Enfield Town are into the next round of the Velocity Trophy after a dominant first half display set them on their way to a 2-1 victory over Felixstowe & Walton United.

Downpours which had hit the Suffolk coast earlier in the day had subsided by kickoff, making for a slick, moist pitch at Delwood Avenue – with Town playing some neat football throughout and perhaps a shade unfortunate not to register more than the two goals they did. When this slick build-up was brought to an unceremonious halt down the left flank after a shove on Marcus Wyllie 12 minutes in, Enfield threatened as Lewis Taaffe’s inswinging free kick was glanced goalwards by Wyllie, but gathered by goalie Callum Robinson.

Two minutes later, the hosts would eventually be undone from a similar position. This time Taaffe sent a low shot bouncing against the base of the post, though the loose ball was smartly recycled by James Dayton, whose clipped cross was guided superbly into the far corner by Lewis Knight on the volley – the centre-back’s third goal in his last four.

Town’s tails were firmly up now, looking menacing in the wide areas, and almost immediately Dayton flighted a similar cross to the back stick, though Wraynel Hercules sliced over the crossbar. Off the ball, the visitors’ pressing was also excellent – with the defence, as well as a midfield which included debutant Anthony Wordsworth, sweeping up well when called upon. Just shy of the interval, Knight was withdrawn out of precaution after going down in discomfort, making way for another new arrival in centre-half Joshua Okotcha.

Not that Town lacked a threat when the goalscorer departed. On the 45-minute mark, Jake Cass’ looping header across goal was retrieved by Wyllie, who shifted and drilled a finish beyond Robinson and in via a defender to double the Towners’ advantage. Felixstowe were somewhat fortunate to go into the break just the two down as an apparent trip in the area on Wyllie, who attempted to stay on his feet, was inexplicably waved away by the officials.

Half Time: FWUFC 0-2 ETFC

The second half began in frantic fashion as the industrious Taaffe advanced from midfield and twice was unlucky not to find the target, again striking the foot of the post before forcing an excellent two-handed stop to Robinson’s left on the edge of the area. A fleet-footed counter attack followed minutes later, started by Dequane Wilson-Braithwaite at his own corner flag, and very nearly ending in Taaffe converting from Wraynel Hercules’ square ball. Wyllie was cynically brought down after bearing down on goal, yet for all their graft, Town were unable to find a third. A series of substitutes would follow, with Sam Youngs brought on in an advanced role after Cass and Wyllie had both been taken off.

Mere moments later and the hosts pulled one back seemingly out of the blue, as a long ball bounced straight through the centre and was lofted over Nathan McDonald by Samuel Ford. McDonald was alert to thwart Ford again shortly after, but now the mood had shifted, with Town having to repel several Seasiders set pieces. With four minutes of injury time, ‘keeper Robinson was sent upfield in hope, but it was Joshua Hitter’s late, curling free kick which was the closest the home side came to snatching an equaliser; McDonald parrying clear to secure Town’s passage into Round 4, and an away tie at Haringey Borough in two weeks’ time.

“A difficult game; they’re playing well. I was really pleased with the first half, I thought we were excellent”, said Andy Leese.

“We got the measure of them, and got two good goals to put us in a winning position. There were a couple of enforced changes as well [Knight; Dayton] but it didn’t really affect us.” “Second half I think we started really well, though the amount of changes we made caused us to stutter a bit. But then last 15 with all those changes we saw it out well. It was all about getting a result tonight and that’s what we did.”

Town: McDonald; Wilson-Braithwaite, Knight (Okotcha 39′), Richmond (Thomas 65′) , Payne; Wordsworth, Taaffe, Dayton (Antonio 45′) ; Hercules, Wyllie (Youngs 73′) , Cass (Coker 65′)

Attendance: 209

Enfield Town 1 Hastings United 0

Match Report by Usayd Tai 

(Partially rewritten and edited throughout by Andrew Warshaw)

It was always going to take something special to settle a tight game and Town managed to find a way through late on to make it back-to-back wins.

There may have not been many fireworks but for an unlikely hero, it certainly was a Nov 5 to remember with a sparkling winner.

Hastings substitute Chinedu McKenzie had just seen his angled shot come back off the post when, in virtually the very next move, recent arrival Lewis Knight moved up from the back to produce a 25-yard thunderbolt (pictured) and take the points for Town after 87 minutes, in the process moving us up to fourth.

Town started positively, looking especially dangerous down the right with Lyle Della-Verde giving the Hastings leftback a difficult afternoon.

The first chance fell to Andrew Coker , who was put through on goal, but his shot was scuffed and cleared by the Hastings defence.

A half full of long throws by each team’s specialist produced a string of half-chances. Enfield skipper Scott Thomas, in his 100^th appearance for the club, set up arguably set up the best chance of an attritional opening period, Della-Verde drilling the ball just wide on the stroke of halftime while James Richmond saw his effort fly over.

Despite a few bright cameos, it was a half to forget as neither keeper was really tested.

H-T 0-0

Town picked up some momentum at the start of the second half as they looked to break the deadlock, new signing Hamilton Antonio showing his effectiveness in support of Sam Youngs.

 A lovely move saw Della Verde play in the overlapping Jeuvan Spencer but his cross was put behind for a corner by Louis Rogers.

Three minutes later, another corner whipped in by Della-Verde was headed goalwards by Richmond only for Rogers to pull off a magnificent save.

As the rain started to lash down on an increasingly soggy surface, control became difficult.

Jake Cass was inches away from converting a right-wing cross but suddenly Hastings, well drilled despite missing three players, started to believe they could win it.

On came supersub McKenzie with 20 minutes to go and he threatened to turn the game.

Put through down the left he shot narrowly wide, then was presented with an even better chance in the 84th minute but hit the post from six yards out.

Those  chances came back to haunt Hastings  as a long throw was cleared, only to fall to Knight who, with a striker’s instinct,  hit a beauty into the top corner. Shortly afterwards, Hastings keeper Louis Rogers was lucky to stay on the pitch after pole-axing Wraynel Hercules.

“I couldn’t really see where a goal was going to come from,” said Andy Leese afterwards. “We couldn’t really find a way through so I’m absolutely delighted. I didn’t really expect to sign a centrehalf who has now got two in three games! The composure to bring the ball down and bend it in like that was nothing short of incredible.”

A Knight to remember, you could say, and a big three points.

Town: McDonald, Spencer, Payne, Thomas, Knight, Richmond, Coker (Hercules 73), Youngs, Cass, Antonio (Taaffe 67), Della-Verde (Wyllie 79) Unused : Wilson-Braithwaite, Dayton

Anthony Wordsworth

We are delighted to welcome midfielder Anthony Wordsworth to Enfield Town. Anthony started out at Colchester, before embarking on a professional career which has taken him to the likes of Ipswich Town, Southend United, and AFC Wimbledon. He spent last season with League of Ireland side Waterford.

“We have taken the chance to sign Anthony after he has been training with us”, said manager Andy Leese. “A fantastic professional career means he brings quality and very high standards to the group, along with a winning mentality which will all help the younger players especially. Anthony gives us another option in midfield where we are stretched with the current schedule of games. He’s a local boy as well which we like. Please welcome Anthony to the club when you see him today.”

Rian Bray

We would also like to thank central defender Rian Bray for his efforts as he departs the club in search of regular football. Rian (pictured) made 53 appearances for the Town, scoring once, and was an important part of last-season’s squad which reached the playoffs.

“We have agreed to part company with Rian Bray. Rian didn’t feel he would get the opportunities he wants with our recent signings so we agreed he can look elsewhere to play his football”, added Andy. “I understand Rian’s desire to play as he’s been a regular here for us. We part on good terms and I’d like to personally thank Rian for his contribution last season especially.”

Once again we are holding a New Year’s Eve party in Butler’s Bar with live  music from Ray Macfarland

Tickets £10 (£5 under-16s and under-5s free)

To book please contact:

Christine Hamilton:  07949 071 587 –  ianchrisham@hotmail.com

Alan Medlock: 07963 196 224

Please book your tickets in advance as soon as possible so we can make an informed decision regarding numbers. 

Uxbridge 2 Enfield Town 2 (Town win 7-6 on penalties)

Report by Martin Bentley  

Well it wasn’t pretty at times, but Enfield Town squeezed into the third round of the Middlesex Senior Cup with a penalty shoot-out victory over Step 4 Uxbridge on Tuesday.

In truth, though, a lifeless second half performance saw Town come within two minutes of an embarrassing defeat to a second string Uxbridge side and were only rescued by yet another superb free kick goal from Andre Coker. Town controlled much of the first half with new signing Hamilton Antonio looking a useful addition to the midfield. The home side’s only shot of note was a snap shot that kissed the outside of Adi Connolly’s post on the half hour. By then Town were a goal up courtesy of a howler from home keeper Matty Bonnett, who managed to punch Lyle Della-Verde’s corner into his own net after 20 minutes.

The second half saw the home side enjoy long periods of possession in midfield, though their efforts on goal were all from distance and off target. Town managed a couple of off-target efforts too, though the closest they came to scoring was from a Della-Verde cross that was parried out for a corner by a startled Bonnett. Uxbridge were slowly taking control, and two quick-fire goals from Gareth Chendlik (79) and Presley Evans (85) looked to have sent Town to a highly embarrassing defeat. However, Town suddenly flicked the ‘on’ switch, forcing a string of corners and free kicks, and it was from one of the latter that they levelled two minutes from time. The kick was, once again, in ‘Lyle’s Office’ but he had already been substituted, so up stepped Andre Coker to curl a perfect shot to Bonnett’s left. Phew.

The shoot-out was a tale of 13 perfect penalties and one disaster for the home side. For the record, Town’s seven successful kicks came from Youngs, Taaffe, Cass, Dayton, Coker, Payne and Hercules. Home right-back Maurice Nugent then stepped up to take Uxbridge’s seventh, and fired his kick into the car park to see Town through to the next round.

Town: Connolly; Wilson-Braithwaite, Payne, Knight, Richmond (Spencer 45); Thomas (Youngs 45), Antonio (Taaffe 75), Dayton; Hercules, Della-Verde (Coker 64), Cass Unused: Cunnington

We are happy to announce two new faces to our squad as of this week. The first is defender Lewis Knight (pictured), whom you may have seen feature – and score on his debut – in our 4-2 win over Herne Bay on Saturday afternoon. Lewis joins on a month’s loan deal from Margate, and brings with him prior experience at Step 2 with St Albans, Concord Rangers and Maidstone United.

The second is Hamilton Antonio, who joins having last featured for Herne Bay. He is a central midfielder whose other previous sides include Corinthian-Casuals and Walton Casuals.

“Lewis has joined us on loan from Margate to strengthen our defensive options and is a player we have liked for a while”, said gaffer Andy Leese. “We have also added Hamilton Antonio to the squad this week. He was playing at Herne Bay this season and last year helped them to promotion. We need to bolster the midfield area with our demanding schedule at the moment and Hamilton will do that with his energy and physicality. We hope to see him in action tonight when supporters will get a chance to welcome him into the club.”

Welcome to Town!

Enfield Town 4 Herne Bay 2

Report by Martin Bentley

In front of a bumper crowd of 678 celebrating our annual Whole Club Day, Enfield Town and Herne Bay served up a highly entertaining end-to-end game that could easily have ended with twice the number of goals scored.

From the Town’s point of view, the game saw a welcome return to winning ways –their first victory in five.

The action exploded into life with two goals in the first quarter-hour. Just five minutes had passed when Town were awarded a freekick in that area of the pitch that should really be known as ‘Lyle’s Office’ – 25 yards from goal and just right of centre.

Mr Della Verde curled the kick deliciously into keeper Josh Strizovic’s top left hand corner – we were up and running.

The visitors attacked boldly in search of an equaliser, with Tashaun Walters firing a shot wide and Keiron Campbell stinging Nathan McDonald’s palms after cutting in from the left. They found their equaliser after 15 minutes, the outstanding Marcel Barrington latching onto a poor defensive header and belting the ball past McDonald.

The game continued at a lively pace. Sam Youngs missed badly from 12 yards and Barrington had a shot well saved at the other end before Town went back in front on the half hour, Della-Verde’s right-wing cross being turned into his own net by right-back Che Krabbendam.

Four minutes later Town were awarded a penalty following a foul on debutant centreback Lewis Knight. Unfortunately and rarely for him, Jake Cass’s spot kick flew wide.

A frantic half concluded with Campbell forcing another decent save from Mc Donald.

H-T 2-1

The second half continued in much the same vein, and Town extended their lead on 56 minutes. Once again it was a Della-Verde special, this time low to Strizovic’s right – wonderful to watch.

Three minutes later Barrington forced an error from James Richmond to reduce the arrears, and the Town faithful were once again feeling a little concerned.

But after seven more minutes, we were all breathing a little easier. Della-Verde had a shot deflected wide, and from the resulting corner, Richmond headed down at the far post for Knight to turn the ball over the line.

The pace of the game slowed a little after that, as Town were able to see out matters for a much-needed three points.

Town: McDonald, Spencer, Payne, Thomas, Knight, Richmond, Taaffe (Hercules 80), Youngs, Cass, Coker (Dayton 72), Della Verde (Braithwaite 86) Unused: Bray, Cunnington

“We have had to find game time for a number of players recently as they have come back to fitness. A number have gone across to Walthamstow to help Nick Ironton as he builds a new team. We are grateful to Nick as it helps us as well. The players have dual registered which allows us to call them back at any time.

Josh Urquhart needs games now he is fit and we will monitor how he does in the next few games. Te Wihongi, Ryan Kirwan and Kian Wilkes have all done the same. Alex Solomon has also done the same with St Neots. Graham Dodd will be watching them and keeping an eye on progress for us.

Rian McLean has gone to Witham where he played last season. He wasn’t getting the game time he wanted. We have agreed we will keep in touch. Wynford Marfo has joined Cray and Gucci’s loan has ended now so he is back with Sutton Utd.

It’s the hardest part of management keeping all your players happy and these moves allow us try to do that. The squad is under constant review as we seek to get the right balance and quality to push us on. We also have to balance the books which is a challenge we face every year.

As regards Bilal Sayoud, he  has also gone to Walthamstow so he can get regular football as we could not guarantee the game time he wants. We wish Bilal the very best and thank him for his contribution in his second spell with us.”

Andy Leese

This Saturday is a very special occasion when all sections of the club come together for our annual Whole Club Day.

All the teams – men’s, ladies, youth and disability – will gather for a mass photoshoot before the game against Herne Bay

At the end of the game everyone will be asked to stay on for a Hallowe’en Party in the bar until around 9pm.

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

Gates will open at 12.30 for what will we anticipate will be a bumper crowd.

Nightingale Cancer support will be attending the game and will set up a stand to give out leaflets and also will carry out a bucket collection during the afternoon.

Cray Wanderers 1 Enfield Town 1

Report by Andrew Warshaw

Frustration seemed to be the byword amongst the Town players after a fast-paced encounter which, on another day, we might have won.

The celebration among the Cray team at the final whistle said much about how they felt about sharing the points in a tight game that saw us drop to fifth.

With the teams in and around us – most of whom have played fewer games — picking up three points, there was a sense of disappointment after we had taken the lead through Marcus Wyllie’s first competitive goal for the club, only to be pegged back shortly afterwards.

But this was a big improvement following the Lewes debacle, particularly in terms of players covering each other all over the pitch and the amount of the possession we carved out.

The management team made three changes from the Lewes game but kept the defence in tact and to be fair, for large periods of the game we were relatively untroubled.

This fixture so often produces a goal fest but not this time, with defences on top for much of the game.

On 19 minutes, Jake Cass, who chased lost causes all afternoon and was a constant threat, let fly from 25 yards, narrowly missing the target.

Cray almost took advantage of a rare James Richmond slipup, only for Nathan McDonald to save with his legs.

Nathan produced an even bigger stop to keep out a point-blank Jalen Jones header from a freekick but in a half of few clearcut chances, Sam Youngs almost broke the deadlock on the stroke of halftime as he held off two defenders before swivelling and shooting just wide.

H-T 0-0

Four minutes into the second period, we took the lead as Wyllie pounced on a weak defensive header just outside the Cray box and strode forward to fire a delicious right-foot effort into the corner sparking huge celebrations (pictured).

Cass almost made it 2-0 but couldn’t quite keep control before Cray hit back.

Nyren Clunis had already gone close to an equaliser after being put through by skillful teenager Ben Krauhaus when the ball was played into the path of Dan Bassett and his low shot seemed to squirm under Nathan’s body.

The home side briefly threatened to turn things round as they upped their game but we held firm and finished the stronger with three pairs of fresh legs on the pitch.

Cass and Wyllie combined to set up ex-Wand Andre Coker down the left but his shot lacked sufficient power. And in the dying moments, Cass so nearly won it with an audacious piece of skill and strength that was kept out by Rowley.

Neutral observers will feel the outcome was just about right but perhaps looking back it was a game from which we might easily have come out on top.

“Much, much better performance from us today… a much different performance than we’d given the previous two Saturdays”, said Andy Leese. “We had to deal with Cray and the way they play, which I felt we did really well… just a little bit disappointed we didn’t capitalise – we created lots of chances.”

Town: McDonald; Spencer, Wilson-Braithwaite, Richmond, Payne; Thomas (Dayton, 64); Hercules (Della-Verde, 72), Youngs, Taaffe (Coker, 72), Wyllie; Cass.