BURNHAM FC ensured their survival in Southern Premier Division with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Corby Town on Saturday.

John Munday and Nicke Kebamba got the goals for Blues either side of a 49th-minute free-kick from Greg Mills.

The win is Blues’ first in eight matches and ensures they can now focus on next season safe in the knowledge they will not be relegated.

Manager Rob Mallinson told the Observer: “It has been very difficult but I have enjoyed it, even when we have been up against it.

“I was very happy on Saturday because the boys applied themselves with more grit and determination, they gave 10 per cent more and it really showed.

“We had been losing by narrow margins and on the wrong side of the tipping point for way to long, so a win was long overdue.” Mallinson, who took over in difficult circumstances in January following the departure of Martin Stone, is now looking forward to planning for next season.

“I have got a lot of ideas to ensure we go ahead and compete on equal terms for as long as possible,” he said.

“It will be tough if Maidenhead United do the unthinkable and come down, and Slough Town are promoted. The budget is pivotal to what you can and cannot do, you see that all the way up to the Premier League.

“We will have to work harder on the training ground and be smarter in terms of what players we bring in.” Up against a mid-table Corby, it didn’t take Blues long to take the lead as Ryan Upward’s floated a free-kick into the box for Munday to head home midway through the first half.

The visitors enjoyed plenty of possession without seriously testing Adam Lawrence, but they had strong claims for a penalty waved away when Mills appeared to be tripped in the box.

Mills was the man who got the equaliser early in the second half as his free-kick from the wing was misjudged by Lawrence and went in off the far post.

But Blues regained the lead in the 64th minute as Lee Togwell played in Kebamba and he cooly finished.

The visitors finished the game on the front foot but could not grab a second goal as Blues held on for a morale-boosting win.

They go to Frome Town on Saturday before hosting AFC Totton on Monday (both 3pm ko).

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