Casey Cooper-Fiske looks at the Ryman Division One North side in search of a late surge for the playoff.
Thamesmead Town suffered a 2-1 home defeat to playoff chasing Cheshunt at Bayliss Avenue, as their own playoff chances start to slip away.
The Mead are now without a win in three matches and have only won two of their last six, to slip 12 points beyond the playoff places.
It only took half an hour for Thamesmead to fall behind, as Chris Hope’s effort from the edge of the box crashed down off of the underside of the crossbar to be bundled home by Jason Hallett.
Cheshunt could have heaped more pressure on the home side moments later, as Hallett missed another glorious opportunity with his header going just over.
Before the break, the Mead got a piece of fortune after Harrison Carnegie was brought down inside the box. Paul Vines stepped up to convert from the spot, as he beat Cheshunt keeper James May.
Heroic
Half time almost came too soon for the home side, as they looked rejuvenated by the goal and nearly took the lead when Jay Porter’s goal-bound strike was heroically blocked by the Cheshunt defence.
In the second half, Lee Prescott threatened the Cheshunt goal with a well-struck free kick which clipped the outside May’s left hand post.
The Mead fell behind again on 74 minutes, as Hallett won his race with Thamesmead Captain Jack Barry before squaring the ball for Adam Bolle to slot past Walker.
Barry then missed a great opportunity from close range, as he failed to connect with Lee Prescott’s teasing free kick.
The visitors almost extended their advantage, but for Walker’s superb stop to deny Cheshunt a comfortable final 15 minutes.
Despite the Mead’s efforts they were unable to grab a late equaliser and remain middle of the table.
Thamesmead will now look ahead to their away trip to 16th-placed Great Wakering Rovers on Saturday where they will be aiming to get back on track.