Waltham Abbey fell to their second consecutive Isthmian Division North defeat under interim boss Paul Joynes on Saturday as they lost 1-0 at fellow strugglers Witham Town.

Defeat leaves the Abbotts 23rd in the league standings, three points behind Wroxham, who in 21st are the first team above the relegation zone. Abbey's goal difference is just one worse than the Yachtsmen's.

In a scrappy contest at the Village Glass Stadium it took a 37th minute goal from Tyler Hayes to settle the contest for the Town, who hadn't won a league game since defeating Soham Town Rangers in November.

The Abbotts picked up back-to-back wins after Joynes replaces his former boss, Martin Hayes, in the hot-seat at Capershotts but that progress has been halted with two defeats in their last two matches.

Eight minutes before half time the home side went in front when Tyler Hayes just beat Abbey keeper Aaron Omand to the ball, slotting past the Abbotts stopper and into the bottom corner of the net.

Both sides struggled to create chances throughout. Abbey top-scorer Christian Assombalonga came as close as anyone to taking a point for the visitors but was unable to add to the ten goals he already has to his name this season.

Waltham Abbey will look to return to winning ways when they host direct relegation rivals Wroxham on Saturday in a potentially pivotal game in the battle against the drop from Step Four. Dereham Town visit on Tuesday.