The Club is saddened to hear that Iain Keay, one of our members and donors, passed away yesterday morning.

Iain’s involvement in football in Enfield and his passion for Enfield Town FC was highlighted recently within an article on our website. Everyone at the Club sends his sister Elaine, family and friends our condolences. The Club will mark his passing at a future home fixture.

We have been drawn away to Carshalton Athletic or Cray Valley PM in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup on Oct 14.

The two sides drew 3-3 on Saturday at Carshalton and replay at Step 4 Cray, who lie fifth in the Isthmian League south-east division, on Tuesday night.

We of course know all about Carshalton who recently beat us at home and while everyone wishes we could have had a home tie after successive away draws against Halesowen and, in the Trophy, Chesham United, on paper there is no reason why we can’t progress and reach dreamland — otherwise known as the first round proper for the first time in our history.

“Once you get to this stage I honestly believe there isn’t an easy game so the draw is the draw,” said Gavin Macpherson. 

“To automatically assume Carshalton will be the tougher opposition isn’t necessarily so, Cray Valley are a step 3 side in my opinion with an experienced Management Team so whatever happens in the replay we have a difficult game ahead. 

“But we will be boosted by the weekend’s result, our supporters will travel in numbers so it’s massively exciting for the club to be at this stage of the competition”.

Halesowen Town 1-2 Enfield Town

Match report by Charlie Baker

(editing by Andrew warshaw)

For the first time in six years, Enfield Town advanced to the FA Cup fourth qualifying round on Saturday, equalling our best run in the competition in an incredible Black Country atmosphere.

Town struck two incisive first-half blows, then mounted a determined rearguard action as we carried out the management’s game plan.

We always knew we’d be in for a tough afternoon.  Halesowen sat third in the Southern League Premier Division Central after achieving promotion last season and were in formidable home form at The Grove.

Both teams were looking to bounce back after unbeaten league records were surrendered in their previous games so it looked to be a cracker.

And so it proved right from the start as we came out of the blocks quickly and caught the hosts by surprise.

Marcus Wyllie had already been presented with a decent chance when, with our first corner of the game after just two minutes, James Richmond leapt highest and directed his header into the corner, sending the Towners contingent behind the goal wild.

As the Yeltz grew into the game, winger George Cater twice went close  and on the 18-minute mark, the home pressure told as Halesowen equalised through a brilliant individual goal from Jack Holmes who sidestepped his defenders on the edge of the area, then twisted the other way to curl a superb shot beyond the otherwise impenetrable Forster.

Far from sitting back, we responded positively as Wyllie was tackled while bearing down on goal. He had another chance a minute later but this time his attempt was blocked.

It looked like a case of déjà vu when Cater picked the ball up in our half and ran through half the team but, on his right foot this time, could only find the gloves of Rhys Forster.

Even though we were playing in purple, it was more reminiscent of the red arrows as we charged up the other end to restore our lead on 41 minutes.  Ollie Knight beat his marker to whip in a wicked ball, picking out Wyllie who produced a superb side-foot finish.

There was still time for a flying save from Forster, who turned Cater’s shot on to the crossbar.

Half Time: 1-2

The outcome looked ominous as The Yeltz put the pressure back on instantly. Forster was forced into another worldie, tipping over a powerful shot from Caine Elliot.

The home corners were piling up but the partnership of Richmond and Kyle Bailey stuck firm in clearing everything thrown at them.

Despite not having many more scoring opportunities ourselves, we kept the hosts relatively quiet for about 20 minutes until another onslaught came.

Subs Kieren Donnelly and Ryan Boothe both went close and when Todd Parker fired over, it looked like it would be our day.

The final whistle was blown after an excruciating last few minutes and sent the 200 or so travelling Towners in a crowd of 1,130 into raptures (pictured)

The result put us into the fourth qualifying round – and one round from dreamland – for the first time since we were seconds away from beating National League Maidstone in 2017 before losing the replay at home. The draw takes place on Monday at 3pm on talkSport2.

Yeltz manager Paul Smith said his team missed a big opportunity and described our win as smash and grab but Gavin Macpherson heaped praise on everyone involved.

“I’m delighted for the club, the players but more than anything the supporters. They are the soul of this club and the welcome and support we all received yesterday was unbelievable,” said Gavin

“We knew we were playing a very good side, probably one of the best in the competition at this stage. It’s pleasing as manager when you put a plan into action and come away with a result. The players were unbelievable to a man, my management team also deserve massive credit especially after a difficult result last week.”

“I think we all extend nothing but best wishes to Halesowen and their fantastic support, both sets of supporters played their part in an amazing atmosphere. We’ll enjoy it briefly but my attention now switches immediately to our next significant hurdle in the shape of Chesham in the FA Trophy”.

Town: Forster; Parcell, Bailey, Richmond, Payne; Birch, Youngs, Thomas, Knight, Wyllie, Beckles-Richards (Keeya 63’)

Attendance: 1,130

Preview by Andrew Warshaw

It’s back to FA Cup action tomorrow, Saturday, as we visit fellow Step 3 opponents Halesowen for the toughest of all challenges, on paper at least, in the third qualifying round.

The draw could hardly have been less kind with the Yeltz, promoted at the end of last season, unbeaten at home and flying high in the Southern League Premier Division Central.

 Amid jubilant scenes, Halesowen gained promotion in a nail-biting playoff last spring when they beat Spalding United with a last-gasp stoppage time equaliser and then an extra time winner.

They have carried that form into this season despite losing their unbeaten away record last time out when they went down 3-1 at Bromsgrove Sporting in midweek.

Nevertheless their home record is formidable and they sit firmly in third with 19 points from their opening 10 games having scored 18 league goals and conceded nine.

In the FA Cup so far, they trounced Step 5 Rugby Borough 7-0, followed by a 5-2 win over fellow Southern League Premier Division Central side  Alvechurch.

Town boss Gavin Macpherson has put the players through their paces ahead of what promises to be a exciting afternoon and is fully aware of the danger Halesowen pose.

Indeed ,with Chesham United away the following Saturday in the FA Trophy — a repeat of last season’s fixture when we were well beaten — we will need to be seriously on our game to advance in both or either competition.

There is, of course, the small matter of healthy prize at stake tomorrow plus a share of the takings on the day with a four-figure crowd anticipated.

“It’s a massively difficult game,” Gavin conceded. “They like to move you around and create overloads. Their front three are dangerous and they have two quick wingers but we’ve been working on how to counter them.”

“All over the pitch they’re a good side. We’ll treat it as a one-off shootout and try and win the game but if we end up getting them back to our place in a replay, it won’t be a bad day at the office. The fact is we are underdogs.”

“The draws haven’t been exactly kind and this Saturday and next we are having to play two of the most in-form teams near the top of their respective leagues. But we don’t fear anybody and will relish both tasks. If we give it our best and are not good enough, so be it.”

We have been drawn at home to Brightlingsea Regent in the Third Round of the Velocity Trophy. The tie will take place by the end of October and we will announce a date as soon as we have one. The Rs have won all three of their league games so far, as well as picking up two wins in both of their FA Trophy qualifiers, and a 5-0 win over Grays Athletic in the last round of this competition.

Meanwhile, our league game away to Wingate & Finchley – postponed due to our participation in the FA Cup – has now been moved to the evening of Halloween; Tuesday 31st October, 19:45 kickoff.

Interview by Andrew Warshaw

It’s understandable that Towners fans weren’t too sure what expect when Rhys Forster took over in goal this season from Nathan McDonald who had carved out something of a legendary status having been at the club for a total of seven years covering two spells.

Yet within just a few weeks of the new campaign Rhys has not only won over the supporters but picked up the very first individual award of his career. And a pretty prestigious one at that.

Like any goalkeeper, Rhys is susceptible to the odd howler and holds his hands up for being culpable for at least one of the goals in our 3-0 defeat to Carshalton on Saturday.

But winning the Pitching In Golden Gloves Award for August, sponsored by Uhlsport and presented monthly to the best keeper in each of the Isthmian League divisions, is testament to a player who was suddenly surplus to requirements at Step 2 Slough Town towards the back end of last season but who more than proved his worth when dropping down three levels with Ascot Town.

Whilst helping Ascot go on to lift the FA Vase is understandably the highlight of his career so far, being recognised as one of best goalkeepers at Step 3 comes a close second.

“I can’t take all the credit because the boys in front of me have been immense in terms of protecting me but I’m especially proud to receive the award with a new club so early on in the season,” said Rhys, man-of-the-match for a string of saves away at Haringey Borough at the end of August. “Even though it’s just a month’s worth of work, it’s helped me set targets.”

Such as? “I want the Golden Glove award at the end of the season. As a goalkeeping unit, me, Adi (Connolly) and (goalkeeping coach) Dean (Hurlow) want 20 clean sheets in all competitions. If we get 10 by Christmas, we’re on course.”

Rhys picked up the award after conceding just two goals in his first five league games. He is nothing if not a confident character, a bit of a cheeky chappy at times even. He admits he is sometimes guilty of the odd rush of blood to the head when between the sticks – the Carshalton fixture being a case in point — but his commanding presence and intelligent distribution have already endeared him to the fans and his teammates alike.

“I’m the first one to admit that you learn from your mistakes but Deano knows what I’m like and keeps me on my toes. At all my previous clubs, I had four or five saves to make in every game. It’s very different coming in to a club where I may not have a big save to make until the 89^th minute but I’m learning about that and how important it is to keep my concentration.

“I knew everyone had praise for Nathan so they were pretty big boots to fill. If I’m honest we are totally different keepers with very different styles. Sometimes that benefits me, sometimes it doesn’t but the main thing is that I love it here and the fact that the club is owned by the fans which is such a big thing. You don’t play well unless you are enjoying yourself.”

Rhys admits there was a part of him that wanted to show Slough what they were missing when they let him go. “The level of opposition at Ascot obviously wasn’t the same but I wanted to prove a point.”

He certainly did that and, still only 24,continues to thrive having been re-united with Dean and manager Gavin Macpherson.

“I was very privileged to have played for Met Police under the gaffer for two seasons especially since I only started as a goalkeeper when I was 17 at a Step 5 club called CB Hounslow United.”

If you’re wondering why he started so late, tennis was his main sport as a teenager. He even got to play on the hallowed lawns of Wimbledon at an inter-club tournament as a teenager.

“I used to watch football of course growing up as a kid but when I got to about 12, tennis became my thing. It wasn’t until I got to about 17, as I say, that I started playing football properly.”

Now it’s all about repaying the faith shown in him by the management team. “When Gav called me it was hard to say no. I can’t speak highly enough about him and Deano. I need someone who knows my weaknesses and makes me work on them. Deano knows me inside out.”

One thing not a lot of people know about Rhys, which hopefully will stand us in good stead throughout the season, is his ability to save penalties, even though he couldn’t stop one going in at Haringey. “In my two years at Met Police I faced 11 penalties and saved eight of them. Of course I have my techniques.”

It’s a remarkable statistic and I’m not about to disclose Rhys’ methodology in case any of our rivals might read this! But suffice to say Rhys has something of a reputation when it comes to spotkicks, even if it means occasionally being the victim of his own success.

“The gaffer even told me I should have saved the one at Haringey!”

Nice one, Rhys.

An audience with Gary Mabbutt and Ossie Ardiles, two legends of the game up close and live.

Relive the glory days of Tottenham Hotspur as we bring together two of the greatest players in the club’s history.

You’ll have the chance to meet and greet Gary and Ossie, hear their stories and ask them questions in a Q&A session.

When: Thursday 19 October at 7.30pm

Where: Butlers Bar, Enfield Town FC, Queen Elizabeth II Stadium, Donkey Lane EN1 3PL

Book your tickets, priced £35, on the following link for a night filled with entertainment, nostalgia and humour.

https://enfieldtownfc.ktckts.com/event/legendsnight/an-evening-with-spurs-legends

The draw for the FA Trophy’s Third Qualifying Round has been made, with Town given an away tie to familiar opponents.

In a reverse of last season’s fixture at the same stage of the competition, Enfield Town will travel to the Meadow to face Chesham United of the Southern League Premier Division.

The fixture will be played on Saturday 7th October 2023. As is standard for ties in the Trophy, the match will go straight to penalties if drawn after 90 minutes. Please note that the Metropolitan Line will be running replacement buses for services from Wembley Park to Chesham that weekend.

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Tricky Opponents

Chesham are having another strong season so far; sitting second in their league (P8, W7, L1) with a game in hand on Gosport in top spot, and into the third qualifying round of the FA Cup. They are, of course, no strangers to facing Town in FA competition; Andy Leese’s Generals prevailing with a 2-1 win in our FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie back in 2015-16, while Town collapsed to a 4-0 Trophy defeat at the QEII last October.

“It’s another massively tough draw”, said manager Gavin Macpherson. “Chesham are a team and management I know well having had some great battles in my Southern League days. It probably couldn’t be tougher for us at this stage but I’m sure Chesham will also feel the draw could have been kinder. I think it will be a decent game, it’s a competition we want to do well in but to make progress we’ll be doing it the hard way.”

“The boys are in good spirits and looking forward to a tough week ahead starting with a trip to the midlands on Saturday.”

Enfield Town 0-3 Carshalton Athletic

Report by Charlie Baker

A ruthless second half display by promotion rivals Carshalton Athletic put Town to the sword to end our unbeaten start to the season.

It was fourth against third in the Isthmian Premier Division’s game of the day, with both teams going in with an identical record. 

The first half had chances aplenty, with the majority coming from corners.

Carshalton number three Paris Hamilton-Downes headed narrowly wide early on, before Sam Youngs’ shot was blocked from close range.

Ollie Knight then forced a flying stop from visiting keeper Will Huffer, as did top scorer Marcus Wyllie after a slick turn. The ball was bobbling around the Robins box a lot, but we couldn’t capitalise on the loose balls.

James Richmond’s header went just wide, and at the other end Robins centre-back Luke Read somehow missed the target and blazed over.

After a good half of football there was nothing to separate two strong sides at the interval.

HT: 0-0 

It was our Whole Club Day, an annual occasion bringing together all sections of the club including men’s, ladies, youth and disability. However, high spirits were extinguished by a ruthless second half display from Athletic.

Four minutes after the break, Town lost the ball from a long throw into the Robins box. Winger Mark Marshall raced away and struck on the counter with a peach of a strike into the bottom left. Joe Payne stung the palms of Huffer as we tried to find an equaliser. But while their first was a gem, the second was a gift. Town keeper Rhys Forster played the ball straight to Tommy Bradford, who raced through and finished well to make it two. 

Town upped the tempo, but unlike the first half we struggled to really test Huffer. Then, minutes after a penalty appeal was waved away, Carshalton made it three.

Substitute Oluwabunmi Babajide finished despite Forster getting a palm to it, supplying the healthy away following with more delight. Babajide was causing a lot of problems and could easily have had a couple more as Athletic carried on with their fluid counter attacks.

Our day was summed up by some more wayward shooting from the attack, as Carshalton closed the game out with ease.

Going into the game, our highest-placed opponents were Folkestone in 10th, so this was perhaps a more realistic test of the challenges we face in the promotion hunt. 

It’s all eyes on the cup now – we’re away to Halesowen Town of the Southern League Premier Division Central in a tasty FA Cup third qualifying round fixture next Saturday.

Town: Forster; Parcell, Bailey, Richmond, Payne; Knight, Youngs, Thomas (Birch 87’), Bessadi
(Keeya 70’), Wyllie, Beckles-Richards (Adjei-Hersey 85’)

This Saturday we take on Carshalton Athletic at home in what promises to be the game of the day across the entire division between the teams lying third and fourth.

Like us, the Robins – ahead of us only on goal difference — are unbeaten in all competitions with both teams on 14 points.

Last Saturday they thumped Kingstonian 4-0 in the FA Cup and in the league have scored 15 goals in their six games.

Whilst they have only won once on the road, they drew 1-1 at Hornchurch and 3-3 at Bognor and are likely to provide stiff opposition as we bid to maintain our own excellent start to the season.

“They will be very dangerous opposition, the toughest test by far that we’ve had,” said Gavin Macpherson. “We will need to be very competitive.”

Not only is this Saturday a proverbial six-pointer but it  co-incides with Whole Club Day, a very special annual occasion bringing together all sections of the club including men’s, ladies, youth and disability.

Feel free to invite all your friends and work colleagues to what should be a memorable day for everybody – and hopefully three points!

Gavin has seriously bought into the concept which allies totally with his own philosophy.

“It’s hugely important to have a connection between the first-team players and management and the rest of the football club,” Gavin said.

“All these people are the soul of our club and need something to aim for. There has to be a connection in respect of a pathway running through the academy and the under-18s. All the coaching team are invested in the idea.”