Chertsey secured a convincing victory over Takeley in the Pitching In Isthmian League North Division first-round tie held on Saturday. Takeley, competing in this stage of the competition for the first time, faced challenging weather conditions but were unable to capitalize early on after a goal was controversially disallowed just seven minutes into the match. Charlie Heatley found George Sykes with a through-ball, setting up a tap-in that was ruled out for offside following consultation between the referee and assistant officials.

Despite the setback, visitors Chertsey responded quickly, with Isaac Olorunfemi opening the scoring shortly afterward. Gary Abisogun advanced down the right flank before delivering a precise cut-back to Olorunfemi, who skillfully controlled the ball and curled a shot past Takeley goalkeeper Jarvis Monk. Throughout the first half, the Blues matched their Step 3 opponents effectively, with Heatley posing a consistent threat to the Chertsey defense.

However, Takeley’s offensive momentum waned after Heatley was substituted at halftime, limiting their attacking options during the second half. Chertsey capitalized, doubling their lead around the 50-minute mark through Wayne Ridgley. Receiving the ball 25 yards out, Ridgley unleashed a powerful strike that left Monk with no chance of deflecting the effort.

Chertsey continued to press, with Abisogun—arguably the visitors’ standout performer—scoring a third goal. He received a well-timed through-ball from captain Alex Fisher and bypassed a fatigued Takeley defense before rounding Monk and finishing from a tight angle. Abisogun’s goal came just before he was substituted, drawing enthusiastic applause from Chertsey’s traveling supporters.

The result sees Chertsey advance comfortably to the next round, while Takeley’s debut campaign this season in the first round of the competition ends in disappointment.