BURNHAM manager Paul Shone admits that the Blues were deservedly beaten in a 2-0 loss to Almondsbury in the Hellenic League Challenge Cup on Saturday, writes Rob Stevens.

Burnham saw their nine-match winning streak in all competitions come to an end when goals either side of the break from Matthew Baker and Chris Church saw Almondsbury to victory in the third round tie at The Gore.

Shone said: "Almondsbury were a typical Gloucestershire side, big, strong and organised. They done the ugly side well and we didn't match them for effort.

"We had won nine on the spin prior to that so I thought we had moved on, people new their jobs and what was required.

"We were very lacklustre in the performance but luckily it was a cup game and not a league match because we don't want to drop points.

"It might have been down to the amount of games we've played but we all know what's required and if you don't meet those standards from minute one you'll be undone, and that's exactly what happened last weekend."

Burnham returned to winning form in the Subsidiary Cup after a 8-3 victory away at Penn & Tylers Green on Tuesday.

Dean Allen scored a hat-trick on his debut for the Blues, Oliver Harris bagged a brace, with further goals from Tom Kemp, Aiden Higgs and Ashley Watson.

Shone commented: "We were nowhere near good enough in the first-half and carried on from Saturday. We looked leggy and like we had less energy, and Penn were the better side.

"They deservedly took the lead and our keeper saved a penalty to stop them from extending it, before we scored right before the break to go in level.

"Penn were much improved compared to when we played them a few weeks earlier, so credit to them for that, but we said some harsh but fair words at half-time and our quality came through in the second-half.

"We were exceptional in the second-half and it was a good response. I was pleased to us put it right and they boys now know what is required from minute one."

Burnham return to action in Division One East with a trip to Chinnor this Saturday (3pm) and Shone hopes his side can come away with the three points.

He said: "We've put in good displays to deservedly beat them in the two previous matches this season, but in the league it'll be a different game.

"If we can perform to the levels we have done prior to Saturday then we can keep ourselves ticking over in the league."