Football

STANSTED FC took the early season bragging rights with a narrow 1-0 victory over local rivals Takeley in the Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy.

Tyron White bagged the only goal of the game, 10 minutes from time, to settle a tense affair at Station Road on Wednesday night.

With local rivalry at stake both managers fielded strong teams, despite facing important games this weekend.

Yet the derby failed to live up to expectation with monsoon-like conditions hampering the play.

Chances were few and far between in the opening period, only Anton Collins’ long range effort, well saved by Stansted keeper Brad Simpson, midway through the half bringing about anything of interest to the fans.

And it was a similar story after the break as neither team was able to make any kind of breakthrough.

But, with extra time looming, White snatched passage into the third round for Stansted, the striker neatly controlling Andy Reed’s delightful through ball before slamming a volley past Takeley keeper Ronnie Yates.

The game finished in a frenzy with a series of yellow cards totting up late on, and Takeley midfielder Scott Traveller paid the price for a wild tackle on Stansted defender Mark Roach, receiving a second caution and his marching orders.

Next up, Takeley visit Bethnal Green United in an Essex Senior League fixture (kick off 3pm), while Stansted travel to Thurlow Nunn league outfit Walsham Le Willows in an FA Vase clash (kick off 3pm).