Get photos with the Premier League trophy at Takeley on Saturday March 22 for Non-League Day
Football fans can get up close to some famous silverware when the Premier League trophy comes to Takeley on Saturday (March 22).
The top-flight trophy, which has been won four years in a row by Manchester City and this season seems destined to be claimed by Liverpool, will be at the Essex Senior League club as part of national Non-League Day celebrations.
Supporters will be able to see the Premier League trophy and get photographs, with doors opening at the Full Vision Stadium from 6pm.
Takeley then entertain near-neighbours and fellow promotion chasers Saffron Walden Town in a crucial match at the top end of the table from 7.45pm, with the evening kick-off being the home team’s first fixture under their newly-installed LED floodlights.
A switch-on ceremony will take place before the action gets under way and there will be plenty of other entertainment too, including a mini soccer match, while refreshments can be bought from inside and outside bars, a pie and mash stall and a burger bar.
Takeley have received a £110,000 investment from the Premier League Stadium Fund for their new energy-efficient LED floodlights along with additional upgrades, including improved pitch drainage.
The Premier League has been investing £1.6 billion into football and communities throughout England and Wales between 2022 and 2025.
Non-League Day, which began in 2010, is an annual celebration of the football pyramid which encourages as many fans as possible to support their local non-league sides. It takes place over a weekend during the international break when there is no Premier League or Championship action. The Premier League trophy is also visiting ESL clubs Benfleet and Buckhurst Hill earlier in the day.
Entry to the Takeley game costs £8 for adults and £4 for concessions and children aged 11-16. Under-10s get in free. Fans can pay on the gate.
Fourth-placed Takeley will go into the contest on the back of a 3-1 home success over seventh-placed White Ensign at the weekend (Saturday March 15).
They went ahead just before half time when a defender misjudged the flight of Coby Miles’ cross and Lanre Balogun was able to slot home.
The home side doubled their advantage nine minutes after the restart as Jordan Wescott converted from the penalty spot after Balogun had been brought down inside the box.
The visitors did pull a goal back through Ellis Devereux midway through the period, but Jack Mitchell wrapped up the points in the 73rd minute by burying a rebound after John Clarke’s shot had been spilled by the goalkeeper.
Takeley are eight points behind leaders Stanway Rovers with a game in hand.
At the other end of the table, Stansted came from behind to beat Buckhurst Hill 2-1 at home and clinch their first league victory since October 22.
Archie Hammond put the 12th-placed visitors in front midway through the second half.
But Jamie Luke Bennett and Charlie Portway both struck in the final 10 minutes to earn their side a big three points.
The second-from-bottom Airport Army remain in the relegation zone, but they are now only five points adrift of third-from-bottom Sawbridgeworth Town with two games in hand.
They closed the gap on Sawbo as the Robins let a two-goal lead slip in a 3-2 defeat at third-placed Barking.
Elijah Grant’s brace put them 2-0 up at the break, but goals from Akilijo Balliu and Juwon Akintunde levelled matters before Michele Maccari won it for their opponents in added time.
