Truro City 3 Enfield Town 1

Report By Andrew Warshaw

Gavin Macpherson made no excuses after keeping the players in the dressing room for 30 minutes with some “home truths” following this latest setback which only emphasised yet again the need for defensive reinforcements.

The fact it took the team over nine hours on Friday to get to Cornwall, in the process having to do away with the scheduled training session en route, should not detract from another frustrating collapse after we led at halftime courtesy of a peach of a strike from Michael Folivi, replacing the injured Hisham Kasimu.

It was particularly disappointing given that after weathering an early Truro storm in front of a 1,500-plus crowd at their new stadium, we grew into the game, quietened the crowd and were just starting to force the hosts into mistakes when we were picked off early in the second half and never recovered.

It didn’t help that a swirling wind made conditions exceptionally difficult in terms of ball control but it was the same for both sides and Truro coped better over the 90 minutes though Scott Thomas, by far our most accomplished performer on the day, led by example.

Lining up in a 4-1-4-1 formation to give us more width to make way for new signing lennon peake, signed from Hornchurch, we struggled initially to cope as Truro came firing out of the blocks. Twice Rhys Forster came to our rescue while Jaze Kabia outstripped our entire defence yet inexplicably fired wide.

Yet when Truro couldn’t make their early dominance count, it became a far more even contest as we gave as good as we got. Having already had a goal disallowed for a foul on the Tinners’ keeper, on 39 minutes we took the lead as Sam Youngs pounced on hesitancy in the final third and fed Folivi who unleashed a sublime right-foot curler that gave the keeper no chance (celebrations pictured).

H-T 0-1

It seemed to be the perfect response to Tuesday’s debacle against Slough but once again everything we had worked for was lost in the blink of an eye as Truro turned the game on its head in a quick-fire spell.

On 51 minutes, we failed to cut out three passes and when the ball landed at the feet of Seidou Sanogo, he produced an audacious back-heel that nestled in the corner.

Before we could recover we were undone by an even worse goal from a defensive standpoint as skipper Tyler Harvey – very much Truro’s main man who had already struck the bar in the first half – wasn’t picked up and headed home a freekick.

Suddenly, Truro had options all over the pitch and Gavin responded by switching formation and making a flurry of subs, the most encouraging being the introduction of Alex Solomon.

But even that couldn’t alter the scoreline in our favour. Instead Truro increased their lead as talisman Harvey swept the ball in at the near post with 15 minutes left as we failed to deal with a long throw.

 “We were actually allright for long periods but if you can’t defend your box, this league will find you out,” said Gavin who was as candid as he’s ever been. “We saw it on Tuesday and we saw it again. I’m accountable because I put this team together but they are not doing the things they’ve been asked to do.”

“I can’t blame the conditions or the journey down because we were ahead at halftime. There was no freak goal that blew back in the net, just bad defending. Their second goal in particular is beyond a joke, the kind of thing  you see on a Sunday morning.  

“We keep trying to put certain measures in place but the players – not all of them — keep making the same errors.  It’s now become a theme and my only conclusion is that I need to change but I have to go again on Monday with what I have.”

After painful back-to-back defeats, the boys need all the support they can get from our home game with Hemel Hempstead on Monday (kickoff 3pm) that becomes even more crucial to get us back on track.

“Perhaps this level is leaving a few of them behind,” added Gavin following our most arduous away trip of the calendar. “The fact is there’s no hiding place but some of them are starting to shrink when things don’t go well. I only have a few hours to think about Monday but we’ve got to stop handing teams goals on a plate.”

Town: Forster; Oyenuga, Nembhard, Tanner (Solomon, 67), Payne, Youngs (Leshabela, 67), Tanner, Thomas (Krasniqi, 89), Peake (Beckles-Richards, 67), Knight (Adjei-Hersey 89), Folivi.

We are thrilled to announce a last-minute and hugely exciting acoustic Cinelli Brothers gig next Tuesday, Aug 27, at Butler’s Bar.

Winners of the 2024 UK Blues Band of the Year, the Cinellis are known for their electrifying live shows, earning a loyal fanbase and international acclaim.

The Cinellis, who have played at our club several times before, have now agreed to return to play an acoustic fund-raising set featuring two or three members of the band.

In January, 2023, the Cinellis succeeded in coming 2^nd out of 150 bands representing the UK in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. The same month, their album “No Country For Bluesmen” was nominated for the UK Blues Awards as “Blues Album Of the Year”.

We are delighted they can fit us in to their busy schedule ahead of a full-scale European and US tour.

Doors open at 7.30 pm and tickets priced £10 can either be purchased on the night or in advance by calling Christine Hamilton on 07949 071587. There will also be a bar and raffle.

Enfield Town 1 Slough Town 6

Report By Andrew Warshaw

After two highly encouraging outings, Enfield Town were brought down to earth with a crash on Tuesday night as we were comprehensively dismantled  by ruthless opponents who were quicker, classier and more skilful.

It was a chastening night for the boys across all areas the pitch, especially in defence. In truth it could have been even worse but while there were few if any positives, the fact remains that we have three points from as many games which isn’t too bad a return and can’t be said for the six clubs below us.

It should also be noted that the crowd of 822, superb for a midweek game and including over 100 from Slough, made for a great atmosphere and it is a credit to the Town majority that they remained behind the team throughout, clearly understanding the level we are now playing at.

Let’s not forget too that until the 43^rd minute we were on level terms, only to be undone by a series of clinical quick-fire finishes that showed there’s no hiding place at step 2 and exposed some clear deficiencies which the management team will surely address.

Town made just the one change from win over Weston-super-mare, resting Scott Thomas and bringing in Ernaldo Krasniqi but  Slough Town’s intent was clear from start and they were ahead after just three minutes  courtesy of dangerman Kweku Lucan, whose electric pace troubled Town all evening. Slavi Spasov sped down the left and when his cross came back off the post, Lucan tapped home though we should have got tighter to both of them.

It immediately put us on the back foot and only a smart stop by Rhys Forster prevented Spasov from doubling Slough’s lead.

When Hisham Kasimu whipped a left-footer just over the bar, things started to look brighter and on 25 minutes we were back on level terms as, out of nowhere, Bernie Tanner unleashed a 28-yard thunderbolt.

That should have given Town the belief to push on. Instead we were rocked back on our heels in the last few minutes of the half as Slough picked up the tempo once again and hit us thrice more before the break in a matter of minutes.

First, a lightning move down Slough’s right  beat us for pace and Spasov fired home. Before we could catch our breath we conceded again as Joash Nembhard was basically outmuscled by Lucan who slotted the ball past Forster who will want to forget this particular encounter against his old club.

And there was worse to come. In first-half stoppage, we didn’t pick up Spasov’s dummy and John Gilbert pounced on the loose ball.

H-T 1-4

Now it was all about damage limitation as we switched to 4-4-2 but Slough maintained their control and gave us nothing to feed off.

Within two minutes of the restart, Henry Ochieng’s volley rattled the bar and it was little surprise when the Rebels added a fifth, Dan Roth nutmegging Khanya Neshabela before feeding Spasov who finished from close range.

We just couldn’t cope with Slough’s attacking interplay as they constantly played balls in behind and the onslaught was complete in second half stoppage time.

The Rebels had already twice gone close to number six against a now weary backline and delivered the final blow with virtually the last kick of the game, John Ufuah finding academy prospect Jack Timberlake who smashed it home.

Gavin didn’t mince his words afterwards.

“I’m probably at my lowest point as a manager,” he conceded. “I’ve never had a result like this. Clearly as a collective group, and that includes me and the management team, it’s not been good enough and that’s an understatement. Slough spun the ball very well but some of the goals were simply calamitous.”

 “I can’t put it down to just one of those days because we’re all accountable. We haven’t been too bad in the first two games but I’m appalled by tonight and if I have to change things I will.”

Town

Forster, Tanner, Nembhard, Payne, Parcell (c) (Oyenuga 68), Krasniqi (Folivi HT), Leshabela, Youngs, Knight, Leonard, Kasimu (Beckles-Richards 65).

Following Saturday’s victorious National League South home debut, Enfield Town go again tomorrow tonight with established Step 2 side Slough Town our visitors (kickoff 7.45).

Slough, one of non-league football’s iconic names who finished 10^th in the table last season, are expected to bring upwards of 150 fans which should make for a cracking atmosphere in our first midweek league fixture of the season.

Having won their opening game against highly fancied Chelmsford City – extending their unbeaten home run to 24 games –  the Rebels succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at Salisbury on Saturday yet controlled much of the game even when down to 10 men and are clearly dangerous opponents.

Town will have to be as good, if not better, than we were on Saturday to match our visitors who have been members of National League South for the past six years.

With four gruelling games in nine days, including next Saturday’s trip to Cornwall, Gavin Macpherson has made no secret of the need to employ as many fit members of his squad as possible.

“I’m hopeful we are boosted by our victory at the weekend. We’re not perfect at the moment and complacency can’t creep in,” said Gavin.

“Slough will be another massive test as we continue to fine tune things. Hard work and determination will give us a chance but we also need to be better in front of goal.”

AW

Enfield Town 1 Weston-Super-Mare 0

Report by Andrew Warshaw

Enfield Town marked their first ever home game at Step 2 with an historic three points courtesy of a first-half Sam Youngs penalty.

Beaten at Torquay in their opening fixture, we started on the front foot, then backed off and took another 20 minutes to get a foothold in the game.

But when the Seagulls failed to capitalise on their control, we grew in confidence and self-belief and in in the end ran out deserved winners on a memorable  day for everyone involved – players, management staff and fans alike.

Gavin Macpherson made three changes from the Torquay game with midfielders Billy Leonard and Khanya Leshabela brought into the starting eleven along with Hisham Kasimu, all of whom showed how vital they will be to the squad this season. Leonard in particular proved exactly why he was named Hendon’s player of the year last season.

After our initial flurry, Weston, keen to make up for their opening-day 4-3 defeat by Worthing, wrestled back the initiative and for a while looked like they had an extra man on the pitch, such is the difference between Step 2 and 3.

Joe Payne was booked for a mistimed challenge while Rhys Forster had to get down early to keep out a 25-yard strike from the much-travelled Reuber Reid.

Weston kept coming but when they couldn’t break through, Town took over for the last 15 minutes of the half.

A great move down the right saw Leonard whip a low cross into the danger area, then Kasimu was intercepted just as he was about to pull the trigger.

How he didn’t score on 36 minutes is anyone’s guess as poked wide from four yards. But two minutes later, the Dave Bryant stadium erupted with our first goal at National League South. A clever Youngs dummy saw the ball fall to Ollie Knight who was felled clumsily (pictured). Up stepped Sam to slam the penalty powerfully into the top corner.

Forster, who loves to play the sweeper-keeper role, almost went one step too far and had to apply some neat footwork to prevent Weston being gifted a chance to equalise.

As halftime approached, the referee wasn’t interested when Youngs claimed a second penalty after falling victim to a nasty forearm in the face, opening up a bloody gash that needed lengthy treatment and saw him change into a number-less shirt.

H-T 1-0

If the first half was often a cagey affair, the second was far more open. Town had clearly been directed to press further up the pitch and Leonard was a whisker away from doubling our lead though he might have done better by squaring the ball rather than trying his luck from a wide angle.

Scott Thomas become the second Town player to fall victim to a heavy challenge that drew blood from a badly cut eye but manfully stayed on the pitch.

Payne put a freekick over the bar whilst at the other end only a last-gasp clearance from Bernie Tanner prevented an almost certain WSM equaliser.

You don’t join Step 2 without giving up large chunks of possession and it was no surprise when the visitors came on strong again in the latter stages, prompted by skipper Luke Coulson.

Both teams made a flurry of subs and despite an end-to-end finale, there were no more goals though substitute Michael Folivi squandered a wonderful chance on the counter to double Town’s lead with perhaps the best chance of the game. At the other end, a sliding Joash Nembhard tackle, a Joe Payne block and a  superb save from Forster from Coulsen kept us in front as we played out five minutes of stoppage time to the delight of the 796-strong crowd.

“They were much more direct than I thought they would be and we had a lot of pressure to deal with,” said Gavin.

“There seemed to be a light-bulb moment when the boys realised they had a right to be competing at this level. From then on I thought we were fantastic.”

“A year ago we might have been comfortable defending a one-goal lead but not at this level when teams have the quality to undo you in flash. But let’s face it, we could easily have been two or three up. I’m absolutely delighted with them – and as I said last week, we will get better.”

Enfield Town: Forster; Parcell, Nembhard, Tanner, Payne; Thomas (Krasniqi, 75), Leshabela; Knight. Youngs (Alves, 80), Leonard (Beckles-Richards, 75); Kasimu (Folivi 75)

The injuries are clearing up, the training’s been good, the weather’s set fair and we’re raring to go.

Following our National League South baptism at Torquay last Saturday, tomorrow marks another historic occasion as we make our Step 2 home debut against Weston- Super-Mare hoping for a bumper attendance to act as 12^th man in the first ever meeting between the sides (kickoff 3pm).

The Seagulls finished 13^th in the 24-team standings last season but as we all know every opponent is going to test our ability to compete at this level – which is of course what the club strove for.

Having squandered a three-goal lead to lose 4-3 in their opening fixture against Worthing, our visitors will be looking to bounce straight back.

“It’s going to become a trend this season but they are a strong side with a big budget who will looking to improve on what they did last week – and last season,” said Gavin Macpherson.

“This is a league where even if you play well you may not win because more often than not opponents will put the ball in the net given the slightest chance. You get punished if you don’t do things properly but it’s a reality – and a great one – that we are now testing ourselves whereas everyone else from last season’s Isthmian Premier bar Hornchurch don’t have that chance.”

“Someone approached me after Saturday and said that if they’d been told  two or three years ago that Enfield Town would be playing Torquay in the league, they would never have believed it. On the balance of play, you can’t deny Torquay the win but looking at that last minute in isolation, we were obviously disappointed.”

At some point soon, said Gavin, we will need to start putting points on the board, ideally tomorrow or Tuesday against Slough.

“We’ve got to get away from the ‘big adventure’ narrative once we get off the starting block. We’re a team making our way but we’ve got two back-to-back home games and need to come out with a decent return,” added Gavin.

In terms of squad, things certainly look more settled with Billy Leonard back from injury and international clearance having come through only today for the exciting Khanya Leshabela though Jack Smith and Obi Onyeagwara are still unavailable. The search, meanwhile, continues for the right type of central defender who, as Gavin puts it, “will make a difference and improve the squad.”

Meanwhile, there are still seats available on our supporters’ coach for the mouth-watering trip to Truro at £50 return, cheaper than either train or plane and door to door.

Click on the following link to purchase.

https://enfieldtownfc.ktckts.com/event/etfc2425trav2/coach-travel-to-truro-city

AW

With our new 24-25 home and away kits now confirmed for our debut season in the National League South, we would like to express our thanks to all our partners, in particular our three shirt sponsors:

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Our club starts a new adventure this season. Our success means additional stadium improvements are necessary and the club have obtained quotes for the work needed and have also held discussions with our landlord, the council, to gain their support.

At our members meeting in July various options for the ground improvements were put to the meeting. These ranged from a basic increase of the existing north stand, sponsored by Granite Direct Ltd, to a new higher profile stand. The option unanimously voted for was to replace the existing stand with a similar new stand with the required 400 seats. We would also remove the seats on the existing north stand and re-site those stands behind the goals, thereby increasing the covered standing terracing areas.  

Promotion to Step 2 also brings with it increased grants available for the improvements needed. The club has budgeted for basic improvements but to take advantage of the increased grants, a new stand plus increased covered terrace standing was the preferred option by the Board and the members.

Doing It Together

We were the country’s first senior football club to be owned and run by our fans. Being supporter-owned makes this club different to many others. There is no one person whom the club can rely upon for funding so it is the supporters who can decide the direction the club takes. To realise the ambition of proving a ground that would be fit for Step 2 and beyond will mean additional funds will have to be raised. We are therefore launching a Crowdfunding campaign to raise £35,000 to add to the funds already budgeted. This will allow us to provide a brand new stand, new TV gantry, new turnstiles and increase the covered standing behind each goal. It will improve the look of the ground and provide us with a stadium that will allow our club to progress. 

Your generosity

Your generosity in the past has never been taken for granted and we appreciate this is a difficult time for many. Our Crowdfunding is open to all supporters. We also welcome businesses large or small who wish to back our campaign. All donors will be recognised on a board at the back of the new stand and we are also offering for a limited period a name plaque on a seat in the new stand for any donations of £150 or more. This offer is open until 5 October 2024.

If you are unable to donate directly please continue to support the club as you do and perhaps buy an additional item in the Club Shop. It all helps to provide Gavin with the budget he needs to compete at this level and you are safe in the knowledge that all funds raised are used for your club. 

It’s our club. Let’s meet this challenge and demonstrate how important our club is to us all!

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/etfc-home-improvements

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FAQs

-How will the funds be managed?
All funds will be ringfenced within the club’s bank account.

-What happens if there is short fall?
The club may have to re-consider its options including extending the current stand which would not then provide any additional covered standing terracing behind each goal. We would want to ensure Gavin has the budget he needs and not disturb that.

–What happens if the target is exceeded?
A nice problem and one that the board would need to consider. Options include taking forward our plans for a new facility to accommodate a new bar area and increased academy classrooms and increasing Gavin’s playing budget.

–How has the sum been calculated?
Quotes have been received from the companies providing the stands and turnstiles. Additionally our calculations provide headroom for any unexpected or additional costs.

–Will there be any plans to view?
We are currently in discussion with the council’s planning department and awaiting advice on our outline proposals. Once that has been concluded plans will be made available to view. During the planning process there will be an opportunity to comment and support the proposals.

–How will my donation be recognised?
A board at the back of the new stand will be erected with names of those who have made donations. For a limited time, large donations above £150 will also receive a name plaque on a seat in the new stand.

–How do I take up the offer of having a name plaque?
Any donation of £150 or more made before 5 October will qualify for a name plaque on a seat in the new north stand, sponsored by Granite. You can decide on the name. When making your donation please leave your contact details and we shall contact you.

-I already have a plaque in the existing stand. What happens to that?
We shall be in touch with those who have existing plaques to provide options. Some of these plaques have been in place for over 15 years and showing wear and tear. Others that have more recently been put in place will be re-placed in the new stand.

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Job Title: First Team Performance Analyst; Enfield Town FC.

Hours: Part Time. Tuesday & Thursday evenings and Saturdays (home and away matches).
This is a voluntary role, best suited as part of a studies course.

Reports To: Coaching Staff.

Who Are We?

Enfield Town FC are a semi-professional football club who currently compete in the Vanarama National League South. We were founded in 2001 as the country’s first senior football club to be owned and run by our supporters. After our promotion to step 2 of the Non-League System last season, it is an exciting time to join us and share our journey.

Role Description

The Performance Analyst will lead the delivery of analysis to the coaching team and first team squad, creating pre- and post-match analysis presentations ahead of training and matchdays. The role is voluntary, and ideally suited to students or those seeking experience working within a footballing environment.

Key Tasks

• Produce analytic data for the first team staff and players.
• Compose pre-match reports and presentations on upcoming opposition.
• Code, clip, and upload footage to assist the coaching staff with tactical decisions.
• Attend all home and away games to provide live analysis.
• Review and feed back to first team and management post-match.
• Other ad-hoc tasks required by the coaching staff.

Skills & Experience

• Experience using PC or Mac operating systems.
• Hudl (ideally).
• Experience in a footballing environment, or a studies course based around football and/or performance analysis.

The Candidate

The successful candidate will have previous experience working in a footballing environment, or will have ambitions to work within the football industry, and/or in performance analysis. You must demonstrate flexibility and commitment, given the hours required, as well as an ability to work to high standards and within deadlines. You will have a good footballing knowledge and sound tactical understanding, and will liaise with the management team to ensure your analysis supports their work.

To apply for this role, please email your CV to recruitment@etfc.london

The closing date for applicants is Friday 23^rd August 2024.

Enfield Town FC is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and fair treatment. We will not discriminate or in any way treat anyone less favourably on grounds of age, sex, gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, colour, religion or disability. Our recruitment, selection and training is based upon merit, experience, and other work-related factors.