Thatcham win again as Mo makes it look Ceesay

Thatcham Town made it six wins in their last eight matches as two quickfire second half goals from Mo Ceesay helped them to a 2-0 win over Isthmian League South Central basement boys Tooting and Mitcham.

There’s a renewed sense of optimism and excitement around the Stacatruc Stadium following a difficult start to the season that saw the Kingfishers languishing in the relegation zone and boss Yashwa Romeo handed debuts to two more new recruits on Saturday afternoon.

Full-back Alfie Saunders was in the side after signing on dual-registration from Hungerford Town while frontman Jordan Alves returned for his second spell with the Kingfishers following a successful stint with North Leigh.

Romeo said in the week he felt the visitors were in a false position in the league, having impressed him in the reverse fixture before Christmas, and Thatcham were fortunate not to go behind when Ramarni Medford-Smith kept out Raees Bangura-Williams’ effort on the line.

The hosts had a great chance to take the lead on the stroke of half time when the referee awarded a penalty, but Jordan Alves was unable to mark his debut with a goal as Dan Purdue saved his spot-kick and then blocked Harry Williams’ follow-up effort.

Shortly after the restart the visitors were reduced to 10 men when teenage midfielder Bangura-Williams was given his marching orders after picking up two yellow cards.

It didn’t take long for Thatcham to capitalise and take the lead when Mo Ceesay played a smart one-two with Kiye Martin and lashed a low shot into the bottom corner to make it 1-0 in the 57th minute.

Just 10 minutes later and Ceesay had a second, rising highest to head home a cross from the left-hand side and double the Kingfishers lead.

To Tooting and Mitcham’s credit the 10 men never gave in and went close to a consolation when Malachi Hudson’s free-kick sailed over Toby Fisher’s crossbar but the visitors never really looked like forcing the issue as Thatcham held on for another valuable three points.

The Kingfishers remain 13th in the league ahead of a trip to second bottom Merstham Town at the weekend but are now within nine points of Chertsey Town, occupying the fourth and final play-off spot.

"We're very happy, I think we could've won by more but we're on a great run and spirits are high, so no complaints," Romeo said.

"We should've been 2-0 up at half time, young Harry Williams had a great chance and Jordan Alves missed a penalty, we could've been out of sight.

"Tooting didn't really test us and we were in control of the game, but the sending off is obviously pivotal.

"We turned the screw and got a couple of good goals and that was that.

"We're delighted to have Jordan (Alves) back at the club, we've always kept an eye on how he was getting on at North Leigh.

"He's disappointed to have missed the penalty but he hasn't played that many games this season so I think we can put it down to rustiness.

"Alfie Saunders is another quality addition and we're looking really good at the back.

"Toby (Fisher) always makes sure we know about it when he keeps a clean sheet but fair play to him, he's been good.

" We've got genuine competition for places and we're looking forward to Merstham now.

"We're expecting a tough test, they're the one team I think will get out of it so we won't be taking it for granted.

"It's a game that we should be winning on our current form and it's another opportunity to extend this run.

"We're going there to go and get three points."