MIDFIELDER Peter Flack notched a last-gasp winner for Takeley to earn them a hard-fought victory over London APSA on Saturday.

The visitors looked a little rusty having not played for a few weeks because of the weather but boss Steve Castle was glad his side got the win under their belts.

“It was not a game for the purists but to come out of it with three points is a great bonus for us.

“London APSA were never really in the game but we gifted them a lifeline to get back into it. They converted the only real chance they had but fortunately we managed to nick the winner at the end,” he said.

Castle also reserved special praise for man-of-the-match Reece Dobson – who put in an exceptional performance on his return from injury.

Takeley opened the scoring on 16 minutes when a free-flowing move between Chris Grove and Alex Martin gave new signing Aiden Chaves the opportunity to finish off a well-worked goal.

Chaves, who replaced James Thomas on the left wing after the young midfielder agreed to join Harlow Town at the beginning of the month, was involved again ten minutes into the second period.

He rifled in a shot which scraped the top of the bar as Castle’s men threatened to extend their lead.

But despite their attacking efforts, the visitors were pegged back on 74 minutes when London APSA’s Yaseem Patel converted an unlikely equaliser against the run of play.

With the game heading towards its conclusion, Flack rose highest to nod home Martin’s free kick and win it for Takeley right at the death.