Takeley move up to second place

Takeley 2 Frenford Senior 0

Takeley FC came out on top in a bruising encounter with Frenford on Saturday.

Goals from James Whitbread and Richard Goodchild were enough to move Don Watters' side up to second spot in the Essex Olympian League Premier Division.

"They came down to bully us and had seven booked and one sent off, but we didn't rise to it and beat them with our football," said Watters.

"We got two nice early goals and never looked back. They didn't cause us too many problems and I was well pleased with our performance."

Steve Robins caused the defence problems from the start and Takeley broke the deadlock in the 20th minute when he fired in for James Whitbread to clip the ball past Danny Fenn.

The hosts doubled their lead 11 minutes later with Richard Goodchild whipping in a drive from a very acute angle from Dan Wardle's free-kick.

Just before the break, Takeley keeper James May was called into action, pulling off a great save from a Frenford free-kick to ensure his side went in at half-time with a two-goal advantage.

The second half saw tempers rise with yellow cards galore, however, there was some good football played and Chris Dorian took a free-kick, which brought an excellent diving save from Fenn in the Frenford goal.

In the dying minutes Forbes received his marching orders as Takeley took the three points.

On Saturday Takeley host Ongar Town in the Essex Premier Cup third round, 1.30pm kick-off.

It is a repeat of last season's final which Takeley won 1-0, and manager Watters expects a difficult game.

"I watched them play in last year's final and they looked a good side," he said. "They are towards the top of the league below and look a useful side.

"I hope on the day our players are good enough to do it. We won't take them lightly that's for sure and we want to keep our good run going."

Richard Goodchild is out, but Dean McAteer will return.

- The new floodlights at Takeley will be erected on December 17 and will be completed before Christmas.