Reece Dobson

TAKELEY’S title hopes took a huge dent this week after securing two points out of six, leaving them thirteen points adrift of top placed Burnham Ramblers.

Steve Castle’s men only managed a goalless draw against Barking on Saturday and followed up with another stalemate on Tuesday on their travels to Sawbridgeworth Town.

The task of closing the gap between the top two was made all the more difficult after Spyros Mentis was sent off on Tuesday night after picking up two yellow cards in a minute and now faces a suspension.

The only plus point for Takeley is three of their next four games are against teams in the bottom half of the Essex Senior League.

Castle will see Saturday’s game as two points lost – Greig Taylor, the league’s top scorer, had three chances to win the game but he couldn’t add to his tally.

Takeley dominated the first half but were thwarted by the woodwork and last gasp defending from Barking.

In the second half Takeley was less effective as Barking played their way into the game but neither side could find a breakthrough and they shared the spoils.

Tuesday’s game was more eventful for Steve Castle. His team were on the receiving end of a fortunate penalty in the first half, which was tucked away by Taylor in the 32nd minute.

The smile was wiped off Takeley fans’ faces in the second period. First Sawbridgeworth levelled the game before Mentis’ 75th minute dismissal.

Despite playing with 10 men, the visitors continued to press and looked the more likely for a goal but had to settle for their second draw in four days.