MALDON and Tiptree made sure they were swiftly back to winning ways after their Boxing Day derby defeat.

Their first defeat of the Ryman League division one north season – a 1-0 post-Christmas loss to Heybridge – was followed by a 2-1 win against Essex neighbours Witham Town at Park Drive on New Year’s Day.

The hosts had to come from behind to win, but it was a deserved victory after a dominant second-half display.

Sam Taylor opened the scoring for Witham in the fifth minute.

Maldon equalised on 25 minutes when James Robinson’s fierce low drive eventually found the back of the net.

Maldon then took the lead on 63 minutes when Robinson’s looping cross was headed in from close-range by Joe Gardner.