Casey Cooper-Fiske looks back on a frustrating week for Ryman Division One North side Thamesmead Town…
Thamesmead Town have struggled to maintain pace with the playoff chasers, as they only managed to pick up one point in their last two matches.
The Mead suffered a 1-0 away defeat last Saturday, to Wroxham who are just above relegation zone and under new management.
The Kent side went down to 10-men early in the first half, as Farai Hallam was given a straight red card for an off the ball incident, conceding a penalty.
The Yachtsman could not convert from the spot, as Jamie Forshaw spot kick was saved by Andy Walker.
This was Hallam’s second red card in his last three appearances, as he received the other ten days previously against league leaders AFC Sudbury.
Seamus Kelleher scored the only goal of the match early in the second half, with a powerful header past busy Walker.
Which gave Damian Hilton his opening win, as the new Wroxham manager in his first game in charge of the club.
Down to 10 again
The Mead hosted Maldon and Tiptree on Tuesday, where they let the lead slip twice to only manage a 2-2 home draw at Bayliss Avenue.
Lee Prescott gave the home side an advantage with a brilliant free-kick into the top right hand corner.
Maldon defender Billy Roast levelled up the game, with a clinical volley in the last kick of the first-half.
Thamesmead Captain Jack Barry bundled in his third goal in three games, to regain the lead for the hosts.
However, another lack of discipline left the Mead down to 10-men again, as the referee sent the home sides Captain Jack Barry off for dangerous play inside the box.
Darren McQueen stepped up under pressure to put his side back on level terms.
Either side had chances to take all three points but both Andy Walker and Shaun Phillips produced top saves, as both sides settle for a point.
Thamesmead now sit tenth nine points off the playoffs and face playoff hopefuls Cheshunt at home this weekend.