Essex Senior League Burnham Ramblers 2, Barkingside 2 RAMBLERS will be disappointed not to have taken all the points after an inspired second half display, in a game which came to life after the break.

In front of a three figure crowd — with tremendous vocal support from the schoolchildren who enjoyed free admission — Burnham put a poor first half behind them and were very unlucky to fully cash in on their dominance.

Striker Paul Carr, who had a storming second half and constantly troubled the Barkingside defence, was desperately unfortunate.

He twice raced clear — first hitting the base of the post with the keeper beaten and then seeing his goalbound shot cleared off the line.

Against a more than competent opposition, Ramblers had struggled for 40 minutes.

They never really got to the pace and strength of the game, with the visitors thoroughly dominating the posession.

They should really have been in front. Clark got clear on the right and then, cutting in, hitting the side netting. Then, as the visitors really got a grip, Ramblers skipper Woodards headed spectacularly off his line.

Immediately after, Keeper Small rescued them after a struggling defence had given the ball away.

In the final few minutes though Ramblers — perhaps due to superior fitness — at last began to pass the ball and suddenly posed a threat.

Twice in three minutes they made chances.

Carr nearly getting on the end of a long clearance and Bradleys' shot being parried away and a goalmouth scramble ensuing.

Manager Gary Kimble sent his players straight back out of the dressing room at the break — looking to find some more motivation, and it seemed to work.

Carr started to beat his man down the right and on 46 mins his fierce shot was only pushed out and Bradley put the Ramblers ahead.

But the visitors rather fortunately got back in a game that was going away from them when, on 62 mins,they got a penalty for what looked a harsh handball in the box.

And Ex-Rambler Lewis converted the chance.

However, the home side, inspired by the unusually strong vocal support, roared back and won a free kick on the left.

Dale floated it in so accurately, Woodards headed it down anf Fergus slammed Burnham into the lead.

Increasingly Ramblers now looked dangerous and Carr went within a whisker of sealing the points.

But Barkingside still posessed a threat on the break and on 85 minutes the chance came.

Clark went down the left, found himself one on one with the defender, cut in and smashed home a surprise equaliser.

Even then Ramblers,with sub Callow pulling the strings, looked capable of a winner.

Carr again went so close and right on time a cross fizzed in front of the goal with substitute Down less than a inch off getting a winning touch.

The players and management expressed their gratitude to all the youngsters who turned up and gave the side such magnificent support.

Ramblers have no first team game this weekend.