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/