Christian Assombalonga’s brace wasn’t enough to prevent Waltham Abbey falling to a 3-2 defeat at Great Wakering Rovers in Isthmian Division One North on Saturday.

Assombalonga, who scored twice in Tuesday’s win over Dereham Town, repeated the trick with a goal at either end of the match.

However, it was three goals in between which did for Paul Joynes and Mark Cutler’s side after Assombalonga opened the scoring in the third minute.

Jay Nash equalised three minutes later from close-range and the score stayed 1-1 until the break.

Five minutes into the second half Jake Gordon put Rovers in front for the first time, powering beyond Aaron Omand.

Dan Gilchrist then added a third to put the home side in control.

The Abbotts were afforded a route back into the game at the death, though, as Max Kent was sent off for handling on the line.

From the resulting penalty Assombalonga reduced the arrears.

Waltham Abbey travel to Barkingside this evening before hosting Maldon & Tiptree on Saturday.