Goal blitz against Egham helps Burnham into play-off places
Murray admits Burnham have been 'inconsistent' but they have the firepower to challenge
Burnham have moved back into the Combined Counties Premier Division North play-off places after a second half goal blitz helped them overcome Egham Town on Saturday.
The Blues form has been a little up and down of late, leading manager Ben Murray (right, credit: Glenn Alcock) to say ‘inconsistency’ was his middle name in an interview with the BBC’s Ollie Bayliss for the Non League Show.
However, there was little wrong with the Blues form at the 1878 Stadium on Saturday as they romped to a 5-1 win over Egham.
There was little to choose between the sides before the interval, with Burnham going into half-time a goal to the good. However, four goals in a seven-minute spell early in the second half saw them blitz their opponents and move back up to fifth in the table.
Jaiden Celestine-Charles scored twice for the Blues while Anas Igozouln, Jabir Laraba and Samad Kazi were also on target as the Blues hit four plus goals for the seventh time in all competitions this season. They are the second highest scorers in the division this season and an entertaining watch whether at home or on the road.
Reflecting on their win, Murray told Ollie Bayliss: “I think we were fair value for it.
“It was 1-0 at half-time but we came out in the second half and blitzed them. I think we scored four goals in seven minutes, so we were definitely fair value.
“They had a game plan, but it didn’t quite work out like they wanted, and we were able to capitalise on that.”
Burnham’s recent form has been a little up and down, but the general trend is upwards and the firepower they possess makes them one of the most dangerous teams in the division.
“I think inconsistent is my middle name when it comes to management at the moment,” said Murray. “We went to Bedfont last week and we played well, but we lost the game 3-2. Sometimes, you just hold your hands up and say we got done by two worldie free kicks.
“On Saturday, we had more control of the game and delivered. But that’s the level we’re playing at, some weeks it will work well and some weeks it will be a little more difficult.”
The Blues now have a short break before next Tuesday’s trip to Sandhurst Town in the Premier Challenge Cup. They then host Flackwell Heath at the 1878 Stadium on February 17 and
Chalfont St Peter on Wednesday, February 21. Murray may feel the Blues have a score to settle against the Heathens after his side were beaten 3-2 by a 95th minute winner from Abdel El Jalaoui at Wilks Park back in October.
EFL side Reading are also set to visit Burnham for a Berks & Bucks Senior Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday, February 28, 7.45pm kick-off, another game that Murray and the players are looking forward to.
“We don’t fear anyone in this division,” added Murray “We’re well set up and organised enough to be ready for any opposition and we’re happy with that.
“We deserve to be in the play-offs right now and if we continue to play well, let’s see how we get on.
“They’re (Flackwell and Chalfont) are both good games that we’re looking forward too. But the game against Chalfont is important. It’s a game that we lost away, like we seem to do each season, and last season they came to us and got a 4-4 draw, so we’ve got to make sure we perform against them in that game.”
On the county cup game with the Royals, Murray added: “Let’s see if they can play on the 3G here. For us, it’s always nice to be at home in front of our fans. We’d like to get a few more down because we need that support.
“We play a nice attacking style of play and it’s always worth coming to watch us. It’s £6 to come to see us and you’re always going to get value.
“We now have a busy period through this last third of the season. It’s the business end and the stage of the season that everyone remembers and gets excited about.”