Witham Town beaten at Bury Town

WITHAM Town suffered their second defeat in Suffolk in a week as they slumped to a 3-0 loss to Bury Town at Ram Meadow, writes JIM PURTILL.
The visitors could have no complaints about the outcome of a Pitching In Isthmian League division north match where they rarely threatened to score and they struggled to contain Bury’s fluid attacking football.

Witham began with confidence but after ten minutes Bury began to demonstrate their quality in attack with Cemal Ramadan and Alfie Cutbush combining in good attacking play.
Joe White headed over the bar for the hosts who forced three corners in quick succession.

Luke Ige and Kieran Southgate headed clearances away from the penalty are as the Witham defence came under increasing pressure.

In a dangerous breakaway in the 22nd minute, Witham’s Shakeel Morris ran for 60 yards and his pass found Southgate who shot over.

This proved to be Witham’s only shot of the half and two minutes later Bury took the lead.

A cross from the right found Ramadan unmarked in front of goal and he seized his chance.

Witham struggled to respond. Morris showed attacking flair and Southgate was full of energy and industry but without the unavailable target man Adam Vyse, Witham found it impossible to hold the ball in the Bury half.

Bury scored again in the 35th minute. Cutbush received the ball from a free-kick and his determination enabled him to force his way through two challenges and his shot from the edge of the penalty area was placed just inside Rhys Madden’s left post.

Deese Madia forced a corner for the visitors just before the half-time break but the ball was easily cleared.

Witham started the second half on the attack but conceded a third goal three minutes after the break when they left themselves unprotected at the back.

A Witham attack broke down and a through ball found Ramadan who scored with ease.

Bury looked comfortable in the second half and played within themselves to maintain their control.
Witham looked better in attack in the second half but the outcome was never in doubt.

Southgate headed wide from a Morris cross after 53 minutes and he just failed to score with an overheard kick after a pass from Jamahl Godward twelve minutes later.

Ramadan could have completed his hat-trick shortly before the final whistle but he miskicked at the near post when he met a cross from Ryan Jolland.

All in all it was a bad day at the office for Witham.

Ram Meadow is a difficult venue for most visitors and Witham’s attention will turn to the home fixture on Saturday.

Basildon United will be the visitors in a match that Witham will hope to win