Takeley edged out local rivals Stansted in their FA Cup preliminary round tie at Bishop’s Stortford.
Matt Gill saved an early effort from Stansted, before Mitchell Das launched an attack on the right only to be fouled by home keeper Charlie Turner, who was sent off.
Midfielder Jack Smith put on the goalkeeper’s jersey, and pulled off a great save from a George Wappett shot as the first half ended goalless.
Takeley brought on Charlie Cole in the second half and they looked a bit sharper in attack, as Stuart Zanone found space on the left and crossed for Das to fire home.
Wappett was in good form throughout the game, with Zanone going close to a second with a great header which was ruled offside.
Ten-man Stansted kept working hard and nearly scored in the closing minutes, but Gill saved well to secure the 1-0 win in front of a crowd of 207.
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