Essex Senior League Challenge Cup Final
Venue: Oakside
Attendance: 342
Date: Monday 1st May 2017 3pm KO
Sawbridgeworth Town : Red & Black Striped Shirts, Black Shorts, Red Socks
Takeley : Blue Shirts, Blue Shorts, Blue Socks
Scott W reporting (Follow me on Twitter: @ScottMHC14)
On a chilly afternoon at Oakside in front of a good crowd, Sawbridgeworth Town on Gordon Brasted Trophy winners Takeley in the Essex Senior League Challenge Cup Final.
Both sides took a bit of time to settle in what was a tightly-contested match from the outset. Sawbridgeworth had an early sight of goal, though forward Reece Cosson’s 20-yard drive was comfortably saved by Takeley ‘keeper Ronnie Yates. Just after the quarter-hour, Yates saved well from Sawbridgeworth captain Matt Frew’s goal-bound effort.
As the half-hour mark approached, Takeley had a few chances of their own though as winger Mitchell Das found himself one-on-one with Town ‘keeper Matt Ponter six yards out though the stopper made a good save. Ponter made another good save moments later to deny pacey winger George Wappett.
Takeley lost Mitchell Das to injury eight minutes before the break, replaced by Reece Barrett. This momentarily seemed to affect Marc Das’ side a little as they had a few nervy moments in defence soon after. Takeley could’ve gone into the break ahead though star marksman Charlie Cole blasted his shot over the bar from a decent position in added-time.
Half-Time: Sawbridgeworth Town 0 – 0 Takeley
Into the second half, and just short of the hour mark, Town striker Gavin Cockman shot wide after a decent pass by winger Daryl Doolan. Just past the hour, Cole’s cross-shot was picked up by Reece Barrett, though missed what was almost a tap-in.
Takeley had more chances to break the deadlock though they just couldn’t take them. Forward Matt Hurley blasted a strike over the bar from 20 yards out with 20 minutes remaining.
Town were still in the contest though, as in the latter stages of the second period, Cockman’s well-struck effort from the left-wing needed a good save by Yates to deny him. Cockman again was denied by the Takeley stopper from close range moments later.
The referee blew his whistle and extra-time was needed to separate the two sides. Takeley had the edge in attack, though Town defender Chris Ratambwa was a rock at the back for his side, alongside his captain Frew.
Extra-time began and five minutes in, Town had a decent chance though midfielder George Pullen’s shot was saved by Yates. On 100 minutes, the crucial moment came as Takeley powered forward, though Charlie Cole’s unselfish pass in the area found Barrett who tapped home the vital goal.
Five minutes into the second period of extra-time, a great cross from the right-wing by Tom Jelliman was met by Cosson, though his header was just over the bar. Takeley could have sealed it with moments remaining though Barrett, Wappett and Cole were all denied by Ponter.
In my opinion, there wasn’t much to separate the sides; Town perhaps lacked a focal point in attack besides Cockman may have been it though Takeley had enough chances to win the match more comfortably. Congratulations to them on ‘doing the (cup) double’ though they will need to be more clinical if they are to challenge for the ESL next season. Best wishes to both sides.
Full-Time (AET) : Sawbridgeworth Town 0 – 1 Takeley
R Barrett 100’
|
Teams: |
|
| Sawbridgeworth Town
Joint-Managers: John & Mark Watters |
Takeley Manager: Marc Das |
| 1 Matt Ponter (GK) | 1 Ronnie Yates (GK) |
| 2 Tom Jelliman | 2 Danny Hammett |
| 5 Matt Frew (C) | 3 Bryn Thorpe |
| 4 Chris Ratambwa | 4 Nick Barrett |
| 6 Oliver Fortune (Subbed 81’) | 5 George Powell |
| 12 Jack Thomas | 6 Andy Bartram (Subbed 56’) |
| 7 Daryl Doolan | 7 Mitchell Das (Subbed 37’) |
| 16 George Pullen | 8 Jason Todd (C) |
| 8 Reece Cosson | 9 Matt Hurley (Subbed 81’) |
| 10 Gavin Cockman (Subbed 91’) | 10 Charlie Cole |
| 11 Aaron Thomas | 11 George Wappett |
|
Substitutes: |
|
| 9 Sam Coe (On 91’) | 12 Sean Sanmoogan |
| 13 Marco Tuzzeo | 14 Freddie Burrell (On 56’) |
| 14 Joe Wright (On 81’) | 15 Frank Oatham (On 81’) |
| 3 Tyler Sanaga-Ismael | 16 Kev Riley |
| 17 Reece Barrett (On 37’) | |
| Booked: A. Thomas, Pullen | Booked: Powell, Burrell, Wappett |
|
Referee: |
Tom Fell |
|
Assistant Referees: |
Alan Steward Michael Iddenden-Smith |
| Fourth Official: |
David Harrison |
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