Curfews put Blues to bed

ANGLE GRIND: Gary Abisogun scores the third for Chertsey. Photo: Andy Pearson

(As seen in the Non-League Paper, Edition published 25 October 2026, under the headline, "Take That! Town break their curfew)

Chertsey Town progressed into the second round of the FA Trophy with a comfortable 4-0 win in treacherous conditions at Isthmian North side Takeley.

The hosts, who were competing in the first round for the first time in their history, had a goal controversially disallowed after seven minutes which would have given them a shock lead, as Charlie Heatley received a through-ball and squared for George Sykes to tap in, but the match referee decided to disallow the goal for offside after consulting with his assistant.

The Curfews responded well, however, and Isaac Olorunfemi gave them the lead shortly after as Gary Abisogun drove down the right-hand side before cutting the ball back to the Chertsey number two inside the box, who took a neat touch to get beyond his man before curling a neat finish past Monk.

The Blues more than matched their Step 3 opponents for the remainder of the half, with Heatley in particular causing Chertsey’s defence problems. However, the former Walthamstow man was taken off at half-time, which affected the hosts going forward who were not as effective in the second half.

Kieran Amos’ side found themselves two down with 50 minutes played, as the ball was cut back to Wayne Ridgley, 25 yards from goal, who let fly with a wonderful strike, leaving Monk with no chance.

Abisogun, arguably Chertsey’s most exciting attacker on the day, latched onto a perfect through-ball from captain Alex Fisher, cutting through a tired-looking Takeley defence, before rounding Monk and finishing from a tight angle, in his last act before being substituted to a rapturous ovation from the travelling supporters.

Seb Bowerman, introduced as a sub in place of Abisogun on the hour mark, added a fourth after fellow replacement Joe Grant ran down the wing before cutting back for the central midfielder to book The Curfews’ place in the second round draw.

Chertsey manager Toby Little (second from right) applauds Wayne Ridgley's goal. Photo: Andy Pearson

“I think the first goal was massive, it gave us confidence”, Little told The Non-League Paper at full-time. “They had one disallowed and they were a threat from set-pieces, but we completely dominated the second half.

“Obviously Takeley play in a league that we’re not familiar with at all, so it was hard to get information on them. But it allowed us to focus on ourselves, we had trained well and now we look forward to the next round.”