Witham Town manager Garry Kimble believes his team’s stirring performance at Thurrock will be a particular lift for goalkeeper Lewis Down.

The former Witham reserve keeper impressed with a string of good saves against a strong Thurrock side who are pushing for Ryman League division north promotion this year and was rewarded with the man-of-the-match award.

Only David Cowley’s consolation goal deep in injury-time at the end of the match denied Down a clean sheet and Kimble felt his keeper showed the qualities that he is looking for.

“Thurrock are a good side, but Lewis Down was excellent,” said the Town boss.

“It was a performance that will give him loads of confidence.

“He knows that he has made a couple of mistakes in games this year, but he put that to one side and rectified it by keeping us in the game.

“Lewis has all the attributes to be a top goalkeeper as his handling, kicking and shot-stopping are all very good, but he was really brave on Saturday.

“He showed really good bravery and he made the correct decisions – when to come and when not to and when to kill the game and when not to.

“He got injured a couple of weeks ago and I think he realised that he needed to step up so it was great to see him do that at Thurrock.”

Witham are due to return to action today with a home game against Aveley at the Village Glass Stadium (kick-off 3pm).