After a rollercoaster campaign, Enfield Town’s season has come down to the last two games but let the party begin tomorrow.
As we all know, a point at sixth-placed Boreham Wood would complete a remarkable Great Escape that seemed highly unlikely a few weeks ago but which is now very much in our hands.
Even if we slip up against full-time opponents who are four points off the lead in the race for promotion, Hemel Hempstead will secure our National League South status if they avoid defeat against St Albans, sending the Saints down on what promises to be a nail-biting afternoon of drama.
Gavin Macpherson spent virtually the whole of Easter Sunday in management and player meetings, watching videos and talking to our analysts as he plans for the visit to near-neighbours Wood in the knowledge that our survival could otherwise potentially rest on the final-day showdown with title-chasing Worthing.
“We were below par against St Albans for much of the game but the mood is really good,” said Gavin. “We acknowledge Boreham Wood are full-time team who still have aspirations of winning the title and have a number of advantages over us. That’s why they so well financially backed.
“Their movement is excellent and we understand the magnitude of the task. But we’ve gone eight games unbeaten for a reason and I would rather put a point on the board regardless of what St Albans do.”
Gavin insists he won’t be looking over his shoulder at scorelines involving St Albans and Salisbury though the fans will probably let him know. “I can’t afford to do that. What will be will be elsewhere. I have to detach myself from all of it. I know how football can turn on you.”
“But I’ll tell you this. If we do manage to achieve our goal tomorrow, we will still have a right go on Saturday. We owe that to our fans and to the clubs in and around Worthing at the top. I certainly wouldn’t let it be regarded as a free hit.”
But first things first. “I suspect Boreham Wood trained for the game which we obviously didn’t,” said Gavin whose only fresh injury concern is Bailey Brown who limped off on Friday and for whom a late call will be made.
Gavin admits to being mentally and physically drained after putting his all into plotting a survival course from day one.
“From start to finish, this has been immeasurably harder than anything we achieved last season. There are managers out there who hope we stay in this league for their own reasons. If we do, it will be the club’s biggest ever achievement.”
AW
Important Footnote:
Tomorrow’s game is strictly segregated. Town fans are requested to enter through the turnstiles at the SOUTH end of the ground
Commentary will be provided by Michael on the following link from 2.50: