Takeley have had trouble finding the back of the net this season and boss Duncan Easley believes a lack of firepower again cost his side, this time in the FA Vase as they lost 2-0 at Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division outfit Hoddesdon Town in a replay on Tuesday.

Having forced a rematch following a 1-1 draw at Station Road 10 days prior, the visitors, the third lowest scorers in the Essex Senior League, had started strongly and remained level at 0-0 at half-time.

However, the home side upped the tempo early in the second half and by the hour mark had breached Takeley’s backline twice, leaving Easley disappointed his side could not make more of their chance.

Easley told the Broadcast: “We did really well in the opening 20-25 minutes and I was positive about how we had taken to the task.

“Keeping it goalless until the break gave us a bit of confidence to push on in the second half but instead we lost our heads and were punished.

“Saying that, I believe we had a good case for a foul in the build-up to their first goal. We can have no qualms with the second goal though. Poor marking has given their guy a free header and he’s made the most of his chance.

“I thought we did really well in the final 25 minutes but we just couldn’t score and that’s been our problem all season. We have been making the chances but few times we have taken them.”

Takeley will hope to translate the positives from their cup exit into points this Saturday as they host Sporting Bengal United at Station Road.

Their two league successes have both come at home this season and another would lift them away from the relegation zone as they enter the mean winter period.

He continued: “We know they’re a good side and it will be tough but we can use home comforts to our advantage.

“Hopefully we will have a few more players fit and available to aid our chances and pick up more vital points.”