Stuart Nethercott saw his side miss out on the chance to make further progress up the Ryman League division one north table as MALDON TOWN were beaten 2-0 by Thamesmead.

Nethercott was able to select from a squad of 19 players and this was the first time that these two clubs had faced each other so neither team knew what to expect and this was clearly evident with both feeling their way.

Thamesmead looked dangerous with their long ball tactics and their two quick forwards, Lew Wood and Ricci Cable, who were doing a lot of running but Maldon’s Alan Sampson and Aiden Collins were equal to their efforts.

Thamesmead went in front after 51 minutes when after a goalmouth melee Cable was on hand to put the ball in the net.

Within a couple of minutes, Maldon missed the chance to equalise when a free-kick by Ross Parmenter was met by Jack West, who sliced the ball with the goal at his mercy and then on 80 minutes, Thamesmead got their second when Maldon’s defence was caught out giving Wood all the time he needed to place his shot past McCartney in the Maldon goal.

With such a young and inexperienced side, which have plenty of skills, this was a useful lesson in controlling the ball and making their passes count.

Maldon’s best player on the day was Sampson.