WALTHAM Forest fell further back into the mid-table pack after they were defeated 3-1 by Heybridge Swifts on Tuesday.

The Stags had worked up a head of steam earlier in the season and a play-off challenge seemed on the cards.

However, a fourth game without a victory has seen them fall off the pace being set by the leaders in Ryman Division One North.

Heybridge took the lead on the stroke of half-time and they never looked back after that.

One became two midway through the first half and the points were sealed five minutes from time with a third.

Victor Boyle-Renner did manage to score a consolation goal in the final minute.

Next up for Forest is a home game against high-fliers Lowestoft Town next Wednesday.

There was more bad news for local sides in midweek, as Leyton’s recent woes continued when they were edged out by rivals Ilford.

The club’s third manager of the season, Ivan Persuad, was unable to work his magic after being able to prepare his team for the first time since arriving.

He took over from Craig Edwards, and he faces the stiff task of rooting out the debris and establishing a squad capable of making a push up the league table.

The 1-0 defeat on Tuesday means the Lilywhites are without a win in five games – a run that leaves them in danger of being sucked into a relegation battle.

Things do not get any easier for Leyton, as a trip to Lowestoft Town on Saturday lies in wait next.

Forest will be praying their local rivals are able to soften the team up ahead of their clash in midweek.

Meanwhile, in the Ryman Premier, Waltham Abbey put some much-needed breathing space between themselves and the relegation zone as they got the better of fellow strugglers Hendon on Saturday.

Billy Holland’s 82nd minute strike finally gave the home fans something to cheer about, as the victory was the first at their Capershotts ground all season.

The Abbotts face Harrow Borough on Saturday, who lie just two points ahead of them in the table.

A win would lift the team up to 20 points, which would see them move closer to mid-table security.