The Scholars spent last season ground sharing at Kings Langley whilst their ground known as "The Lantern Community Stadium" was redeveloped with a new 4G playing surface along with new surroundings around the ground.
The stepped terrace along the far side looks decent and new car parking area is a very good addition to a ground which has always hard to get parked near especially on a Saturday. The ground will also be home to AFC Welwyn who will be playing in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division for 25/26 following their promotion last season.
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The home side weren't wearing their new 65th Anniversary kit which is shown above and honours the history of Potters Bar Town FC which the people, institutions and community that have shaped the club. It looks very nice and more information can be found on their website if you fancy buying one.
Takeley FC were the visitors who were promoted from the Essex Senior League via the play-offs last season so will be making their debut in the Isthmian North Division for the 25/26 campaign. For joint Managers Kieron Amos and Alex Martin along with everyone involved at the club it's a tremendous achievement to be playing at Step Four on the non-league ladder.
This game was a pretty level one with both sides playing some good football at times. Takeley took the leader via a header from a long throw before the home side equalised just prior to the break with a well taken strike from just inside the box (not captured on camera).
The second half saw, as is usual with pre-season friendly games, a raft of changes made by both sides as players got valuable playing time to get match-fit for the forthcoming season proper.
There was a rare occurrence for a friendly when a Takeley player was shown a straight red card for a studs up tackle as you can see below. There wasn't any malice in the challenge just an unfortunately timed one I think.
The Scholars won the game late on when a header was met from a corner which flew past the Takeley goalkeeper. As an Enfield Town fan it was good to see Dylan Adjei-Hersey and Reece Beckles-Richards in action for the home side who were big fan favourites during their time at The Dave Bryant Stadium.
Their next home game is against Watford u21s on Friday night which will hopefully attract a decent crowd.
Takeley's next game is at home against Basildon United on Saturday.
What will be interesting to see is with he new ground improvements will The Scholars crowds increase - hopefully they will!
RED CARD INCIDENT IN SECOND HALF
MATCH PICTURES
A LOOK AROUND THE NEW LOOK LANTERN STADIUM
