Bognor Regis Town 2 Enfield Town 4

Report by Andrew Warshaw

A sublime Marcus Wyllie hat-trick and a Sam Youngs penalty ensured three momentous points on the Sussex coast that extended our unbeaten league run against a Bognor side that had only lost twice at home in the league.

The celebrations at the end of a pulsating encounter showed just what it meant to the players as we remained in third spot with six games remaining.

Bognor may have been without four key players but have been excellent at home and the management’s game plan of splitting the central defenders where possible worked a treat.

It was always going to be a case of outscoring the opposition and even though they equalised twice and battled hard even when pegged back to 4-2, we were committed to a man and ran out deserved winners to set up a blockbuster of a derby with Cheshunt on Easter Monday – our first home league game since the death of our beloved Dave Bryant.

With Lewis Taaffe unfit, Ollie Turney came in for his starting debut and we were ahead within four minutes as namesake Ollie Knight’s penetrating cross was diverted home by Marcus.

It was clear early on that Bognor’s dangermen were Lucas Pattenden on the wing and Matt Burgess in midfield and they set up the large majority of the Rocks’ openings.

In a whirlwind start by both teams, Rhys Forster had already saved from Pattenden when the referee adjudged the Bognor man had his shirt pulled by Joe Payne. Up stepped  Tommy-Lee Higgs to shoot low and hard and in off Forster’s diving boot

That was on 11 minutes and goals kept coming. Ten minutes later, a routine Bognor clearance was blocked by Ollie Knight and although the ball fell kindly to Marcus, he still had an awful lot to do as he rounded Joe Rabbetts before keeping his composure to fire past Ryan Hall (pictured).

Mickey Parcell went into the book for a late challenge but the entertainment continued. Three times we tried to lob the keeper and twice Marcus got himself into a shooting position, only to stray offside.

But Bognor aren’t strong at home for nothing and once again restored parity on 31 minutes as  Harvey White, on his return from injury, stormed forward unmarked to smash home a corner as we switched off.

Once again, however, it wasn’t long before we caught the hosts out again as Sam Youngs shouldered the ball into the path of Marcus who this time was onside and slotted home.

Right on halftime, a glorious cross-field ball from Turner picked out Dylan Adjei-Hersey but his 40-yarder  was always rising before Bognor’s Whyte had to come off deep into stoppage time with a foot injury.

H-t 2-3

Every Town fan in the ground knew we needed a fourth to take the sting out of Bognor  and it duly arrived on 51 minutes.  When no Bognor outfield player reacted fast enough to an Ollie Knight run, Hall tried to block him but instead proceeded to bring him down.  Youngs of course made no mistake from the penalty spot but had to strike it perfectly beyond the keeper’s diving reach.

Marcus so nearly had his fourth when Bognor were again exposed in a dangerous area but despite beating the keeper shot against the post.  In fact he may well have had five, hitting the other post when it seemed harder to miss.

As Bognor rallied with a decent spell, Pattenden’s cross flashed across the goal with no teammate to convert, the same player then blazed over the bar with the goal at his mercy and Forster spread himself to keep out Higgs.

But with a two-goal cushion Town were not to be denied, switching to five at the back late on to see out the game, a credit to players and management alike for a terrific team effort especially in the first half.

“We looked at their home record and it’s a massive performance,” said Gavin Macpherson. “Sometimes the players don’t listen properly, sometimes the management team get it wrong. Today, everyone came together having done our homework and Marcus’ goals typified how we wanted to go about things.  We knew they were an expansive side and it was no fluke.”

“Bognor have a young talented side especially down the flanks so we needed to be right at it.  Okay there were a couple of bumps in the road but offensively we did the job we came to do.”

“It’s still in our hands which is very different to chasing.  Hopefully we can get into the playoffs with momentum and give ourselves a chance.”

Now on to Cheshunt who will have had far longer to prepare, their Saturday fixture having been called off whilst we have only 48 hours to get ready.

“It obviously doesn’t work in our favour but I can’t change it. It’s the way the cards have been dealt,” said Gavin. “But if Cheshunt are focussing their entire season on playing us, then it’s not been a great season for them.”

Town:

Forster; Tanner, McKenzie, Tanner, Payne; Adjei-Hersey, Turner (Okotcha, 77), Thomas (Alves, 86), Youngs, Knight; Wyllie (Cass, 91)

Following last Saturday’s draw at Margate and the postponed fixture at Whitehawk in midweek, Town face another long away trip tomorrow as we visit Bognor Regis Town, weather once again permitting.

With just a month to go before the end of the regular season, a top-5 playoff place is very much in our own hands though to gain a home semifinal draw we will need to finish second or third, the latter being more realistic barring a late Chatham slip-up.

With Horsham and Wingate also battling for that home draw and the likes of Dulwich, Carshalton, Billericay and Hastings tucked in just behind and pushing for a playoff spot, every one of the seven remaining games are cup finals, every point vital given how tight things are.

 Even 10^th-placed Bognor are still in it and are unlikely to give an inch judging by their comeback against Wingate in midweek.

To be where we are at this stage of the season represents a massive achievement by the players and management team alike when you consider the resources at some of the chasing pack.

The key now is to keep the momentum of our eight-game unbeaten league run going, not just at Bognor but 48 hours later with the tasty Easter Monday derby at home to Cheshunt.

“We’ve got plenty to think about with a longer injury list than we’ve seen all season but the boys are in good spirits and trained well last night,” said Gavin Macpherson.

“The bank holiday weekend will be a massive test of our resolve and it starts against a very good Bognor side. 

“We have two very different but difficult tests, as a management team we’ve been working hard to plan and prepare, we’re unbeaten in a few games so the lads are really upbeat.”

AW

Please note full details of Dave’s funeral service and reception for Thursday, April 11

Just to let you all know that Dave’s funeral has been arranged for 11.30 am at Enfield Crematorium on Thursday, April 11.

More details to follow when we have them

RIP Dave

Unfortunately, tonight’s game at Whitehawk has fallen foul of the weather and, following a pitch inspection, has had to postponed — for a second time.

The game has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 23. Third time lucky!

Margate 1 Enfield Town 1

Report By Andrew Warshaw

Enfield Town extended their unbeaten league run to eight games but left the Kent coast largely frustrated after playing 84 minutes against ten men.

A mixture of wrong options, the woodwork and Margate throwing bodies on the line prevented us leaving with another maximum haul though in truth the home side had their chances as they battled for their lives in  a thoroughly absorbing contest fully worthy of Non-League Day.

Having played just 41 hours earlier, Town rested just two players and needed all the breaks they could get.

They appeared to have a huge one very quickly. As debuts go, Margate’s new signing from Dover Destiny Oladipo had one to forget – sent off for two yellow cards inside six minutes.

First he was cautioned for an over-the-top tackle on Taylor McKenzie, then was handed another yellow for a high studs-up challenge in the face of the same player whether or not it was intentional, giving Town an early one-man advantage.

Unfortunately we couldn’t make the most of it and despite hitting the post twice, on balance a draw was probably fair given 10-man Gate were coming up against a side third in the league.

Early doors, Ollie Knight volleyed over after a neat exchange with Joe Payne and his next contribution on 16 minutes put us in front, finishing coolly (pictured) after being set up by Marcus Wyllie turning his marker and feeding the ball through.

As the hosts tried to rally, the home crowd cheered their every counter-attack and to be fair, for long periods of the first half it didn’t look as if we had numerical advantage.

Indeed the Gate had the two best chances, first when Ben Greenhalgh somehow shot wide, then when Rhys Forster pulled off a fantastic save

Margate’s efforts paid off just before half-time, however, as attacking substitute Steve Cawley sent Forster the wrong way with a penalty, awarded after Sam Youngs caught ex-Towner Lewis Knight with a flailing leg in trying to clear.

In first-half stoppage time, Jonathan Hippolyte so nearly restored our lead as his shot across goal struck the upright and bounced to safety.

H- 1-1

Whatever was said at halftime, we came out with more urgency and the chances came one by one.

Payne lashed wide and over, Knight hit the side netting and on as sub once again, Jake Cass drove past his marker, only to see his shot blocked on the line.  Then, on 68 minutes, the post rescued Margate again as Youngs’ sublime curling effort had Harry Seaden in goal beaten all ends up.

Margate, needing the points just as much for different reasons, still threatened on the break.

 Forster got a strong hand to another Greenhalgh drive and with two minutes of normal remaining the Gate midfielder he had a golden chance to win the game yet again missed the target when we were exposed at the far post.

Cue a final Town foray in seven minutes of stoppage time during which both Teddy Perkins and former Towner Lewis Knight heroically cleared off the line.

 And there was still time for one more chance each, Lewis Knight firing inches wide and Seaden tipping a fierce Wyllie drive over.

“Two dropped points no question but we could also have lost the game,” said Gavin Macpherson.  “We created enough chances and second half got some structure into the game.”

“You have to give Margate credit. They put in a hell of a shift for their manager but when you play against 10 men you have to try and make the pitch big. It’s a collective responsibility and at times we had a bit of a mental block. There were some very tired legs out there after playing Thursday night. Hence some tired final balls but we’re not losing games at the moment. I’m not too down because it’s in our own hands.”

Town

Forster; Payne, Tanner, McKenzie, Parcell; Knight, Youngs, Alves (Turner, 81), Taaffe; Hippolyte (Cass, 60), Wyllie

A quick reminder that our club photographer Phil Davison will be playing a charity gig at 4pm today at the Little Green Dragon pub in Green Lanes, Winchmore Hill.

As well as taking photos, Phil is also a seasoned musician so get yourself down to support him in raising money for the ETFC Community Sports Development charity, a hugely important arm of what we do.

“It’s free entry, just money in the jug to help the charity,” says Phil who has been playing gigs for years and recently performed for the fans during our recent trip to Copenhagen.

“I’ve got two one-hour sets, a mix of covers and my own songs – including at least one singalong song that everyone will know.”

AW

We are delighted to announce the loan signing of 20-year-old central midfielder Ollie Turner from Aldershot.

Ollie started his career in the Tottenham under-18 ranks and has latterly been on loan at Step 2 Eastbourne Borough.

With the immediate future of Orient loanee Manny Harvest still uncertain, Ollie fits into an important area of the pitch.

“Ollie is both left-footed and versatile so we are delighted to have him,” said Gavin Macpherson.

“There is going to have to be some rotation over the next couple of weeks and Ollie will be an important part of that.”

Welcome, Ollie

Gavin Macpherson is under no illusions just how tough Saturday’s fixture at Margate could be given that we will take the field just 41 hours after beating Concord Rangers.

Thursday’s 1-0 win pushed us back up to third but although  Margate, who currently sit in 19^th place, have lost five of their last six games, much could depend on how much Thursday’s excursions have taken their toll on Town’s players in a gruelling schedule and how many changes need to be made in the starting line-up.

“Margate have a distinct advantage in that they haven’t played for a week,” said Gavin. “We’ve had less than two days’ recovery and have another journey to make. It’s far from ideal.”

“I’ve heard for years about how players should be able to do this and that but modern-day football has changed unbelievably. The speed is totally different.”

Non-league players also, of course, have jobs to go to and are not mollycoddled like some elite footballers.

“There are so many factors why this is a really difficult one to navigate,” said Gav as we approach  the second of four successive away games.  “Realistically we probably need nine points from the four games. Whether we can get them, we’ll see.”

It’s a tough ask but the mood in the camp is strong and is boosted by the loan signing of central midfielder Ollie Turner from Aldershot who started his career at Spurs and has been on loan at Step 2 Eastbourne Borough.

There are still spaces on the coach and tickets for that are available below

https://enfieldtownfc.ktckts.com/event/travel15/coach-travel-to-margate

Saturday is Non-League day, and in celebration of that Margate are offering half price entry for the game.  Tickets already purchased at full price will be half refunded to ensure you can still get the offer!

AW

Concord Rangers 0 Enfield Town 1

Report By Martin Bentley

Enfield Town extended their unbeaten run to an impressive nine games with victory at Concord Rangers that fully merited the description ‘hard-earned’.

The win also took Town back into third place in the League, with their recent form suggesting that a play-off place should now be comfortably within reach.  

The evening did not, however, start well, with players and supporters alike being delayed by some horrendous traffic congestion on the road leading onto the Island.

 The game eventually kicked off slightly late and Town enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the first half. Shots on target were at a premium at both ends, with only a Marcus Wyllie header and a Sam Youngs long-ranger troubling home keeper Mason Terry.

The remainder of Town’s efforts, from Lewis Taaffe, Ollie Knight and Wyllie all ended up sailing harmlessly over the bar.

 For the home side, pacy striker Bryan Ifeanyi troubled the right side of Town’s defence all night, although their best chance fell to Montrell Deslandes, who fluffed his shot horribly wide after Town had failed to deal with a high bouncing ball.

  H-T 0-0

Town continued to dominate possession after the break, again without troubling Terry unduly as the home defence, marshalled by the dominant figure of Mert Apat, coped comfortably with most of our efforts.

Wyllie drove a shot inches wide from Knight’s cross and Youngs had a header well saved but clear-cut chances remained at a premium.

A string of corners and Joe Payne’s long throws were putting the home side under increasing pressure though and Town finally cracked it after 69 minutes when Mickey Parcell’s left-wing corner was met by a Youngs header into Terry’s left-hand corner.

Two minutes later Wyllie slalomed into the box and rolled a shot against the post but Town were unable to kill the game off and found themselves under pressure in the closing minutes, when an increasingly desperate home side threw the proverbial kitchen sink at them.

Rhys Forster was twice forced into action to deny Emmanuel Martin from distance and Harrison Day from close range, but Town succeeded in clinging on for an invaluable three points, especially given the nightmare run of games ahead.

“We made desperately hard work of it if I’m honest,” said Gavin Macpherson, who bemoaned the horrendous traffic congestion that left the team precious little time to prepare.

“When it’s only 1-0, the opposition will feel they’ve got a chance.  They went four up top and Reece had to be called into action late on.  We should have put it to bed earlier but it would have been a travesty if we hadn’t won the game.”

Town: Forster, Parcell, Payne, Thomas, Tanner, McKenzie, Adjei-Hersey (Cass 67), Youngs, Taaffe (Beckles-Richards 88), Wyllie (Alves 90+2), Knight. Unused: Hippolyte, Okotcha