Great Wakering Rovers bowed out of the FA Cup as they were beaten by Isthmian North side Takeley on Saturday afternoon.

George Sykes volleyed in from close range midway through the second and despite a valiant effort by Rovers, Kian Cocking sealed the win for the visitors late on to progress to dump the Rovers out of the FA Cup.

Rovers have never really done well if the FA Cup in recent years and they knew they were going to be in for a tough day at the office against a really organised Takeley side.

Kickoff:

Despite the gulf in league difference between the sides, Rovers did start well holding their own and went very close in bagging the opening goal.

On 16 minutes, Rovers were awarded a throw in on the right and was headed away and Reece Placid composed himself before blasting a fierce volley at goal. Jarvis Monk adjusted himself superbly as he was equal to it by getting down quickly to push the ball past the post.

Rovers were having a good spell and were creating opportunities.

However, on 22 minutes, Rovers were caught napping as the visitors took the lead.

A long throw into the box front the left was headed on to the back post and George Sykes was found unmarked and he blasted the ball in from close range into the bottom left corner.

Things were made even more challenging for the Rovers Igli Metalia departed the field due to injury and Jayden Alexander made his debut.

With fifteen minutes to play, Rovers had another good opportunity on a counter attack.

A good move found Reece Conway on the edge of the box and he fed the ball out wide to Harry Talbot who skipped down the byline into the box. He attempted to adjust himself to get his shot off but before he could, Monk was brave as he smothered the ball at the midfielder’s feet.

Halftime: Rovers 0-1 Takeley

For the second half, Rovers looked like a new team and came out fighting.

They were playing some good passing play and kept possession but the visitors were well organised as they limited the hosts to minimal chances.

On 68 minutes, Rovers had another went agonisingly close when a good move down the right found Reece Placid. The forward managed to turn past his marker before curling a superb left footed effort which rattled off the top left of the post.

With twenty minutes to go, Rovers started to throw in the kitchen sink to go in search of the equaliser which saw most of the team surging upfield but the visitors were making life difficult for the hosts.

On 80 minutes, a throw into was cleared away and Jordan Faulkner attempted a volley which went wide of the right post.

With three minutes to go, Rovers were awarded a corner but as the ball was played in, the referee blew for a foul by Brian Songolo who had a bit of disagreement with James Thomas and Dean Forbes. The referee de-escalated the situation however and all three were booked.

As the game entered stoppage time, the visitors caught out the Rovers on the counter and they doubled their lead.

A good move from the back found Charlie Heatley running through the midfield and Takeley were three on one running at goal. Heatley fed in Kian Cocking to run on through and he rolled the ball in past George Marsh into the bottom right corner to seal their place in the next round.

Fulltime: Rovers 0-2 Takeley

Rovers will now need to dust themselves back as they turn their focus back to league action as they face a tough away test as they make the trip to Ilford on Wednesday night.

Another great turnout by the 132 who came to the game, your support is much appreciated.