Downham Town 1 Takeley 1
This wasn't the best performance that I have seen from Downham, but when you consider that most of the players haven't played at this level before, but are holding their own then they can be forgiven especially at the start of the season.
In the early encounters, Takeley were definitely the better side and took advantage with a goal from George Powell, who beat Duncan McNally at the near post. McNally was probably the man of the match for Downham, as an aside, as despite flapping at this one a bit, he was otherwise excellent in goals.
After going into the lead Takeley seemed happy to keep Downham at bay, with two banks of four and some cynical challenges that they tended to get away with. It was 1-0 at the break and you couldn't really say that Takeley weren't the better team.
The second half carried on with Downham pushing but most of their threats being snuffed out before they turned into anything and Takeley hitting them on the break with McNally having to be alert to several decent shots.
However, just when it looked like Takeley would be going back to Essex with all three points, a mix up led to an own goal and an equaliser.
In stoppage time McNally pulled off another top save, but it was Downham who pushed for a winner.
In the end, it finished 1-1. Takeley probably felt a little hard done by, but it was a hard fought point for the home team
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