Walthamstow claimed victory in the last minute of the game on Saturday after a 3-2 win over already-relegated Brantham Athletic.
Stow did deserve the three points, coming out as the better team though Brantham did come out with a fighting spirit.
The first half was very end to end with Stow getting forward well but unable to find the back of the net on two occasions. Demi Elegushi managed to drive forward into the box and was going to get a shot away but was denied by a tackle from Brantham defender Ross McGuire. Ten minutes later, Jordan Peart’s cross was missed by Charlie Heatley but fell for Wilson Bernal at the far post whose shot was blocked and cleared away.
Stow did find the net on the twenty-minute mark thanks to Brian Garzon. Callum Ibe played a lovely through ball into the path of Garzon who neatly chipped the ball over goalkeeper Roan Tucker to give Stow the lead.
The hosts drew level five minutes later, when Reuben Chinnery found himself in the box, cut inside onto his right foot and beat David Hughes at his near post to give Brantham a goal back.
It was raining goals in Brantham as Stow went back in front in the 31st minute. Brian Garzon drove into the penalty area where he was fouled. However, the referee played advantage giving Charlie Heatley the chance to sweep the ball home from close range through the legs of the goalkeeper to regain Stow’s lead and make it double figures for his tally.
Brantham came from behind to draw level again in the 36th minute. A well worked set piece found Lucas Wells to fire home and make it 2-2.
The second half began like it did in the first with both sides creating chances of their own. A Brantham free kick taken by Reuben Chinnery was headed wide at close range by Benjamin Young, and Stow did find the net through Charlie Heatley, but he was ruled out for offside.
The hosts continued to pile on the pressure and came close to taking the lead. Tom Lawson was found in acres of space on the left-hand side and was one on one with David Hughes, but his shot lacked power and was easily saved. In the 78th minute, a free kick from Adam Joyce struck the frame of the goal and was cleared away.
In the 93rd minute, Stow found the winner. Charlie Heatley’s cross fell for Brian Garzon in the box who took his time and fired past the goalkeeper to send the travelling Stow supporters into pandemonium.