Witham Town v Walthamstow preview

Walthamstow face off against Witham Town on Tuesday in a rearranged Isthmian League Division One North fixture.

Stow look to continue their five-game unbeaten streak as they progressed to the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy on Saturday in an eight-goal thriller. A brace from Callum Ibe and goals from Ekow Coker, Tyrone Baker and Gassem Benelghazi secured Stow’s place in the hat for the first time since it was renamed the FA Trophy. Stow will find out their opponents on Monday. This also means that our trip to Gorleston on the 4^th October has been postponed.

Witham have also progressed in the FA Trophy via a penalty shootout away at Cambridge City. The game ended 3-3 with Witham down to 10 men, but they eventually won 5-4 on penalties. That was the second time Witham faced an Isthmian North side in the FA Trophy and won on penalties, as they beat Newmarket Town in the First Qualifying Round. Town have had a good start to this season’s campaign, only losing two out of 13 games with both being in the league away at Waltham Abbey and Felixstowe & Walton United. They’ve also progressed in the FA Cup beating Frenford, Tring Athletic and Lowestoft Town. Witham will take on Step 3 side Needham Market next Saturday.

Both encounters between the two clubs last season ended in 2-1 wins, with Stow winning away in October and Witham winning at Wadham Lodge in March. Stow travelled to Spa Road and spectacularly came away with the 3 points. The hosts took an early lead five minutes in, but goals in the 92nd and 101st minutes from Te Wihongi and Brian Moses sent the travelling Stow fans into mayhem securing the club’s first ever victory at the Spa Road.

The reverse fixture was originally scheduled to play in early February, however that was postponed until later that month, which then that got postponed a month later. Stow’s early goal from Ali Njie was cancelled out five minutes from half time when the visitors got two goals in the space of two minutes from Frederick King and Liam Whipps. Stow had the chance to level the game in the second half from the spot, but top scorer Louie Johnson was denied by goalkeeper Harry Fairs.

Walthamstow and Witham’s common people

Witham don’t currently have any former Stow players. However, Stow’s squad includes Rasheed Salau who spent time at the Simarco Stadium.