BURNHAM manager Paul Shone is proud of his side for their performance in the 4-1 defeat at Billericay Town in the FA Cup on Saturday.

The Blues were massive underdogs for the second qualifying round tie at New Lodge and fell behind inside two minutes after a goal from Connor Hunt.

The Hellenic League side equalised thanks to an outstanding goal from Lucas Sinclair just seconds later, but that was as good as it got for the visitors.

Mosses Emanuel scored to put Billericay back in front in the eighth minute and added another with 15 minute remaining.

The National League South big-spenders had the final say in the tie when Sam Deering netted in the final minute of normal time.

A proud Shone told the Observer: “We weren’t expected to come away with anything but the lads left with their heads held high.

“It was a good display and, although we didn’t get the result, we rattled them at times.

“We got off to the worst possible start and I thought it could be a long afternoon but the boys responded and what a goal it was from Lucas.

“He was outstanding in the first 45 minutes in particular and Billericay had to change their personnel in order to nullify him.

“Billericay had chances to extend their lead but didn’t take them, and we were the better side for the first 20 minutes in the second-half and passed the ball quite well.

“They brought on fresh players from the bench that had the quality to finish us off in the end, but we came away with a lot of credit and I’m proud of the players.”

He continued: “We can take a lot of credit and positives from thegame. It was a good little journey and we can take a lot of memories from it.

“There was a healthy crowd in the ground so we made a profit from the game despite losing. Any little finances generated will help a club at our level.

“It was a good experience for some of our boys but we move back into football at our own level now.

“It was an outstanding finish from Lucas but we want him to carry that form forward and help us to get out of this league now.”

The were no signs of a Blues hangover as Burnham returned to action with a 5-0 win away at Chinnor in the Hellenic League Subsidiary Cup on Tuesday.

Aiden Higgs bagged a brace in the victory at Station Road with further goals from Sinclair, Ash Watson and Ramel Sutherland.

Burnham continue in the Subsidiary Cup with a trip to Yateley United from Division Two East this Saturday (3pm), before a visit to The Gore from local rivals Chalvey Sports on Tuesday (7.45pm).

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