Wroxham 0-2 Walthamstow
Stow put the disappointment of a derby defeat against Redbridge behind them with a well-earned three points away to Wroxham.
Without Brian Moses, Kevin Songolo and Bilal Sayoud, Vinny Murphy was able to bring Adalberto Pinto and Eman Okunja back from injury, as well as a debut from Johnville Renne, who signed from Hornchurch. There was also a return for Jason Beck at the back.
The home side started the game on top but were unable to carve out anything meaningful before Stow were given a great opportunity to take the lead. Renne latched onto a ball over the top and was scythed down by Harvey Peters in the box. Ollie Sotoyinbo made no mistake from the spot, sending Warren Burwood the wrong way.
The goal gave Stow confidence, and they soon started to create more chances. Beck forced a good save from Burwood with a powerful header at the back post, before Kyamni Thomas’ mazy run in the box just ran out of gas at the last moment.
Stow then had three superb chances in four minutes to double their lead. Renee’s cross was somehow just in front of Okunja and Sotoyinbo sliding in, and the two then linked up well to create space in the Wroxham box. In the end, both Okunja and Sotoyinbo both had too much time and they ended up trying to pass to each other, ending a weak shot from Okunja. Ryan Hervel then forced a brilliant diving save from Burwood with a dipping volley from the edge of the box.
Like many teams over the years, Wroxham didn’t seem to grasp that pinging long balls onto Jason Beck’s head will not get you far. For the best part of 70 minutes they tried this tactic without success. It was only when Beck was substituted that Wroxham’s approach changed. But by then it was too late, as Stow were 2-0 up.
Okunja chased down a back pass, and for the second time in the game, Burwood fluffed his attempted clearance. Once Okunja caught sight of the loose ball spinning in the air, there was only going to be one outcome. He brought it down, and cut back to Thomas who looked like he’d side-foot home into an empty net. His shot was wayward, but only to the waiting Renee at the back post who diverted the ball home.
Despite there still being half an hour to play, the game was over as a contest. Wroxham were limited to a couple of long-range efforts, but failed to create anything meaningful, despite Stow’s other centre back Ali Njie also leaving the field.
Stow now make an even longer trip, heading to Great Yarmouth to play Wroxham on Wednesday.
