Enfield Town 2 Welling 0

Report by Andrew Warshaw

Three straight wins, three clean sheets, five unbeaten. Whisper it quietly, survival is suddenly in our own hands though no-one is yet getting carried away.

In an electrifying atmosphere reminiscent of our playoff campaign last season, Enfield Town produced one their most effective displays of the season on Tuesday just when it mattered most —  after the ground staff worked miracles on the pitch, including a healthy layer of sand in one goalmouth.

Sam Youngs’ 14^th goal of the season in all competitions and Anointed Chukwu’s first ever in National League South — particularly sweet given it was against his old club – got us over the line and closed the gap on Welling to two points with a game in hand.

No wonder the team and management were cheered to the rafters at the final whistle.

With John Oneyuga still ill and Xavier Benjamin playing out the last in the three-game suspension, Micky Parcell moved into the back three while up front Chukwu was paired with Hisham Kasimu, the latter making his first start in his second spell in a Town shirt.

The plan worked a treat with both strikers giving the Welling defence no peace though the architect of our victory was undoubtedly Jack Bates, whose deliveries from virtually every Town corner caused panic in the visitors’ defence – just as his freekick did at Aveley on Saturday. What an acquisition Jack looks like being until the end of the season.

Welling’s main threat on the night came from the experienced James Alabi but most of the goalmouth action was in his own team’s box.

Town should have been in front on 10 minutes when  Welling keeper Rhys Lovett, who had a tough night, managed to claw away a Youngs header from a pinpoint Bates corner, only to miss the ball completely when it was played back in. Luckily for him, Kasimu somehow stabbed wide from three yards.

Rhys Forster, who had little to do of note for most of the evening, gave Town fans kittens with one of those daring dribbles out of his area but just managed to prevent being closed down.

At the other end, a deep Bates corner appeared to hit the underside of the bar before yet another delicious set-piece very nearly saw Wingate skipper Dave Winfield put through his own net, only for a goal-line clearance  to spare his blushes.

But eight minutes before the break, Town broke the deadlock with the same combination that won us the game at Aveley. This time it was a Bates’ corner but the result was the same as Youngs scooped home a header.

Whenever Welling did venture forward, Town invariably got bodies on the line, one counter in particular producing three successive blocks. And just before the interval, Forster made himself big to preserve the lead in a one-on-one with Don Martin following Welling’s best move of the half.

H-T 1-0

Town were good value for their lead and needed to maintain their energy levels and make their superiority count even further.

But every team has a spell at some point and now it was Welling’s turn to push forward following a halftime rocket from their manager who turned the air blue in the dressing room with some choice language.

A Wings penalty shout for handball was turned down while neat interplay between Dan Quick and Jayden Davies screamed out for a final touch that wasn’t there.

But just as Welling threatened an equaliser, Town doubled their lead against the run of play  – something they hadn’t managed to achieve for weeks on end.

 And what a special moment it was for Anointed who looked like he had got the ball stuck under his foot, only to hold off his man and shoot across goal into the corner (pictured), reward for having worked tirelessly throughout.

 The goal completely knocked the wind out of Welling and Town might well have extended their lead. Kasimu, making his first start in any match since October because of injury and who will surely get fitter, shot wide of goal after great combination play with his fellow marksman.

“The fans took me right back to some of the vibe from last season,” said Gavin Macpherson afterwards. “They more than played their part and we’re going to need them.”

“We should have been out of sight by halftime but Welling are a combative team.  I’m so pleased for Chuk because that’s exactly what we’ve been working on in training with him, getting that touch away from the defender. As for Jack, I knew what I was signing when Alfie Tuck left. He’s having to adapt but is a technician.”

“What’s behind this run? Maybe we’re now gelling better. Relationships don’t happen overnight. It’s going to be a fight to the finish but no-one is daring to dream ‘cos we’re still in the bottom four and until we’re safe I won’t be satisfied.”

Town: Forster, Parcell, Thompson, Hawkins, Leonard, Brown, Bates, Youngs (Smith 89), Stallard, Chukwu (Hutchinson 83), Kasimu (Whittaker 74).

Can we make it three wins in row and stretch our unbeaten run to five in arguably the most important fixture of the season?

That’s the question on everyone’s lips as we welcome Welling United to the Dave Bryant stadium on Tuesday, weather again permitting, hoping to close the gap on the Wings to two points with exactly one third of the season to play.

With Saturday’s narrow victory at Aveley still fresh in the memory, belief is quietly growing that the Great Escape is a distinct possibility, adding to the sense of anticipation.

Although Xavier Benjamin sits out the last in a three-game suspension, it says a good deal about the versatility of an increasingly settled squad that we have won both matches without him as we approach the business end of the campaign.

“We are currently 7^th in the division’s form guide and are probably going to have maintain being in the top ten places until the end of the season,” said Gavin Macpherson. “Hopefully we’re now getting the desired effect of the changes we’ve had to make. We’re in a position where we’re more settled with a solid foundation even if we lack quality in certain positions. Everyone knows we aren’t scoring enough goals.”

“I know it’s been in upturn in the last four games but in all honesty we should have taken 12 points instead of eight. But we want to continue the current run and we need the supporters more than ever. People talk about the playoffs last season but this is a far bigger achievement if we can somehow pull it off.”

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Aveley 0 Enfield Town 1

Report by Andrew Warshaw

Enfield Town’s survival hopes took another significant boost as we ground down fellow strugglers Aveley to secure our first back-to-back haul of the season and close the gap on Welling.

Whilst we had to rely on Rhys Forster for a number of excellent saves to keep us in the game and then, once again, on Sam Youngs to provide the winner, the reaction of the players and travelling fans at the final whistle said everything about what the result meant in the context of the table.

It also set us up for the mother of all six-pointers against Welling on Tuesday as we try to claw our way to safety.

Town’s defence was reinforced by the return of Adam Thompson and boy, how we needed him. Although we carved out the first big chance through Jake Hutchinson, Aveley, beaten only once in their previous eight home games, controlled much of the rest of the first half.

Not once, not twice but four times in that opening period, Forster came to the rescue as Aveley looked the more fluent side and peppered our goal, David Hicks and Raz Coleman showing particular technique.

But it was certainly not all one way traffic. Anointed Chukwu, playing alongside Hutchinson and arguably enjoying his best afternoon yet in a Town shirt at least in terms of power and strength, charged 40 yards upfield  before playing in Billy Leonard who should have returned the compliment rather than trying to score himself.

 On their familiar artificial surface, it was easy to see why Aveley’s possession-based game had troubled a number of visiting teams and they thought they had broken the deadlock when hesitation on the touchline by John Oyenuga allowed Coleman to get a shot away, only for a fine block by Henry Hawkins to avert the danger.

The hosts were being allowed too much space in front our back three. Just before halftime, Forster was on hand again, this time to keep out Tyrese Owen following a quickfire four-man move, while at the other end, Chukwu couldn’t quite find the net from a tight angle.

H-T 0-0

Several times this season, we have rued missed chances and not getting what we deserved.

Now the boot was on the other foot. With virtually his first touch, halftime substitute Jack Bates – who had replaced the ill Oyenuga – marked his Town debut with a superbly delivered freekick on 52 minutes to find Youngs whose glancing header gave the keeper no chance.

Three minutes later an unsavoury touchline melee involving Chukwu and a string of Aveley players resulted a booking for each side, in Town’s case  Anointed who was unfairly deemed at fault after having his shirt pulled for the umpteenth time.

As Aveley pressed for an equaliser, they were thwarted by two terrific Town headers out of defence and by their own Harry Beadle fluffing a clear header.

But this was one day when we were not to be denied, typified by Forster’s  man of the match display. And we could have even added a second late on when Hisham Kasimu, off the bench on his return to the club, ran through but couldn’t control his footing.

“We’ve got to keep going because Aveley are good enough to come and catch us,” said Gavin. “If I’m honest it was one of the worst performances for a long time in terms of lack of quality but we’re certainly going in the right direction.”

“Desire and workrate got us through because they play their surface very well.  I made the halftime change because John was sick and probably shouldn’t have played. Jack Bates is a good technician and is settling in nicely. We’ve played much better and lost games and were indebted to Rhys at times but I’ll take that.”

Town

Forster; Oyenuga (Bates, 46), Thompson, Hawkins; Stallard, Brown (Smith, 82), Parcell, Youngs, Leonard; Hutchinson, Chukwu (Kasimu, 80)

Enfield Town go into a crucial four-day period tomorrow boosted by the arrival of two new signings including one familiar face.

Town’s trip to Aveley, followed by Tuesday’s home clash with Welling, represent arguably our most important double header of the season as we look to build on the win over Farnborough last time out.

Gavin  Macpherson confirmed at Thursday’s AGM that Lennon Peake’s meniscus tear will rule him out for at least another month while we are still of course without Dylan Adjei-Hersey plus the suspended Xavier Benjamin. Bailey Brown, meantime, is nursing a dislocated shoulder but trained on Thursday.

On the flipside, the dressing room has been given a lift by the return of experienced striker Hisham Kasimu from his third spell at Farnborough and the arrival on loan until the end of the season of Worthing central midfielder Jack Bates who played 19 games for the Rebels this term.

French-born Hish joined us prior to our opening league game with Torquay United, scoring once and providing one assist in six appearances for the Towners before going back to Farnborough.

“The grass is not always greener and Hish has found that out the hard way,” said Gav. “He loved his time here and was desperate to come back and I’ve joked with him I expect 25 goals!  In terms of Jack, he’s an all-action player and has fitted in already.”

 “There’s right times to bring in players. We’re a bit light in the middle of the park plus I’ve made no secret about bringing in a centre-forward for many weeks.

“I want to make it clear these weren’t just willy nilly signings just because they happened to be available. We’ve had far too much of a revolving door this season.  You have to pick your positions to strengthen and to be careful with the profile of player.”

Back in October, Aveley won the corresponding fixture 4-2 at our place and with the Millers also fighting for survival, tomorrow promises to be a highly competitive affair.

“I’ve watched the videos of two of three of Aveley’s games over the last couple of days and they have more than enough attributes to hurt you,” said Gavin. “We’re away from home on an unfamiliar artificial surface and obviously they are equally desperate for points.”

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We are pleased to welcome central midfielder Jack Bates to the club, on a loan deal from Worthing until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old has made 19 appearances for the Rebels so far this season, and is described by his parent club as “an all-action midfield dynamo”. Jack has previous experience at this level with Bath City and Hemel Hempstead Town, and also counts Hastings United and Derby County among his other former sides.

Welcome, Jack!

We are pleased to announce that striker Hisham Kasimu has re-joined the club following his departure from Farnborough

Formerly of Sutton United, Farnborough and AFC Totton, where he scored 31 times in two seasons, the 27-year-old began the league season with us, scoring once and providing an assist in six appearances before departing for a third stint with Boro.

His availability is subject to the completion of his registration. Welcome back, Hish!

We were delighted to announce at last night’s AGM that planning permission has been granted by Enfield Council for our long-awaited ground improvements.

This means that we have been granted permission for the installation of our new 400-seater grandstand, as well as for three new turnstiles (work for which is already underway on the fencing at the A10 side of the ground). The official capacity of the Dave Bryant Stadium will also increase from 2,500 to 3,000. Permission has been granted on the proviso that an additional set of cycle parking racks are also put in place to serve the ground, as well as the removal of a cabin behind the existing turnstiles.

Many thanks to every one of you who have supported our project financially and by writing letters of support, to our planning consultants, and especially to vice-chairman Paul Millington, who has been the driving force behind our efforts to ensure the new infrastructure is in place before the National League’s deadline on March 31st.

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A quick reminder to all ETFC members that the club’s agm takes place tomorrow, Thursday, in Butler’s Bar at 7.30pm

As well as an update from the chairman and an opportunity to put your questions to the board on developments on and off the pitch, there will also be a Q and A with Gavin Macpherson and, hopefully, at least one player.

Enfield Town 1 Farnborough 0

Report by Andrew Warshaw

Sam Youngs’ first-half penalty earned a depleted Town a battling win over an out-of-sorts Farnborough side and gave our survival hopes a much-needed boost.

Gavin Macpherson, already without the suspended Xavier Benjamin, had to re-organise a second time an hour before kickoff when Adam Thompson pulled out because of urgent family business.

But the makeshift line-up, including the returning John Oyenuga in an unfamiliar back three role and debutant Charlie Stallard as wingback, did their team proud.

Stallard, who has been training with the club for a number of weeks, was originally due be among the subs but was promoted to the starting eleven when Adam had to withdraw, leaving us with only four on the bench.

Not for the first time, we had to rely on Sam and not for the first time from the penalty spot.  But while we again lacked fluency up front and had to hang on at the other end in the latter stages,  we could in fact have been out of sight after just 15 minutes.

Anointed Chukwu, restored to the starting eleven with Amaru Kaunda having returned to Cambridge, caught Farnborough off guard, only to see his shot saved by the legs of Jack Turner.

The Yellows, playing all in black, are bottom of the division’s form table and Turner again came to their rescue with a brilliant stop from Billy Leonard. As the ball spun into the air, Bayley Brown’s ferocious drive was cleared off the line.

It seemed poetic justice when Brown, who gave away that penalty in the final seconds a week ago at Weymouth, atoned for his error.

On 14 minutes he forced into way into the box and was chopped down by Olly Pendlebury. Up stepped Youngs to celebrate winning his January player of the month award by sending Turner the wrong way.

Minutes later, the visitors had a mighty let-off when Henry Hawkins’ header from a corner came back off the post and somehow rebounded to safety.

Farnborough didn’t threaten until late in the half through Aaron Kuhl, who collected a freekick, found space for himself and thrashed  a shot inches wide. Reggie Young also went close but Town fully deserved their halftime lead.

H-T 1-0

After a dominant first 45 minutes, we found the going tougher but not before Youngs, with twinkle toes precision, forced a corner from which he arrived at the near post but couldn’t quite find the target.

From then on we had to dig in to maintain our advantage as Farnborough played through the lines. Richard Chin shot over after a rash attempted challenge by the otherwise impeccable Hawkins, then Chin stung the hands of Forster.

Yet for all their forward forays and umpteen long throws by skipper Ollie Robinson into our box, Farnborough didn’t test Rhys enough.

In fact, we had the chance to wrap things up twice through Chukwu. First the goal opened up for him, only for the ball to be smuggled clear. Then he chased down a clearance but didn’t have the pace to go on and finish and ran out of legs (pictured).

We almost paid the price right at the death. In a hearts in mouth moment, man of the match Oyenuga – who excelled on his return – dived full length with a goal-saving header four yards out to make sure that this time we held on to the points, Town fans breathing a collective sigh of relief.

The sight of Bailey Brown clutching his shoulder at the finish didn’t augur well given our absentees but Gav was understandably proud of his troops while, conversely, a section of the Farnborough fans called for their manager’s head after eight winless games.

“We had to show battling qualities with a completely makeshift back three,” Gav said. “We had to shuffle the pack twice and the boys were brilliant to be as resilient as they were. I’ve got to take my hat off to John Oyenuga coming in and playing out of position.”

“Having said that, we should have been out of sight at halftime on chances and in the second half, they spun the ball better than us. Overall we should have got nine points from the last three games and haven’t but it’s shown me we’re not far off.”

Town

Forster; Oyenuga, Hawkins, Payne; Stallard, Parcell, Youngs, Brown (Smith, 90), Leonard; Chukwu, Hutchinson (Whittaker, 90)

They may be winless in seven league games and have failed to triumph away since mid-October but Gavin Macpherson remembers only well the danger Farnborough Town, our opponents on Saturday, posed in the corresponding game earlier in the season.

Farnborough beat us comfortably 4-1 and while they have tailed off somewhat in recent weeks, Gavin is under no illusions about what could lie in store – especially given our absentees.

Town go into the game still without Dylan Adjei-Hersey while Lennon Peake remains on the sidelines, Xavier Benjamin starts the first of a three-game ban and Amaru Kaunda has returned to Cambridge United. Not ideal but as ever, that gives an opportunity to others to stake a claim.

For their part Farnborough have just brought in 19-year-old AFC Bournemouth youth striker Jonny Stuttle, who played at Aldershot for the last eight weeks, while Hisham Kasimu, a familiar face to Town fans, has left the Yellows despite the club wanting him to stay. The visitors also have Fionn Mooney who at one stage in November seemed about to play for us, only to choose Farnborough instead.

The postponement of the Eastbourne game in midweek allowed us to have an extra training session to, as Gav put it, “implement some more strategy” for the visit of Farnborough.

“For me, when we played them before, even now they remain one of the best teams we have played all season,” said Gav. “Lots of clubs lose form but it will be a temporary blip for them. For us, no game is easy. Losing Xav tomorrow means losing a player who goes into the trenches for you but there are others in the same bracket.”

 Following back-to-back draws — both games we should have won — it’s getting to the point where we cannot afford to be cast further adrift.

 “Failing to win when you should do definitely hurts. Sure as time goes on the credibility factor (of getting out of this) comes into play,” said Gav.  “But I’m not one to give up and the supporters last Saturday at Weymouth were yet again superb, clapping us off even though they must have been gutted.”

To such an extent that Gavin had to pull a crestfallen Bailey Brown out of the dressing room to join the rest of the team in the usual end-of-match show of thanks.

“Bailey was upset over his mistake and to his credit his mood showed how much he cares. But at the same time there were people on the terraces who had paid good money.”

“Let’s not detract from the difficulty we find ourselves in. We are going to have to put together an incredible run of form but there is no element of throwing in the towel, not on my watch.

“We spoke about the fans in training on Thursday. I realise this hasn’t been the season they would have wanted but the majority have a balanced view about how tough this was going to be for a club of our structure. However difficult this has been, we need them to find that extra piece of resilience in the remaining games especially at home. It gives us all a lift and we’ll do our best on the pitch to fuel their enthusiasm.”

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