Following our incredible exploits in Copenhagen, it’s back to the bread and butter of league action tomorrow when we take on one our bogey teams, Lewes, as we simultanously celebrate International Women’s Day.

A reminder that all women and girls are admitted for free to see us attempt to seek revenge and redemption for the 4-0 defeat we suffered in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.

Everyone knows how unpredictable Lewes can be on their day. Although they drew 2-2 with Canvey Island last time out, their 3-1 win at high-flying Horsham – their most recent away outing — spoke for itself.

In their two previous league outings to that, they lost 3-0 at home to Chatham yet that came after an impressive 3-1 win at Hastings, again proving how strong they can be on the road. With just three points between the Rooks and us, Saturday promises to be a highly competitive affair.

Whilst our superb win at Skjold may have taken something out of the players’ legs, it also created a fantastic bond that will hopefully augur well for the rest of the season as we continue to push for a playoff place.

With the focus on energy levels, everyone is raring to go again, pending a few niggles.

“On the back of Copenhagen, everyone’s in good spirits,” said Gavin Macpherson. “We’ve had a great week and everyone is upbeat. If we don’t reach certain levels, we could lose the game but I’m expecting a much better performance than we produced down there.”

AW

As we have done in recent seasons, the club are are marking International Women’s Day by offering free entry to women and girls for tomorrow’s huge match at home to fellow playoff-chasers, Lewes.

We will be joined at Saturday’s game by members of our ladies’ teams, who will be showcasing their section of the club, as well as music from a great local duo and some fun from our new partners at Hertfordshire Zoo.

Enfield Town FC currently runs 13 teams for women and girls with a range of agea and abilities, from Under 10s to our senior women’s sides, with over 200 playing members at present. Drop them a message if you are interested in joining the club!

Stadium artwork: @theamyverse

BK Skjold 1 Enfield Town 4

Report By Andrew Warshaw

The rain lashed down relentlessly, at times turning to hail, the wind blew like crazy and it was bitterly cold.

But none of that could dampen the spirits of upwards of 200-plus Town fans who made the trip to Copenhagen to see us secure a resounding 4-1 win over Fenix Trophy holders BK Skjold on Tuesday night and take a massive step towards the Final Four in May.

Following our 3-1 victory in the reverse fixture in November, this was expected to be a far tougher challenge, with Skjold playing a far stronger side.

But we never gave them a sniff, roaring into a three-goal lead by halftime and running out comfortable winners, eliminating the Danes in the process.

Despite the atrocious conditions, the travelling Town faithful were in full voice, belting out song after song before finally taking refuge afterwards in the Skjold clubhouse where the ear-splitting celebrations went on long into the evening.

If the sheer number of Town fans did the club proud, the players certainly matched them.

It took us just 16 minutes to break through on Skjold’s artificial pitch, Marcus Wyllie linking up with Sam Youngs before the latter drew his defender, feinted and slotted home with a composed finish.

Amid the atrocious conditions, it was a credit to Town that they managed to move the ball so effectively and as halftime approached, we put the game to bed.

First a right-wing cross evaded the entire Skjold back line and Lewis Taaffe rifled home a terrific strike.  Then Marcus followed up his own headed flick with a piece of twinkle toes skill that gave the Skjold keeper no chance (pictured, celebrating with fans).

While we took our chances with clinical precision, Skjold scuffed theirs, playing some nice stuff box to box but lacking concentration at the back and composure in the final third, invariably missing the target either high or wide.

H-T 0-3

Town were forced into a halftime change, Taylor McKenzie suffering a groin issue and Mickey Parcell moving into central defence.

Inevitably we took our foot slightly off the gas but still managed to go further in front on 66 minutes through a trademark Sam Youngs glancing header from a corner.

Skjold finally got on the scoresheet with five minutes to go through a direct freekick but it was little more than a consolation.

With maximum points so far, one win from our final two group fixtures — both against Lllantwit Major — should in all likelihood get us over the line and seal an historic trip to Lake Garda for the Final Four. Four points certainly will.

“When the tournament was first introduced to me I didn’t quite get the magnitude of it for this club,” said Gavin Macpherson. “For a club at our level, Step 3 of non-league football, I defy any other club to do what we have tonight in terms of the phenomenal passionate support.”

“You can only look at this and say it’s probably unique given the publicity. It’s a milestone for a club that has come a long way in a short space of time. If we can get to the last four, we’ve a hell of a chance.”

Starting Lineup

Forster;  Parcell Tanner McKenzie Payne; Thomas, Youngs,  Taaffe, Adjei-Hersey,  Wyllie, Knight

“We’re all going on a European tour!”

That’s been the refrain at recent games and becomes a reality tomorrow when we make history by playing our first ever overseas competitive fixture.

Over 80 Town fans are believed to be making the trip to Copenhagen to see us take on the current Fenix champions BK Skjold in Group A of the 12-team, four-group tournament (kickoff 6pm local time, 5pm uk).

As most of you will know, we won the corresponding game 3-1 in late November and also have to play Welsh side Llantwit Major FC twice for the right to reach the final four in Italy in May.

Those not travelling to the Danish capital should be able to watch the  live stream of the game through the competition’s YouTube channel.

“I think everyone connected with the club is massively looking forward to the game in Copenhagen,” said manager Gavin Macpherson.

“We have the chance to compete in a competition beyond our usual boundaries that most clubs at our level won’t ever experience.”

“After Saturday’s difficulties it gives all of us the chance to focus our energy on the Fenix Trophy.  I’m always in awe of our travelling support who will be there in numbers again, just the extra boost for the players to more than embrace the challenge ahead which will be a difficult one. We will need to be at our best.”

AW

Enfield Town 2 Wingate and Finchley 2

Report by Andrew Warshaw

Enfield Town staged a stirring second-half fightback yet will ultimately rue not taking all three points in a highly entertaining derby between fifth and fourth.

On a pitch passed playable only four hours before kick-off largely thanks to the work of our volunteers, it was a credit to both teams that they put on such a watchable encounter though that will be of little consolation to the pair of them – Wingate squandering a two-goal lead and Town doing more than enough to win the game.

Gavin Macpherson promised a better performance after Tuesday’s drab draw with Kingstonian and kept his word, going with a back three and making a string of changes that gave us a more cohesive look.

Mickey Parcell skippered the side in the absence of injured Scott Thomas, playing on the right of a three, while Lewis Taaffe took Scott’s place in defensive midfield and Jonathan Hippolyte was given a start up front.

Dylan Adjei-Hersey and Herson Alves also came into the side but in front of a healthy crowd of almost 650 – including a noisy throng of Dave Bryant’s special guests (inset) –  we didn’t get off to the best of starts.

Town have conceded some questionable penalties of late and there was another soft one as Taylor Mackenzie was penalised for a push after just seven minutes and Anointed Chukwu made no mistake from the spot.

Town’s response was immediate as Blues keeper Ben Goode came off best in a one on with  Marcus  Wyllie, only for Hippolyte to somehow screw the rebound wide.

It looked as though Marcus had left his scoring boots at home as three more  presentable chances came and went, the last of them drilled inches wide after a fabulous passing movement.

But the visitors, marshalled at the back by Ben Frempah and swift on the counter-attack, continued to pose a threat.

Rhys Forster saved superbly from Elliot Long and three minutes before the break, the Blues doubled their lead.  A slip by Mackenzie allowed Mathew Achuba to find Zack Newton who produced a sublime first touch before firing past Forster.

H-T 0-2

Town now had a mountain to climb on the rain-lashed surface but came out with all guns blazing and quickly reduced the deficit as Marcus showed that class is permanent  with a moment of magic, taking the ball on his chest before unleashing an unstoppable volley in a single movement (pictured).

Now there was only one team in it, aided by the fact that Frempah, after needing lengthy treatment, at last looked vulnerable.

Alves and Adjei-Hersey both went close before, on 73 minutes, we finally broke through again as the quick-thinking Youngs  outfoxed the Wingate defence to steer home Wyllie’s left-wing cross.

As we pushed for the winner that would have enabled us to leapfrog our opponents,  Wingate clung on though it needed an outstretched leg by Forster at the other end to keep out Long after the otherwise impeccable Youngs was uncharacteristically robbed in possession.

“Early in the season we ran, we harried and we hassled and the change of system today allowed us to regain some of those energy levels,” said Gavin.

“We all recognise that in recent weeks we let the fans down and obviously I’m disappointed with the result today because we deserved to win the game handsomely.”

“There was a clearly foul on Youngy in the build-up to their second goal but we can only control what we control.  I never thought at half time the game was over. We played a very good team today and at times made them look ordinary.”

Town

Forster; Parcell, Mackenzie, Tanner; Adjei-Hersey (Onyeagwara, 85),  Taaffe (75), Youngs, Alves, Payne; Wyllie, Hippolyte (beckles-richards 65)

Gavin Macpherson has urged the crowd to get behind us in our latest derby against Wingate and Finchley tomorrow (kickoff 3pm) and fully accepts they should expect a far better performance than Tuesday night’s goalless draw with Kingstonian.

Weather permitting, it’s fourth against fifth with both sides needing the points to cement playoff places, making for a potential mount-watering fixture with the prospect of us leapfrogging our opponents.

Only two points separate us from the Blues, both after 30 games with 12 remaining, with the likes of Horsham and Hastings breathing down our necks.

With no local afternoon Premier League fixtures to worry about,  the Dave Bryant stadium will be very much the place to be on what has been designated “bobble hat and scarf” day, making for a colourful occasion.

Our visitors are unbeaten in their last four league games including a 4-2 win over high-flying Chatham.

“They’ve got some good players and with competition for places, we are expecting a really tough game,” said Gavin.

“They do both sides of the game very well so we will need to be so much better than Tuesday. I’m well aware that the energy coming from the terraces is often a product of what’s happening on the pitch.

“We’ve got to give the supporters something to get excited about. They understand that the application against teams like Carshalton was excellent but against K’s it fell short. One thing I’m sure of, our support can make the difference.”

AW

We are delighted to announce a major new sponsorship agreement with Hertfordshire Zoo, formerly known as Paradise Wildlife Park, based in White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, EN10 7QA.

For the past four decades the much loved Paradise Wildlife Park has grown into one of the most beloved destinations in the area. Becoming Hertfordshire Zoo allows them to show everyone our continuous, unwavering dedication for the welfare of the animals in their care and in conservation across the world.

The agreement starts with immediate effect and runs through until the end of the 2024-25 season. The agreement includes new stand signs at the A10 end of the ground, an advertisement in the match day programme, and a perimeter banner in front of the stand opposite the main stand.  

Enfield Town 0 Kingstonian 0

Report by Andrew Warshaw

Gavin Macpherson cut a frustrated figure admitting  he was embarrassed and apologising to fans after an sluggish off-night against the league’s bottom club.

At times it looked like we were the side battling against relegation and they were the team in playoff contention as we lacked drive and cohesion across the pitch and composure in front of goal.

That’s the downside. The fact remains that despite our first goalless draw of the season, we are still fifth in the league and very much in the mix though the dangerous Horsham are only one point behind having played three games fewer.

And we didn’t lose the game, unlike cash-rich Billericay at Concord Rangers, a stark illustration that nothing can be taken for granted in this league.

Town made three changes from the starting line-up at Carshalton, with Ollie Knight returning from suspension, Josh Okocha in central defence with both Jimbo and Taylor McKenzie injured, the latter on the bench, and Lewis Taaffe coming into midfield.

From the opening minutes it was clear Kingstonian, fresh from their first league win since October at the weekend and under new management, had not just come to sit back.

Using the left flank in particular to their advantage, they were quick on the break and had several excellent early chances, one of which fell to former Towner Tom Collins who was a whisker away from converting Freddie Price’s centre.

With the shackles off despite their perilous position, the visitors should have gone in front on 15 minutes, only for Sam German’s bullet header from a corner to be superbly headed off the line by Taaffe.

Eddie D’Sane was another player who troubled us with pace as two goalbound shots were blocked.

Town were far too predictable without the vision of the injured Manny Harvest and took an age to get going, our first shot on target not coming until the 35^th minute as Kingstonian’s debutant keeper Daniel Cruz Domench held on to a Sam Youngs shot.

Things began to improve as halftime approached with back-to-back Marcus Wyllie efforts. First his half-volley was just the wrong side of the crossbar, then he got even closer as Mark Waters cleared off the line.

H-T 0-0

Town needed a radical shake-up but Kingstonian had the first big chance of the second half, Collins thankfully only managing to roll a pull-back into the arms of Rhys Forster.

Only now did we push Kingstonian back as a flurry of substitutions gave us fresh legs and greater impetus. But we still couldn’t get past man of the match German, on-loan from Bromley and a powerhouse at the back for the K’s.

A brilliant cross from Mickey Parcell found the boot of Wyllie who volleyed over and although there were further half-chances for Okotcha (pictured) and, twice, Jonathan Hippolyte, there was no happy ending to round off the first game at the newly-named Dave Bryant stadium.

“The first 30 minutes was without doubt the worst I’ve ever seen us play,” said Gavin who kept the players inside the dressing room for almost 30 minutes afterwards. “We just had a frank chat and agreed we couldn’t make the playoffs if our form doesn’t get better.”

“As a manager you rely on the players to bring some quality to the table but that was severely lacking.  We couldn’t pass the ball five yards which is hard for me to legislate for. It’s unrecognisable from earlier in the season.”

“The second half was better but I actually feel quite embarrassed and absolutely sympathise with the supporters who know the side is capable of a lot more. It’s not what they pay their money to see.”

Town: Foster, Parcell, Okotcha, Tanner, Payne; Thomas (Alves, 75) , Youngs,  Taaffe (Onyeagwara, 66), Knight, Wyllie,  Beckles-Richards (Hippolyte, 66)

Our recently postponed home fixture against Kingstonian takes place tomorrow night, Tuesday, kick-off 7.45.

Kingstonian are bottom of the league but gave themselves a mighty confidence boost with a 3-2 home win over Bognor Regis on Saturday under interim manager Tutu Henriques —  their first  league success since  October.

The K’s parted company with Simon Lane earlier this month, the two sides issuing somewhat conflicting statements.

No-one will underestimate our opponents on Tuesday but the fixture gives us a terrific chance to cement our playoff position with another home game to come against Wingate and Finchley on Saturday.