WITHAM Town lost 2-0 at home to Pitching In Isthmian League division north leaders AFC Sudbury despite a spirited performance at the Simarco Stadium, writes JIM PURTILL.

Witham had a number of players unavailable through illness and the starting eleven had an unfamiliar look, with four debutants.

This was far from ideal when facing a Sudbury side that had won their previous seven league matches but Witham made a strong start.

The contest was equally balanced in the early stages and there were no significant chances for the first quarter of the match.

Events took a dramatic turn after 23 minutes when Sudbury launched a determined attack in which three shots in the penalty area were blocked by the Witham defence.

A penalty was awarded to Sudbury as Witham defender Farai Tsingano was adjudged to have tripped Joshua Stokes as they chased a ball inside the penalty area.

It looked a harsh decision but former Witham striker Josh Mayhew put the visitors ahead from the spot.

The blustery conditions made controlled football difficult and heavy rain towards the end of the first half made it more difficult for both sides.

Witham looked stronger as the half progressed with Charlie Pegrum causing problems on the left wing and Jamahl Godward providing energetic support to the attack.

Stowmarket goalkeeper David Hughes denied Rash Salau with his legs in the 40th minute and Witham’s Emmanuel Kwatchey forced a corner on the right.

Tsingano headed just wide as Witham dominated the latter stages of the first half.

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Witham’s attacking enterprise continued in the early part of the second period with Hughes saving from Salau and Ryan Rochefond, in his first Town appearance.

The match stretched more and after two good Sudbury moves involving Jake Turner on the right, Mayhew struck again in the 56th minute when he converted a cross from the right.

The second goal changed the game as Sudbury began to look more assured.

Witham had not scored when they were ahead and they lacked the quality needed to unsettle the visitors.

Joe Grimwood and Joshua Pollard at the back for Sudbury formed an effective defensive barrier despite the introduction of Kieran Southgate and Adam Vyse to the home attack.

Keeper Ben Lane punched away Turner's free-kick and Pollard headed narrowly wide from a corner.

It was an efficient if prosaic performance from the Sudbury side who have had far more comfortable afternoons this season.

Witham can take a lot of positives from this showing, as their makeshift side showed a high level of commitment.

Witham manager Chris Taylor will hope that the spirit shown in this match and the previous fixture at Wroxham will bode well as the side face a busy schedule in the next few weeks.

Town visit Gorleston on Saturday before two home matches against New Salamis and Bury Town round off the January league matches.