TAKELEY triumphed in a five-goal encounter, defeating Buckhurst Hill 3-2 at the Full Vision Stadium.
The match took place on bank holiday Monday and attracted a crowd of 137 fans.
The scoring opened in the 21st minute when Takeley captain George Pullen showcased his prowess from set pieces, powering a header into the net following a corner.
However, Buckhurst Hill equalised just eight minutes later, with Suley Zuhdu finding the net with a bullet header from a well-worked cross.
The first half ended level at one goal apiece after both teams had their moments, with Takeley threatening through Zak Drake and Buckhurst Hill enjoying periods of possession.
The second half began with Takeley pressing for a second goal, but it was the visitors who took the lead in the 57th minute.
Shane Temple scored with another header from a well-delivered free kick, putting Buckhurst Hill ahead 2-1.
Takeley responded quickly, with Sykes finding the net after a slick move down the right, leveling the scores again at 2-2.
With the match finely poised, Buckhurst Hill’s fortunes took a turn for the worse in the 76th minute when they were reduced to 10 men following a straight red card for Harvey Brown.
Takeley capitalised on their numerical advantage, and in the 79th minute, Sykes executed a spectacular backheel flick to score after Pullen's header had struck the woodwork, giving the home side a 3-2 lead.
The visitors were awarded a free kick late in the match, but the clever routine failed to catch Monk off guard, allowing him to clear the danger.
In a dramatic finale, Takeley were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time after a foul on Embalo.
However, Wescott's effort was thwarted by an excellent save from the Buckhurst Hill goalkeeper, ensuring the score remained 3-2 as the final whistle blew.
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George Sykes earned the Man of the Match accolade for his outstanding performance, including two crucial goals.
The next fixture for Takeley Football Club will be a Horse Race Night at the Takeley Village Hall Social Club on Friday, September 11, starting at 7.30pm.
Entry is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own food and nibbles.
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