Takeley 0 White Ensign 2 Missed chances came back to haunt Takeley on Saturday as White Ensign took all three points at Station Road. The defeat means Takeley drop down to fifth spot in the Essex Olympian League Premier Division, although they do have gam

Takeley 0 White Ensign 2

Missed chances came back to haunt Takeley on Saturday as White Ensign took all three points at Station Road.

The defeat means Takeley drop down to fifth spot in the Essex Olympian League Premier Division, although they do have games in hands on the side's above them.

"In the first 25 minutes we opened up and looked like we would swarm all over them," said manager Don Watters, "but against the run of play they scored and we capitulated.

"We outplayed them in the second half and should have got something out of it. It's disappointing as I think we deserved something from the game."

The manager was impressed with the visitors and feels they will be the main challangers at the top of the table this season.

"It was like playing Southend Manor from last year's Essex Senior League as they had six players from there," he said. "They will be a big threat this year and we have got to hope we have everyone available when we go down there and can turn them over.

"If we win our games in hand the only teams that can go above us are White Ensign so we still have it in our hands."

White Ensign started the stronger and James May was called into action early on, superbly tipping a free-kick from the edge of the box around the post.

Takeley then burst forward and felt they had scored after 11 minutes. Mark Aken headed past the keeper, but the custodian scrambled back and clawed the ball out of the net and despite protests from the hosts, play was waved on.

"It clearly crossed the line, but the linesman who wasn't up with play missed it and it cost us," said Watters. "Even their keeper admitted it was a goal."

Josh Colson then found James Amott who blasted in a shot that looked to be hitting the target, but the ball struck his team mate, and the visitors escaped.

Takeley were soon made to pay when White Ensign took the lead after 21 minutes. A breakaway down the right wing by Chris Baddeley saw him cross to Danny Coulson and he met the ball with a diving header which nestled in the net.

Coulson came close to doubling his side's advantage twice in the next three minutes, but May pulled off two great saves to ensure the hosts didn't fall further behind and the teams went in at half-time with just a goal between them.

Takeley battled hard to get back into the game in the second half, but couldn't find the net and it was the visitors who stretched their lead when Mike Shelley rifled a drive low into the corner of the net after 72 minutes.

The hosts continued to battle, but could not find a way past the White Ensign defence who held firm to take the victory.

On Saturday Takeley host Hannakins Farm in the Essex Premier Cup Round Two, 1.30pm kick-off.

"I'm looking forward to it and with the players we have got I feel confident we can beat anybody," said Watters.

Potter Street 1 Takeley Reserves 4

Takeley Reserves progressed to the second round of the Essex Junior Cup after a comfortable victory over Potter on Saturday.

Paul Goodger, Harry Forsyth, Ricky Goldblatt and Ben Simpson were on target for the visitors.