Report from CHAPEL ROAD TIPTREE UNITED 1 (T Englsih) SAFFRON WALDEN TOWN 0 UNLUCKY Walden were disappointed not to come away with any points when they visited top-of-the-table Tiptree on Saturday. A first-half header from Tiptree s prolific striker Tom E

Report from CHAPEL ROAD

TIPTREE UNITED 1 (T Englsih)

SAFFRON WALDEN TOWN 0

UNLUCKY Walden were disappointed not to come away with any points when they visited top-of-the-table Tiptree on Saturday.

A first-half header from Tiptree's prolific striker Tom English was enough to give the home side a 1-0 win in this Ridgeons League First Division.

Despite coming close on a number of occasions and some confident free-flowing football from the Bloods, they never found the back of the opposition net.

Assistant coach John Butchart said: "I was pleased with the lads' performance, but disappointed not to come away with at least a draw. We created enough chances to win the game 3-1, but we were not clinical in front of goal.

"The amount of water on the pitch made it very difficult on the players and playing in these conditions puts a lot of stress and strains on their joints.

"We were two players down before we started. Zac Collins' knee puffed up in the warm up and Stuart Kingham had to come off after a few minutes."

In the opening minutes the Bloods were quick to show their intentions when stand in defender Tommy Richardson twice came close with shots that tested Smith in goal.

The pace of Spike Bell beat the home defence to pick out Paul Stokes, who tested Smith with a fierce shot.

Tiptree's fast attacking play down the wings caused problems for Walden and Owen found himself in space, only to blast a shot over the cross bar.

Midway through the first-half a corner by Webster found English, whose header slipped through the hands of Walden's keeper Dave Pledger and put the home side in the lead.

Their advantage could have been extended before the end of the first-half if it had not been for two finger-tip saves from Pledger.

The second-half started lively with some end-to-end attacks providing the spectators with an exciting game to watch.

Substitute Matt Clarke came on for the injured Stuart Kingham to settle the Bloods' midfield. On the hour mark some neat passing found Clarke unmarked in the box, but his fierce volley skimmed over the bar.

Walden continued to press for the equaliser and both Ben Riches and Matt Clarke saw their shots saved by the busy Tiptree keeper. Walden substitute Kevin Vallis beat a lunging tackle to set up Greg Strong, but again they were denied an equaliser.

Walden were not outclassed by the league leaders and they were disappointed not to share the spoils on the night.

Walden also suffered a rare home defeat when they lost to Halstead Town in the Ridgeons League First Division Knockout Cup on Wednesday December 5.

Halstead's towering midfielder Steve Daly out-jumped the Walden defence and put his side into the lead after 10 minutes.

Despite several attempts on goal from the home side, the game finished 1-0 and Walden were knocked out of the competition.

Saffron Walden Town host Hadleigh United on Saturday in the league.