Ramblers will be disappointed at Saturday's early cup exit at the hands of a side they looked capable of beating.

The opposition, from a seemingly higher standard, contained the offspring of both Chris Hughton and Ossie Ardiles.

Hoddesdon were well organised, but, for the best part, caused Burnham few serious problems.

Having worked hard then to get a grip, Ramblers will know they sold themselves short, and if they are to achieve anything this year, these are the kind of games that have to be won.

Early on, Burnham missed some good chances, Dean Francis miskicked the ball when well placed and Nigel Hewes missed a penalty on 56 minutes, being the most obvious.

But some promising openings were spoiled by careless or self indulgent options in the side areas.

Then, for some reason the back line, which had looked defensively so solid for 85 minutes, suddenly lost some of its shape in the closing minutes.

The 28th minute penalty effectively decides the game, and it came as Ramblers began to look vulnerable for the first time in the match.

Hoddesdon's 27th minute substitution, bringing on Leon Hughton, was an inspired move, and it was he who gained the penalty when he went down in the penalty area.

A minute later, Hughton scored a second goal as the Ramblers defence froze.

Substitute Kristian Down scored a consolation goal for Burnham with almost his only touch, causing one or two to wonder why he had come on so late.

As for Francis, it seems that playing as an 'out and out' striker, may be a waste of his considerable abilities.

Burnham Ramblers: Reeves, Dobson, Tracey, Cousins, Lovell, Wright, Brown, Arnold, Huttley, Hewes and Francis. Substitutes: Ellingford, Down, Marchant and Thurley (not used).

On Saturday Ramblers host Sawbridgeworth in an Essex Senior League match, kick off is 3pm, and on Tuesday, Ramblers visit Hullbridge.

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