Witham Town returned to winning ways

Witham Town returned to winning ways on Tuesday night against Brentwood Town in the Isuzu FA Trophy.

Witham looked resplendent in new kit and there is a new look to the Witham side this season. With 6 wins from 8 matches in all competitions they are a team with a strong spine, a defensive stubbornness and the resilience to find a way to win.

After being outplayed in the first half they took the game to the visitors in the second period.  They were rewarded with a 58th minute winner from Ramiah Mills and held on to book their place in the next round.

Both sides started with a high tempo and Brentwood quickly got into their stride.  Ex-Witham player Correy Davidson, George Craddock and Andrew Freeman looked impressive in the early stages as Brentwood's pace, energy and fluidity in attack put the hosts on the back foot.

Rhys Madden saved well for Witham in the 14th minute from Davidson and pounced on a dangerous cross from the left in the 22nd minute.

Two runs from Witham's Jamahl Godward caused problems for the visitors but Brentwood looked sharper and more focussed.  Their midfield control continually pushed Witham back and Madden had to run to the edge of the penalty area to clear from the advancing Tom Richardson. Connor Hogan shot over for Brentwood in the 41st minute and Davidson was just wide with a shot 3 minutes later.

Brentwood manager Rod Stringer recently voiced his frustration at the lack of goals from their highly-rated strike force.  It was a repeat performance as they failed to score when they were on top, despite a lot of possession and plenty of chances.

Lewis Payne won two important challenges to set up attacks for Witham and Liam Whipps shot just wide for the hosts from a free-kick just before the half-time whistle. 

The hosts looked more positive as the second half began and Godward shot narrowly wide ten minutes after the break. Witham took the lead three minutes later. The combative Whipps won the ball in midfield with a strong challenge and his pass found Mills on the left.  His determined run and calm finish put the ball to the right of goalkeeper Harry Gerling to break the deadlock. 

Robinson Wokoma headed over the Brentwood bar from a corner in the 63rd minute and the same player made an important tackle in the other penalty area to frustrate Richardson. 

Brentwood had their moments and a Richardson shot missed the far post. Madden saved well in the 65th and 69th minutes but Witham posed a greater threat in attack.  Whipps and Mills both went close to increasing Witham's lead.

The introduction of substitute Kieran Southgate meant that Witham ended the game strongly.  He had a good effort deflected for a corner in the 81st minute and seconds before the end, he showed a lot of pace in a run down the right wing before delivering a cross that Mills just failed to meet.

This was not one of Witham's better performances this season but manager Chris Taylor will take heart from the attitude of the side whose progress this season has surprised many of their rivals.

Two important league matches are next on the agenda, with an away match at Great Wakering Rovers on Saturday, followed by a local derby against Heybridge Swifts on Tuesday 20th September