High scoring Heather were hosts to an NKF Burbage side who were going into the game looking to make it five winning games on the trot. On paper, it looked to be a promising game and it didn't disappoint.

Manager Bert Astill made a number of changes from Saturday's game at Rocester to utilise his squad's strength while the hosts also made changes to the side that are unbeaten in the league this season and sit second in the table.

The hosts made the early running in the game without seriously testing keeper Alec Hill. Gradually Burbage began to control the game with Tom Smith instrumental in much of the play. It was Smith who nearly opened the scoring midway through the first half but the Heather keeper made a fine save to keep things level. A couple of minutes later it was Smith again who latched onto a through ball and this time the Heather keeper was beaten only for the ball to ricochet off the underside of the bar and away to safety.

At this stage, Burbage were creating the better chances and halftime came as a relief to the home team.

The second half saw the hosts up their game as Burbage were forced back but their defence stood strong and clear-cut opportunities were limited at both ends of the pitch.

Midway through the second half the goal that decided the match arrived via a fine strike from outside the box from Jake Gardner after good work down the left side from Liam Storer. It was a goal worthy of winning the game and soon after Tom Smith again rattled the Heather crossbar with a touch from the home keeper preventing a second.

Heather aren't where they are for no reason though and they put pressure on the Burbage back line as the game entered the later stages. Prolific striker Simeon Cobourne came on to bolster the attack and only a fine fingertip save from Alec Hill prevented them from drawing level.

All in all a good advert for the game and a deserved victory for the visitors that sees them through to the next round and a home tie against Nuneaton Griff. Date to be confirmed

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