WITHAM Town saw off Southern League Central Division leaders Ware 2-1 to progress to the third qualifying round of the Isuzu FA Trophy, writes JIM PURTILL.

Town's inspired start to the season continued in dramatic fashion when Adam Vyse's 89th-minute decided a tight contest and sealed their eighth win in ten matches.

This victory was an impressive achievement for Witham, who have improved vastly since last season's Pitching In League division north survival battle.

Witham will now host Dunstable Town, in the third qualifying round on October 8.Ware made a strong start and Josh Williams forced Witham goalkeeper Rhys Madden to save with his feet within the first five minutes.

Robinson Wokoma in the heart of the home defence then intercepted a dangerous pass from visiting striker Renee Howe.

However, Witham made an early breakthrough in the 14th minute when Vyse scored athletically, following Ramiah Mills' long throw on the right.

Ware responded well and moved forward fluently in search of an equaliser.

Thomas Bruno and Freddie Moncur impressed with their control in midfield and Renee Howe worked hard in attack.Vyse almost scored from another Mills throw in the 27th minute but the Ware pressure told on the stroke of half-time.

Witham’s Liam Whipps was adjudged to have fouled Williams in the penalty area and Liam Dulson netted from the resultant penalty.

Ware had enjoyed most of the possession in the first half but Witham began the second period in a more positive way.

Whipps created a good chance for Mills who forced goalkeeper Fred Burbidge to save well, four minutes after the restart.

Shakeel Morris impressed on the right for Witham and his pass to Kieran Southgate led to another good save from Burbidge.

Madden saved well from Howe in a Ware attack as the tension mounted.

Mills' pace made Witham dangerous on the break and they began to look the stronger side, attacking with intent and confidence.

The final quarter of the match belonged to Witham as Ware seemed unable to match their hosts’ intensity.

Vyse's clever backheel in the 77th minute presented Munashe Mharapara with a good chance but his shot was kicked away by Burbidge.
With eight minutes left Witham went close when Ware’s Dan Rumens had to head the ball over his own crossbar to foil Vyse.

But very late Witham goals are becoming a habit and just as penalties were looking likely, the hosts sealed victory.

With a scarcely a minute of the 90 remaining, the raiding Whipps seized on a wayward Ware defensive pass and his fierce shot was well saved by Burbidge at the expense of a corner.

Whipps’ corners are always a source of danger and after Wokoma headed downwards, Vyse poked the ball just inside the foot of the left post.

Chris Taylor’s men face a trip to Felixstowe & Walton United on Tuesday in the Velocity Cup before another big match on Saturday, as league leaders Lowestoft Town visit the Simarco Stadium.

Lowestoft have won all their five league matches but in this form, Witham fear nobody.