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.

This Saturday we visit Cray Wanderers in need of a positive result after a disappointing outcome to our last league game.

 Cray are currently fourth in the table on the same points and games as Town, separated only by goal difference. A game therefore between two playoff contenders?

Cray’s most recent result was a 4-0 win against Brightlingsea on Tuesday which included a hat trick from Ben Krauhaus.

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Enfield Town 2 Lewes 4

Report by Andrew Warshaw

Another four goals shipped, a shellshocked manager yet still third in the league and more than handily placed so it’s certainly not all doom and gloom.

But it’s undoubtedly been a rollercoaster few weeks for the Town after Saturday’s latest debacle.

Lewes have become something of a bogey team as they followed up last season’s convincing double over us with another dominant display that belied their lowly league position.

That we managed to pull two goals  back after going 0-4 down restored a certain amount of pride and respectability, especially after the rare sound of being booed off at halftime, albeit by a tiny minority of supporters.

But this shouldn’t hide the fact, as Andy Leese admitted afterwards, that there were worrying deficiencies that need rectifying to keep us on track in the upper echelons of the league.

After Tuesday’s improved display against Bognor following the Chesham humiliation in the Trophy, what unfolded was as alarming as it was unexpected, leading to an unusually flat atmosphere.

Lewes hadn’t won in the league since August but were slicker on the ball, more cohesive as a unit and in Razz Coleman De-Graft had a player who ran the show.

The Rooks were almost ahead within the first minute when Coleman De-Graft curled a cross-shot just over the bar from the edge of the box and it was no surprise when they took the lead six minutes later. Michael Klass played a one-two with Coleman De-Graft and Deon Moore lashed the loose ball into the roof of the net.

Lewes’ game plan was clearly to try and pull us out of shape, making it hard for us to keep the ball especially against their five in midfield and forcing our wide players to sit too deep.

It wasn’t until the 22^nd minute that we had our first real chance as James Dayton almost made Jack Cass’ backheel count. Cass came  even closer, only to find goalkeeper Lewis Carey in Lewes’ goal before Carey just held on to Joe Payne’s 30-yard piledriver.

Lewes continued to look the more threatening side, however, and Jamie Mascoll doubled the lead on 35 minutes when the wall failed to deal with his direct freekick.

Lewes’ third just before halftime was criminal from a home point of view. Marcel Elva-Fountaine was allowed to run unchallenged for 25 yards before firing into the far corner.

H-T 0-3

The management team decided to keep faith with the starting eleven and we almost reduced the deficit within two minutes as Lewes kept out a Cass header and Bilal Sayoud’s follow-up.  But it soon went from bad to worse as Coleman De-Graft curled a beauty into the corner of the net at the other end.

Even though it seemed there was no way back, we at last started to get in Lewes’ faces as the management made a triple substitution.

Cass’ superb header on 57 minutes from Sayoud’s sublime cross brought it back to 1-4. Then James Richmond rose to head a rebounded corner into the net to half the deficit (pictured).

The damage may have already been done but it made for an exciting finish as our support play improved and we stopped giving the ball away.

Lyle Della-Verde hit a golden opportunity down the keeper’s throat and both Sam Youngs and Scott Thomas had further chances to pull off a miracle.

Ultimately, however, it was too big a gap to bridge.

A clearly shell-shocked manager didn’t mince his words afterwards. “Absolutely horrendous first half, men against boys,” said Andy. “We simple weren’t good enough from one to 11 and let them do what they wanted.”

“I can only apologise again to the fans. I could hear all the barracking which I understand. Most of it’s aimed at me which I also understand. It was totally unacceptable and there are obviously going to have to be some changes.”

“Strangely we probably created 10 to 12 chances. But they didn’t really have to get out of second gear. It was a very chastening afternoon and lots of worrying signs which we have to address. We need people who will run for the cause and die for the cause. Today again, some players didn’t want to do that. We’ve got some very good footballers but some of them just seem to be lacking the basics.”

Town

McDonald, Spencer, Payne, Thomas, Wilson-Braithwaite, Richmond, Sayoud (Coker 74 mins), Youngs, Cass (Cunnington, 75 mins), Dayton (Wyllie 74 mins), Della-Verde

Our next fixture is against Lewes tomorrow, Saturday, kickoff 3pm, the last in a run of consecutive home games.

Our visitors are surprisingly 17th in the table, but have played fewer games than most.

Their most recent result was a 1-4 defeat at Herne Bay and Lewes have not won in the League since they beat Bishops Stortford 2-1 back in August.

Town are currently third in the table, two points behind league leaders Bishops Stortford and Potters Bar,  and a win could take us top if other results go in our favour. A hugely anticipated encounter is in prospect.

Advance tickets can be purchased here

https://enfieldtownfc.ktckts.com/event/match8/enfield-town-vs-lewes

Everyone who witnessed Bilal Sayoud’s stunning strike at Margate a couple of weeks ago marvelled at the sheer technique. But no-one was the least bit surprised, writes Andrew Warshaw.

Bilal may not start every game but his ability on the ball has never been in doubt.

“I do have that in my locker, sometimes it’s just about the confidence in taking it on,” says Bilal who is relishing his second spell at the Town.

“When we lost Mo, some people wondered where the goals would come from. But Lyle had double figures last season as did I, albeit not at Enfield. We also have Jake and Marcus, who is champing at the bit. Plus Sam of course.”

Ever since returning to the Town, Bilal has enjoyed every moment, whether starting or coming off the bench. The phrase impact player is a compliment he recognises though obviously he would prefer more.

“It’s not really a tag I would like to stick because obviously like any player I’d ideally like to be starting games. But the competition now is fierce.”

All teams have their wobbles but Bilal is confident Town can mount a consistent challenge.

“We’ve got so many options around the squad now. Two or three wins in this league puts you right up there.”

As for his own footballing experience, Bilal could be forgiven for wondering what might have been after being on Coventry City’s books for over two years when the club were in League One.

But it’s not something he bangs on about and is getting just as much pleasure out of playing non-league football. “I don’t really bandish the Coventry thing about because I don’t dwell on the past. But if I’m 100 percent honest, I didn’t feel secure in myself there.

“It taught me a lot about professional football and how cut-throat it can be. But on the plus side, also about high standards and how to treat your body. You watch football on tv and think ‘I can do that’. But some people don’t realise the daily grind.”

It wasn’t difficult, after spells at Met Police, Wingate and Hendon, for Bilal, who works for a charity, to make the decision to return to Enfield.

“It gives me far more satisfaction than when I played professionally. I’ve always loved the club. When I left the first time I wanted to get more experience. But most of the teams I played for were never really challenging come the end of the season. I came to realise you want to be up there.”

Religious faith,  as many of you will know, is a huge part of Bilal’s life as a staunch Muslim. Before the season started he went on a pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia for three weeks.

“It wasn’t easy trying to keep fit. I knew some players were leaving and I wanted to stake a claim. But it took longer for me.”

Managing to combine playing football with his religious faith has become second nature to Bilal who prays five times a day.

“We all have our different faiths and beliefs. The club has been nothing but supportive and accommodating, always offering me a room to pray in, whether before games, halftime or in the middle of training. It’s that kind of club.”

Enfield Town 1 Bognor Regis Town 1

Report by Andrew Warshaw

First things first. This was a massive improvement after Saturday’s ignominious FA Trophy exit, with each and every player showing hunger, purpose and desire.

That we  didn’t pick up all three points was more down to the strength of the opposition than any particular failings on our part though critics will doubtless point to our lack of fire power up front and the absence of sufficient midfield creativity.

Overall a draw was a fair result which keeps us extremely handily placed on the coat tails of Bishop Stortford and Potters Bar.

Early days still of course but victory over Lewes in another home game on Saturday could send us top if other results fall in our favour, albeit with only a quarter of the campaign completed and other sides having played fewer games.

The management team made three changes to the starting line-up, including the return of James Richmond who brought composure and stability to the back line.

Right from the off, Town showed intent with Jake Cass twice going close but it was the visitors who took the lead on 15 minutes when a risky squared clearance fell to Bognor frontman Nick Dembele who finished well.

Bognor’s movement and transition play was always a threat but right on halftime  James Dayton almost levelled when a corner was headed back across goal and his header was hit straight at the keeper.

H-T 0-1

We haven’t always had the rub of the green with decisions this season but got back in the game from a softish penalty on 51 minutes.  Dayton was adjudged to have been obstructed by  Nathan Odokonyero and Cass made no mistake from the spot (pictured).

Thereafter, as the game opened up,  both sides had chances to win the game though the Rocks arguably had more.  

Luckily for us, Odokonyero screwed his shot just wide of the upright when it looked certain he would score on 75 minutes. And  five minutes later, Alfie Bridgman blasted wide with only Nathan McDonald to beat.

But Town might well have snatched it late on through Dayton and Richmond, both of whose efforts looked easier to score.

Bognor claimed they would have won the game but for the officiating and poor finishing . At times we did ride our luck but we fully deserved a share of the spoils for application and effort.

“I’m pleased with the response after Saturday,” said Andy Leese. “A difficult game tonight. Bognor are young, well-drilled and energetic. At times they stretched us. I clearly would have preferred a win – it could have sent us top which would have been a boost – but really pleased.”

Town: McDonald; Spencer, Richmond, Wilson-Braithwaite, Payne;  Thomas (Wyllie, 70), Youngs, Della-Verde (Hercules, 81), Coker (Sayound, 63), Dayton; Cass

Enfield Town 0 Chesham United 4

Report by Andrew Warshaw

Enfield Town’s exploits in this season’s two main cup competitions are well and truly over after we crashed out at the first hurdle in the FA Trophy – just as we did in the FA Cup.

A similar horror show to the one at Canvey saw us put to the sword by the Generals who, despite also being at Step 3 (in their case Southern League Premier Division South ) were far superior in every department.

Chesham put on a commanding display to make it a miserable afternoon for Andy Leese who spent a decade in their own dug-out where he had two memorable cup runs.

Not this time, though, and while we can now put all our energies into the league campaign, everyone connected with the club will be disappointed that there are no more special FA Cup or Trophy days to look forward to – or the revenue stream they provide.

Once again, understandably after three straight wins, Town were unchanged. With a strong bench and players coming back from injury, there was every hope of a good performance even though Chesham are flying high in their league.

Instead it was a chastening display, at times too one dimensional and easy to defend against and Andy was refreshingly honest about the performance as a whole afterwards.

Having said that, for the first 20 minutes we looked up for it as we took the game to Chesham, only to be caught cold when Jordan Edwards hit a low freekick through the wall against the run of play.

Try as we might to respond, we simply couldn’t get any change out of a disciplined and well organised unit who got back in numbers at the slightest hint of a threat – and were devastating on the counter.

Five minutes before halftime Edwards was almost on target again as his 35-yard piledriver crashed against the angle of our post and bar.

Right on halftime, the visitors doubled their lead at the worst possible time for us. After we failed to clear a corner, Jeanmal Prosper pounded on the loose ball and lashed it home.

H-T 0-2

Cue an immediate halftime substitution with Jake Cass replacing an out-of-sorts Wraynel Hercules but as we chased the game, the visitors almost made it three when Shaquille Hippolyte drilled the ball wide of an open goal.

 Andre Coker’s neat finish on 53 minutes  – our first shot on target – so nearly put us back in the game, only to be ruled offside. And perhaps we knew it wouldn’t be our day when Cass somehow missed the target from four yards as he planted a header wide (pictured).

It was a chance we were left to rue as, on 73 minutes, Francis Jno-Baptiste’s pace took him surging into our box and he finished with aplomb.

Lyle Della-Verde came off the bench to see his 35-yard freekick tipped over the bar and from the resultant corner, a Sam Youngs snapshot flew wide.

But unfortunately Chesham weren’t finished yet.  Jno Baptiste too quick for Rian Bray who, with no defensive cover,  had little option but to pull him back inside the box.

Nathan McDonald brilliantly saved the penalty, only for T’Sharne Gallimore to force home the rebound. To  complete our misery, Rian became our latest player to be shown a straight red card.

“It was just a complete and utter disgrace but take nothing away from Chesham,” admitted a furious Andy Leese.

“A totally disrespectful performance, a complete capitulation. No fight, no application to the game plan. Performances since the Canvey Island debacle have been absolutely fine but it looks like we have ability to throw in that kind of performance.  I’ve got to wear it, they’ve got to wear it, and we’ve got to try and get things right for Bognor on Tuesday. That’s the challenge.”

Town:

Mcdonald; Spencer, Bray, Wilson-Braithwaite, Payne; Hercules (Cass, 45) Thomas, Youngs, Dayton (Della Verde); Cunnington, Coker (Sayoud, 71)

Huge congratulations to our assistant manager, Mario Noto, who completed Sunday’s London Marathon in a time of four hours, 16 minutes, writes Andrew Warshaw.

Mario has managed to raise over £5,000 including a healthy donation from those who attended our league game against Corinthian Casuals.

The money will be split between the Royal Papworth hospital and Haven House Children’s Hospice, the former having performed a life-saving heart transplant operation on his godfather.

Mario, who had trained for the race since July, hit the notorious pain wall around the 15-mile mark when his calf started to cramp up but he was determined to continue.

“I may have torn it but I just gritted my teeth and kept going,” he explained. “I wanted the time to be a bit quicker but it was an amazing experience so I can’t be too down on myself.”

“I had all my family there and even saw a few people I knew during the race including one lad I even used to coach. Everyone got behind everyone else regardless of gender, race or anything else. There was a proper community feel about it with so many people coming out to support.

“It’ll probably take me around a week to feel my body is back to normal but I’d definitely do it again.”

Well done Maz from everyone at Enfield Town FC

Scandinavian  football fans are renowned for flying over to the UK to watch Premier League fixtures at the weekend, writes Andrew Warshaw.

But it isn’t every day they opt exclusively for the non-league game instead.

It was therefore both a surprise and a pleasure to welcome seven Danish fans and 17 Swedes for our recent 2-0 home win over with Corinthian Casuals.

Both trips were organised entirely separately and provided an international feel to the game which was also attended by two Italian supporters. Enfield Town’s reach is obviously stretching far and wide!

All the Swedish fans were members of a so-called “brothers in sport” society and supporters of first division club IFK Norrköping .

They chose to come and watch us as the first in a three-match weekend itinerary and afterwards both clubs exchanged pennants.

Gunnar Hagberg, who helped organise the Swedish trip, explained: “We go to England on a regular basis to watch football but we always tend to go to clubs like Chelsea, Spurs and Arsenal.”

“This time we wanted to look for the roots of the game, to find football’s true soul, something we think has been lost in top-division football.”

Luckily for Gunnar and his friends, we just happened to be playing on a Friday night since they had already made arrangements for Saturday and Sunday.

“I checked through the fixture list and saw Enfield were playing on Friday. We couldn’t miss that instead of going out somewhere in London,” said Gunnar. “We had a brilliant time. The rain was perfect for football! We really enjoyed it and everyone was so friendly. It’s been a real treat.”

Needless to say, both the bar and the club shop did a roaring trade among our Scandinavian guests!

Although we are in step 7 of the national pyramid, Gunnar (pictured with another Swedish fan) says we could hold our own much higher up in Sweden. “I was talking to some of our coaches who came with us and they reckon Enfield Town would be the equivalent of the Swedish third division.”

“They were surprised and impressed how intense the game was.  We will definitely be spreading the word!”