Witham secured another three points on Saturday to maintain their push for a production place, but there was an unusual start to the match at Spa Road.

With both teams lined up and ready for the start of the game there was no referee or assistant and when the Witham boss went to find them, they were still in their room insisting it was still five minutes to three. When they did eventually appear they were greeted with enthusiastic applause from the Witham crowd.

There were changes in the Witham team that won so convincingly on Tuesday against the leaders, Croydon Athletic, with captain Alan Vincent and Steve Farmer returning while youngsters, Dan Wornham and Anthony Parks were having trials with Leyton Orient and Southend Utd respectively.

It was a cold bleak day as Witham struggled against their lowly opponents but finally managed to win by just a single goal.

At least they had some shots on target whereas Kingsbury did not and John Cardy the home goalkeeper had an easy day just dealing with a few back passes and corners.

The only goal of the game came in the thirteenth minute of the game when Glen Driver was put clear on the left, and after beating two defenders that had chased back, he crossed close to the goal and Danny Stanley back-heeled the ball into the net.

Witham went close to increasing their lead when Kevin Inglis volleyed just wide, and Charlie Leary the King's goalkeeper made a tremendous save from Robert Bate.

Although Witham were on top, play became sloppy after the break with both teams making mistakes and Witham missing chances.

Alan Vincent shot wide when put through and Leary saved a shot from Driver and another from Inglis.

Events then went all wrong for Witham when they were awarded a penalty but the usually reliable Glen Driver shot wide, and a few minutes later Driver was sent off for dissent.

Although the visitors began to look a threat they still did not get shots on target, but Witham who were more pleased to hear that final whistle, thus completing the double over Kingsbury having beaten them 4-2 on the first day of the season.

During the last few weeks Witham have played teams off the park and lost, but on Saturday they played badly but got three points, that puts them up to fifth in the league.

Witham Town: John Cardy, Mark Johnson, Steve Farmer, Alan Vincent, Andy Walton, Danny Stanley, Robert Bate, Paul Sammons, Glen Driver, Neil Grice, Kevin Inglis. Substitutes: Jamie Tolhurst, Dean Kelly, Tony Walkin.

On Saturday Witham play Clapton in a Division Three Ryman League game. The game will be played at Aveley at the Clapton ground. The Old Spotted Dog ground is closed at the moment.

Published Tuesday December 18, 2001