Somerset County Division 1W Ilminster Town 5, Burnham Utd 1

BURNHAM Utd bowed to second-half pressure and shipped four goals as in- form Ilminster finished the stronger.

The result was an unfair reflection on Burnham’s overall performance as Ilminster’s victory sent them top of the table.

The home team started bright and breezy but it was Burnham who looked the more threatening as the first half progressed and, with heavy rainfall not helping, 0-0 looked on the cards for the first half.

But, with Chris Nezianya pulling up with a hip injury, young Jack Male, on for Nezianya, provided the opening goal for Ilminster right on the stroke of half- time.

His cross was headed home by Joe Simmonds to give Ilminster a 1-0 lead which was against the run of play.

Burnham did not take too long to equalise at the start of the second half when, from a corner, Elliot Lamb rose above the home defence to head home.

This seemed to spur Ilminster on and captain Brad Miles, after a great run, still had the composure to find Taylor Jefferson with a clever reverse pass.

Jefferson took one touch before curling the ball into the bottom corner for a great goal.

Within five minutes, it was 3-1 when, from an Ilminster corner by Aaron Sweet, Male ghosted in unmarked to finish with a fine header.

Ilminster really were flying as their 4-2-4 system gave them more control than the 4-3-3 played in the first half.

Burnham struggled with the movement of the Ilminster attackers and Jefferson added his second when, after a defensive mix-up, he was the sharpest, nipping in to take advantage.

Next, a penalty was awarded and Jefferson, on a hat-trick, had his shot well saved, but Jonny May was quick to follow up and make it 5-1.

Burnham were unlucky late on as Casper Paine made a great save.

Burnham, who are in the lower end of the table, were in this game for long spells and the scoreline flattered the home side.

On Saturday, they turn their attention to the County Premier/Division 1 Cup when they entertain Clutton (ko 3pm).