Essex Senior League Burnham Ramblers 0 Eton Manor 2 RAMBLERS bid to get up among the league's leading sides was badly derailed by this unnecessary and disappointing defeat. In terms of their general play there was much to admire, but the result showed up some worrying deficiencies. Manor, who are still probably genuine title contenders, illustrated very graphically the qualities needed to succeed in this league.

Ramblers took two of the three opportunities that did arise. On the other hand, Ramblers made and missed over half a dozen good openings and, to compound this, conceded twice out of absolutely nothing.

To be fair, the Manor keeper, Nick Wilson, had an outstanding afternoon and was clearly man of the match. All the same, particularly in the first part of the second period, Burnham got in behind the home defence on at least four occasions and, even allowing for his inspired performance, should have made this count.

Ramblers, in mitigation, were short of a number of key players. Lloyd Wilson was suspended and his pace upfront was missed. Jamie Abbott and John Bradley were missing from the midfield who at times looked a little lightweight against fairly meaty opposition. The best chance came when Carr crossed from the right, but the ball arrived at Fergus just a little too quickly and he headed over from close range. Nevertheless they were not being troubled at the back when, on 35 minutes, leftwinger Nelson was allowed room to run on and unleash a fearsome dipping drive from nearly 40 yards, which flew past Small. It was a glorious strike but he had a long time to line it up. To have gone in two down would have been ridiculous, but it so nearlyhappened.

After the break Ramblers absolutely dominated and Wilson made two last-ditch blocks in one-to-one situations. It seemed just a matter of time before Ramblers equalised, but at the crucial time a long ball forward was allowed to bounce on the edge of the box. Expecting the defender to intervene, Keeper Small stood off and Nkrumah sneaked in to take advantage of the gift.

At that point it seemed there was little hope of Ramblers getting back into it. Still they made openings and Wilkin, on as a sub, raced clear only to be thwarted again by an excellent save from the keeper.

This Saturday Ramblers are at home to Takeley in the second leg of the league cup quarterfinal. Ramblers lead 2-0 after their unexpected first leg victory on the league leaders own ground.

l Kick-off is at 3pm.