Saturday 28th September, 2024 | Buckhurst Hill 2-1 Takeley | Essex Senior League Premier Division | Attendance : 65
By Harry Biggs
The Stags picked up a brilliant 3 points against 5th placed Takeley at home after a well fought performance from every Buckhurst Hill player on the pitch. The Stags now sit 11th with only being 4 points off the play off spots.
Mark named a similar side that were victorious over Ilford in the Errington cup in midweek but a few changes were made which saw Zuhdu start upfront for The Stags alongside debut man Seye Okunlola, who went onto score later on in the proceedings. Mohammad Otuyo was named in goal for The Stags over Smith who was the cup hero. Ted Buchanan was able to make the bench for Buckhurst Hill after returning from injury alongside Markatis, Frempong, Paddington and Campbell on The Stags bench.
The visitors started well and within 3 minutes were already looking for a goal with multiple efforts being fired at Otuyo only for the shots to be saved and the final effort, a header was over the bar. Carolan would have a brilliant chance for The Stags at the 13th minute mark as he glided through the Takeley defense and fired a shot which was just over the bar. The Stags would strike the first blow at the 18th minute mark after Okunlola picked the ball up and clinically finished to earn a goal on his debut for Buckhurst Hill.
Zuhdu would have two good chances to double The Stags lead after a powerful free kick was saved by the visitors keeper and another effort from Suley was just over the bar.
Zuhdu would double Buckhurst Hill’s lead after 38 minutes, Takeley making multiple mistakes at the back and the ball dropped to Zuhdu, who pounced on the opportunity to put The Stags 2-0 up. The visitors would have the last chance of the first half after a good attacking move would end up with Massey’s shot hitting the side netting.
The second half now and The Stags would start the half well with Zuhdu having a brilliant chance to put The Stags 3 up as he sidestepped through the Takeley defense but his shot was saved. Ogunsanya would have a brilliant chance right after for Buckhurst Hill after he was given the chance to shoot at a tight angle but his shot would end up being saved again by the Takeley keeper.
The visitors would grab a goal back after 64 minutes with Balogun grabbing a goal back for Takeley. Otuyo would next make a brilliant save for Buckhurst Hill to deny Takeley an equalizer. The visitors keeper was certainly prone to a mistake after he misjudged the bounce of the loose ball and it would fall to Zuhdu who would try the audacious overhead kick which was just over the bar. The Stags would have a few more chances but couldn’t seem to completely seal the game but would hold onto the 3 points and earn a victory.
Mark Williams spoke after the game and said “His team showed real character to win the game and showed what we can do going forward which we have lacked earlier in the season.
TEAM :
Otuyo (GK) , Foyewa, Carolan, Okuguni, Harris ©️, Ogunsanya, Warner, Hammond 🟨, Okunlola ⚽, Zuhdu ⚽, Robertson
SUBS :
Buchanan (77’ – Carolan), Campbell (59’ – Robertson), Paddington (72’ – Okunlola), Markatis (77’ – Hammond), Frempong
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