Wroxham 2 Walthamstow 1
Wroxham made it two wins from three league games after beating Walthamstow at the Ginger Pickle Arena in a game marred by a controversial incident in second-half stoppage time.
With players unavailable through injuries and suspension, manager Jordan Southgate was unable to field the same side that comprehensively beat Felixstowe & Walton United in the first home league game of the season.
The return of Sammy Johnson was a welcome boost, Lucas Poll made his first start, and Lucas Densley kept his place following his heroics against last season’s runners-up.
New signing Isaac Jobling was named amongst the substitutes along with Rio Ward and Ryan Forbes, who were involved for the first time this campaign.
Goalkeeper Tom Coombe was called into action early on as Walthamstow created the first opportunity of the game.
The Yachtsmen took the lead after 24 minutes when Ryan John raced down the right and played the ball inside to Ethan Flack. The striker took one touch and fired home a beauty, into the bottom corner, from the edge of the box.
However, within 10 minutes, the injury jinx that has plagued Wroxham struck again. Flack went down under a challenge and had to leave the field with what was later diagnosed as a fractured collar bone.
With Coombe in superb form, denying the visitors on three occasions, Wroxham went in at half-time with a slender 1-0 lead.
Seven minutes into the second half, Walthamstow found an equaliser when Elijah Grant scored with a free header from a corner kick.
Johnson forced a fine save from the visiting ‘keeper Luke Mewitt and Densley’s cross was almost deflected in as Wroxham looked to retake the lead.
The goal did come when Johnson raced through to slide the ball under the keeper and into the net on the hour mark.
Walthamstow came very close to a second equaliser when a free-kick hit the bar and then Mewitt somehow denied Kieran Money and then Shaun Taylor who followed up on the rebound.
Jobling replaced Johnson after 77 minutes and almost marked his debut with a goal but was denied after breaking clear.
After Coombe made another good save and Jobling was denied again, the game entered into four minutes of time added on.
A mix-up in the Walthamstow defence saw the ball fall to Densley who tried to skip round Mewitt. The ‘keeper, who had advanced well outside his box, went to ground and handled the ball.
The decision by the referee to administer a yellow card sparked outrage on the pitch and on the terraces. Taylor was booked for remonstrating and Josh Hazell received two yellow cards in 10 seconds after making his feelings clear.
Rio Ward replaced Densley and the final stages were seen out with the supporters making their feelings known to the match officials as they headed to the dressing room.
Wroxham: Coombe, John, Bell, King, Hazell, Poll, Densley (Ward 90+4), Money, Flack (Sparrow 32), Johnson (Jobling 76), Taylor. Subs not used: Moore, R. Forbes.
Attendance: 235
Due to Fakenham Town drawing in the FA Cup away at St Ives Town, Tuesday night's Isthmian League fixture at the Ginger Pickle Arena has been postponed with Wroxham returning to action on Saturday August 29, away to Fakenham in the FA Trophy.
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