A lot of water has passed under the bridge since Romford visited Takeley in an FA Cup Preliminary Round Replay in August. That game was the third meeting between the teams inside a week, and followed a 2-1 Boro win in a league game at Mayesbrook Park (Charlie Morris, and Kris Newby with a penalty the scorers), and a 1-1 draw at the same venue in the FA Cup (another Newby penalty). The replay ended 3-2 to Boro with goals from Emmanuel Robe, Tambeson Eyong, and Charlie Morris.

Boro’s recent run of results has been disappointing, with just that win at Little Oakley in the last nine games in all competitions. Takeley’s recent form has seen them win one and lose three of their last six. Their solitary win was at home, 3-0 against Buckhurst Hill, while they have lost at the hands of Barking and Little Oakley away, and Saffron Walden Town at home. Their draws were home and away against Sawbridgeworth Town.

Romford’s visit to Takeley on Saturday is a 2pm kick-off, so don’t be late!

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:

Prior to this season, Romford and Takeley had met four times, all during 2008-09, 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.

This Season:

Currently thirteenth with 30 points from 21 games, Takeley have shown better form away than at their Sirona Medical Arena home, where they have won three, drawn one, and lost five. Leading scorer so far this season is Bryn Thorpe with seven goals.

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.

There is some parking at the ground, and the club ask that spectators do not park in residential streets around the club but instead use their overflow car park if the one at the ground is full. The experience of some Romford supporters at the FA Cup tie earlier in the season suggests that the overflow car park is best avoided, however.

Essex Senior League fixtures this Saturday:

2pm:
Athletic Newham v Enfield
FC Clacton v Woodford Town
Ilford v Halstead Town
Southend Manor v Clapton
Stanway Rovers v Stansted
Takeley v Romford
White Ensign v Saffron Walden Town

3pm:
Buckhurst Hill v Little Oakley
Redbridge v Barking
Sawbridgeworth Town v West Essex