Two second half goals from Alex Teniola and Bode Anidugbe sealed not only a come from behind win for the Mead but also win number eight out of nine as December’s incredible form continued into 2017.

Behind to a goal just six minutes from half time when David Knight fired through a crowd of bodies on the edge of the box, the Mead’s second half response was magnificent lead by a bloodied Scott Kinch (following a first half clash of heads) as first Teniola equalised and then had the shot from which Anidugbe turned home what was to be the decisive goal.

All was set for a titanic from game of 2017 at Bayliss Avenue as although the Mead had won seven of our last eight, it has to be remembered that the visitors travelled from Essex with a better record – winning nine of their last ten although they arrived on the back of a 1-5 mauling by league leaders Maldon & Tiptree on Bank Holiday Monday.

Both sides made encouraging starts although both managers will have been disappointed that their sides weren’t in front.  Twice early on Bowers missed good chances before the Mead first real chance fell to Teniola after Paul Vines had brilliantly cushioned Jay Porters cross into his strike partner’s path.  Only a great challenge stopped the Thamesmead man from opening the scoring…  something sadly the visitors were to do by half time, but not before a long period of treatment for skipper Kinch after a clash of heads left him with his head bandaged almost ala Terry Butcher all those years ago when on England duty!

Bowers took the lead on 39 minutes when Knight cut in from the left and as the Mead defence backed off the former Hornchurch man skimmed home a low shot from the edge of the box.

The goal really kick started the home sides afternoon and they could have been level by half time as in the remaining twelve minutes (six normal and six added), the Mead created FIVE clear chances.  Ellis Green’s drive was brilliantly tipped over by Madden; Green’s teasing cross was just too far in front of Vines’ back post lunge; Lewis Knight drilled a half volley (from a corner) agonisingly too high as he looked to repeat his screamer at Tilbury a week earlier; Anidugbe saw the keeper pull off a good block before the resulting corner fell to Knight who this time grazed the right post!

Half time arrived at the wrong time for the Mead as it seemed to knock the boys out of their stride as Bowers again enjoyed the early stages of the second half.  Manor saw a shot deflect off Knight, wrong footing keeper Tom Wellham before looping onto the roof of the net.  From the corner, Nathan Simpson was on hand to protect the Mead goal by a great goal line clearance.

The Mead finally got back on level terms just before the hour – although they did need a “helping hand” to get back into the game on the hour.  Green whipped in a free-kick which inexplicably Bowers keeper Madden spilled and Teniola was on hand to sweep home his eighth goal of the season and his fourth in four games.

Within four minutes, the Mead were in front and the goal scorer had turned provider as Madden partially redeemed himself for his earlier faux pas by making a fine low save to deny Teniola a second.  “Unfortunately” for the Bowers keeper, Anidugbe was on hand to slide the ball into the unguarded net for his first home goal this season and his sixth of the campaign.

A pulsating game then saw chances at both ends and one incredible escape for the Mead goal that saw a six yard box scramble that culminated on keeper Tom sitting on the ball!

Referee Horne’s final whistle came at just after 5:00pm and saw the Mead’s incredible run continue and another place climbed in the League table.  Next up is the Mead’s game in hand on a lot of the sides around us with a midweek trip to Romford…

THAMESMEAD TOWN – Tom Wellham, Harvey Brand, Jay Porter, Scott Kinch, Lewis Knight, Nathan Simpson, Ellis Green, Bode Anidugbe, Paul Vines, Alex Teniola (Tom O’Connor), Ellis Brown

Subs – Aaron Rhule, Ike Feehi, Michael Ademiluyi & Laurent Mendy