WITHAM Town were 2-1 winners at Cambridge City to move up to third in Pitching In Isthmian League division north, writes JIM PURTILL.

Josh Osude struck late to give Garry Kimble's side victory at the Quattro Tech Stadium, in St Ives.

It was a result that had looked unlikely for much of the afternoon but Osude’s goal was the culmination of a dramatic recovery by Witham in the final quarter of the match.

Facing a one-goal defeat, they equalised in the 80th minute and dominated before scoring the winner in the sixth minute of added time.

The first half was a generally even contest in which neither side managed to exercise any control.

Both sides were careless in possession which was gained and lost quickly.

Cambridge constantly probed down the right flank and Witham looked vulnerable from attacks on that side.

Aaron Greene and Junior Mubiayi were impressive for Cambridge and caused problems in the first half hour.

The suspended Liam Whipps was missed as the visitors seemed to lack the physical presence in midfield that they needed to resist the attacking moves of the hosts.

When Witham tried to build passing moves in attack they were often laboured, with opportunities to play quick incisive passes were missed.

(Image: JIM PURTILL)

Poor decision-making meant that approach play was too elaborate to be effective.

Cambridge took the lead in the 41st minute when Junior Mubiayi finished a move that had begun in midfield.

It was a well-taken goal but a poor one for Witham to concede.

The visitors had been moving forward but careless passing conceded possession.

Witham were exposed on the left and they paid the price.

The visitors’ attack in the first half had made little headway and things looked no more encouraging in the early part of the second period.

There was no shortage of effort from the visitors but there was a lack of inspiration from both sides.

Archie McFadden went close for Witham and Ryan Dear had two headed efforts from set pieces.

The Cambridge rearguard rarely looked under pressure.

There were signs of improvement for Witham as the second half progressed.

The squad has more strength in depth this season and intelligent use of substitutes introduced a perceptible change in the pattern of the match.

The directness of Samson Adejala added scope in attack and the fresh legs of Ollie Bell and Shakeel Morris had an influence.

The energy and aggression of Freddie King made a significant difference when was introduced in the 71st minute. Shane Temple was introduced for Cambridge in the 67th minute but he was the only substitute they used before the 90th minute. It proved a telling factor.

King equalised in the 80th minute when he headed in from a free-kick and it gave Witham the spark they needed.

Limited by injury this season, King showed he showed his quality as the tiring Cambridge squad found themselves overwhelmed in the last few minutes. King’s fierce shot in the last move of the match was blocked but the ball found Osude, who finished from close range.

It was a remarkable turn of events.

This was not one of Witham’s better performances but a mark of a good side is the ability to find a way to win in difficult circumstances.