Waltham Forest's recent run of good form suffered a setback on Saturday with a 2-1 defeat to a hard-working Thamesmead side.

Despite constant rain, the Bayliss Avenue pitch held up impressively and allowed for a high-paced game.

The referee had barely blown his whistle before Mead had taken the lead.

The Forest defence backed off the Thamesmead forward long enough for him to fire in a low shot across Aaron Omand and into the corner of the net with only 30 seconds played.

Forest threatened to get back into the game but Mead soon doubled their advantage with an almost carbon copy of the first goal, as Robert Carter finished well to score against his former club.

Before the first half was over, Forest’s Luke Stanley had a good chance when in space, but his shot was well blocked by the retreating home defence.

Forest came out for the second half with far more impetus, and were rewarded with a goal after 57 minutes through Kery Kedze, who fired low into the bottom corner after his initial header was blocked.

While Thamesmead continued to be dangerous on the break, it was Forest who had the best chances late on.

The visitors had several chances to equalise when crosses were sent across the face of goal, but there was no one in the right place to knock the ball into the net.

Corey Whitely went closest, rattling the crossbar with a free-kick, but in the end, the home defence stood firm.

The defeat came just days after Forest produced a dominant display to upset Ryman Premier’s Canvey Island 3-1 and progress to the last 16 of the Ryman League Cup.

Joel Palmer put Forest ahead mid-way through the first half, heading home a pin-point cross from Antone Douglas.

Palmer then added his second of the game not long after the break, reacting quickest after the keeper parried Manu Dagher’s shot.

Canvey pulled a goal back soon after, converting at the back post when Forest failed to clear their lines.

But the two-goal advantage was restored by Stanley, who fired in a long-range effort to book Forest’s place in the fourth round where they face a trip to Thurrock on Tuesday.

Forest’s immediate attentions though, return to the league this Saturday when they host Tilbury.

Waltham Abbey’s cup match against Tilbury was called off on Saturday.

The tie has been rearranged for Tuesday.

Before then, Abbey face Harlow Town, who currently sit four places below Abbey in 16th.

Redbridge’s weekend fixture against Ilford was also called off because of the bad weather.

The Motormen will be back in action this Saturday when they host Needham Market.