Stansted FC 2 Burnham Ramblers 3 Stansted manager Terry Spillane feels his side s inexperience cost the Airportmen three points on Saturday. The hosts twice led Burnham Ramblers at Hargrave Park, but they let the visitors back into the game with a last mi

Stansted FC 2

Burnham Ramblers 3

Stansted manager Terry Spillane feels his side's inexperience cost the Airportmen three points on Saturday.

The hosts twice led Burnham Ramblers at Hargrave Park, but they let the visitors back into the game with a last minute strike giving Burnham the victory.

"It was the best we have played for a while and it's so frustrating we had the lead twice, but ended up losing," said Spillane.

"At 2-1 up we needed to dull the game, slow it down and keep the ball, but we went for a third goal and it came back to bite us.

"The effort was superb and I'm happy with the performance, we just need to learn how to hold onto a lead.

"We have a team of youngsters who are learning the hard way."

Stansted, who were without the suspended Danny Dow and Paul Seymour, came flying out of the traps in the first half.

Greig Taylor had a shot saved by the keeper after 10 minutes and Rob Whitfield also came close.

They made the breakthrough their dominance deserved after 25 minutes when Billy Ellis whipped in a cross to Whitfield who headed past the keeper.

However, the visitors drew level before half-time. Stansted failed to clear a corner and the ball fell to Woodwards who tucked the ball away from six yards.

The Airportmen continued to dominate in the second half and Billy Ellis and Rob Crabtree both came close to restoring Stansted's advantage.

Danny Whyne came on after 65 minutes for his debut and immediately made an impact when his header was latched onto by by Taylor who found the net from 10 yards.

Burnham drew level just two minutes later however, in controversial circumstances.

Matt Cope came out to catch a corner, but was bundled into by Burrows and dropped the ball to the centre half who tapped the ball into an empty net.

Spillane said: "Everyone thought it was a foul except the referee, it was a blatant free-kick.

"It's frustrating as big decisions are going against us at the moment."

Stansted didn't let their heads drop and Whyne and Taylor both went close with efforts.

The hosts' hearts were broken in injury time however, when they were caught in possession in their own half and Jones capitalised, firing an unstoppable shot into the top corner from 30 yards.

"Their manager said we were robbed, but they leave with the three points not us," added Spillane.

On Saturday Stansted visit bottom club Mauritius Sports & Pennant in the Essex Senior League.

"They have only won once all season, but if we go down there thinking like that we will get beat," said Spillane.

"Former Stansted man Tony Mercer is on the management team down there and we won't be taking them lightly. We want to get three points and move up the league.