Waltham Abbey need a Great Escape (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Waltham Abbey need a Great Escape

12:46pm Wednesday 27th January 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

WALTHAM ABBEY will have to produce their own version of the Great Escape if they are to avoid relegation from the Ryman Premier, after they were pushed further into the mire, courtesy of a 2-1 defeat at the hands of promotion hopefuls Horsham.

The Abbotts’ path to safety is blocked by a mass of barbed wire, and it looks as though they are heading for the same fate as Captain Hilts, in the famous scene from the 1963 film starring Steve McQueen.

However, if the Capershotts outfit show as many battling qualities as they did on Tuesday, they may yet achieve the improbable.

Claude Seanla gave hosts Horsham the lead after 25 minutes and the writing looked on the wall for Abbey when Sam Page converted from Steve Sargent’s free-kick.

But the visitors bounced back and could have salvaged something from the game. Ted Llewelyn saw his effort chalked off, before striker Billy Holland capitalised on a mistake from Craig Bradshaw to set up a barnstorming finale.

Horsham were put under the cosh by Abbey but the local side could not find another route through.

The result leaves them stranded at the foot of the table on 18 points, six points from safety.

A 1-1 draw at Ashford Town on Saturday had halted a run of three consecutive league defeats. And the club will be keen to secure their fifth win of the season when they play host to Cray Wanderers this weekend.

Meanwhile, in Division One North, Leyton also find themselves in a perilous position after they were put to the sword by third-placed East Thurrock United on Tuesday.

The 4-1 scoreline ensures the Lilywhites remain second-bottom of the table, following a run of 12 games without a win.

There was also a three-goal deficit at the weekend, when Leyton were overcome 3-0 by local rivals Enfield Town, another team gunning for promotion.

Bragging rights are up for grabs this week, however, as Waltham Forest are set to make the short trip to Lea Bridge Road for an exciting derby clash.

Elsewhere, Forest were not in midweek action, but they played their part in an absorbing encounter against Potters Par Town on Saturday.

A brace from Danny Gabriel was not enough to lift the Stags past Town, though, who emerged 3-2 victors on the day.

Manager Phil Miles will have few problems inspiring his players for the trip to Leyton this week, which promises to be an all-action affair.