Brief History:

Formed in 1903, Takeley joined the Essex Olympian League in 1978. In 1988, Takeley were champions of the Essex Intermediate League (which the Essex Olympian League had become), a feat that they repeated in 2002. They joined the Essex Senior League in 2008, and for a time they were serious rivals to Romford as Boro won the title. Takeley eventually finished third, and did so again in 2012 and 2013.

Previous Meetings:

Romford and Takeley have met four times, all during the 2008-09 season, twice in the Essex Senior League, and twice in the Essex Senior League Cup, with Boro winning twice and drawing once. The first meeting was a league game at Takeley, where Paul Kavanagh and Paul Clayton scored for Boro in a 2-2 draw. The return, at Aveley, ended 4-0 to Boro in front of the best gate of the season, 149.

In the Essex Senior League Cup group games, Boro won 2-1 at home, but were trounced 6-1 at Takeley, who won the group; Boro qualified as runners-up.

Last Season:

Tenth place for Takeley last season after having finished in the top five in the three previous, completed, seasons. Leading scorer for Takeley last season was former Romford player, Elliott Long, who netted 16 times.

Takeley were beaten first time out in the FA Cup last season, 2-1 at Ware, while in the FA Vase they went only one better, beaten 3-2 by New Salamis, having beaten Frenford in their first game.

The Errington Challenge Cup also saw Takeley go out at the first attempt as they lost on penalties to Clapton, while in the Peter Butcher Memorial Trophy, wins over Saffron Walden Town and Ilford were followed by a 3rd Round defeat at Stanway Rovers.

Home Ground and How to Get There:

Takeley’s home ground is in Station Road. The Post Code for your Sat Navs is CM22 6QA. By road, it’s about 32 miles from Romford (50 minutes or so). Take the M11 to junction 8, and then at the Birchanger Roundabout, take the 5th exit onto the B1256 (Dunmow Road). At the Four Ashes pub, turn right into Station Road, and the ground is on the right.

According to their website, Takeley request that spectators do not park in residential streets around the club. Ample parking is provided both within the club grounds and at the overflow car park in the B & B opposite.

When Boro visited Takeley in 2008, there was no bar at the ground, however, one has opened in the interim.

By public transport, this looks a very difficult journey. According to Google Maps, it’s a train to Stratford, then a coach (National Express 482) to Stansted Airport Coach Station, then the 133 Sapphire bus (for Braintree) to Takeley, alighting at the Four Ashes, then a short walk; journey time about 1 hour 50 minutes. Alternatively, a train to Chelmsford, then the X30 Airlink bus to Stansted Airport, and then the 133 bus, as above. That’s about 2 hours 15 minutes.

Website:
https://www.takeleyfc.co.uk/home

Twitter:
@takeley_fc