PAUL Shone believes he has made the perfect start as manager at Burnham after a 2-0 win against Royal Wootton Bassett Town on Saturday.

Shone replaced Alan Paris as manager last week and has been challenged to keep The Blues in the Hellenic Premier Division this season.

Goals in the second half from Matthew Sinclair, one of six new signings, and Calvin Morgan gave Burnham a much-needed three points at The Gore.

The Blues remain bottom in the division and three points from safety despite the win, but Shone is confident his new-look side now have something to build on.

He told the Observer: “The match was an opportunity to get off to a positive start and build on it going forward, so it was the most perfect start we could have asked for and deservedly so.

“It could have been 3-0, while Wootton Bassett had one half-chance but our keeper didn’t need to make a save “You can’t dominate a game for 90 minutes but we nullified their threats, so for me it was a good solid win.

“There was a lot of pressure on the lads that have come in but they stood up and delivered.”

On the need to strengthen the squad, Shone explained: “The table and results don’t lie. The lads that were here didn’t get results, so we had to target areas where we know we can get the best out of players.

“It’s not a closed book for the lads that were already here, but they’ve got to prove they want to be a part of what we’re doing going forward. It’s nothing personal, just a football decision.

“The lads that have come in I trust to perform and get results. I trust them to do the job that I ask for, and we will look to get one or two more in this week for quality in depth.

Burnham travel to title-chasing Thatcham Town this Saturday (3pm) and Shone believes his side can cause an upset at Waterside Park.

He said: “It will be a massive test for us but I believe we can go down there and get something if we acquit ourselves properly.

“I can’t believe it will be on, but if it is it will be a tough match.

“Thatcham are flying towards the top of the league and are in the semi-finals of the FA Vase. They’ve assembled are great side and are the best in the league for me.

"If we acquit ourselves properly we can go there, upset Thatcham and get something. I believe that and the lads have to believe.

"Thatcham will be more upset playing us now than two weeks ago "It has the makings of a good game and is a free hit for us. We will go to Thatcham with a mindset to get something and if we do it will be fantastic."

Burnham then travel to Abingdon Town in the Supplementary Cup next Tuesday (7.45pm), where Shone plans to make changes.

He said: "The Abingdon match will be a good chance to try a few things out. A few players that have been on the fringes or not be playing will be given the chance to stake a claim.

"League survival is critical and our main priority, but if the boys that come in can perform and win, it will give them a chance to stay in the side.

"Abingdon are a good side with a point to prove but it will be a good time to play them."

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