Essex Senior League: Allan Fenn proud of Ilford squad after tough month

Ilford manager Allan Fenn hailed the mental strength of his squad after they ended their Essex Senior League campaign with a 1-0 defeat at Takeley.

The Foxes had hopes of claiming a League Challenge Cup victory and a fourth-place finish after beating Sawbridgeworth Town on April 18.

But Ilford were chucked out of the cup for fielding an ineligible player and it derailed their top-four ambitions, as they lost 2-0 to the Robins a day after finding out they would not be competing in the final.

Fenn has been left incredibly proud of his squad, however, after watching them deal with the disappointment over the past week.

He said: “I went to Takeley full of pride about how motivated my boys were and it was a case of channelling our aggression.

“They were upset, but they handled it brilliantly apart for Joe Killingback who got stupidly sent off.

“We went out there with our chests puffed out and our heads held high and we nullified Takeley.

“We had two fantastic chances and their goalkeeper has made a good save and then they got a ridiculous penalty.

“Isaac (Nkosi) won the ball as clean as a whistle, played it down the line and then the referee pointed to the spot.

“Takeley’s players couldn’t believe it and their bench apologised, so it has been one decision after another, but we will come back stronger from this next season.”

After building up some excellent momentum during April, some terrible luck ensured Ilford ended the campaign in a disappointing fashion.

Despite finishing with back-to-back defeats, Fenn has been impressed with the mood in the dressing room.

“We felt we should have got a goal against Clapton (April 15) and a result and then we had the euphoria of reaching the cup final,” said Ilford’s manager.

“To get that taken away from us meant it was so difficult to raise ourselves for the Sawbridgeworth game and so we finished the season in sixth.

“It has been a tough month for the club and the players, but I have seen great strength of character from my group.

“The boys have really come together and I couldn’t dream of having such a positive vibe in the dressing room considering what has happened. We are determined to put things right and we will do.”

A second-half Charlie Cole penalty saw Takeley claim a 1-0 win over Ilford at Station Road last weekend.

George Sessions
Ilford Recorder