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.

Enfield Town FC isn’t only about matters on the pitch.

Behind the scenes, as many of you know, we have links with a number of local charities and a few days ago, we partnered with Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice to provide a special coaching morning for their so-called Siblings Summer Camp.

The event was run by our community coaches Adisa and Kam plus there was a guest appearance from Lewis Taaffe.

 Some 18 children aged between five and 14 took part in a thoroughly rewarding session and special thanks go to everyone involved.

Noah’s Ark, based in Barnet, helps babies, children and young people with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions, and their families, try to make the most of every day.

Those involved in the coaching sessions were siblings of the Noah’s Ark children.

 “We take a holistic approach and by organising activities like this, we’re letting the siblings know that they are seen and that they matter,” said Aaya Nader, the organisation’s community Engagement Officer.

“It can be very easy for these kids to feel neglected, even if not intentionally perhaps. Sometimes it’s difficult to get them engaged but they absolutely loved the football morning. The coaches learned all of their names and we are so thankful to Enfield Town.”

AW

Torquay United 2 Enfield Town 1

Report by Andrew Warshaw

Loads of positives to build on. That was the over-riding sentiment following our National League South baptism on the Devon coast.

Torquay may have had the upper hand for large parts of the game but the way we competed, so nearly snatching a point at the death, said everything about the  collective effort especially when you consider we were up against a full-time outfit and still have several of our new recruits unavailable.

Indeed, many of the squad had never played together before, some having only just met, so it was a credit to them that they worked so hard for one another.

Having successfully emerged from the dark days of administration, there was an air of expectancy around Plainmoor which made for a wonderful atmosphere.

Only one of Torquay’s starting line-up survived from last season under their new management regime but Town, hoping to become party poopers, stunned the yellow army  after just three minutes with our first goal at Step 2.

Joash Nembhard, one of our most effective players on the day, had already planted a free header over the bar when Lewis Taaffe’s superb glancing header from Ollie Knight’s cross (pictured celebrating) sent the 200-plus travelling fans into ecstasy

Our dream start was short-lived but there was a huge element of good fortune about the Gulls’ equaliser on 15 minutes when Matt Carson’s strike,  which was going wide, took a deflection off Scott Thomas.

Torquay had already gone close to levelling when skipper Oscar Threlkeld’s half-volley  skimmed the bar but now they were in full flow, putting Town under the cosh with winger Omar Mussa pulling the strings.

Bernie Tanner just managed to clear a whipped-in cross to safety before Torquay’s much-touted signing Cody Cooke got his feet in a tangle with the goal gaping.

Town newcomer Ernaldo Krasniqi, perhaps our most accomplished performer on the day, received the softest of bookings for what appeared to be throwing  the ball away after a magnificent recovery tackle but the pressure finally told.

On 28 minutes, a dominant Torquay caught Town out with an overload and Carson’s pinpoint cross was headed home by Brad Ash.

Town were now struggling to get out of our own half and Ash almost increased the lead when shooting across goal and narrowly wide. Mussa then skipped past two defenders before firing down the throat of Rhys Forster.

H-T 2-1

With their 4-2-3-1 formation, Town had been too deep in the first half and the management team quickly responded by tweaking into a more attacking shape.

But Torquay again so nearly made it 3-1, first when Tanner superbly blocked Cooke’s point-blank effort, then when Forster reacted superbly to keep out Ash. Torquay also hit the bar and had a goal ruled out for offside.

But with no change to the scoreline, it was Town, with a flurry of substitutions, who finished the stronger against our fully professional hosts.

Only a last-ditch tackle by Sam Dreyer prevented  our newest signing, Hisham Kasimu, from restoring parity following a powerful run into the box.

Then, deep into injury time, came our chance to leave with a memorable point as Torquay keeper James Hamon pulled off a double stop from Kasimu, who really looks the part, followed by a goal-saving  interception from Jordan Dyer that brought a collective sense of relief around the 3,837-strong crowd.

With Khanya Leshabela’s international clearance still being held up and the likes of Billy Leonard and Jack Smith still not available, there is undoubtedly more to come from Town following a highly creditable opening display.

“They’re a full-time club yet we finished stronger,” said Gavin Macpherson. “We’re missing four of five and we’ve run them to the wire.”

“We were second best in the first half but we went 4-1-3-2 after the break and had a glorious chance at the end. There are obviously things we have to improve on that you can’t away with at Step 2. We had a rotten pre-season all over the shop but there’s a massive amount to build on because we will only get better.” 

TOWN:  Forster, Tanner,  Payne, Thomas (Kasimu, 73),  Nembhard, Knight, Youngs (Alves, 87), Folivi ( Beckles-Richards, 82), Taafe (Adjey-Hersey, 61), Krasniqi, Oyenuga (Parcell, 87).

The waiting is over and you can almost touch the sense of anticipation despite the daunting stature of the opposition.

After weeks of preparation, not all of it admittedly going according to plan, Enfield Town make their National League South debut with the long trip to Devon to face former league club Torquay United tomorrow, followed a week later by our first home game against Weston Super Mare.

Town’s Step 2 baptism could hardly be much tougher on paper but this is what we strove for and now it’s all systems go in front of what is likely to be a crowd of several thousand.

Whilst we still have one or two significant injuries, the treatment table is showing signs of improvement and we have been boosted by yet another signing, this time experienced former  Sutton United striker Hisham Kasimu.

With the squad bolstered in recent weeks by several timely recruits, the mood around the whole club has been raised considerably though Gavin Macpherson is under no illusions about the task ahead.

“The last thing I will say to the players when they leave the dressing room is to embrace the role of the underdog,” said Gavin.

“The word is focussed. I can’t deny that moving up the ladder poses a challenge and Torquay is the biggest example of that in our very first game.”

“If we put on a good show and we still get beaten there may be positives to draw on but we never go into any game thinking we are just there to make up the numbers.”

“Having said that, although we are in the same division, we don’t live with Torquay in respect of the fact we are wide apart as football clubs. That’s not a criticism of anyone. We have made massive strides but Torquay are a club who understandably feel the level they are at is way beneath where they should be. By rights they should beat us and I don’t feel any pressure whatsoever.”

Gavin concedes, however, that pre-season hasn’t exactly been how he planned it, both in terms of injuries and losing Marcus Wyllie and Taylor McKenzie as well as Jake Cass though the latter’s retirement was always on the cards.

Some of the pre-season results speak for themselves but while many of the new-look squad have never played together, the recruitment process has started to kick into gear.

“We’re still building and I hope the fans understand it may take a few weeks more,” said Gavin. “I’m really pleased get Hisham in, he’s strong, powerful and left-footed. It’s no secret we are trying to bring in another centreback but it’s not easy to identify the right person. Ideally, I’d have liked everything to have come together by now so that the players all knew each other at the start of the season.  But we go to Torquay trying to spring an upset or at the very least give a good account of ourselves.”

Andrew Warshaw

We are delighted to announce the signing of pacy French-born forward Hisham Kasimu from Sutton United.

Hisham, 27, was previously on loan to Farnborough, scoring nine goals in 20 appearances. Before that he found the net 31 times in two seasons in all competitions at AFC Totton.

Hisham will be available for selection at Torquay tomorrow.

Welcome Hisham!