LITTLE Oakley were beaten 4-2 at Walthamstow in their latest Essex Senior League match, writes LARRY DOBKIN.

The Acorns, who were missing Dobkin, Roger and Garrard, started brightly with a pinpoint pass from Farthing to Rowe who ran in between defenders and powered released shot which the keeper was equal too.

After a neat passing move the ball released Mayhew on the left wing to take on his defender and play a ball all the way through the box without anyone being able to get a foot in only to see the ball go out for a throw.

Pressure was mounting for Oakley, with both wingers Mayhew and Rowe becoming a constant threat.

Oakley took the lead on 12 minutes; a slick move through midfield saw Mayhew cut in from the left-hand wing and go past a defender before coolly passing the ball into the corner of the net.

This seemed to spur Walthamstow into action. Ollie Sotoyinbo was growing into the game receiving the ball on the wing and heading directly for goal.

A good cross in found Hallett free and a low shot was cleared off the goal-line by Lumley.

But Beck levelled for Walthamstow when he rose above the Oakley defence and headed in from a corner.

The start of the second half saw torrential rain, with both sides finding it difficult to mount any meaningful attacks.

Walthamstow with the bigger players handled the appalling conditions better and a smart move down the wing by Stow saw a low drive beat the keeper to score.

But the assistant referee raised his flag, and the goal was disallowed for offside.

Oakley came back with a flowing move that saw Rowe glide past three defenders and bend a shot to the far post well saved by the Stow keeper Cekrezi.

Walthamstow continued to attack and after a series of tackles around the Oakley box, Pinto headed passed Joyce to give the hosts the lead.

Walthamstow were dominating play and broke through the Oakley defence with a clear path to goal.

The impressive Sotoyinbo picked his spot to fire the ball passed Joyce to give his side a 3-1 lead.

Walthamstow continued to attack with Oakley struggling to get to grips with the weather.

Stow created a good chance with a long range shot that went narrowly around the post.

Oakley continued to work hard and against the run of play a perfect cross from the ever-willing runner Rowe was side-footed in by Nobbs for 3-2.

But Walthamstow wrapped up their win with five minutes to go when Odukoya tapped in Sotoyinbo's cross unmarked.

The stronger and taller Walthamstow team handled the conditions better but Wood with a captain’s performance was Oakley's man of the match.