Witham Town denied win by late East Thurrock penalty

A CONTROVERSIAL late penalty cost Witham Town a point that they deserved against East Thurrock United on Saturday, writes JIM PURTILL
With a weakened side, Witham were unlucky to lose at the end of a battling performance in their Pitching In Isthmian League division north clash.

They had looked at least as good as their opponents until a 75th-minute red card tipped the balance in their opponents’ favour.

After a poor start to the season East Thurrock had not been beaten in six league matches before Saturday.
They are difficult to beat at home and the Witham attack was significantly weakened by the absence of Ramiah Mills and Kieran Southgate.

The first half was quite featureless with Witham holding their own without threatening to score.

A long throw by Adam Vyse put the home defence under pressure after 15 minutes and a free-kick on the left from Liam Whipps caused a scramble in the East Thurrock penalty area before the ball was cleared.

The hosts’ first significant attack took place after 18 minutes when Roman Michael-Percil wasted a good attacking opportunity with a poor cross from the left.

Robinson Wokoma normally occupies a place in the centre of the Witham defence but he impressed in an attacking position and provided a useful foil to Vyse with deft touches and intelligent positioning.

Witham had looked the better side for most of the first half but came under pressure as half-time approached.

Luke Ige had to make a goal line clearance after 36 minutes when a shot from the right beat Witham goalkeeper Rhys Madden.

Madden made a good save with his feet and Isaac Skubich delivered a dangerous cross-shot that nobody touched.

It had been a largely flat first half but things changed a lot after the break.

East Thurrock committed themselves in attack with far more determination and put Witham under early pressure with Harry Critchley shooting wide.

The game soon opened up and Witham responded in a positive fashion.
Shakeel Morris played an increasingly influential role for the visitors and instigated good attacking moves. Twice he set up Vyse whose shots forced corners.

At the other end Madden turned away a fierce shot from Ryan Boswell.

The match became an absorbing contest as the sides took it in turn to attack.

Skubich and Michael-Percil shone for the home side and Boswell supported them well with attacking runs on the right.

Wokoma limped off for Witham and was replaced by Robert Adams who combined brilliantly with Morris.

Adams in his debut added guile to Witham’s attacking threat but he missed a great chance to put the visitors ahead in the 67th minute.

The makeshift Witham attack suffered another blow when Gaz Dauti had to replace Jamahl Godward who had sustained a head injury.

The visitors looked solid enough to capture at least a draw but the game changed completely in the 75th minute.

A reckless lunge by Dauti earned him a straight red card and left Witham’s ten men 15 minutes of normal time to survive.

East Thurrock took control and launched one attack after another. Michael-Percil was involved in the hosts’ best moves.

Madden was beaten in the 83rd minute but saw the ball crash against the underside of the bar and bounce to safety.

Joseph Atalise came close to a winner for Witham but Michael-Percil sealed victory with a 90th minute penalty for East Thurrock.