Enfield Town FC

Report

Essex Senior Leaguers Walthamstow, managed by former Town player Max Mitchell, impressed – three days before their ’20-21 competitive season start in the FA Cup at home to London Lions.  Town looked a shade off the pace in comparison with recent matches.  Jon Muleba made his first appearance of pre-season following work commitments.

Walthamstow pressed from the off, and it took Town a while to get into the game. They then proceeded to have plenty of possession, but failed to really test Charlie Mann in the home goal.

George Lutaaya had a shot which was gathered relatively comfortably by Nathan McDonald, and then Mann got to the ball ahead of a trialist. The experienced Michael Toner shot just wide for the hosts.

In the 26th minute, the Stags took the lead when a trialist shot against an upright and Charncey Dash tucked away the rebound. After a Town effort had been cleared off the line, Mann was called into action again to preserve the hosts’ lead.

Half-time: 1-0

After the break it was the visitors who took the initiative, but they were pleased to see an offside flag rule out a header from a trialist.

With less than 15 minutes to play, Enfield were awarded a penalty when a prone home defender handled the ball at the feet of Junior Mubiayi, and Ryan Blackman stepped up to equalise with confidence. In response Tommy Fletcher headed wide Town hit the woodwork towards the end as the two sides settled for a draw, Sam Hatton having seen red for a dangerous challenge.

Town staring XI: Nathan McDonald, Jon Muleba, Josh Urquhart, Scott Thomas, Marc Weatherstone, Trialist, Lyle Della-Verde, Ryan Blackman, Trialist, Trialist, Trialist.  Substitutes: Alfie Bonfield, Sam Youngs, Sam Hatton, Trialist, Junior Mubiayi, Trialist. Youngs, Hatton and Mubiayi came on in the second half, along with two additional trialists.