Thamesmead dropped another three vital Ryman League points in torrential rain at Leyton on Saturday.

New Thamesmead Town keeper Tony Kessell didn’t get off to the best of starts, as he failed to prevent Valenti's in swinging corner from crossing the line for the opening goal in the fourth minute.

Leyton's keeper Rob Blackburne saved well from a typical Rikki Cable angled drive in the 20th minute and got down well to make another save two minutes later.

As the rain got heavier, Cable missed a great chance to equalise when he scuffed his shot across the face of goal on 35 minutes.

Close to halftime, Stuart Blackburne nearly put the east enders two goals ahead as his powerful header met the crossbar.

Leyton were reduced to ten men on the hour after Andy Jones received a straight red card for a harsh tackle.

However, Mead failed to capitalise on their one man advantage. As they desperately searched for a goal, Velenti broke away on the stroke of full time and his work resulted in an unfortunate own goal to seal the game and the three points for the home side.

Thamesmead still lie in 17th place in Ryaman League Division One North, but they must look at picking up points at home to Hillingdon Borough on Saturday if they are to avoid the prospect of a relegation dogfight.

Thamesmead line-up: Kessell, Merriden, Collins, Brown, Watts, Coburn, Tarrent, Knight, Wood, Cable, Smith. Subs: Willams, Thomas, Mulholland.