Reece Dobson

A ROUTINE mid-week win rekindled Takeley’s promotion charge following a goalless draw on Saturday.

Reece Dobson scored a hat-trick as Stansted were brushed aside 4-1. It came on the back of useful point earned at league leaders Burnham Ramblers at the weekend.

Takeley remain in third position - they trail second-placed Great Wakering by four points and Burnham by seven points.

Only the league winners are guaranteed promotion into the Isthmian League, but there is a chance second place will also go up - a re-jig of the Isthmian League will include more teams from next season, meaning the two highest-placed runners-up from the five feeder leagues, including the Essex Senior, would also win promotion.

Takeley boss Steve Castle said: “Promotion is still the goal and we feel it is quite achievable. We have a good bunch of lads that will give their all to get us over the line.

“We know that if we get as many wins as possible we’ll be in the hunt for promotion at the very least.”

Takeley were clinical in Tuesday’s game against Stansted with James Amott, making his first appearance since the birth of his son two weeks ago, heading in from a 12th minute corner.

Dobson doubled the lead 15 minutes later with another headed finish, this time from Scott Forbes delivery but Stansted’s left-winger Andy Reid pulled one back moments later to make it 2-1 at half-time.

Dobson got his second of the game soon after the break, and completed his hat-trick with a late solo effort that saw him turn the keeper before burying it in to the net.

In Saturday’s encounter against Burnham, a point was a fair result in an even contest. Takeley’s top-scorer Greig Taylor’s 70th minute shot appeared to have crossed the line but the match officials ruled against the finish.

Castle was philosophical after the game, but bemoaned the linesman’s decision to disallow the goal.

“It was a very good result against the league leaders but we still feel we should have won it,” he said.

“We had a goal disallowed, the ball was quite clearly over the line but the powers that be decided not to give it. Either way, we ended up with a fully deserved point.”

Takeley host Southend Manor on Saturday, 3pm kick off.