Steve Castle

ONE of Takeley’s brightest prospects is on his a final warning with the club after costing them three points.

Raheem Dixon failed to tell the club about a red card he picked up in the Sunday leagues making him illegible for the Sawbridgeworth fixture on August 7.

Steve Castle played Dixon in the fixture, which Takeley won 5-4, resulting in the points being rescinded by the Essex Senior League this week.

Castle told the Broadcast he was unaware of Dixon’s suspension.

“We had no idea whatsoever – Raheem never informed us. How he thought he would get away with it is beyond me,” he said.

“The club can take a portion of the blame because we didn’t check that he was suspended but the biggest blame is with the player. He’s been very apologetic but it has cost us.

“It would be heartless of me not to give him another chance so after he returns from injury he will be a Takeley player. He is allowed one mistake and this is it, anything else and he is gone. Having said that, he hasn’t faced the team yet which could change things.”

Castle said some of his team do play in Sunday league but stressed it is their responsibility to inform the club if they a facing a fine or a suspension.

“It’s unfortunate and it shouldn’t happen to a well run club like us but we’ll wipe our noses and get on with it. It has affected but I’d like to think it won’t matter at the end of the season.

“We’ll move on from it and hopefully it gives us the incentive to get on with winning the league.”

Takeley will look to regain the points this weekend as they put Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Basildon behind them and focus on Saturday’s game against Great Wakering at Station Road.

“A team of our quality should not be losing to Basildon – it was a case of two points dropped rather than one won,” Castle said.

“We’ll try to forget Tuesday and get on with the season with a win over Great Wakering, who are one of the favourites for the title.”

Takeley welcome Great Wakering to Station Road on Saturday, kick off 3pm.