Hampton and Richmond Borough 1 Enfield Town 0

Report By Andrew Warshaw

Enfield Town’s travelling faithful gave Gavin Macpherson a fitting farewell in the spring sunshine as the 2025-6 season drew to a close after eight challenging months.

Amid something of a party atmosphere, with many Town fans in fancy dress, the game was almost incidental in comparison with the occasion, Gavin’s name sung with gusto as he took a final bow in the dugout and, afterwards, soaked up the adulation in front of the away end together with his staff and players.

Indeed, any neutral fan might have wondered whether Town had been promoted rather than relegated such was the outpouring of affection, testimony to Gavin’s popularity after three years at the helm.

Sadly there was no big finish on the pitch, Town unable to repeat last weekend’s thrashing of Slough as they went down by a single goal to finish the campaign one place off the bottom of National League South.

Shorn of the likes of Sam Youngs, Mickey Parcell and Adam Thompson, all injured, Town were missing one heap of experience and had to name no fewer than four academy players on the bench.

Ruaridh Donaldson was handed the captain’s armband against his former club, whose fans gave him a warm welcome, whilst Billy Leonard again started up front in his 100^th appearance for the club, this time alongside the returning Lamar Reynolds.

With neither side having a whole lot to play for, it was inevitably an encounter of few clearcut chances, rather something of an end-of-season sparring match.

Having said that, Town were mainly on the back foot and largely indebted to the defence for breaking up Hampton’s forward forays and clearing their lines at vital moments.

Hampton had already twice gone close when, on 32 minutes, the woodwork came to our rescue as a lobbed Aaron Lacey volley looped over Joe Wright and on to the crossbar. 

Town had another let-off when Max Kretzschmar seemed certain to score, only for Paul Appiah’s brilliant block to keep the scores level.

We had not offered a huge amount going forward but suddenly put together a 10-minute spell of pressure, notably a delicious ball from Henry Hawkins inside the fullback that was pulled across goal by Nino Adom-Malaki, only for Reynolds to miss a tap-in from four yards out.

H-T 0-0

It was virtually Henry’s final action of the game as he limped off painfully to be replaced by Yacou Traore.

Town had to re-organise and moved Adom-Malaki further forward as Ollie Knight gave way to Jay Lambert. But on 64 minutes we fell behind. Bailey Brown flew into a challenge and when the referee played the advantage and Traore hesitated, Reece Grego-Cox pounced to score with an angled drive.

As Town chased the game, Eli Ackeson, not for the first time, made an eye-catching if not decisive contribution off the bench while Donaldson stung the hands of Marcus Dewhurst.

But it was Hampton who came closest to a second rather than us equalising, Joe Wright pulling off two smart saves and another home effort finding the roof of the net.

All that was left was for players and management to milk the appreciative applause from the Town fans and return the compliment in equal measure — tinged obviously with the huge disappointment of losing our Step 2 status.

Gavin was virtually the last man off the pitch and in his final interview admitted he had a lump in his throat after a special but sad day.

“I was quite emotional if I’m brutally honest,” said Gavin who revealed Mickey Parcell as well as himself had made short speeches in the dressing room, thanking not only the players and wider management but also the likes of Neil Butterfield.

“Obviously we haven’t been good enough but I can’t fault the players for effort over the season,” said Gavin. “As for the fans I’ve said before they gave me every reason to stay at this football club.”

 “I suspect other managers in my position up and down the land will be having a completely different experience to what I got today. We’ve lost 1-0 and I had people asking me to change my mind. That says everything about the supporters’ commitment to the club and my  decision to come here in the first place. I’ll be for ever grateful and wish who ever takes over from me the very best.”

Town

Wright; Benjamin (Cann 84), Appiah, Hawkins (Traore 46), Adom-Malaki; Knight (Lambert, 56), Donaldson, Brown, Bullas (Ackeson 67); Leonard, Reynolds (Efobi 67)

Gavin Macpherson takes charge of Enfield Town for the final time tomorrow, marking the end of an era after three seasons at the club.

Ahead of the lunchtime visit to Hampton and Richmond Borough (ko 12.30) , Gavin and his management team were taken out by the entire squad for a farewell dinner at an Enfield restaurant on Thursday night following the season’s last training session.

“We trained a bit earlier than usual, then went to get some food. It was a lovely gesture,” said Gavin.

Despite the emotional upheaval of leaving the club, Gavin is anxious to maintain as much normality as possible before kickoff. “We have a Saturday routine and it won’t change. I’ll buy my staff breakfast and we’ll make final preparations for the game.”

Just like last Saturday’s final home game, Gav is bound to be given a rapturous ovation by the travelling Town faithful. Will he have a lump in his throat?

“It was probably harder in front of our home fans last week and again driving away from the ground after training for the last time than it will be tomorrow.  I had a good look round the place if I’m honest before I drove off. However I don’t see it as a bereavement, I see it as lots of good memories.”

Although Corie Andrews has been recalled by Maidenhead and Sam Youngs is unavailable because of the ankle injury picked up against Slough, Town at least expect Lemar Reynolds to return.

Gavin is banking on the attitude being right for the final fixture of his three-year tenure.

“ I want to follow up the Slough result with another strong performance. All I can do is compel them to be as professional and committed as they can — and the same applies to my management team. The fans have given me every reason to stay at this football club. It made my decision 100 times harder. I know they will give whoever takes over from me the same support.

AW

We can confirm that forward Corie Andrews has been recalled by parent club Maidenhead United.

Corie made 19 appearances for Enfield Town, scoring once away to Ebbsfleet United, and providing four assists.

We thank Corie for his efforts while on loan and wish him well for the future.

Huge congratulations to all the recipients of our end-of-season awards which took place in Butlers’ Bar following our final home game against Slough Town last Saturday.

Just like last season, Sam Youngs collected the Supporters’ Player of the year award and this time also picked up the Manager’s Player.  Again like last season, Sam also won the Golden Boot prize having scored 14 league goals.

Other awards went to Henry Hawkins (Players’ Player) while Michael Lacquiere picked up the club person accolade for his invaluable and highly rated match commentaries.

And who can forget club captain Mickey Parcell who was given a special shirt for having played 300-plus games for the club.

Congrats one and all …

Supporters’ Player – Sam Youngs

Manager’s Player – Sam Youngs

Players’ Player – Henry Hawkins

Golden Boot – Sam Youngs

Club Person – Michael Lacquiere

Enfield Town 5 Slough Town 2

Report By Andrew Warshaw

Amid highly emotional scenes in their final home game after two seasons at Step 2, Enfield Town gave outgoing manager Gavin Macpherson a rousing sendoff as they crushed Slough Town with a five-goal second half blitz.

As we all know now, Gavin, who took Town into National League South for the first time in their history, is stepping aside after three years at the helm but could not have wished for a better farewell on and off the pitch.

After Xav Benjamin had won player of the month for April, bogey side Slough, who came into the game with almost equally poor form as Town, edged the opening period and had two or three decent chances before going in front on 35 minutes through fullback Erion Zabeli.

Dan Roth had already issued a warning shot by striking the outside of the post after a surging run through the middle of the pitch but Zabeli’s goal was a microcosm of our season as he wasnt’s picked up after a routine delivery.

The goal came just as Sam Youngs’ season came to a sad end as he picked up a nasty-looking ankle injury which swelled up instantly. Sam had to be helped down the tunnel and was replaced by Bailey Brown.

H-T 0-1

Town had huffed and puffed and without Sam, whose 14 league goals again left him as our top scorer, it was hard to see how we would get back into the game especially without the still sidelined Lamar Reynolds.

But whatever was said at halftime, the second half of Gavin’s final home will always be remembered as fondly as the manager himself as we ruthlessly dispatched the Rebels, defying our long season of frustration in the final third.

The comeback started on 53 minutes as Nino Adom-Malaki’s long throw fell loose at the back post for Billy Leonard, who excelled on the day in an unfamiliar role alongside Corie Andrews up top, to shoot home.

Now the momentum shifted – dramatically so. Hayden Bullas finished off a superb move by firing narrowly wide but with 12 minutes remaining, Town grabbed the lead. Nino was again involved as a magnificent reverse ball found substitute Kaobi Efobi and the young academy forward couldn’t believe his luck as he tapped home.

Town had the bit between their teeth but were suddenly pegged back. Jaiden Drakes-Thomas went down theatrically in the box after the softest of touches by Benjamin and when a spotkick was awarded, Johnny Goddard confidently slammed it home.

 Cue a sensational finale, described by the Slough manager as his players letting the whole club down but for Town a deserved send-off for Gavin and his management team.

With the clock ticking towards 90 minutes and a draw seemingly looming, Adom-Malaki used his body strength to leave his marker on the floor – much to the fury of the Slough bench – and Bullas made no mistake with the finish.

Town were still not done. Three minutes into six added on, Benjamin surged down the right and his cross was thrashed into the roof of the net by Brown, prompting wild celebrations by Xav.

And with virtually the last kick of the game, Henry Hawkins’ header came back off the woodwork and fellow defender Adam Thompson reacted quickest to complete a rapturous turnaround.

Afterwards, the extent to which Gavin has endeared himself to the Town faithful were there for all to see as Mickey Parcell, who had to miss out through injury, pushed a reluctant gaffer (pictured) towards the fans behind the goal to milk the jubilant applause.

It was a poignant moment that summed up Gav’s popularity. All that was left, despite our relegation, was for Gavin and his players to be given the warmest of ovations before later being loudly and enthusiastically greeted in the bar.

“Managers always talk about their supporters being the best  and while I don’t want to get over-soppy, they’ve been unbelievable,” said Gavin whose final game as Town boss is at Hampton next Saturday when the season winds up. “It’s way beyond what I imagined given the struggles this season. Unfortunately we havn’t achieved our ultimate aim but hopefully today sent them home with a smile on their faces.”

Gavin, who has never been relegated before, revealed that his backroom team are also leaving. “It’s been one hell of testing season and I can’t thank my management team enough for their tireless efforts and we all very sorry we were unable to achieve what we set out to. I just feel I’ve taken us as far as I can. I’m going to miss everyone terribly but so many factors came together and I believe things need a fresh pair  of eyes.”

Town

Wright; Appiah (Benjamin 72), Thompson, Hawkins, Adom-Malaki; Donaldson; Knight (Lambert 71), Youngs (Brown 36), Bullas; Leonard (Cann 95), Andrews (Efobi 71)

Gavin Macpherson admits it will be unchartered territory when he takes charge of Enfield Town for the final home game of his three-year tenure tomorrow.

Gavin’s resignation may have taken many by surprise but the outpouring of goodwill messages speaks volumes about his impact on the club — and he is determined to try and sign off with two wins, starting against  bogey side Slough Town before our final outing of the season at Hampton and Richmond in a week’s time.

“I don’t know how I’m going to feel tomorrow to be honest and it will certainly be strange to realise I won’t frequent that dugout,” said Gav. “The pitch staff will probably be quite pleased that I won’t be wearing out the technical area any longer!”

Gavin told the players of his decision a couple of days ahead of Thursday’s training session.

 “Training was pretty much run of the mill to be honest – well apart from some of them asking if they can now call me Gav instead of gaffer! In fact it was probably more relaxed than I’ve seen it at any time this season.”

That doesn’t mean the players are resigned to their fate and will just go through the motions. Rather, Gavin is expecting them to show as much professionalism as possible.

 “I told them in no uncertain fashion what I expect of them because I am absolutely desperate to win two football matches,” added Gav. “I’d rather we were not relegated of course but none of us want to finish bottom of the table.”

Henry Hawkins returns from suspension but Mickey Parcell and Lemar Reynolds are likely to be ruled out through injury.

“The fans have suffered this season so it’s important to restore just a little bit for them, it’s not about me,” said Gavin who revealed he has been completely taken aback by the number of goodwill messages.

“It’s been relentless. I never thought it would be so difficult to step aside. There are some incredibly sincere messages which I’m very grateful for. If I haven’t got back to all them, I certainly intend to.”

AW

It’s been a privilege to manage Enfield Town Football Club, and after taking everything into consideration, it is with a heavy heart I feel that it is the right time, for both me and the club, that I step away. Despite the board’s sincere efforts to persuade me to stay, I feel this is the moment for the club to reset and go again. I have absolute confidence that, with the right approach, Enfield Town FC can come back stronger. Anyone that truly understands me will know I’ve given everything.

I would like to thank Paul Reed and the board for giving me the opportunity to represent and manage this unique club. Thank you too to my management team, you have been magnificent and invaluable and will fully understand the decision I have made.

To the medical staff over the past three seasons — George, Jess, John and Laura — Ian and Billy from the Academy, the analytical staff, Gabriel, Andrew W and the wider media team, you have been exceptional.

Recognition must also be given to how hard Neil, Pete and the team have worked to make a massive difference to the pitch. Your hard work and dedication has been first class.

A special mention must go to Neil Butterfield. I’ll certainly miss the chats before and after training. Assisted by Kester and Mikey, your professionalism is unrivalled and showcases what’s best about this club. And to all the other staff and volunteers, thank you, you’ve been amazing and I will miss you all greatly.

That day in Kent will live long in my memory. I’m really proud of what we achieved together, winning that playoff final and with it promotion to the National League South for the first time in the club’s history when many thought it couldn’t be done.

On reflection, maintaining our Step 2 status was without doubt the club’s greatest on-field achievement when once again so many predicted it wouldn’t happen.

The league has proved much tougher again and although I’d hoped for an improvement I am sorry I haven’t been able to make that happen. I’ve been honest throughout my time, we all acknowledged the struggles we so clearly had in a league that continues to evolve year on year.

The players have always given everything and I must extend a personal thank you to them all. For those who were part of it, thanks for delivering in the biggest moments of the club’s history. In particular Scott, Mickey and Sam who have consistently led the team brilliantly, playing a massive role over the past three seasons.

To the fans, thank you for your overwhelming messages of support since I made my decision. The memories I have of you will always stay with me.

Thanks to all those who continued to support me, especially during and after some of the more difficult results. I’m truly humbled. You quite simply are the club.

If I’m free on a match day in the future I’d love to return as a fan and lend my support. But for now I sincerely wish everyone connected with the club every success in the future.

Best wishes,

Gavin

Enfield Town FC are inviting applications for the role of first team manager.

The preferred candidate will have experience managing at a similar level or higher, and be able to demonstrate a proven track record of success in their career to date.

Please send your CV and covering letter to chairman@etfc.london

The board can confirm that it has reluctantly accepted the resignation of Gavin Macpherson from his position as first team manager.

Gavin joined the club in May 2023 and bought immediate success in his opening season with our play-off victory at Chatham, securing promotion to Step Two for the first time in our history.  In our inaugural season in the National League South, he was able to rebuild the squad and guide us to a tremendous second half of the campaign which saw us stay up on the last day of the season; possibly an even bigger feat than our play-off success. This year, we again battled with clubs with much bigger resources than our own and ultimately fell short of achieving our goal of staying in the division.

Gavin has worked tirelessly alongside his coaching team over the past three years and his hard work, dedication and commitment to the club have been exemplary throughout his tenure. It was the board’s wish that Gav remain in charge for our return to Step Three, but having considered his position long and hard he feels that a complete reset of things is in the club’s best interests moving forward.  

The board are extremely grateful for all of Gavin’s efforts as manager. He brought us arguably the finest day in our history in our play-off win together with many other happy memories during his time with us. Aside from the first team, he has been instrumental in forming fantastic relationships with our youth team and academy and truly understands the unique nature of our club. During his three years he has built a tremendous relationship and rapport with our supporters and he will always be welcome at the Dave Bryant Stadium.

Gavin and his staff will remain in charge for the final two games of the season and we hope this will give supporters a chance to acknowledge his brilliant contribution to the club over the past three years.

Weston-super-mare 1 Enfield Town 0

Report by Andrew Warshaw

It was all too familiar territory and the same old story for Enfield Town on the Somerset coast yesterday – switching off at a crucial time after defending manfully coupled with an disappointing lack of quality at the other end.

Gavin Macpherson had called on his players to finish the campaign with pride but the fact we hardly created a worthwhile chance speak volumes about the paucity of attacking otions though perhaps on this occasion there were mitigating circumstances, with Lamar Reynolds injured, Jake Cass having departed and Eli Ackeson still away on trial.

Add in the fact that not one but two academy players were on the bench – one of whom had never been in the squad – and you get some idea of the resources at our disposal. It didn’t augur well and so it proved, the match ending with Sam Youngs virtually up front on his own.

Playoff-chasing Weston were desperate for points yet for large parts of the game were frustrated by a Town backline featuring the returning Adam Thompson who replaced the suspended Henry Hawkins.

With precious little fire power to call on, Town pushed Nino Adom-Malaki into a more advanced left-sided role but we rarely managed to hurt the Seagulls who invariably controlled the play.

They almost took the lead inside 60 seconds only for Louis Britton’s shot from six yards to be luckily fired straight into the gloves of Joe Wright.

As Town settled down, Weston’s crosses from wide areas were frequently overhit though a huge home penalty shout went unheeded when Don Bernard appeared to be impeded.

Joe got down well to push Michael Smith’s attempt round the post after he latched on to a neat backheel. But just when the Seagulls’ rushed approach seemed to be playing into Town’s hands, the hosts took the lead seconds before the interval.

One again it was a set-piece that did for us when a corner was flicked on into the six-yard area and Sam Avery nodded home, undermining all the solid defending that had gone before.

H-T

Joe was soon called into action to save again from Britton and Ollie Dewsbury, between which Luke Spokes curled an attempt over the bar. Scot Bennett then carved his way through but couldn’t beat Joe.

Town’s punchless predicament intensified when Billy Leonard, having been earlier hacked down with no help from the referee, had to limp off.

Corie Andrews, who worked hard but was largely ineffective, also suffered a knock and had already been subbed himself. As we tried to chase the game, young Kaobi Efobi came off the bench for his senior debut to add his weight — or rather lack of it – to the attack as we pushed for a late equaliser without success.

Chippenham being relegated with us after a decade at Step 2, and long-time participants Bath on the verge of the same fate, shows what a tough league this is,  however scant consolation that might be.

“We were lacking considerably in forward options and didn’t have much to shout about,” said Gavin. “Having said that I expected a bit more from one of two of them. I understand relegation has just happened  and that human nature kicks in to try and see the season out. But the fans applauding the players off the pitch today should give the players and the management team plenty of desire to want to win the last two games.”

Wright; Appiah, Benjamin, Thompson, Donaldson; Leonard (Efobi 84), Parcell, Bullas(Brown 75) , Adon-Malaki; Youngs, Andrews (Traore 58)