Takeley 2-0 Hitchin Town: Takeley Claim FA Trophy Upset at Station Road

Takeley produced a superb FA Trophy upset on Saturday, 26 September 2026, beating higher-ranked Hitchin Town 2-0 at Station Road. Goals from Liam Bagnall and Jordan Westcott either side of half-time secured a famous victory for the Essex club and sent them into the next round.

Hitchin Town, who play several levels above Takeley in the non-league pyramid, started as strong favourites. But Takeley were organised, aggressive and clinical when their chances arrived. The home crowd roared their team on from the first whistle, and the players responded with a performance full of character and belief.

Match overview

The game began at a frantic pace. Hitchin looked to impose themselves early, moving the ball quickly and trying to isolate their wingers in one-on-one situations. Takeley’s defence, led by captain Charlie Mann, stood firm. The home side’s goalkeeper, Jack Foster, made two important saves in the opening 10 minutes to keep the scores level.

Takeley’s breakthrough came against the run of play in the 12th minute. A long throw-in from the right was flicked on at the near post, and Liam Bagnall reacted quickest to stab the ball home from close range. Station Road erupted, and Hitchin suddenly looked rattled.

Key moments

• 12th minute – Takeley take the lead: Liam Bagnall pounced on a flick-on from a long throw and scored from six yards.
• 29th minute – Hitchin hit the bar: A powerful header from a corner crashed against the crossbar and was cleared to safety.
• 45+1 minutes – Takeley survive a goalmouth scramble: Hitchin forced three shots in quick succession, but Takeley’s defenders threw their bodies in the way.
• 84th minute – Takeley seal the win: Jordan Westcott broke clear on the counter, rounded the goalkeeper and rolled the ball into an empty net.
• 90+3 minutes – Late Hitchin frustration: A free-kick from 25 yards flew just wide as Takeley held on for a clean sheet.

Tactical story

Takeley set up in a deep 4-5-1, looking to deny Hitchin space in central areas and hit them on the break. The plan worked perfectly. Hitchin dominated possession but struggled to create clear chances against a compact defensive block. Every time they got into wide areas, Takeley’s full-backs and midfielders doubled up to block crosses.

Going forward, Takeley were direct and purposeful. They targeted Hitchin’s high defensive line with balls over the top, and both goals came from quick transitions. After the second goal, Takeley dropped even deeper and defended their box with real determination. Hitchin ran out of ideas in the final 10 minutes.

Standout players

Takeley’s captain Charlie Mann was immense at centre-back, winning countless headers and organising the back line. Goalkeeper Jack Foster made crucial saves, while Liam Bagnall and Jordan Westcott took their goals brilliantly. For Hitchin Town, midfielder Lewis Barker tried to drive his team forward, but he was often crowded out by Takeley’s midfield.

What the result means

Takeley advance to the next round of the FA Trophy, where they will be dreaming of another cup run. For Hitchin Town, it is a painful early exit, and they will now focus on their league campaign. The result is a reminder that in the FA Trophy, form and league position count for little once the whistle blows.

Takeley’s players and supporters celebrated long after the final whistle. It was a night that will live long in the club’s history.