AN inspired second-half performance earned Witham their first win since August against a good Bury Town side at Ram Meadow, writes JIM PURTILL.

After conceding an early goal and being outplayed in the first half, Witham stunned their hosts with a spirited fight back in the second period to claim a 2-1 victory.

Two goals from Ramiah Mills, a fine goalkeeping display by Rhys Madden, stubborn defending and the team’s collective determination to succeed deservedly claimed the points for the visitors.

After impressing at Stowmarket on the previous Saturday, this match presented further evidence of the improvement that has been taking place in the Witham camp in the last few weeks.

Conceding a goal in the twelfth minute was the last thing that interim manager Chris Taylor would have wanted, but the visitors found themselves behind when Jake Chambers-Shaw’s goalbound shot was blocked on the line by Kye Jude and Ollie Hughes scored from the rebound.

Mills hit a stinging shot just over the bar in the 17th minute in Witham’s first significant attack.

Ben Search was effective in midfield on his return to Witham and Mills looked dangerous on the break but the vast majority of the action was taking place in Witham’s half. The veteran Carlos Edwards was influential for Bury with Hughes and Cemal Ramadan constantly threatening. Witham found it hard to exercise any control when in possession of the ball in a largely defensive first half. Hughes shot over the bar for Bury and Ramadan forced a fine save from Madden in the 41st minute.

At half-time few observers would have expected to see a Witham victory but the match changed three minutes after the break when Mills put the visitors level from close range after good work by Jack Nolde. A minute later Adam Vyse came close to scoring a second for Witham after a defensive blunder.

Bury had only lost once in their previous eight matches. They reacted and enjoyed a period of dominance with Ramadan and Chambers-Shaw going close. Witham weathered the storm and posed problems of their own. Chris Taylor used the substitutes intelligently. John Adebiyi was outstanding and added a solidity to the Witham core. Lewis Duberry proved influential in supporting the attack when he was introduced. Search was involved in everything in midfield and Nolde in a forward role was impressive.

The match opened up and there were chances at both ends but the turning point arrived in the 74th minute. Rhys Madden made a great save as he parried a shot from Ramadan. Within a minute Witham were ahead. A cross from the left by Nolde found the ebullient Mills in front of goal. His shot from close range was pushed away by Sam Blair in the Bury goal. Mills was first to react as he gathered the ball and scored from the rebound.

Madden made two more excellent saves as Bury tried hard to salvage a point but in their haste they lost their shape and tried to force proceedings. The Bury attack was blunted by Witham’s greater control and strength in midfield. Witham were not to be denied and in a real team effort their determination and hard work secured the win.

After the final whistle Chris Taylor paid tribute to the commitment of his side in coming from behind and taking control. It is to Taylor’s credit that the spirit within the squad is evidently strong despite the confidence-sapping effect of disappointing results for much of the season.

The Witham side will go into next Saturday’s crucial home fixture against Basildon United in a positive frame of mind after two good away performances against difficult opponents.