Two goals from Isaac Cornell saw Ilford claim the 2024 Essex Cordell Cup after a tough match against Takeley at Aveley FC.

Takeley initially took the lead in the 12th minute with a goal from Luke Moreland, but it wasn’t long before Cornell secured the equaliser. Another goal for each side made the score 2-2 in the second half, followed by another two for Ilford courtesy of Kajus Abratis and Cornell again. Sonny Reid pulled one back for Takeley in added time, but it wasn’t enough to secure the trophy.

It was an even match-up for the two teams in the opening minutes of the game. Ilford’s Oba Adetona and Cornell both had chances within the first five minutes, but it was Moreland from Takeley who scored the first goal of the game in the 12th minute. Shortly afterwards, the same player tried his luck once more with a header, but it bounced off the crossbar.

With the half time whistle fast approaching, the pressure was on for Ilford to create an equaliser. Thanks to a deflected corner, Cornell was able to score his first goal of the game, bringing the score to 1-1 at half time.

The second half saw no less drama. Ilford took the lead in the 43rd minute, Adetona sprinting through to net after a ricochet into the box. However, Moreland registered his second just a minute later with a finish inside the far post, levelling the scoreline once again.

Despite defensive efforts from Takeley, Abratis and Cornell were able to put two more in the back of the net - Abratis with a brilliant shot high into the net from range and Cornell courtesy of a low finish after an angled run - moving the score to 4-2.

Although Ilford’s victory did seem set in stone by the final few minutes of the game, Takeley’s Sonny Reid was able to score one last goal in injury time, resulting in a 4-3 final score.

Ilford: Lyndon Bull, Kortnie Diamond, Daniel Cekavicius, Alfie Tilbury, Firdaus Bakare, Rylee Parish, Jordane Thomas, Teddy Morgan, Oba Adetona, Isaac Cornell, Gabriel Ayiegbusi, Ronnie Bland, Owen Orhue, Stanley Darling, King Sarpong, Kajus Abraitis. Manager: Ashley Diamond.

Takeley: Alfie Ashworth, Aiden Stewart, Louis Shemwell, Reuben Reid, Harry Coombs, Rhys White, George Sterne, Luke Moreland, Archie Newman, Fenton Briault, Jake Brett, Alfie Harris, Sonny Reid, Mason Lindsey, Victoriano Riquelme. Manager: Gregory Styan.

Referee: Daniel Carpel (Thurrock).

Assistant Referees: Daniel Falvey (Castle Point) and Loui Motley (Chelmsford).

Fourth Official: Jonathan Dalton (Colchester).

Attendance: 313.