St Osyth 1 Takeley 4 Takeley Football Club began their defence of the Essex Premier Cup with a convincing victory at St Osyth on Saturday. The visitors pummelled the home goalmouth from the outset and put in a great performance. We did the damage and

St Osyth 1 Takeley 4

Takeley Football Club began their defence of the Essex Premier Cup with a convincing victory at St Osyth on Saturday.

The visitors pummelled the home goalmouth from the outset and put in a great performance.

"We did the damage and then played possession football," said manager Don Watters.

"We could and probably should have scored more, and I was pleased with the way we played. They were a big side and didn't have much creation or cause us too many problems."

Takeley came flying out of the traps and a drive from Dean McAteer hit the inside of the post within the first five minutes.

Jimmy Amott's header from Dan Wardle's free-kick was bundled out for a corner after 15 minutes, but within a minutes Takeley broke the deadlock.

Dean McAteer's free-kick was headed home in fine style by James Amott to give his side a deserved lead.

The visitors continued to push forward and doubled their advantage when Amott headed in his second from Stuart Robins' magnificent corner.

Just before half-time, the St Osyth keeper came out and Dean McAteer skipped around him and two defenders to pop home Takeley's third goal.

Deep into injury time the hosts pulled a goal back following a goalmouth scramble with Warren Taylor finding the net.

Paul Hawkins came close to reducing the deficit for the home side early in the second half, but his shot skimmed the bar.

Takeley came close to adding to their score until Josh Colson had his legs taken from under him inside the penalty box, which gave Dean McAteer the opportunity to serve up a well placed penalty.

Amott came close with his head in the last quarter of an hour, which would have sealed a hat-trick and McAteer popped the ball into the net, in a close offside decision, which could well have given him a hat-trick, too.

On Saturday Takeley host Epping, in the Essex Olympian League Premier Division, 2.30pm kick-off.

"It's a local derby so I'm sure the tackles will be flying in," said manager Don Watters.

"They have got good players so we will need to be at our best. They have knocked some good sides over so we can't take them lightly.

"We should be getting back to full strength, which will be good. Ben Doyle is back in training and Richard Goodchild played a half at the weekend.

"I'm confident and looking forward to it as I do every game. I'm really enjoying my time here and it's the best decision I've made in football."

- Takeley Reserves defeated Herongate Reserves 4-1 on Saturday.

On target for the hosts were Mark Aitkin, Frank Fisk, Lee Mays and Billy Ryan.

Takeley Reserves visit Metpol Chigwell on Saturday, 2.30pm kick-off.