LITTLE Oakley beat Takeley 2-1 to get back to winning ways in the Essex Senior League, writes LARRY DOBKIN.

The Acorns went close early on when a corner caused a scramble in the Takeley box but was eventually cleared.

A quick move through the centre of the pitch then saw Nobbs in with a shooting opportunity but his shot went wide.

Takeley worked the ball across the box where the ball bounced shoulder height.

In an attempt to clear the ball, Hart lifted his foot into the vicinity of Jochquim’s head, prompting the referee to award Takeley a penalty.

Westott found the back of the net with his spot-kick, to put Takeley ahead.

Oakley reacted positively and they equalised when Harry Mann's powerful shot from the edge of the area flew into the roof of the net, after Lindoe's effort brought a fine save from keeper Bull.

The Acorns now had the upper hand and were pushing for a second goal.

Riley's clever footwork enabled him to deliver a telling cross into the Takeley box and Dan Rowe's first-time shot flew past Bull to put Oakley in front, at the break.

The second half started with Alaua booked for a late tackle on Harman.

Lindoe was getting space on the wing and when he found Wood in the box, his first-time shot went wide.

Takeley still looked dangerous on the counter attack and when Lawlor saved Gyimah's shot from distance, the Oakley defence managed to clear.

Takeley then had three separate attacks which all ended in shots going wide of the target.

Rodger came on for the last 15 minutes and after a pacy run down the wing, he was stopped by a rugby-type tackle after being grabbed around the neck and thrown to the floor, with stud marks running down his lower leg.

After a consultation between the referee and his assistant, the player was sent off.

Player of the match was Jordie Papple, who gave the Takeley defence a torrid afternoon.