Enfield Town go into their first home game of 2026, weather permitting, buoyed by Joe Wright re-signing between the sticks but at the same time no longer being able to call on the exciting talents of Olly Davis.

After three straight defeats, halting the losing run is paramount as we attempt to start moving away from the danger zone by hopefully securing a much-needed double over Tonbridge Angels following the second successive postponement of our match against Hampton and Richmond.

Last Saturday’s last-gasp defeat at Totton was hard to take for everyone who was there especially given the display was much improved from the two previous losses.

Gavin admitted that losing both Cian Dillon and Joe Kizzi in a matter of days had taken its toll on recent performances.

“I’m not making excuses but they were both catalysts in terms of what we were hoping going forward. Both were so crucial in their own right,” said Gav. “It may be hard for some people to imagine that two players could have that  much of an effect. Finding clones of those two, even on loan, is near impossible.”

But with virtually half the campaign still to go there is plenty of optimism in the camp that last season’s survival act can be repeated.

“We went through something similar last season but at no point did I ever think we were down as others may have thought,” said a defiant Gavin. “It’s just not in my nature. But I want to get this out there: at this club, which we all love, to bring in the right players at this level can be desperately difficult for well established reasons.”

It is very much hoped that Joe, in his third spell at the club between the sticks after no fewer than five other keepers have had a go this season, can help push us up the table. “Joe knows the club inside out and is a big influence in the dressing room.”

Having opted for Rhys Forster at the start of the season, Gavin opened up further on the rationale behind bringing Joe back after a stint at Step 3 Aveley.

“In the summer, I felt that since they both played their part last season it was important to recognise that. I understand why Joe made the decision he did after I couldn’t guarantee anything at the time. When Rhys left, we had a long-term option with Tom Norcott but him getting injured was an unexpected blow.”

“Then we had George, who also got injured, and Hubert which was something of a quick fix. We simply couldn’t go on like that.  Joe and I have talked about what happened in the summer and I’m confident he will be one of the players who drives us on to where we need to be.”

As for Olly Davis, who had just broken into the starting eleven – much to many supporters’ delight – there is some surprise that he has opted to switch to Hemel Hempstead in the same division.

“Quite simply, Hemel made in an official approach and Olly weighed everything up and agreed to go,” Gavin disclosed. “I’m disappointed to lose Olly but not IN Olly. I understand how football works.”

Explaining the detailed thinking behind how Olly, who started a number of games on the bench until recently, was employed, Gavin added: “He’s a maverick type of player. To find that sort of player given our position, you need time to find a way to fit him into the right place in the team in terms of strengths and weaknesses. He had made that transition and I want to tell the fans we did absolutely everything we could to try and keep him.”

Andrew Warshaw

Important footnote:

FREE ENTRY TO ENFIELD TOWN FC FOR ALL PUBLIC SERVICE WORKERS

We are inviting all home and away supporters who work in Public Services with free entry on Saturday.

Just bring your work ID with you to the side gate by the turnstiles for complimentary access to the game. The event is an opportunity for the club to say “thank you” to those who work in essential services.

Eligibility for Free Entry Free admission is available to all those employed in public services, including: ▪️NHS and Care sector, ▪️Ambulance Service, ▪️Postal Service, ▪️Police Service, ▪️Prison and Probation Services, ▪️Fire Brigade Service, ▪️Councils, ▪️Schools, ▪️Nurseries and Colleges Transport Services, ▪️HM Forces, ▪️Voluntary Sector Organisations

On the Day: Entry can also be gained on production of appropriate Work ID at the gate on match day.