Saffron Walden Town star in the wind in le Willows
Saffron Walden Town manager Stuart Wardley - Credit: Archant
Saffron Walden Town claimed a second successive Thurlow Nunn Premier Division away win, 2-1 at second-bottom Walsham le Willows, to ease their relegation fears.
Remarkably, this maximum return, initiated by goals from Dan Grindrod and James Thomas, ensured a 13th point on the road this campaign, with only one point having been taken at Catons Lane.
Stuart Wardley’s Walden did well to keep a clean sheet in the first half, playing into a strong wind and had the best chance of the game in the 20th minute.
Graeme Turner was put clear, and after running forward 30 yards with the ball, the home keeper made an excellent save to give away a corner.
From the corner the ball fell to Ryan Fleming whose firm shot was saved low by the home keeper.
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Both teams played the ball at some pace in the difficult conditions, and the Walden defence deserved much credit for restricting the lively Walsham forwards to half chances.
Six minutes into the second half Walden took advantage of the strong wind when Grindrod curled in a corner which went straight into the net, via the despairing hand of the goalkeeper.
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However, Walsham won a corner of their own in the 62nd minute, and having struggled to clear the ball, Charlie Webb scrambled home for the equaliser.
The lead only lasted three minutes as a good through ball to Thomas saw the Walden winger race past three defenders before shooting firmly beyond the advancing keeper.
Five minutes later Thomas raced clear, but was cynically pulled down, although only a yellow card was given to the offending defender.
Walsham made a late rally to grab an equaliser, in a competitive game, but the Bloods held on for a very important win.
Walden will hope to make it three away league wins in a row at Newmarket Town on Friday night.
