Takeley knocked off top of league

Takeley 1

Mountnessing 3

Takeley were knocked off top spot in the Essex Olympian League Premier Division by Mountnessing after a defeat at Station Road on Saturday.

Takeley manager Don Watters had no complaints with the result after a poor showing from his side.

"It was a disappointing performance and we didn't get it together until the last 20 minutes," he said.

"We hit the bar when it was harder to miss and they went up the other end and killed the game off.

"They deserved the win and we weren't on our game. We had a lot of youngsters playing with four regulars missing and they were more experienced and stronger than us."

Mountnessing took control in the first 20 minutes and missed two great chances to take the lead early on. However, Takeley held firm and the teams went in at half-time goalless.

The visitors started the second half as they had the first and almost took the lead after 53 minutes, but Kiki St Hillaire's effort hit the post.

Two minutes later, Mountnessing finally made the breakthrough. Hillaire broke through the defence and this time made no mistake, sliding the ball past James Day in the Takeley goal.

Dan Wardle then ran the ball from deep inside the Takeley half, past every tackle until the opposition number four kicked Wardle's legs from under him. Wardle lost his cool as the referee raised only the yellow card and both managers were booked as tempers were raised.

The game got niggly and scrappy then and Josh Colson was next to be booked as he reacted to an opponent pulling him back and a Mountnessing forward and James Dangerfield were called over after an assistant reported that an argument ensued between the two.

"They put some nasty tackles in and knocked us about a bit and we picked up some silly bookings," said Watters. "It was a horrible game and one you hope you don't get too often."

In the 65th minute Takeley failed to clear their lines and Saffir Suav nipped in to double his side's advantage.

Takeley were fired up and moved forward and eventually the home side pulled a goal back when Mark Watters headed home Steve Robins' corner.

Time and again Takeley shots were scrambled away, or skimmed the upright and bar as the hosts searched for an equaliser.

Josh Colson came close but he lifted the ball clear of the bar, from six yards in front of goal.

The play suddenly moved into the Takeley half and Hillaire made no mistake for his second with two minutes to go wrapping up the victory for Mountnessing.

On Saturday Takeley host Bishop's Stortford Swifts in the league, 1.30pm kick-off.

"We will see what the team are made of this week and I hope we can bounce back," said Watters. "I'm really looking forward to it and we have a few back so should have a strong side out.

"I don't concentrate on the opposition I always concentrate on our side and getting us playing and I'm confident we can get the right result.