DAN’S THE MAN AGAIN FOR THE LINGERS IN AGONISING FA VASE EXIT

The accomplished former Colliers Wood United goalkeeper earned the praises of The Lingers’ manager Dixie Dean again following his outstanding display in the club’s 5-2 Surrey Senior Cup first round defeat at Woking only five days earlier.

Burnett was watched from the stands by the man he replaced, Lingfield’s player of the month for September, 6ft 10 in Rob O’Hara. Last season’s player of the season O’Hara now faces a big battle to regain his place following the giant keeper’s shoulder ligaments injury, against Horsham YMCA, which has ruled him out of action in recent weeks.

Dean said: “Dan was my man of the match today and has done so well for us since taking over from Rob who now has a big task ahead of him to get back into our side. But I am just so disappointed to have gone out of the Vase after a game which I said before hand could make or break our season.

“I feel again that we did not really get the rub of the green from the match officials and that we deserved better out of the match.”

Centre back James Holder, who was acclaimed as overall man of the match, produced an impressive brace as Southern Counties East League leaders Erith Town edged out Lingfield.

Mark Tompkins’ hosts had to work hard to progress against Dean’s plucky high-flying Sussex County League Division One visitors who had battled back to equalise in vain after trailing 3-1 midway through the first half.

Holder had put the Kent club ahead, heading home a deflected effort after only six minutes. Hidekazu Sato levelled four minutes later before the hosts restored their lead after 21 minutes, Matt Knuckey’s penalty beating Burnett following Fred Fleming’s foul on Kofi Quartey just inside the box.

Rikki Cable netted a lofted shot to beat Burnett two minutes later for an interval lead.

Sato converted Jamie Lawrence’s assist for his second goal following concerted pressure after 56 minutes and a further seven minutes later Daryl Coleman’s spot-kick equalised, beating Tom Warren following influential Holder’s handball.

Erith snatched success after 75 minutes, Holder following up to net their winner after lively substitute Marcus Eitsh had hit the far post in the build up.

By David Groves