Takeley beat Bethnal Green 2-1 away from home.

TAKELEY take a one goal lead into the second leg of their league cup fixture against Bethnal Green next week.

Just four days after their exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Grays Athletic, Steve Castle’s men were back in action and back to winning ways.

Goals from Luke Milbourne and Scott Traveller either side of half time was enough to secure a 2-1 win and a slender advantage before welcoming Bethnal to Station Road in a week’s time.

Milbourne broke the deadlock at the Mile End Stadium in the 27th minute. The striker profited from Alex Martin and Greig Taylor’s interplay in midfield to rocket Takeley into the lead from 20 yards.

The visitors pulled a goal back in the dying minutes of the first half, a rare error from Ronnie Yates let Danny Sabroche level the scores.

After an awkward opening to the second half, in which they struggled to keep possession, Castle brought on Traveller, Chris Hill and Chiel Onotwai. The move made an immediate impact as Traveller rose highest to meet a Martin free kick and headed the ball into the net.

Bethnal responded but found Yates up to his usual antics, pulling off diving saves to keep his team ahead as Takeley sealed a win.