At half-time in Saturday's game against the division two leaders at Spa Road, Witham were doing well and had played the better football and held a 1-0 lead.

It then all went wrong for them as Ford stepped a gear, got an fortunate equaliser and two late goals made the scoreline look worse than it really was as the new look Witham side had made them fight hard for the three points.

Ford started strongly and Town goalkeeper Kreihn had to make some early saves from Jeff Wood and Dean Allen.

At the other end, Ford goalkeeper Jim Chapman made a good save from Gino Defeo but was beaten soon after when another shot from Defeo hit the bottom of the upright, and the ball rebounded out into the path of Stuart Joplin who smashed it into the net for his first goal since joining the club.

Soon after the break the 'Motormen' equalised when after a goalmouth scramble Allen forced the ball in.

Witham then squandered a good chance after Joplin had beaten Chapman in a race to the ball, it fell to Paul Dean whose shot was saved by Chap-man who had managed to get back to his goal and he stuck out a hand to make a good save.

Two late goals for the visitors sealed Witham's fate when after such a good fight by Town, Allen's crosses were met by Tony Read in the 83rd minute and Wood in injury time.

Witham are away to Cheshunt on Saturday for a Ryman League encounter.

Witham Town Under 18s beat a strong Eton Manor side 2-1, a result that puts Town into the semi finals of the Essex Youth Cup.

As the Eton Manor pitch was unfit, the game was switched to Spa Road, which is in almost perfect condition, but that did not help Witham as they trailed at half time.

However, a shot from the edge of the penalty area and over the goalkeeper by Robert Linsell levelled the scores and then 'a cracker' from Gerry Hawes put Witham into the next round.

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