LEYTON boss Troy Townsend insists his team have turned the corner, despite seeing his side slip to a home defeat at the hands of local rivals Waltham Abbey on Saturday.

The Lilywhites were narrowly beaten by one of Ryman Division One North’s high-fliers although they had the Abbotts rattled during a resurgent second-half display.

Townsend had billed the clash as a ‘benchmark test’ for his players, to gauge how far the team have travelled under the new regime. And he will have seen plenty to suggest that they are on the right track, as they matched the visitors for much of the match.

It was two defensive lapses that cost them dear, however. First, Aaron Fayle was allowed to fizz in a cross from the right-hand side. Striker Billy Holland was given time to measure his pass, and the on-rushing Marc Sontag guided his shot past Elliot Justham in the Leyton goal.

The midfielder grabbed his second after the break, as he was afforded time and space in the penalty area to convert Lee White’s measured ball across the face of goal.

Leyton pulled one back with a superb volley from substitute Daniel Gabriel, but ultimately they failed to make the most of their late dominance.

Townsend remained upbeat despite the loss, and insisted his players would receive nothing but praise for their efforts.

“It shows how far we’ve come because we’ve come off really disappointed,” he said.

“We’re never critical, we like to analyse and talk to them constructively. We will make sure the lads pick their heads up and they’ll be ready for the game against Thamesmead this week.

“It’s been a good unbeaten run here. If we play like that every week we’ll win more than we’ll drop points.” Waltham Abbey are back in contention and up to fourth after the win, and they will host Maldon Town on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Waltham Forest claimed a 2-2 draw with Great Wake-ring Rovers, thanks to late goals from Mike Ramkin and Joel Palmer.

The Stags were due to play Redbridge last night, while they will travel to Chatham Town at the weekend.

In the Premier Division, Harlow Town overcame Billericay Town 3-0, with 16-year-old Tom Bruno grabbing a brace and Laurie Stewart getting the other.

In the Essex Olympian Senior Division One, Buckhurst Hill were beaten 3-2 by Sandon Royals, while Leytonstone were trounced 5-1 by Bishop’s Stortford Swifts.

Loughton inflicted a 4-1 defeat on Sheering in the Bishop’s Stortford, Stansted and District League.