The Isthmian Years (Part 2)
The return to Isthmian level began in spectacular style as the club finished 4th in the Isthmian League Division 1 North and qualified for the Play Offs only going down 3-2 to eventual winners Thamesmead Town. The club also retained the Tolleshunt D’Arcy Cup beating Heybridge Swifts 4-0.
They went one better in 2013-14, finishing in their highest ever league position, runners up in the Isthmian League Division 1 North In the play-offs Needham Market were beaten 1-0 in the Semi Final and Harlow Town 3-0 in the Final as Witham secured a place in the Isthmian Premier Division for the first time.
A gallant attempt was made to compete at Isthmian Senior Level, but this proved too much for a club with limited resources and the club were relegated in 2014-15. The next season was a difficult one as a number of key players moved on following relegation and it was difficult to find a settled squad. With another relegation looking likely, it was time for a management change. Garry Kimble left the club and a new management team was appointed, consisting of Adam Flint and James Robinson, both of whom had spent time with the club previously. Relegation was averted and the club finished in 19th place.
Consolidation was the aim in 2016-17 and this was achieved with mid-table finish in 13th place, followed by 11th place in the following season. At the end of the 2017-18, Adam and James moved on to manage Bishops’ Stortford. Mark Ashford became the new Witham manager before the start of the 2018-19 season. John Sussex and Kevin Wren joined later as joint assistant managers. Mark Ashford resigned at the end of the season in which safety from relegation was only assured on the last day of the season at Basildon. Marc Benterman was appointed before the start of 2019-20 and quickly appointed Leon Moore, ex-Witham Town captain Paul King and Enrico Tiritera as his assistants. We look forward to the season under the new management regim