Takeley 3 Kelvedon Hatch 1 Takeley FC moved up to fifth place in the Essex Olympian League Premier Division on Saturday. Back in league action after a series of cup games, they put in a strong performance to defeat Kelvedon Hatch at Station Road. We play

Takeley 3 Kelvedon Hatch 1

Takeley FC moved up to fifth place in the Essex Olympian League Premier Division on Saturday.

Back in league action after a series of cup games, they put in a strong performance to defeat Kelvedon Hatch at Station Road.

"We played very well and I was well pleased," said manager Don Watters. "We dominated the game in the second half and totally deserved to win it.

"They are a good side, but we got about them and played our game and got a vital three points."

Kelvedon started strongly and came close to taking the lead when Scott Ballard beat keeper James May and fired in a shot which was superbly cleared off of the line by Mark Watters.

Five minutes later Takeley took the lead. Dan Wardle chipped the ball over Hatch captain Ian Bates to Dean McAteer and he finished the move with a brilliant goal.

Takeley started to have the best of the possession, but the match was disrupted by a melee between the sides which ended with Dan Wardle and Bates being cautioned by the referee.

Dean McAteer then took a free-kick and after a superb dummy by Wardle, James Amott curled the ball inches wide of the upright

However, Kelvedon drew level minutes later as Scott Ballard found the net following a free-kick from Bates on the edge of the box.

Takeley came out strongly in the second half and regained the lead on the hour mark. Dean McAteer hooked onto a long throw in from Dan Wardle and fired in a shot, which gave keeper Ian Higgs no chance.

The hosts were in control and sealed the victory with a minute to go when substitute James Whitbread cut through the defenders and beat everyone in his path to bang in number three for the Station Road Blues.

On Saturday Takeley host Frenford Senior, 2pm kick-off.

Frenford are currently a place above Takeley in the table having scored one more goal and manager Watters knows how important the league clash will be.

"It's a six pointer and we need to win it," he said. "We need to get about them as we did at their place at the start of season when we won 2-1.

"I've been impresses with the depth of football in this league and all of the teams are very strong, so we know it will be a tough game again.

"I'm really looking forward to Saturday and if we can get the points it will push us up the league. It was a cracking game at their place and I'm sure it will be the same this week."

The only injury worry for Takeley on Saturday is Gavin Dangerfield who has a problem with his shoulder.

Hutton FC Reserves 0 Takeley Reserves 1

John Watters was on target for Takeley Reserves as they defeated Hutton to progress to the third round of the Essex Junior Cup.

On Saturday Takeley Reserves visit Basildon Town Reserves.