Burnham Ramblers to face Barnet (From Maldon and Burnham Standard)

Burnham Ramblers to face Barnet

4:46pm Thursday 28th June 2012 in Sport

MANAGER Keith Wilson believes Burnham Ramblers will reap the benefits of their eye-catching pre-season friendly against Barnet.

The League Two side have promised to send their first-team squad to Leslie Field on Saturday, July 14 (kick-off 3pm).

The Bees are managed by new head coach Mark Robson, who spent last season coaching Ramblers’ under-17s.

And with a sizeable crowd expected, in addition to the obvious challenge facing his players, Wilson believes it could be a memorable day as his club continue their preparations for the new Essex Senior League season.

“Hopefully it’ll be a great day, both on and off the pitch,” said Wilson, a former team-mate of Robson’s at Great Wakering.

“Off it, it would be nice to think a couple of hundred will come over, which will bring in some welcome revenue.

“It also raises the possibility of people coming back during the season, which would also be great.

“On the pitch, it’ll be a big test for my players and they’ll be looking forward to pitting themselves against professionals.

“I know that from my own experiences, because when I was at Wakering we played two or three friendlies against Southend United.

“Hopefully we can give a good account of ourselves and maybe it could become a regular fixture between the clubs. It would be lovely to think so.”

The match will be Robson’s first since taking charge at Underhill.

And Wilson says he has huge respect for the former Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and Charlton midfielder.

“Mark was patient. He waited for a job to come up and now he’s grabbed it with both hands,” said the Ramblers boss.

“He did a great job here last season and I wish him the best of luck. It’s testament to our club and facilities that Barnet are bringing their first-team squad to Burnham. We owe them a massive thank you.

“Normally a professional team would charge for playing in a friendly but, on this occasion, they’ve offered to waive it.”

Admission will be £8 for adults and £4 for children and concessions.

Anyone coming to the game will be given a ticket or receipt that will allow them half-price entrance into any other home fixture.

Burnham’s other pre-season friendlies include a trip to Southminster, for the Ted Havers Memorial Cup, on July 21 (kick-off 2.30pm).

They will also host Kelvedon Hatch on July 26 and East Thurrock United on July 31, in addition to a trip to Harold Wood on July 28.

The Ramblers players return for pre-season training on Saturday.