Saturday saw a comfortable win for Ramblers, against an able but inexperienced side who are struggling to get results, and it preserved Burnham 100 per cent league record, four wins from four games.

After a first half in which they huffed and puffed in rather disjointed fashion, the second period saw Burnham much more fluent and gave encouragement for tougher tasks to come.

Huttley returned for Ramblers and again impressed whencoming forward. Manning was again absent, possibly permanent and Marchant continued in midfield.

Burnham were awarded a sixth minute penalty, but Neale saved Harding's effort and then saw him slice the rebound wide.

In the 17th minute, Huttley burst down the left and delivered a cross for Stevens to hammer home.

Francis was then brought down to give Harding a second spot kick, which this time he converted..

Ramblers then began to pass the ball and on the hour scored a final goal. Fletcher chipped onto Stevens who headed into Francis' path and his finish was a delight.

An astute double substitution in the 70th minute saw Bolton and Brant combine, both with their first touches, for the latter to head home from a free-kick.

Harding looked much sharper than at Basildon, but one doubts he is really 100 per cent fit at present, while Tracey took over in goal for the injured Reeves for 20 minutes.

Manor had a midfielder dismissed for tapping Francis' ankles and on 90 minutes got a deserved consolation goal via a penalty.

Ramblers Reserves who are struggling for players were beaten 6-0 at Tilbury.

The under-18s, fresh from Thursday's F.A. Youth Cup success, won 2-1 at Stanway.

Saturday sees the first team at Brentwood in the first round of the Essex Senior Cup (3pm).

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