Walthamstow’s run without a win finally ended on Tuesday with a 3-0 win at home against Mildenhall Town in the Isthmian League Division One North.
It was a big result for Stow, who now climb out of the bottom four only by goal difference.
The first big chance fell for the visitors when Scott Simmons lost the ball to Ryan Sharman and was picked up by Ryan Swift who found himself one on one with David Hughes but was denied by the shot stopper.
Stow looked positive and threatening on their attacks and created a lot of chances. Jordan Peart’s ball found Chris Manangu who managed to cut inside but his cross was collected by goalkeeper Finley Iron.
Just after 20 minutes, Stow found the opener. Callum Ibe drove until the edge of the penalty box and slipped Rasheed Salau through. His cross took a deflection and found its way to Chris Manangu who tapped the ball home giving Stow the lead.
Stow came eagerly close to getting their second just two minutes later. Ibe just about kept the ball in play and laid it off to Brian Garzon who found Manangu at the back post but his header creeped inches wide.
Mildenhall were creating opportunities, but David Hughes in the Stow goal did very well to keep them out. A cross from the left-hand side was cleared only as far as Luke Brown whose shot was well saved by Hughes.
The second half had chances for both sides, with Mildenhall rattling the crossbar from a free kick, and substitute Alfie Gilbey laying the ball off for Ibe who’s shot floated just over the bar.
In the 81st minute, Stow were awarded a penalty. Jordan Peart received the ball from Teddy Stacey and drove to the edge of the box where he put the ball through for Ibe who was taken down in the box. Ibe was the man to step up and find the bottom corner for Stow’s second of the game.
With four minutes to go, Stow were awarded their second penalty of the game when substitute Ethan Earnshaw was fouled in the box, leaving the referee no choice but to point to the spot. Callum Ibe stepped up once again and scored his second of the game, sealing the three points for the Stow.
Stow didn’t let their foot off the gas and continued to press in search of a fourth. Ibe ran into acres of space, and his shot was saved by the goalkeeper, and the rebound from Earnshaw was tipped onto the post and out for a corner. From the corner, Ibe picked up the ball, and his cross come shot hit the inside of the post and looked like it went in. However, the referee didn’t give the goal and denied Callum from a hat trick.
Walthamstow climb out of the relegation zone and travel to Heybridge Swifts on Saturday.