Witham Town preview

Two play-off challengers Walthamstow and Witham Town go head-to-head in the Isthmian League at Wadham Lodge this weekend, with points crucial for both sides.

Walthamstow will be looking to make it four wins from four, after victories over Heybridge Swifts (3-2), Wroxham (4-1) and Maldon & Tiptree (3-1). Witham, meanwhile, ended a four game losing run in the week when they beat Basildon United 3-2 during the week.

If the last meeting between the two clubs was anything to go by, this promises to be a feisty affair. Witham lead for almost all the game, and Stow were, in truth, poor. But two goals deep into injury time from Te Wihongi and Brian Moses sparked wild celebrations. It as an overdue win for Walthamstow, having not beaten Witham in the past six meetings between the two sides.

Witham’s midweek win was vital in halting a skid which has seen them drop from a season-high of second around Christmas, to seventh position now. With only one top-half finish in the last nine seasons, perennial strugglers Witham look to have turned a corner, and are right in the play-off mix this time around.

Walthamstow and Witham’s common people

Witham’s squad doesn’t contain any former Stow players, but the same can’t be said the other way around. Joe Alatise was Witham’s captain until a couple of weeks ago, before signing for Stow where he has already impressed at the heart of the defence. He made 24 appearances for the Spa Lane outfit this season, and 42 last. Khris Oti also had a brief spell with Witham at the end of last season.

Walthamstow v Witham Town previous meetings

Pictured: Duncan Culley gets physical in last season’s home encounter