AT LAST Takeley have a first league win as they overcame fellow bottom three strugglers Basildon United on Saturday afternoon – but they were made to work for it.

Takeley FC 1 Basildon United 0

AT LAST Takeley have a first league win as they overcame fellow bottom three strugglers Basildon United on Saturday afternoon – but they were made to work for it.

Host manager Don Watters could barley contain his joy as his troops finally made quality football tell and took their good cup form into the Essex Senior League.

After the one-nil victory Watters shared his delight with those faithful supporters who have stuck by the team during what ahs been a difficult patch.

“I am a happy man and my players have put in a superb united effort,” he told them.

It wasn’t all plain sailing though, the visitors looked threatening at the start and dominated the first 15 minutes.

Basildon’s Luke Moore sent across a centre from the right, but no other forward was available to connect.

A couple of minutes later Ricky Chapman shot close from an acute angle.

But on 15minutes Takeley finally took the initiative and Michael Kennedy put over a centre from the left wing onto Michael Moore’s head, but the centre forward could only skim the crossbar, with a great effort.

As time in the first half started to run out the crucial goal came. Dan Harvey put a drive into the arms of keeper Dean Neil but he fumbled and the ball fell to Joe Eubell – the Takeley striker man made no mistake to give the hosts the lead.

On a high, Takeley captured the ball again and a great move by Lewis Baker put Dan Harvey and Michael Kennedy into a passing move, until the final shot soared a hairs breadth wide of the upright.

In the second half both teams played on the break Eubell went close again for the hosts.

On 85 minutes, keeper Neil pulled off a blinding save to keep the score at one-nil.

After the full time whistle supporters claimed that the win was a deserved one and was well overdue. They will be hoping that Takeley will now climb up the league after only one win in 12 games.

Next: Takeley face Witham Town away on Saturday. Kick Off 3pm.