Takeley booked their place in the last four of the Essex Senior League Challenge Cup with a 2-1 home victory over Hullbridge Sports on Tuesday.

First half goals from Charlie Cole and Jason Todd put the hosts 2-0 up.

Sean Sanmoogan almost made it 3-0 with a run and shot from the edge of the box which hit the bar.

Hullbridge’s Jimmy Cox made the most of a defensive lapse to pull one back just before the break.

Takeley could have added further goals in the second half, but couldn’t find a way through.

The Station Road side were then grateful to keeper Ronnie Yates who pulled off a smart stop towards the end to ensure his side booked their semi-final place.

Following the game boss Marc Das told the Broadcast: “While we want to finish as high as we can in the league, there is nothing like getting to a cup final.

“We are still in two cups [his side are also in the quarter-finals of the Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy] and to get to the final of one of them is now the ultimate aim.”

In the league Takeley are sixth in the table following a 3-1 loss at Eton Manor on Saturday in which Cole hit the consolation.

This weekend Das’ troops travel away to face Waltham Forest.