Walthamstow 1-2 Gorleston

Walthamstow fell to defeat on Saturday after a 2-1 loss at home against playoff challenging Gorleston.

It was a positive performance from Stow, but defensive mistakes were the difference in the end.

The first big chance of the game was the first goal of the afternoon for the visitors. Spencer Keller received the ball from the right-hand side, got past Keano Robinson with ease and slotted past David Hughes inside the first five minutes.

Stow were slowly creating opportunities but were denied by goalkeeper Antoni Bort. Callum Ibe broke through the Gorleston defence where his effort was denied and fell for Brian Garzon, but his shot was also saved by Bort.

Five minutes later, Gorleston doubled their lead. A pass across the face of goal wasn’t dealt with by the Stow defence which gave Alby Matthews the chance to get in front of them and tap the ball home and make it 2-0 to the visitors.

The second half began with Stow on the front foot and coming close to getting back into the game. Shawn Joseph’s long throw was touched down by Charlie Heatley for Brian Garzon whose effort was pushed onto the post by the goalkeeper.

Stow got the goal they were looking for just twenty minutes later. Keano Robinson’s cross was cleared away by Gorleston captain Joe Jefford and fell for Rasheed Salau who volleyed home past Antoni Bort and got Stow back into the game.

The hope for a Stow comeback increased when Gorleston were reduced to 10 men as Joe Marsden was shown a second yellow card and was given his marching orders just one minute after.

Stow were desperately looking for their equaliser but couldn’t take their chances. Substitute Umaru Kabia brought down a long ball, but his shot was saved, and Demi Elegushi’s effort from distance flew inches wide.

There were no other chances which Stow could take which meant Gorleston picked up the three points. Walthamstow still sit five points outside the relegation zone and travel to local rivals Redbridge next Saturday.