Following an injury to Billy Batch during the previous weeks FA Cup tie, manager, Jordan Southgate was forced into changing his starting line-up. Alfie Bell came in, for his Wroxham league debut, and Ethan Flack also started.

Jordan King dropped to the bench with Shaun Taylor taking the captaincy for the afternoon.

The Yachtsmen started slowly and the hosts were within inches of taking the lead in the opening minute when a shot across goal flashed just wide.

The game was held up in the early stages due to a freak injury to Adam Crookes who suffered a snapped finger. Following heavy strapping, the centre half was able to continue, although a long night in the Norfolk & Norwich hospital was in store on his return to Norfolk.

Inside ten minutes, a mix up in the penalty area led to Tom Coombe bringing down a Takeley attacker. The referee had no option other than to point to the spot, and George Sykes made no mistake.

Takeley went close to extending the lead four minutes later and just before a hydration break was called, Sammy Johnson saw an effort fizz wide. Soon after Ryan Hawkins was shown a yellow card, Ethan Flack fired over from close range following superb build up play in what was Wroxham’s best move of the game.

After 58 minutes, Alfie Bell’s back pass didn’t reach it’s intended target and a Takeley attacker seized an opportunity – only to see the referee’s assistant raise a flag for offside, much to the bemusement of those in attendance.

Harry Sparrow replaced Ryan John who had taken a nasty looking knock and Josh Hazell followed Hawkins into the referee’s note book.

The ref called a second hydration break after 70 minutes, giving himself the opportunity to receive treatment for cramp. With Wroxham searching an equaliser, Sammy Johnson forced a save from the ‘keeper and Hawkins saw a goal bound effort cannon off a defender and out for a corner.

Takeley sealed the points with three minutes of normal time remaining. Looking suspiciously offside, an attacker flicked the ball on, and Frankie Sampford’s strike found the back of the net.

In the last action of the game, both sides were reduced to ten men when the referee handed out red cards to Ben Lewis and George Powell.

Attentions now turn to Tuesday evening when Felixstowe and Walton United visit the Ginger Pickle Arena for a 7:45pm kick off.