Enjoyable Trip To Stanstead For Once - Takeley vs. Stanway Rovers

Takeley long throw under the trees

This week I needed to be close to London for an evening event and so I finally completed The Essex League at Takeley's Station Road which was also provided a couple of close by revisits if needed. My first game in this league was Bethnal Green United (now Tower Hamlets FC) against Stanstead at The Mile End Stadium many years ago. Today they were playing Stanway Rovers who this season had been transferred from The Eastern Counties League. I had visited Stanway's Hawthorns ground for a match with Saffron Waldon back when they were in the Eastern Counties and from memory they lost that day. They were mid table at kick off while Takeley were up in fourth with games in hand on the teams above them.

Kick off at Station Road

Takeley are putting some good passing moves and are just lacking the final ball early on. The first serious bit of work for the Stanway defence sees them clear a ball in before they get in a great block on a powerful shot. They are caught out moments later when Takeley are able to force the ball home from a corner. Another corner sees a header this time cleared off the line as Takeley pile on the pressure. The Stanway defence repeat the trick close to half time but this time they get the crossbar involved to somehow keep the ball out. After all the Takeley chances, Stanway probably should really equalise in the last minute before the break. A cross from the right goes right across the six yard box, just out of reach of the advancing attacker.

One nil Takeley

Takeley get the critical second goal in the embryonic stages of the second half. Another deep cross, forced home from close range for the second time in the match. Takeley then almost gift the visitors a way back into the match but the Takeley keeper is alert to prevent a headed own goal. Stanway continue to push but there are no further goals and it finishes two nil.

The Stanway keeper blocks a shot in front of the clubhouse

The nearest station to Takeley is Stanstead Airport (the worst of all airports). To get here you can take a train from Liverpool Street or you can cut some of that journey out and join the train at Tottenham Hale, Then from outside the airport you can catch one of the numerous buses that travel to Takeley - I made use of the 5 and 42A and this only takes five minutes. Right in the centre of the village is The Four Ashes which had a good selection of beers and the sports channels. This summer Takeley have extended the clubhouse to include a bar which had a basic selection of beers but certainly is a welcome addition. Everyone at the club seemed to know one another and there was a great feeling at the place.  

Another of the numerous bits of cover at Station Road