scrappy affair with few chances until White is fouled in the box which is scored by Klopcic. White then scores himself, swatting in a Kolev knockdown from a corner. Klopcic gets his second early in the second half, finishing Baxters cut back from outside the box. 3 minutes later Baxter feeds Krog who continues his run to finish via the post. On 59 minutes Klopcic picks up his hatrick, Kolev finding him unmarked at the edge of the box. Preston pull one back straight from the kickoff to cost us a clean sheet. Preston get a second after Crooks save rebounds off Smith then they get a third in injury time after a defensive error.

Ch (h) v Cardiff City 3-2 Tong (39), Martinich (73), Milne (90+2)

Big game against Yo-Yo side Cardiff who have just been relegated from the Premier Division in this, our first competitive meeting. We are probably the better side, but a Cardiff take the lead, heading in a well taking freekick, their first effort at goal. It only takes a few minutes for number two after a defensive error allows a clear run at goal. We get back into it, Krog finding Tong at the edge of the box, who sends an unstoppable shot into the net. Sub Martinich gets his first of the season in the 72nd minute, heading in a deep Gomes cross to level the game. We keep going into injury time, and a poor clearance falls to Milne who fires into the top corner for a deserved winner.

[ron6632]

October


Ch (h) v Sheff Wed 1-1 Gomes (9)

Gomes opens the scoring with a superb direct freekick on 9 minutes. We lose an equaliser when the ref lets play go on after a foul on Duffy. We dominate the rest of the game, missing one or two good chances, but never really do enough to win the game.

Ch (a) v Luton 3-0 White (52), Mirtinich (79), Crighton (90+2)

We travel to third place Luton. It is a very even game 1st half, but things seem to swing our way when Luton are reduced to 10 men on half time. White volleys home a corner early 2nd half to give us a lead. We finally get a second, Tong playing in sub Martinich who rounds the keeper to roll the ball into the net with 10 minutes to go. Crighton then gets the break of the ball in the box and slips it under the keeper in injury time for number 3.

Ch (a) v Wigan 2-1 White (57), Esposito (68)

Wigan take the lead on 15 minutes (undeservedly) when they injure Gomes with a dreadful tackle and have a free run on goal (their first attack). We lay siege to their goal and finally score through a White header in the 57th minute. Ten minutes later Kolev crosses for the unmarked Esposito to head us into the lead. That goal proves to be the winner in what was really a comprehensive victory.

Ch (h) v Burnley 0-0

We huff and we puff and my strikers could't finish a fish supper. We should have won this game 3 or 4 nil. My strikers have only scored in one league match each. Concerning.


Ch (a) v Swansea 0-0

We travel to a struggling Swansea side. They are possibly the better side as we really struggle to retain possession. Neither side impresses in the 2nd half with the game drifting to a poor 0-0 draw.

League Table



I couldn't have asked for a better start. My big concern is the lack of goals coming from my strikers. This needs to change fast!

[deltablue]

Looks like your year.

[ron6632]

Looks like your year.

If we are still there in March I might start believing

November

Ch (h) v Colchester 1-1 Baxter (49)

We have a slow start to this match, but it isn't long until my strikers return to missing easy chances as we completely dominate the match. Baxter finally scores in the 49th minute, after Klopcic sets him clean through on goal. Colchester salvage an undeserved point in the 3rd minute of injury time.


Ch (a) v Brighton 1-1 White (35)

Another scrappy game, but it is White who heads us ahead from a corner on 35 minutes. We give away a stupid penalty midway through the second half which Brighton score to continue our run of draws.

Ch (h) v Portsmouth 2-2 Tong (46), Klopcic (75)

Pompy start well and take the lead within 10 minutes and the defence falls asleep for their second before half time. Tong pulls one back from the 2nd half kickoff the Pompy are reduced to 10 men soon after. We lay siege to their goal and eventually Klopcic gets the equaliser with a great run and finish to salvage a point.

Diddy Cup (a) v Beaconsfield 7-0 Tong (8), Hendry (11), Baxter (16), Kolev (19, 52, 54, 90+1)

Tong prods in the 1st on 7 minutes and Hendry bundles the ball over the line 3 minutes later. Baxter makes it 3 after 16 minutes with a fine finish and Kolev heads in the 4th then scores a 5th after the break. Baxter feeds the ball through for his hattrick with less than 10 minutes of the 2nd half gone. He gets his fouth in injury time to round off the rout.

Ch (a) v Plymouth 3-0 Duffy (42), White (46), Baxter (74)

It is an even and scrappy affair with neither side really getting a grip of things. We take the lead on 42 minutes, Duffy heading home a corner. We start the second as we finish the first, this time it is White who heads in a freekick. Kolev then runs the length of the pitch and crosses for Baxter who has an easy finish for our third on 74 minutes.

[ron6632]

December

My chairman decides to accept a bid from Montpellier for Klopcic who is out of contract at the end of the season. I will be sad to see him go, but we really need the £1.1m they have offered.

Ch (h) v Sheff Utd 4-0 Kolev (24, 28, pen 78), Baxter (74)

We start well and look the better side. In the 23 minute Madlmayr, who has just returned from a long term injury, crosses for Kolev to head home from close range. Only 4 minutes later Baxter plays in Kolev who slips the ball under the keeper for number 2. In the 73 minute Baxter waltzes through the Utd defence and passes the ball into the net for our third goal. Kolev is fouled in the box 4 minutes later and gets up to complete his hatrick. A superb win.

Ch (h) v Newcastle Utd 2-1 Hendry (12), Kolev (20)

It takes us 11 minutes to take the lead, Hendry scoring a wonderful long range curler. Klopcic sets up Kolev opn 20 minutes who fires an unstoppable effort into the net from outside the box. Newcastle pull one back from a long throw on the half hour. Shane Cramp completes his return from injury, coming on for the poor Baxter. We hold on to take a deserved and important win.

Ch (a) v Watford 0-0

Poor game. We have 17 attempts on goal, but only manage 2 on target, with most of them poor long range efforts. Watford only manage 2 shots at goal. Despite the performance I am happy to come away with a point and a clean sheet from a tricky away game.

Elsewhere I am being linked with a top division job in Spain - no one exciting though - a struggling Granada side who sit second bottom.

Ch (h) v Barnsley 3-1 White (4), Baxter (25, 60)

It takes us only 4 minutes to forge ahead, White heading in a corner superbly. Basnsley come back into the game but it is Baxter who scores the next goal, twisting and turning on the edge of the box before firing past the keeper. We ride our luck at the start of the 2nd half but we hold firm looking very dangerous on the break. Smith plays a wonderful ball over the top for Baxter who makes no mistake from his clear run at goal. Barnsley do pull one back late on, but it is not enough to affect the result.

Ch (a) v Bolton 2-6 Kolev (12), Hendry (19)

We start the festive period with an away tie at Bolton who start the better side. Kolev puts us ahead on 11 minutes, diving onto a through pass to out fox the keeper who had rashly committed himself. We concede from an indirect freekick, everyone switching off at the back, but Hendry then scores a blistering freekick a minute later to restore our lead. Bolton pass up several chances, but then find some huge gaps in our defence to equalise for a second time. Bolton take the lead after 56 minutes when my defence just ball watch a low cross. We lose a 4th after an inexplicable mistake by Neville as it looks like my defence have had a few quid on at the bookis for us to lose this one. Alex Smith then gets himself sent off to compound our misery as we lose number 5 from the resulting freekick. With 2 minutes to go they hit us for six on the counter attack.

Ch (h) v West Ham 2-0 Kolev (28), Cramp (75)

We need to bounce back in this Boxing Day fixture. It is an even game and Kolev fires us into a 28th minute lead, turning well in the box and thumping home. It takes us until the 75th minute to get a second, sub Shane Cramp (returning from long term injury) getting his 1st for the season and 170th for the club from a well taken freekick.

Ch (a) v Derby County 1-0 Kerr (o.g. 5)

The last match of the year sees us travel to a struggling Derby side for Klopcic's last match for the club. We take the lead after only four minutes, Cramps cross turned into his own net by a defender. The rest of the game is a tight nervous affair with neither side impressing as we grind out a result.

League Table



We say goodbye to Slovenian midfielder Niki Klopcic who moves to Montpellier after 5 and a half seasons at the club. He was instrumental in our rise from the BSP and has been a permanent fixture in the side, clocking up 222 league appearances and scoring 31 goals. He created 42 goals and picked up 16 MoM awards.



There were also 45 cup appearances with 10 goals, 14 assists and 6 MoM.

He has been capped 35 times for his country, scoring 3 goals and still only 26 he has a long way still to go in the game.



We at Burnham wish him all the best for his future career.

[ron6632]

January

Ch (h) v Wrexham 1-3 Baxter (4)

Baxter lobs us into the lead on 3 minutes in this New Years Day tie. Wrexham start to press and equalise when White turns the ball into his own net. We lose a second at the start of the 2nd half from a poorly defended free kick. They seal the win late on on the counter.

Ch (h) v Leeds 3-0 Baxter (13), Kolev (79), White (83)

We start well enough, and eventually a good passing move plays in Baxter on 12 minutes who finishes well. We dominate the remainder of the 1st half and most of the 2nd. We finally get our second goal 12 minutes from time, Kolev finishing a fine move. White gets a third from a corner to complete the scoring.

FA3 (h) v Truro 2-0 Cramp (pen 46), Kolev (88)

It is one way traffic for most of this game. It takes a Cramp penalty just after half time to give us the lead though. Kolev seals it right at the death, rounding the keeper superbly.


Diddy Cup (a) v Aylesbury 5-0 Smith (12, 82), Martinich (18), Cramp (24), Kolev (75)

It is one way traffic and on 12 minutes, full back Smith volleys in a corner for his first ever goal for the club. Martinich scores a superb individual effort a few minutes later and its not long before Cramp is given time and space in the box for number 3. We have to wait for the 75th minute for Milne to feed Kolev who finishes well. Smith then gets his second, tapping in a freekick.


Ch (a) v Bristol City 0-0

We visit a struggling Bristol City side who sit in 20th place. It is a poor game with neither side looking particularly interested. 0-0 bore draw.

[ron6632]

February

FA4 (h) v Derby County 3-2 Baxter (36), Krog (56), Esposito (76)

For the second season in a row we meet Derby in the FA Cup 4th round. The opening is a non event with very little in the way of goalmouth action. Derby are reduced to 10 men after 24 minutes and we start to build some pressure after this. Baxter opens the scoring on 36 minutes with a superb turn and shot from outside the area. Derby get an undeserved equaliser on half time after a mad scramble in the box. Krog then takes it upon himself to surge into the box and fire an unstoppable shot past the keeper. A fine run by Tong ends when his cross is headed home by Esposito on his return from injury. Derby get a second back at the death to give the scoreline a close feel.


Ch (h) v Wolves 1-2 Baxter (32)

A series of postponements have left us with no game for two weeks until this potential title decider against Wolves. They take the lead on 13 minutes but Baxter equalises after a defensive mix up on 32 minutes. Wolves take a second undeserved lead on half time - their second shot on goal. We have enough chances to win three matches, but can't take any, losing what was the most important game of the season.


Ch (a) v Cardiff 1-3 Cramp (75)

Hugely important game against a side searching for a playoff place. They take the lead on 23 minutes and extend their lead on 33. We look like collapsing and lose a third three minutes later. We do get a goal back, Cramp finishing Espositos cut back with 15 minutes left. Dreadful performance.

Ch (a) v Luton 0-0

Dreadful game - poor finishing. Utter, utter crap.

FA5 (a) v Middlesbrough 0-4

We hold out 58 seconds. The rest is predictable. Abject performance.

Ch (a) v Sheff Wed 1-0 Bender (o.g. 13)

We take the lead in 13 minutes when a defender puts through his own net. It is enough to win us the game as we ride our luck with Wednesday deserving of a lot more out the game.

[ron6632]

March

Ch (h) v Wigan 3-1 Kolev (4, 11), Cramp (80)

Kolev fires us into a 4th minute lead with a superb direct freekick and he makes it 2 from a superb Krog pass in the 11th minute. Wigan pull a goal back in the 65th minute but it is Cramp who scores next, a superb finish in the 80th minute.


Ch (a) v Burnley 2-1 Cramp (19), Tong (84)

1-0 down in 13 minutes which lasts only 6 minutes, Cramp pouncing on a slack back pass. The game is an end to end affair with plenty of chances, but it is Tong who scores, 6 minutes from time with a daisy cutter from the edge of the box. We hold on just, to take a huge 3 points.

Diddy Cup S/F (a) v Chalfont St Peter 5-0 Neville (1, 87), West (o.g. 50), Caridi (58), Cramp (pen 74)

It takes us less that 2 minutes to get on the scoresheet, Neville tapping home Espositos low cross for his first goal for the club. It is an steady procession towards the Chalfont goal although we struggle to find the killer second. We do get it after half-time, Neville's wayward shot deflecting in off a defender. Caridi then makes the game safe on 57 minutes, his long shot slipping under the keeper. Cramp gets number 4 from the spot and Neville gets his second with 4 minutes, heading home our 19th corner of the game.


Ch (a) v Colchester 0-1

We have a shaky start, but settle well, spurning a number of half chances. We are made to pay in the second half with Colchester scoring from a rare attack. We lose a game that we should have won very easily.

Ch (a) v Cheltenham 2-2 Amendola (83), Krog (84)

We play relegation candidates. We are pedestrian for most of this game and two goals in the second half look to consign us to a dreadful result. Amendola heads one in from a corner then Krog walks the ball into the net after a fine move from the resulting kick off to salvage a point.


Ch (h) v Brighton 4-3 Kolev (53, 55, 90+3), Amendola (90)

A must win game for us. I am put through the wringer in this one as the visitors take the lead. Kolev equalises then puts us ahead from the kickoff. Brighton then equalise immediately after Crook drops the ball and they take the lead with 8 minutes left. We head into injury time and Amendola looks to have salvaged a point from a corner. Kolev then completes his hat-trick to win it from a freekick to give us an invaluable 3 points that should be heading back to Brighton.


Ch (a) v Portsmouth 2-0 Milne (31), Caridi (84)

It is an even game until the Pompy keeper has a rush of blood to the head, leaving Milne with an open goal from outside the box. Homegrown Caridi then scores his first league goal for the club, tapping in a corner late on to seal a deserved win.


Ch (a) v Sheff Utd 2-2 Neville (5), Baxter (62)

Neville gets the luck when a header hits him and deflects in on 5 minutes. Utd equalise on the half hour as they dominate. Milne splits the defence with a pass to Baxter who puts us ahead on 61 minutes. We are reduced to ten men due to injury and lose a goal from a corner to cost us the win.

League Table

[ron6632]

April

Ch (h) v Plymouth 2-2 Kolev (46, pen 79)

They have 2 shots at goal. We have 13. A Kolev double salvages a point.

Ch (a) v Newcastle 2-0 Kolev (23, 59)

This is an even end to end game. Kolev opens the scoring, finishing off a superb move, then pounces on a defensive error to give us a priceless away win.

Ch (h) v Preston 4-2 Kolev (5, 81, 90), Krog (50)

We have a great start, Kolev scoring early as we take control of the game. Preston turn the game on its head in a crazy 10 minute spell before half time. Krog then taps in an equaliser after a brilliant move to get us level, then Kolev scores twice in the final 10 minutes to give us the 3 points.

Cg (a) v Swansea 0-4

Word cannot describe how poor we are. 2-0 down in 10 minutes and the game was effectively over. Players were dealt with after this shocking home defeat

Ch (h) v Watford 2-1 Kolev (14), Baxter (90+1)

Kolev fires us into a lead as we dominate the early stages. The goal seems to wake Watford up and they get an equaliser just before half-time. They are by far the better side second half but Baxter pops up to slide the ball home in injury time, keeping our hopes of a promotion spot well and truly alive.

Ch (a) v Barnsley 1-1 Gorman (80)

We are probably the better side for most of this game against a Barnsley side struggling in the league. When they score I fear the worst, but Gorman thumps home a cross to salvage a point late on. Results elsewhere mean that if we win our next game, we are promoted to the Premier League in 2nd place.


Ch (h) v Bolton 1-0 Baxter (18)

Although the scoreline looks close, we control this game from start to finish. Jason Baxter gets the only goal on 18 minutes - a goal that is enough to confirm the clubs promotion to the Premier League for the first time ever. It is great that the goal came from a home grown player.

League Table

[deltablue]

Up you go!