‘Everything clicked,’ according to Greens boss

RUTHLESS Bethnal Green United showed no mercy as they thrashed Takeley 4-0 in their Essex Senior League clash on Saturday afternoon.

Anton Stephenson struck twice, while Jason Fox and Joel Gallimore were on also on target in an encounter where ‘everything clicked’ according to boss Justin Gardner who has seen his side move just four points behind leaders Enfield 1893.

“For the first 20 minutes they were all over us and dominated, but after scored our goal we played extremely well,” the manager said.

“Takeley are much-improved from when we played them earlier in the season, but it was just one of those days where everything clicked for us.”

After goalkeeper Abraham Mahmood was forced into some good early stops, Stephenson gave the home the side lead after 23 minutes, converting a Leon Ryan corner.

Greens stopper Mahmood kept his side ahead four minutes later, forcing a Takeley striker wide and although he managed to get a shot on target Jack Sawyer sprinted back to clear the effort off the line. “That stop was just as good as scoring a goal,” Gardner said.”

Four minutes before the break United doubled their lead when Ryan Lee, playing a starring role against his former club, split the Takeley defence wide open and Stephenson having made the run poked the ball past the visiting goalkeeper.

Four minutes after the break and it was three when a Ryan corner was spectacularly volleyed home on the angle by Jason Fox.

The fourth, after 70 minutes was the goal of the game, when Kadir Jama and Ryan combined to set Gallimore free and the flying full back outpaced the Takeley defence before nonchalantly rounding the Takeley goalkeeper and finishing into an empty net.

“It was a striker’s finish and a tremendous goal,” Gardner said.

“It was a professional performance from us and we did all the right things. The defence were awesome. Leon Ryan was outstanding and has been for the last six games or so.”

Gardner needs Ryan and his team-mates to be on top form this Saturday against Southend Manor, who although have lost their last three in a row are still dangerous according to the Greens boss.

“We lost to them earlier in the season at Mile End Stadium despite us probably playing the best football we have played since I became manager,” Gardner said.

“They are a very well drilled side who are good at set pieces and because it is such an open ground the weather will have a big impact.

“No one goes to Southend Manor and does well.”