WITHAM Town surrendered their unbeaten league record after losing 2-1 to Walthamstow in controversial circumstances at the Simarco Stadium, writes JIM PURTILL.
A chaotic injury-time period saw Garry Kimble's side lose for the first time this season, in Pitching In Isthmian League division north.
Having taken a seventh-minute lead through Ryan Dear, Witham were still ahead after 90 minutes but suffered an unlikely defeat in a tempestuous 13 minutes of added time.
By the time the final whistle sounded, Walthamstow had scored twice and in the space of four minutes a red card and four yellows had been awarded.
The turning point of the match came in the fourth minute of added time when Walthamstow claimed an equaliser in a goalmouth scramble, after a corner.
The referee waved play on after looking at an assistant twice and not receiving a signal to indicate a goal.
When the ball went out of play a number of Walthamstow players and management personnel surrounded the referee and the assistant to claim that Jared Small’s effort had crossed the line.
Two Walthamstow players received yellow cards for their protests, as the argument raged.
After a prolonged delay while the referee struggled to maintain control, a goal was awarded in a mystifying volte face by the officials. What prompted the change of mind will remain a matter of conjecture.
Things turned from bad to worse for Witham when Brian Moses scored Walthamstow's winner from another corner after 12 minutes of added time.
This prompted wild celebrations from the visiting players including Ali Njie, who had been sent off but remained pitchside, apparently unnoticed by the match officials.
The uncontrolled nature of events in added time was in complete contrast to the relatively uneventful earlier 90 minutes. Witham were well in control in the first half. Dear almost scored twice more and Archie McFadden went close.
Josh Osude was a menacing presence throughout the first period as his pace constantly threatened to unlock the Walthamstow defence. Freddie King on his gradual return from injury was a thorn in Walthamstow’s side.
His powerful run in the seventh minute ended when he was fouled by Samuel Jeremiah.
King won a header from McFadden’s free-kick that allowed Dear to score.
King was well supported by Liam Whipps, as Witham looked likely to add to their tally in the second half.
Despite having the lion’s share of possession, the hosts failed to match their first-half energy and dominance.
Osude hit the post for Witham after an hour but that signalled a change in fortunes.
The home side looked a shadow of their former selves. They failed to create other chances and for the first time in the match Walthamstow began to show their ability. Walthamstow’s attacking efforts had been limited to a near miss by Johnville Renee in the first half.
He nearly equalised again as the Walthamstow midfield grasped the initiative in the final quarter of the match.
Witham seemed unable to raise their game and retain control.
A side with a one-goal lead is always vulnerable and Witham will rue their inability to put the result beyond doubt when they were on top.
Nobody emerged with any credit from the final minutes of the contest.
Witham’s game management failed to secure a result.
The behaviour of the Walthamstow’s players and management team members would not normally be allowed.
The match officials should reflect on their indecision and poor level of control.
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