Cheshunt 2 Takeley 0
(Emirates FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round)
Report by Scott Lanza
Takeley ‘s FA Cup campaign came to an end as Cheshunt produced a win for new manager Steve Newing that they will hope now kick-starts their league campaign – while giving them something to look forward to in way of some prize money; not to mention being in Monday’s draw for the 2nd Qualifying Round. Takeley pushed them all the way in a game that had few clear cut chances as both defences stood firm, resulting in the game often being confined to the midfield area.
Cheshunt had an early chance when the ball fell kindly to Tony Ashton but Ronnie Yates tipped the shot away. Bryn Thorpe then provided Takeley with their first opportunity, delivering a free kick that Richard Hayward had to come and collect. Mike Castle flashed a shot across Cheshunt’s goal and George Wappett tried a looping shot that beat the Cheshunt keeper but was cleared by JJ Da Cruz.
After that early action the game then closed up as every ball became eagerly contested. However Jason Hallett had two efforts just narrowly miss the target for Cheshunt, while Mitchell Das perhaps had the best chance of the half when he was played in by Frank Oatham, then striking a low shot that Hayward did well to knock away.
Tom Bruno crashed the first shot of the half over the cross bar as Cheshunt came out with attacking intent. They certainly made strong claims for a penalty when Kyle Roberts went down in the box, but Takeley were fortunate that the referee waved the claims away. But Takeley soon carved out a chance for themselves as a sweeping move ended up with Das lifting his shot over the cross bar.
Both teams then cancelled each other out with forward forays soon being ended by the defences. It was going to be one of those games where an individual piece of skill was going to be needed to break the deadlock; it duly arrived in the 62nd minute when Roberts darted onto a long ball, cut inside two Takeley defenders before shooting beyond Yates into the bottom corner.
Cheshunt extended their lead five minutes later when a precision cross from Luke Illsley was met by Kyle Roberts whose powerful header sailed past Yates.
Takeley did have a few more chances as Hayward had to save a Das header and a Thorpe shot from distance required a full stretch dive to keep out. However Cheshunt effectively shut up shot after going 2-0 up and extinguished Takeley’s cup run in the process.
Cheshunt: Richard Hayward, Joe Clemo, Jeramie Agholor, Jack Lampe, JJ Da Cruz, Luke Illsley, Daniel Cheema (Ricky Brennan 69’), Tom Bruno, Jason Hallett, Kyle Roberts (Cameron Ferguson 86’), Johnny Ashman (Scott McGleish 80’).
Scorers – Kyle Roberts (62’), Jason Hallett (67)
Takeley: Ronnie Yates, Bryn Thorpe, Mike Castle, Nick Barrett, George Powell (Matthew Gill 68’), Matt Hurley (Reece Barrett 75’), Mitchell Das, Frank Oatham, Will Green, Jason Todd (Alex Martin 79’), George Wappett.
Clapton’s run in the FA Cup also came to an end as Needham Market from the Bostik Premier came away from the Old Spotted Dog with a 3-0 victory. The Ton certainly gave it a go and it took until the 65th minute before Needham Market broke the deadlock. Gareth Heath’s goal was then added to by Luke Ingram and Callum Harrison.
FC Romania are the only Essex Senior League team still in the FA Cup as they beat Hadley 3-2. An own goal gave FC Romania the lead but it then became a fiercely entertaining end-to-end battle as Hadley went on to equalise twice. Ionut Jugaru made sure it was FC Romania going into Monday’s draw after crashing home a superb long range rocket in the final minute. Toby Cleaver was the other FC Romania scorer and the 2nd Qualifying Round stage awaits, with the club having now equalled their best ever performance in the competition.
