Huge congratulations to all the winners of our end-of-season awards who collected their prizes in Butler’s Bar following our final game against Worthing.

The awards were as follows:

Supporters’ Player – Sam Youngs

Manager’s Player – Billy Leonard

ClubPerson of the Year – Ben Mammen

Players’ Player – Mickey Parcell

Golden Boot – Sam Youngs

Sam Youngs also received a framed shirt for having played 300 games for the club.

Town chairman Paul Reed made a point of paying special tribute to vice-chairman Paul Millington for all his hard work in driving the delivery of our fabulous new stand.

Well done Paul and all our winners. Roll on 2025-26 in National League South!

Enfield Town 1 Worthing 5

Report By Andrew Warshaw

Never mind the result, feel the emotion. It may not be quite how we envisaged our survival to unfold but in the scheme of things, who cares?

The party atmosphere after our final game of the season said everything about the massive achievement of Enfield Town staying in National League South, a credit to the players and management team alike.

It isn’t every day you celebrate a 5-1 thumping with wild enthusiasm and a pitch invasion but having pulled off the Great Escape after being rock bottom at New Year, it was only natural that emotions ran high.

Town’s Step 2 survival after gaining promotion a year ago always seemed probable going into the final round of fixtures but you could nevertheless  touch the tension in front of another bumper 2,000-plus crowd. Both St Albans and Salisbury had to win if Town were to slip but in the end neither did.

In a somewhat surreal scenario, news filtered through quickly that Truro were on their way in Cornwall and that St Albans were doomed for the drop, rendering whatever happened at the Dave Bryant stadium redundant.

But despite home nerves being eased, Worthing were too strong a nut to crack as they dominated proceedings.

An early challenge by Mickey Parcell on the returning Mo Faal was a crunching “welcome back” gesture though Mo went on to gain his revenge – and then some.

If the visitors showed exactly why their passing game is praised across the league, Town had the first couple of chances, a corner cleared off the line and a Sam Youngs chip not achieving quite enough elevation after a mistake by keeper Chris Haigh.

From then on, Worthing practically took over. Two smart saves from Joe Wright thwarted Nicky Wheeler while Parcell stuck out a leg in the nick of time to prevent Jack Spong’s effort from nestling in the top corner.

But on the stroke of halftime, having just had a goal disallowed for a clear push on Henry Hawkins,  the Rebels went in front as Wheeler’s corner was headed home by Glen Rea.

H-T 0-1

Gavin Macpherson exhorted his players to show more energy but with Truro coasting, the pressure was off.

Cue a Rebels second-half goal blitz. Spong doubled their lead from the penalty spot after a needless challenge by Parcell and before you knew it, Worthing had added another two courtesy of the Mo Faal show.

First he picked his spot for 3-0, then produced a sensational Van Basten-esque first-time volley from an acute angle to put the result beyond doubt.

Joel Colbran proceeded to plant a free header straight into the grateful arms of Wright but at last Town got some joy as substitute Anointed Chukwu fed Billy Leonard whose cross was squeezed home by the outstretched leg of Cian Dillon.

Bouyed by getting on the scoresheet, Town enjoyed their best period and twice almost reduced the deficit further, first after more excellent link-up play between Leonard and Dillon, then when Hawkins rose like a salmon to head Charlie Stallard’s centre against the woodwork.

But Worthing were to have the final say in stoppage time. Liam Nash, off the bench, crashed home a direct freekick that Joe arguably should have done better with.

“I’m caught in two footballing worlds at the moment,” admitted Gav after what some might consider a pyrrhic victory. “Obviously very disappointed with the performance. But I have to look at the bigger picture which is that we were dead and buried at New Year.”

“We were everyone’s tip to go down so it’s an unbelievable feat by the players for all their hard work and they deserve all the plaudits.”

“We’re a long way from teams like Worthing and Boreham Wood but we’ve done the business against sides we had a better chance against. The last two games were always going to be very difficult and so it proved. The fact of the matter is we stayed up four of five games ago during that unbeaten run.”

Town

Wright; Benjamin, Thompson, Hawkins; Stallard, Parcell (Knight 65), Sidwell, Youngs (Kasimu, 79), Peake (Chukwu, 65), Leonard (Oyenuga, 85); Dillon

So here we go…the final countdown. Nerves, what nerves!?

Enfield Town’s fate comes down to the last day of the season at home to high-flying Worthing on Saturday with Gavin Macpherson having spent all week keeping the players’ feet firmly on the ground, boosting a sense of togetherness and embroiled in planning for what is sure to be an emotional finale — arguably the most important fixture in the club’s history.

As we all know, a point will secure our National League South status while if we come unstuck, St Albans and Salisbury will both have to win to pip us to the post on what promises to be a nerve-jangling afternoon.

Despite our chastening 4-1 defeat at Boreham Wood on Easter Monday, an anticipated full house at the Dave Bryant stadium can play a huge part in getting us over the line and sparking the mother of all celebrations.

“I told the players at the end of training on Thursday that despite Boreham Wood, they’ve only lost one in nine and not many teams can say that at this stage,” said Gav.

“The fact the boys were hugely disappointed to have lost against a full-time team  — in my opinion maybe the best in the league – is a measure of how far they’ve come and how high they set their standards.”

“There was perhaps a no-lose mentality against St Albans but I want them to be brave tomorrow. It’s not in our narrative to play for the draw. Yes, on paper Worthing are better than us and will expect to win but we will fight tooth and nail. I have huge admiration for Worthing and their manager but I know my team.”

 Jack Bates is ineligible to play against his parent club but Worthing appear to have lost talisman  Danny Cashman through injury and have had to recall defender Ollie Black from Hastings while  Aarran Racine and Sam Beard are both suspended. Mo Faal, meanwhile, will surely get a warm reception from Town fans — as long as he doesn’t the put the ball in our net!

Having narrowly lost 1-0 in the corresponding fixture just before Christmas, Town are of course a different proposition these days. “We’ve kind of had two different halves to the season,” said Gavin. “The  current squad have got us to where we are. I’m asking them to give us one last push. I’d obviously rather get the job done on our own pitch rather than rely on other results.”

Just like a year ago, albeit under different circumstances, you can almost touch the excitement and sense of anticipation, with our brand new stand ready to be shown off to fans.

Better than being in mid-table with nothing to play for?  “Well only if it goes our way,” answered Gav. “If it doesn’t I’d take mid-table any day!”

“I don’t like celebrating when we haven’t won anything but in reality we will have done – and more — if we stay up. It would be a huge move forward. We were categorically written off at the start of the season and predicted to finish bottom. That was the narrative.”

“So it will personally and for my management team be my biggest ever achievement in football if we make it. And probably for the club too.”

AW

Footnote:

With limited availability likely on the gate, here is the advance ticket link:

https://enfieldtownfc.ktckts.com/event/245match23/enfield-town-vs-worthing

Don’t forget too that if you can’t get to the game, you can hear live commentary on the following link: https://mjl99.mixlr.com/

With a  sell-out crowd expected for our final game of the season at home to Worthing on Saturday, we are encouraging all spectators to use public transport to make your journey smoother and avoid congestion, with parking likely to be at a premium.

Here are the closest options:  

– Bus Stop ‘Cambridge Gardens Stops U & Z’, Great Cambridge Road – 390m-460m, 5-6 min walk  

– Bus Stop ‘Baynes Close Stops C & M’, Carterhatch Lane – 440m-460m, 5-6 min walk  

– Bus Stop ‘Ladysmith Road/Carterhatch Lane Stop D’, Carterhatch Lane – 800m, 10 min walk  

– Enfield Town Station, Southbury Road – 1.7km, 21 min walk  

– Southbury Station, Southbury Road – 1.9km, 25 min walk  

Cycle to the Game! With the fantastic weather we’re having, why not ride to the match? Take advantage of our onsite bike racks.

We also want to remind all supporters that the safety and enjoyment of everyone at the stadium are our top priorities. As such, anyone found setting off a flare or any other pyrotechnic device within the ground will face serious consequences.

Boreham Wood 4 Enfield Town 1

Report by Andrew Warshaw

If at first you don’t succeed, try again.

Enfield Town’s Step 2 survival comes down to a nail-biting, nerve-wracking  finale next weekend but after two bites at the cherry, the fact is it’s still in our hands.

It will hopefully be a case of third time lucky when title-chasing Worthing visit the Dave Bryant stadium on Saturday for arguably the biggest game in our history after our eight-match unbeaten run came to an end at the hands of in-form Boreham Wood.

Playing two games over Easter without training in between certainly took its toll against full-time opponents who understandably looked sharper and fresher.

But despite a backs-to-the-wall job for large periods of the game, our organization and resilience could not be faulted, plugging gaps wherever we could and showing commendable cohesion.

Gavin Macpherson, perhaps surprisingly, left Jack Bates  – ineligible against his parent club next Saturday – on the bench while Bailey Brown didn’t manage to shake off the knock he took against St Albans. In came Charlie Stallard and Harry Sidwell, with Lennon Peake and Sam Youngs supporting Cian Dillon.

 Wood were on the front foot from the start, Joe Wright having to time his sliding challenge on Matt Rush to perfection as he came galloping out of his area.

The hosts’ strong running and neat interplay, epitomised by the quick feet of Abdul Abdulmalik, kept Town on their toes but our defence was equal to everything Wood tried to throw at us in the first half.

One Henry Hawkins interception to thwart Rush drew appreciative support from the travelling faithful while Adam Thompson was his usual model of reliability.

H-T 0-0

Town had worked incredibly hard, especially out of possession, but 20 seconds after the restart a ball over the top was clipped forward by Rush on to the roof of the net.

It was another danger sign and the pressure finally told on 55 minutes when a Charles Clayden cross was stabbed home by Callum Reynolds

At this point St Albans were drawing with Hemel Hempstead and our National League South status was preserved. But all that was to change, extending proceedings to the final round of fixtures.

Three minutes before St Albans went in front, Wood added a second from the penalty spot in highly questionable circumstances. Tommo tustled with  Josef Yarney in what looked like nothing more than handbags but the referee deemed the Enfield man was guilty of shirt-pulling and Rush made no mistake from 12 yards.

Five minutes later, Town were awarded a penalty of their own when a Billy Leonard centre flashed across goal and Cian Dillion was upended (pictured). Having missed his previous two spotkicks, Sam Youngs made no mistake this time as he sent Nathan Ashmore the wrong way to halve Boreham Wood’s lead.

The next goal was always going to prove critical and it went the way of Wood on 79 minutes. After a superb block by Xavier Benjamin, a corner was flicked on at the near post, presenting Rush with the simplest of tap-ins.

It was a poor goal to concede by our recent standards but worse was to come.  Joe Wright had just pulled off a great saved from Rush when, in stoppage time, Charlie O’Connell rifled in an unstoppable drive from the edge of the box.

So now it goes down to the wire. One would hope St Albans’ trip to Truro would prove a step too far for the Saints who, along with Salisbury, are three points adrift of Town. But we have to try and take care of our own business and secure the point we need rather than rely on others.

“To be honest I’m not that down if we put things into perspective,” said Gavin. “The game ran away from us when we opened things up to try and get something. I was actually more disappointed with how we were on Friday.”

“You have to recognise what Boreham Wood are. They had everything stacked in their favour but the boys worked their socks off and to a game plan. With a little more luck, we may not have been as pegged back as we were. Their penalty came at a crucial time. The officials got that one wrong but you can’t argue with the result.”

“The fact is it was in our hands and still is. There’s no doom and gloom about the place. We always knew we might be in this position.”

Enfield Town: Wright; Leonard (Chukwu 92), Benjamin, Hawkins, Thompson, Stallard; Peake, Youngs (Kasimu 85), Sidwell, Parcell;
Dillon (Bates 77),

After a rollercoaster campaign, Enfield Town’s season has come down to the last two games but let the party begin tomorrow.

As we all know, a point at sixth-placed Boreham Wood would complete a remarkable Great Escape that seemed highly unlikely a few weeks ago but which is now very much in our hands.

Even if we slip up against full-time opponents who are four points off the lead in the race for promotion, Hemel Hempstead will secure our National League South status if they avoid defeat against St Albans, sending the Saints down on what promises to be a nail-biting afternoon of drama.

Gavin Macpherson spent virtually the whole of Easter Sunday in management and player meetings, watching videos and talking to our analysts as he plans for the visit to near-neighbours Wood in the knowledge that our survival could otherwise potentially rest on the final-day showdown with title-chasing Worthing.

“We were below par against St Albans for much of the game but the mood is really good,” said Gavin. “We acknowledge Boreham Wood are full-time team who still have aspirations of winning the title and have a number of advantages over us. That’s why they so well financially backed.

“Their movement is excellent and we understand the magnitude of the task. But we’ve gone eight games unbeaten for a reason and I would rather put a point on the board regardless of what St Albans do.”

Gavin insists he won’t be looking over his shoulder at scorelines involving St Albans and Salisbury though the fans will probably let him know. “I can’t afford to do that. What will be will be elsewhere. I have to detach myself from all of it. I know how football can turn on you.”

“But I’ll tell you this. If we do manage to achieve our goal tomorrow, we will still have a right go on Saturday. We owe that to our fans and to the clubs in and around Worthing at the top. I certainly wouldn’t let it be regarded as a free hit.”

But first things first. “I suspect Boreham Wood trained for the game which we obviously didn’t,” said Gavin whose only fresh injury concern is Bailey Brown who limped off on Friday and for whom a late call will be made.

Gavin admits to being mentally and physically drained after putting his all into plotting a survival course from day one.

“From start to finish, this has been immeasurably harder than anything we achieved last season. There are managers out there who hope we stay in this league for their own reasons. If we do, it will be the club’s biggest ever achievement.”

AW

Important Footnote:

Tomorrow’s game is strictly segregated. Town fans are requested to enter through the turnstiles at the SOUTH end of the ground

Commentary will be provided by Michael on the following link from 2.50:

https://mjl99.mixlr.com

Enfield Town 1 St Albans City 1

Report by Andrew Warshaw

Enfield Town moved ever closer to the Great Escape as we extended our unbeaten run to eight games watched by a  record crowd of 2,499 who produced a sizzling Good Friday atmosphere for our biggest fixture of the season.

While nothing is yet officially decided, there is little doubt that the result suited Town much more than St Albans and we now need just a point to secure our National League South status.

Hopefully that will come at Boreham Wood on Monday but even if we slip up, we will get over the line anyway if St Albans – still six points behind us –  fail to beat arch-rivals Hemel Hempstead on the same afternoon while Salisbury dropping more points could also work in our favour.

Gavin Macpherson made a single change from the win at Chelmsford, Adam Thompson replacing Charlie Stallard in front of an expectant attendance crammed into three sides of the stadium with the new stand still under construction.

With so much at stake, however, the action on the pitch didn’t quite match the big build-up or sense of occasion.

To be fair St Albans were the more composed side for large parts and had the best player on the pitch in on-loan teenage winger Olly Davis.

The visitors twice should have gone in front early  doors. Sean Jeffers beat the offside trap but shot tamely with only Joe Wright to beat. Then Joe palmed away Davis’ effort after the Ipswich loanee cut in from the left.

At the other end, Cian Dillon screwed his shot wide when presented with a golden chance by Bailey Brown’s superb defence-splitting pass.

The deadlock was broken on 17 minutes when a long throw was allowed to bounce across the Enfield box and Zane Banton rifled the ball home at the far post.

The lead only last five minutes, however. A teasing Billy Leonard cross got St Albans skipper and keeper Michael Johnson in all kinds of a muddle under pressure from Dillon who got the last touch.

Former Towner Ken Charles struck another warning shot across our bows while Davis, when clean through, thankfully took too heavy a touch.

Mickey Parcell went into the referee’s book for illegally trying to halt another forward run by the impressive Ipswich loanee but it wasn’t all one way as Jack Bates, perhaps our most potent weapon the day, forced Michael Johnson into a decent stop at the second attempt.

H-T 1-1

After a breathless first half, neither side could fashion enough creativity to find a winner though St Albans continue to pose the greater threat with some neat interplay. Charles, leaning back, shot over, then forced Wright into a sprawling stop.

But Town’s vastly improving defence was in no mood to be punctured a second time, the back three again showing why they have proved so crucial in recent weeks.

And twice we could have won it late on. A fierce Bates drive was too hot to handle for Johnson who just managed to clear the rebound from two on-rushing Town players. Then Brown played a one-two with Dillon, only for his chip to land inches wide of the post when it looked for all the world to have nestled in the corner.

Ultimately a lack of composure cost us but in the scheme of things, a draw was no bad outcome.

Bottom at New Year, a point at Boreham Wood on Monday will, miraculously, seal the deal while anything but a St Albans’ win will also maintain our National League South status.

What a party that would prompt next Saturday when we host title-chasing Worthing for a climax that could end up with both clubs celebrating respective achievements.

“St Albans were always going to push us,” said Gavin. “Scrappy game and we were below par if I’m honest. We would have ideally liked to have got it done before two incredibly difficult games but if you can’t win, make sure you don’t lose. I can’t fault their battling qualities but maybe the occasion got to a few of them and they’re going to have to snap of that very quickly.”

“It’s squeeky bum time but St Albans have got to pick up maximum points and Salisbury have got to get at least three so were still in the driving seat.”

Enfield (3-5-2)

Wright; Benjamin, Thompson, Hawkins; Leonard, Bates (Sidwell, 80), Brown (Stallard 92), Parcell, Peake (Knight 66); Youngs, Dillon (Chukwu 87)

Today’s crunch fixture with St Albans could well sell out.

Any supporters wishing to come to the game (kickoff 3pm) and who have not yet bought tickets are advised to do so asap in advance as we cannot guarantee on-the-gate sales

The ticket link is:

https://enfieldtownfc.ktckts.com/event/245match22/enfield-town-vs-st-albans-city

Play without pressure. That will be the message Gavin Macpherson imparts to his players when they step out tomorrow afternoon for our biggest game since that euphoric play-off final just under a year ago.

A seven-match unbeaten run has put us in the box seat for the Great Escape which will be sealed with victory over St Albans in front of  what is expected to be a crowd upwards of 2,000.

Anyone who hasn’t yet bought a ticket in advance is advised to do rather than pay on the gate for what will be another momentous “I was there” occasion if we manage to preserve our National League South status (link at bottom).

With two more outings thereafter, even a draw would maintain our six-point lead over St Albans and also keep our noses in front of Salisbury who are also battling for survival.

What we definitely don’t want is our inferior goal difference to end up ultimately playing a part.

 “We all know the permutations of winning the game,” said Gavin. “It would far surpass anything this club has ever done. There are no trophies or medals on offer but it would be bigger than what we experienced almost a year ago.”

“To be honest I’m very surprised St Albans are where they are. At the start of the season I thought they might be in a playoff position. Both of us are fighting for our lives so I expect both sides to leave everything on the pitch. It’s impossible for me to have shielded the boys from what this game is about but the message will be to play without pressure given what they have achieved in recent weeks.”

Gavin admits that retaining our Step 2 status in front of our own fans tomorrow would be extra special rather than have to wait till Easter Monday at Boreham Wood, pending results that day. Nor does  anyone want it to  come down to our final-day showdown at home to title contenders Worthing.

“Ideally you want to maintain your status as quickly as you can,” said Gavin. “If that is at home, it puts the cherry on the cake. It will be terrific to have the majority of the supporters behind us. They’ve been superb all season, filling the away end on a regular basis.”

In terms of team news, John Oyenuga is the only confirmed absentee because of private matter known for weeks. Everyone else is fit to go including the returning Adam Thompson.

“Let’s not forget, St Albans is not quite a winner-takes-all situation,” said Gavin. “If we don’t get the points, we go again. We can talk till the cows come home about what might or might not happen but the fact is, it’s in our hands. The plan is to get it sorted so we don’t have to worry about the last two games.”

https://enfieldtownfc.ktckts.com/event/245match22/enfield-town-vs-st-albans-city

AW

Sell-Out Crowds Expected for St Albans and Worthing

We’re anticipating full houses for our upcoming matches against St Albans and Worthing. To make your journey smoother, we strongly encourage using public transport. Here are the closest options:  

– Bus Stop ‘Cambridge Gardens Stops U & Z’, Great Cambridge Road – 390m-460m, 5-6 min walk  

– Bus Stop ‘Baynes Close Stops C & M’, Carterhatch Lane – 440m-460m, 5-6 min walk  

– Bus Stop ‘Ladysmith Road/Carterhatch Lane Stop D’, Carterhatch Lane – 800m, 10 min walk  

– Enfield Town Station, Southbury Road – 1.7km, 21 min walk  

– Southbury Station, Southbury Road – 1.9km, 25 min walk  

Cycle to the Game!

With the fantastic weather we’re having, why not ride to the match? Take advantage of our onsite bike racks and enjoy the fresh air.

Your Guide to Borehamwood Away

Boreham Wood Football Club has released ticket information for visiting supporters attending an upcoming match at the Mangata Pay UK Stadium, Meadow Park. With a limited allocation for away fans, here’s everything you need to know to secure your spot and plan your visit.

Ticket Allocation and Pricing

A total of 1,250 spectator seats are available for away supporters, with 359 covered seats in the West Stand allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. The remaining allocation consists of uncovered standing areas along the South and South East terraces. Ticket prices are as follows:

• Adult: £18.00 (pre-match day), £20.00 (match day)
• OAP (Over 65): £16.00 (pre-match day), £18.00 (match day)
• Under 20: £10.00 (pre-match day), £12.00 (match day)
• Under 14*: £6.00 (pre-match day), £8.00 (match day)
• Under 5*: £2.00 (pre-match day and match day)
  *Must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets can be pre-purchased for away supporters through the following link: www.borehamwoodfootballclub.co.uk/away-tickets-2. For any ticketing inquiries, contact the ticket office at ticketofficer@borehamwoodfootballclub.co.uk or call 020 8953 5097.

Important Notes for Away Supporters

Boreham Wood FC has clarified that they do not provide complimentary tickets for visiting players or staff and will not request any for their own away games. For more detailed information for visiting supporters, check the club’s match centre: www.borehamwoodfootballclub.co.uk/match-centre.

Parking Information

Supporters are advised to park at Brook Road car park (postcode: WD6 5HH), accessible via the South Stand Turnstiles. Note that parking charges may apply. Alternatively, parking is available at the Hertsmere Council Civic car park (WD6 1WA), a 5-minute walk from the stadium, though charges may also apply there.

Fans must complete the car parking list at least 48 hours before the fixture. The club emphasizes that the car park is managed by an external organization, and failure to provide vehicle registration numbers may result in a penalty.

Plan your visit to Mangata Pay UK Stadium and cheer on your team with these essential details!