IT was a tough night for a young Burnham Ramblers side as they fell to a heavy defeat at FC Romania.

Ramblers suffered an 8-2 defeat at Theobalds Lane as their hosts took over the top spot in the Essex Senior League from Basildon United in emphatic style on Wednesday night.

Ramblers manager Keith Wilson said: “It was a tough night to say the least.

FC Romania took an early lead but Ricky Stubbs equalised with a header from a corner for the visitors.

However, the hosts upped their game to take a 6-1 lead into the first half.

Ben Austin pulled one back for Ramblers after the break but FC Romania went on to score two more goals to wrap up the win.

“We made a bad start conceding in the first minute then for the next 20 we recovered well and were probably the better side.

“We drew level but then we capitulated for the last 25 minutes of the first half conceding five.

“We kept going in the second half and it was good learning curve for our young lads against the best side that I have seen at this level.

“They were better than the team we had when we won the league.

“I will be very surprised if they do not win the league this season.”