Ilford were denied their first win of the season by a last-gasp Takeley goal in the Essex Senior League on Monday night.

The Foxes dominated in the first half at Cricklefield Stadium and were well worth their two-goal lead at the break.

But the visitors hit back early in the second half and struck in the first minute of injury time to ensure honours finished even.

Joe Lilly stung the Takeley keeper's palms in the first minute, while Josh Boxall saw an effort well blocked.

Frederick Mattock fired straight at the keeper midway through the half, with Lilly sending another attempt wide of the mark soon after.

But the home side took the lead on 35 minutes when a fine ball by Boxall set up Lilly for a good finish.

And it was 2-0 just three minutes later when the roles were reversed and Lilly sent a great ball into the box for Boxall to head home.

The visitors halved the deficit soon after the restart and Ilford had an effort ruled out for offside on 51 minutes.

 

 

Lilly fired over midway through the half and saw a corner headed over by Jake Chadwick moments later.

Phillips then sent a great effort just wide five minutes from time and Takeley made the most of their reprieves when levelling late on.

 

It left the Foxes with just two points from their first four league matches this season and Tuesday night sees local rivals Woodford Town visit Coggeshall Town, while Athletic Newham travel to Halstead Town and Sporting Bengal head to Tilbury.

Newbury Forest welcome May & Baker to Oakside Stadium in Thurlow Nunn League Division One South.