Saturday 14th December, 2024 | Takeley 2-1 Buckhurst Hill | Essex Senior League Premier | Att: 109
By Harry Biggs
After a brilliant game of football from both teams, The Stags suffered their first away defeat since September 7th, falling 2-1 to Takeley on Saturday afternoon in our first festive fixture.
There were only two changes to The Stags’ starting eleven since their last game against Halstead Town on November 30th. Muhammad Otuyo replaced Christian North in goal, while Jude Carolan came in for Alfie Harris, who was on the bench. The substitutes bench remained unchanged except for Harris making way for Carolan, who returned to the lineup after missing the trip to The Humbugs in late November.
Before kick-off, in line with other Essex Senior League clubs, The Stags and Takeley observed a minute’s silence in memory of Walthamstow player Kaylen Dennis, who tragically passed away a few days earlier.
The Stags started brightly and were the better side in the first half but struggled to capitalize on their chances. Shots directed at Takeley keeper Monk lacked the power and precision to open the scoring.
The Stags had the first opportunity of the game when Suley Zuhdu’s effort from just outside the box went narrowly wide. Minutes later, Hammond saw his shot deflected wide of the post, narrowly missing the mark. However, he was deemed offside, offering Takeley a reprieve.
Hammond had another chance shortly after, but Monk made a solid save to deny him. A minute later, Takeley’s best chance of the half saw a shot from the edge of the box graze the post and crossbar, much to the relief of the Buckhurst Hill fans.
The hosts threatened again late in the first half, forcing Otuyo into a strong save to keep the score level at the break.
The second half began with Takeley showing renewed energy. Within two minutes, they were unlucky not to take the lead when a shot deflected off the crossbar.
A significant setback came for The Stags in the 51st minute when Jonah Gregory was forced off with an injury and replaced by Alfie Harris.
Seven minutes later, Takeley broke the deadlock. After a poorly executed free kick from The Stags, the hosts launched a swift counter-attack, culminating in Charlie Allum scoring to make it 1-0.
Shortly after, Takeley doubled their lead following a poorly defended corner. Kaiden Thomas headed the ball into the net, with Otuyo unable to prevent the goal due to a foul by a Takeley striker that went unnoticed by the officials.
Takeley continued to press for a third but were denied by the woodwork and some wayward finishing.
In the final 10 minutes, The Stags showed determination and found a lifeline. Alfie Paddington, who had been a standout since coming on, earned a penalty after a fantastic run into the box. Suley Zuhdu stepped up and confidently slotted the penalty home, sending Monk the wrong way.
Buoyed by the goal, The Stags applied relentless pressure. Paddington created a great chance for Willison, but the midfielder’s challenge on Monk resulted in a free kick for the hosts.
Takeley nearly sealed the win with a late counter-attack, but Torsiello made a heroic block to deny them.
In stoppage time, The Stags threw everything at Takeley. Substitute George Thompson’s header narrowly missed the target, and Ollie Williams’ final chance was brilliantly saved by Monk.
The match ended in a 2-1 defeat, marking Buckhurst Hill’s first away loss since September. Despite the result, other favorable outcomes in the league allowed The Stags to edge closer to the playoff spots, remaining in 8th place.
Next up, it’s a home clash against Romford in our final game of 2024. Your support will be crucial, so don’t miss this exciting encounter. Let’s finish the year on a high—see you at Myrak Park!
TEAM :
Otuyo 🧤🟨, Ismaili, Carolan, Okuguni, Torsiello, Gregory, Hammond, Williams ©️, Jones, Zuhdu, Robertson
SUBS :
Padington (70’ – Jones), Warner (71’ – Okuguni), Willison (70’ – Carolan), Thompson (59’ – Hammond), Harris (51’ – Gregory)
REMAINING GAMES IN 2024 :
Saturday 21st December, 2024 – Romford (H) – Essex Senior League
Friday 27th December, 2024 – Woodford Town (A) – Essex Senior League | CHRISTMAS RODING VALLEY DERBY
