Takeley reach third FA Trophy round for first time

The FA Trophy tie was played on a warm afternoon at the Full Vision Stadium, with kick-off during the afternoon in the competition’s latest qualifying round.

The winning moment of the match (Image: John Murray)

A crowd of 139 watched Joe Pullen and Jordan Wescott score as the hosts secured a two-goal victory.

Takeley started on the front foot, enjoying the majority of possession and territory during the opening 10 minutes.

The Takeley vs Aylesbury match (Image: John Murray)

The first meaningful effort came from Aylesbury, although the shot lacked power and was comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Jarvis Monk.

The hosts responded with two chances in quick succession.

Joe Pullen headed wide in the 13th minute before forcing the visiting goalkeeper into a good save shortly afterwards.

The Takeley vs Aylesbury match (Image: John Murray)

Takeley’s pressure finally told after 17 minutes when a scramble inside the Aylesbury penalty area allowed Pullen to shoot from close range.

The effort took a deflection on its way past the goalkeeper, giving the home side a deserved lead.

Andre Embola almost doubled the advantage two minutes later, but his attempt was saved.

Takeley's first goal (Image: John Murray)

George Pullen then headed over from a promising position as Takeley continued to threaten.

Charlie Heatley became increasingly influential and beat his marker before sending a dangerous ball across goal in the 32nd minute.

However, no Takeley player was able to apply the finishing touch.

The Takeley vs Aylesbury match (Image: John Murray)

The hosts continued to create openings without producing the required quality in front of goal, leaving Aylesbury within reach of an equaliser.

Just before half-time the visitors missed a good chance to level.

The final action of the opening period saw an Aylesbury player booked for bringing down Wescott as Takeley attempted to break forward.

Takeley began the second half strongly, with Heatley going close twice as he sent both efforts over the crossbar.

The contest became scrappier, but the hosts remained the more likely side to score.

Their second goal arrived in the 56th minute after a clumsy challenge inside the penalty area resulted in a spot-kick.

Wescott sent the goalkeeper the wrong way and gave Takeley a two-goal cushion.

Monk was called upon five minutes later, making a good save as Aylesbury searched for a route back into the game.

The goalkeeper’s intervention proved important, although the home side remained largely comfortable for much of the second half.

Kian Cocking provided one of the afternoon’s highlights in the 70th minute by cleverly flicking the ball through a defender’s legs before driving forward.

Heatley had another opportunity soon afterwards, but again fired over the crossbar.

Cocking then intercepted possession and raced towards goal in the 76th minute, only to see his effort well saved.

Substitute Frankie Sampford also went close to adding a third.

One of his shots was blocked before another was sent wide of the goal.

After Takeley used all five substitutes, the hosts lost some of their earlier shape during the closing stages.

That allowed Aylesbury to enjoy their best spell of the afternoon, although one promising opportunity was blazed over the bar.

Cocking thought he had scored in stoppage time, but his 91st-minute effort was ruled out for offside.

Aylesbury then created a late one-on-one chance, but the finish lacked conviction and Monk saved comfortably.

Takeley were ultimately comfortable winners in a solid performance.

The result sends the club into the FA Trophy third qualifying round for the first time in its history.

John Clarke was named man of the match after an assured defensive display.

Takeley return to league action away to Hashtag United on Tuesday, September 15, with kick-off at 7.45pm, before hosting Brightlingsea Regent on Saturday, September 19, at 3pm.