Previous months' news can be found in the archives.
Latest News
25th January 2012
Enfield Town U18s vs Ashford Town (Middlesex) U18s – postponed
Middlesex Senior Youth Cup Semi-Final
After the persistent rain we have had over the last few days, tonight's game has had to be postponed. I will let you have a new date when known.
24th January 2012
North Greenford United vs Enfield Town – postponed
Middlesex FA Help For Heroes Charity Cup 2nd Round
Tonight's game has been postponed because the pitch at North Greenford is waterlogged. New date to follow.
Enfield Town U18s vs Ashford Town (Middlesex) U18s
Middlesex Senior Youth Cup Semi-Final
This game is subject to a morning pitch inspection.
Tomorrow the U18s play at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in the semi-final of the Middlesex Senior Youth Cup. Please come along and watch them.
The Flickr tags for the game will be:
etfc25012012 enfieldtown
That will ensure your photos turn up in our search.
23rd January 2012
Enfield Town Supporters Society Ltd AGM at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium
Please remember the Enfield Town Supporters Society Ltd AGM will be held at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium on Thursday, 26th January 2012. There will be a vote on a proposal to change the rules of the Society. More details of the proposed rule changes.
Should the new rules be adopted by members at the AGM they shall be supported by a number of policies. Copies of the policy documents have now been drafted and can be viewed here.
Election Policy
Board Membership and Conduct Policy
Disciplinary Policy
Standing Orders for Society Board Meetings
To view the PDF files you will need a PDF viewer such as Adobe Reader, xpdf or Ghost View.
The above links for xpdf and Ghost View are for the Windows versions.
Enfield Town U18s vs Ashford Town (Middlesex) U18s
Middlesex Senior Youth Cup Semi-Final
On Wednesday the U18s host Ashford Town (Middlesex) in the semi-final of the Middlesex Senior Youth Cup. The winners will play Hillingdon or Harefield United in the final. Kick off is 7.45pm. Please try to get to this one if you can.
North Greenford United vs Enfield Town
Middlesex FA Help For Heroes Charity Cup 2nd Round
Tomorrow we travel to North Greenford in the Middlesex Charity Cup. Kick off is 7.45pm. The winners travel to Ashford Town (Middlesex) in the quarter-final.
The Flickr tags for the game will be:
etfc24012012 enfieldtown
That will ensure your photos turn up in our search.
Statistically Speaking
Jim Cunneen
In 2004-05 season we were given a home tie in the first round of the Middlesex Senior Cup to North Greenford United from the Combined Counties League on an appalling night weatherwise. Not surprisingly only 99 turned up and even less surprisingly football was at a premium in a sticky first half. When the rain stopped we started and a comprehensive (in the end!) 3-0 win followed setting up a trip to Hendon. Our goals all came in the last 18 minutes and came from David Allen, Asa Pamplin and a last minute penalty from Rudi Hall.
The next time we played them was in the final of the 2010 Middlesex Charity Cup at Hampton in April 2010 and 212 were there. Somehow Town managed to lose out as our opponents' former Towner Nick Turner scored from their only meaningful attack. Meanwhile Town had a number of strikes repulsed by 'keeper Gary Jallow. Rudi Hall had what looked like a perfectly good equaliser ruled out and it would have been Rudi's 100th goal for the club so that was a bit annoying.
We were due to play NGU in a friendly in August 2011 but it had to be called off because of the riots, not only in that area but because of the safety of everyone travelling to and from there.
21st January 2012
Enfield Town Res 5 Billericay Town Res 1
Capital League
My photos from the game are now on Flickr. Flickr's search function appears to have been fixed as well!
Potters Bar Town 0 Enfield Town 0
Ryman League Division 1 North
Last week I felt compelled to comment on the officials because I thought they had such a good game. I could say what I thought of this week's officials, but I daren't!
It was easy to choose our Man of the Match this week as Adam Wallace (right) gave the performance of his career as the only man up front for most of the second half.
It all went wrong for Enfield when Walid Matata received a straight red card for retaliating to Potters Bar's Josh Urquhart after we had been given a free kick. Urquhart appeared lucky to get only a yellow card for his part in the proceedings. Mark Kirby must have aggrieved to be the only player the referee decided to take any action over for a bit of fruity language, especially as he was shown a straight red card. So we were down to nine men just before the break.
Before that, Walid Matata had hit the post in the first minute and we had two strong shouts for penalties – one when Liam Hope appeared to be pulled down by former Towner Dan Odamo and the other when Josh Urquhart went in late on Walid Matata and caught him after Walid's cross had gone in.
In the second half Steve sacrificed Liam Hope and Jey Siva for Craig McKay and Michael Bardle and we could still have won the game against a very lacklustre Potters Bar side who left the Town support wondering how they have picked up so many points just lately.
In the other games, Leiston pulled two points clear of us with a 3-1 win over Heybridge Swifts. Needham Market only drew, 2-2 at Soham Town Rangers and Harlow are now up to fourth after a 1-0 win at Maldon & Tiptree. In the early kick off Tilbury beat Grays who drop to fifth. We have played the same number of games as Leiston and Needham Market and are two points behind Leiston and seven clear of Needham Market. We are also seven clear of Harlow, and nine clear of Grays and their conquerors today, Tilbury. All three have a game in hand over us.
Photos from the game are now, or will shortly be, on Flickr. Clicking on the photo will also take you to Flickr.
Slightly off-topic, our club statistician, Jim Cunneen, is rather pleased today as he is also Press Officer for Shortwood United and they knocked Enfield (1893) out of the FA Vase this afternoon.
20th January 2012
Enfield Town U18s vs Waltham Abbey U18s
Eastern Junior Alliance Bedford League
The U18s take on Waltham Abbey at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium this coming Sunday. Kick off will be 1.00pm.
Rhys Hunt
X-rays have shown that U18s full back Rhys Hunt did not, as feared, suffer a broken leg in the Capital League game against Billericay Town Reserves on Wednesday. While his leg isn't broken, he has quite a bit of ligament damage and bad bruising. We wish him all the best and hope he gets back playing as soon as possible.
Potters Bar Town vs Enfield Town
Ryman League Division 1 North
Tomorrow we travel to The Walk to play Potters Bar Town in the League. Kick off is 3.00pm.
The Flickr tags for the game will be:
etfc21012012 enfieldtown
That will ensure your photos turn up in our search.
Statistically Speaking
Jim Cunneen
The first time we played our visitors was in a pre season friendly in July 2002. 157 saw us draw 2-2 with our goals coming from Danny Alleyne and Graeme Hall. August 2004 saw us there again for another pre season game but we came back on the wrong end of a 2-5 scoreline. Jason Geraghty and Joaquim Massala scored for us in front of 138. In Late January 2005 we travelled again to Potters Bar for our first effort in the 2004-05 Middlesex Charity Cup and we came back with a 1-0 win thanks to a Paul Campbell strike. To be honest it was a drab affair but a win none the less. 107 were there.
They travelled to us for a Southern League fixture on Bonfire Night 2005 and the first half was lively but goal less. Potters Bar conceded a needless penalty on the hour and Rudi Hall's effort was saved (his first miss!) but he scored from the rebound. A late John Morgan effort made it a bit more comfortable in front of 294.
The return game in January 2006 was bizarre. The Scholars had just had a good win at Corby and we were on our very long unbeaten away run. 25 minutes gone 0-4. Our defending was embarrassing and Potters Bar took full advantage with Richard Howard scoring twice. Our second half recovery saw Brian Hammatt net a penalty and Lee Smith grab a second in injury time to give us an air of respectability on an evening when we had an off night. 254 were there.
Potters Bar came to us in January 2007 for an Isthmian League game and we managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Steven Velandia had given us the lead and we then missed shed loads of chances before ex Towner Richard Howard levelled from the spot. Panic set in and we conceded a late second. Ho hum. 233 were there. The return game was played less than a fortnight later and carried the same scoreline. Richard Howard was again on the score sheet as was another ex Towner, Michael Black. Bryan Hammatt pulled one back deep in added time but to be frank this was a totally inept performance and the Man of the Match award was withheld. 201 were there and we dropped to 5th in the table.
The away game of December 2007 was a bit of a roller coaster. Behind to a 14th minute penalty we levelled when Bryan Hammatt shot home through a ruck of players. Then we went behind again only for Simon Tickner to head us level. Andy Jones came on a second half sub and spanked home the winner in front of 151. The return game, in March, was described to me as 'frankly awful'. We played without passion and got an undeserved draw. Potters Bar scored in the 49th minute and Richard Simpson scored his first goal for the club very late on. 291 saw us drop to 12th.
In November 2008 we travelled to Potters Bar and somehow contrived to lose against a Scholars side reduced to ten men when Tajbakhsh was sent off. Town fans suggested that the wheels fell off when Jeff Hammond pulled up with an injury and was replaced by Simon Tickner, when going all out on the attack might have been a better option. As it was, Chris Wild's equaliser was to no avail as the Scholars got the late goal in this one, from Ryan Edgar who was soon on his way to Goldsdown Road. 139 were there. Potters Bar came to us at the end of March and took the lead after 15 minutes through ex Towner Otis Williams (who had only just signed for them!). We were dreadful in the first half but got back on track through a stunning Ryan Edgar equaliser. A brace from Ellis Remy gave us all 3 points in a much better second period. 249 were there.
Potters Bar came to us in September 2009 and 208 saw us be very good in the first half and very poor in the second. Having taken the lead, it was disappointing that we let former Towner Ellis Remy, on loan to the Scholars from Bishop's Stortford, score the equaliser after our visitors had been reduced to ten men. Potters Bar hit the crossbar in the first half. Fabio Valenti gave us the lead on the half hour before Joe O'Brien picked up a second yellow card for deliberate handball.
Ellis Remy scored again against us in the return game in December 2009. This time from the spot. It hardly mattered though as we were 4-1 winners and his goal was a consolation near the end. Adam Wallace gave us a two goal cushion and Liam Hope made it 3. A very silly own goal from Dan Odamo made it 4-0 before the penalty. 138 watched our impressive performance that took us to fourth.
We went To Potters Bar for an Isthmian League Cup tie in October 2010 and the best I can do here is to quote our web site summary: "Suffice to say both sides did their best in, erm, trying circumstances, and both gave chances to players who don't regularly feature. One of ours, David Kendall fired us into an early lead. The Scholars got a scrambled goal on half time and a second early in the second half. Craig McKay hit the bar with a late header and Bryan Hammatt also came close twowards the end. Only 79 turned up." Only a couple of weeks later Potters Bar came to us for a league game and we contrived to lose a game having come back from two goals down. At that point the game appeared to be heading for a comfortable draw and we could have grabbed a winner ourselves before some awful defending allowed Tom Pett through for the winner. Bryan Hammatt and Sam Byfield scored our goals. New signing Leon Osei came on for the last ten minutes but by then the game was lost. 158 turned up. We then went to Potters Bar for the return league game only a week or so later. A rare Rob Blackburne error gifted the points to the Scholars in our second successive game to end ten-a-side. Potters Bar's Chris Doyle was perhaps lucky to get a second yellow when he appeared to punch Paul Marks. Richard Morton got a straight red when challenging for the ball in the corner. By that point Potters Bar were one man down and trying to defend their lead so their timewasting tactics were understandable but not pretty for their highest crowd of the season so far, 161, to watch.
Potters Bar came to us for a league game in October 2011. We rose to second in the table after a third win in a row but we obviously like living dangerously! Having gifted Potters Bar a two goal lead in a disjointed first 15 minutes, we finally got back into things with two goals from Jon Moore, the first a sublime flicked header from an equally good Jey Siva cross. We took the lead when Adam Wallace beat the visiting 'keeper to the ball outside the area before sliding the ball into the net. Liam Hope made things safe with a penalty after the Potters Bar 'keeper tripped him. 167 saw the win.
Enfield Town Res 5 Billericay Town Res 1
Capital League
On Wednesday the reserves reversed the score from earlier in the season as they beat league leaders Billericay Town 5-1. The win came at a price, though, as U18s full back Rhys Hunt was stretchered off following a horrendous two-footed tackle which saw our visitors reduced to ten men. Rhys had only just come on as well.
The game saw vastly experienced centre half Fergus Moore make his debut and Dan Forward and Michael Bardle continue their comebacks from injury.
Billericay took the lead with a perfectly placed lob but we were back level a minute later as Bryan Hammatt scored the first of his two goals following a muck up at the back for Billericay. Rhys Hunt was then injured and Billericay reduced to ten men before Hammatt made it 2-1. Connor Boltonmade it 3-1, Michael Bardle added the fourth and then Ben Corbett wrapped things up (left), finishing an excellent team move as he got on the end of Daniel Ailey's perfectly weighted through ball. That could have made it six but Daniel Ailey got caught offside and we had that one ruled out.
Photos from the game are now, or will shortly be, on Flickr. Clicking on the photo will also take you to Flickr. More to follow…
17th January 2012
Enfield Town Res vs Billericay Town Res
Capital League
Tomorrow evening the reserves welcome Billericay Town to the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in the Capital League. Kick off will be 7.45pm.
The Flickr tags for the game will be:
etfc18012012 enfieldtown
That will ensure your photos turn up in our search.
Enfield Town 1 Brentwood Town 0
Ryman League Division 1 North
There appears to be a problem with the search facility on Flickr and only Tom Scott's photos are showing up from the links further down the page. My photos are on Flickr but for some reason don't seem to show up in the search.
15th January 2012
Enfield Town Res vs Billericay Town Res
Capital League
The reserves have a hastily arranged game on Wednesday in the Capital League. Billericay Town will be the visitors and kick off will be 7.45pm. Please try to get along to this one if you can.
Football Focus Magazine
Issue 22 of Football Focus magazine has an article about Enfield Town. It is available on-line and
you can also download it as a PDF from the following link.
Football Focus Magazine – Issue 22
Enfield Town 1 Brentwood Town 0
Ryman League Division 1 North
Yesterday we stayed top thanks to a 22nd minute strike from Adam Wallace and an outstanding performance by Man of the Match Noel Imber.
Brentwood had a fine chance to equalise in the second half when they were given a penalty and we were reduced to ten men. Arguably the foul for the penalty may have been outside the box, but the red card was correct as Dave Kendall was denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. Throughout the rest of the game I thought the officials got most of their decisions correct. I thought the penalty we got last week against Romford followed a foul outside the box as well.
This was a good win against a well ordered, in-form side and even after Wallace's goal they never gave up. Noel Imber's penalty save (right), with about ten minutes to go, capped a fine performance.
Elsewhere in the league, the three postponements did not affect our position as only lower half sides were involved. Leiston won 3-2 away at AFC Sudbury, Needham Market won 4-1 at home to Maldon & Tiptree and Grays did not play. So we remain one point clear of Leiston but they have a game in hand, and seven clear of Needham Market on the same games. Grays are now eight points behind us with a game in hand. Fifth spot changed hands again as Harlow Town beat Tilbury 3-0 and leapfrogged over them and Brentwood.
Photos from the game are now, or will shortly be, on Flickr. Clicking on the photo will also take you to Flickr.
13th January 2012
Enfield Town vs Brentwood Town
Ryman League Division 1 North
Tomorrow we welcome Brentwood Town to the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in the League. Kick off is 3.00pm.
The Flickr tags for the game will be:
etfc14012012 enfieldtown
That will ensure your photos turn up in our search.
Statistically Speaking
Jim Cunneen
Brentwood are no strangers to us as we played them regularly going back to our ESL days…
In our first Season Brentwood travelled to us following our disastrous evening against Stansted, when we lost 0-3 to a hat trick of penalties, and received the full backlash as we romped to a huge win. Jamie Morris got the clubs 5th hat trick of the season, Daniel Clarke added another brace to his already impressive total, and John Ridout wrapped up the 6-0 win. 323 turned up as well to round off an unblemished afternoon.
What a different story the return game was in April! A tired end of season performance which was lacklustre to say the least saw us come away with a 1-1 draw and leave Leyton as champions. John Ridout scored the equalizer for us. Ronnie Watson got himself sent off in the last minute for foul and abusive language just to complete a largely unsatisfactory afternoon.
On a boiling hot day which typically saw the first day of 2002-03 season we travelled to Brentwood with a team shorn of some regulars through international duty and some through unavailability. In spite of this we came away with a cracking 3-0 win. Daniel Clarke gave us a first half lead doubled after the break by David Allen and Graeme Hall added a third at the death. A great start played out in front of 153. The return game, in February, started with Martin St Hilaire score what was then the quickest goal in ETFC history –a mere 38 seconds had passed when he finished off a move. David Allen made it 2-0 after only 7 minutes and we went off the boil for a while. Brentwood pulled one back early in the second half before Daniel Clarke made it 3-1 after 65 minutes. Daniel Alleyne added numbers 4 and 5 around a second goal for the visitors. Bradley Poole hit a contender for goal of the season after 76 minutes and late on Tommy Morgan wrapped up the scoring. 7-2 if you've lost count! All this in front of 216. The scoreline was a bit harsh on Brentwood it just happened that everything we tried ended up in the back of the net.
In October 2003 Brentwood came to us when we were in a run that hadn't see us concede a goal in 4 league matches. That run continued with a routine 2-0 win. Billy Cove scored both goals to give him 3 goals in 2 starts and 241 watched. The return game in February '04 was anything but routine. Lee Smith gave us an early lead with a tap in before 'Wood equalised direct from a corner. They then went in front before Billy Cove equalised. The second half saw our defence stroll off for a while and Brentwood romped into a 5-2 lead. Just to add insult to injury Bradley Brotherton scored their 5th and saved John Ridout from the ignomony of being the only ET to score an OG. Jim brought on the aforementioned Ridout for his first appearance since October and what a difference he made! Cove reduced the arrears and John Ridout himself made it 4-5 with 7 minutes to go. With 5 left on the clock Clarkey was upended in the box and Stuart Snowden gave us a point. Exciting stuff but dropped points in our chase for the title.
Brentwood added Town to their name at the beginning of season 2004-05.
For some daft reason we played Brentwood home and away in league games in three days in October 2004. In the first game, away on the Saturday, we dropped two points in an uninspiring 1-1 draw. It was a strange game where we had the greater possession but they had the better chances. The fact that Andy Hall was man of the match says it all really. Dean Nyman scored for us from Matt Negus' corner and 141 were there. Enough said. In the second game, on the Tuesday, Matt Negus became the goalscorer in a hard fought 1-0 win. This was a much better all round performance as Brentwood came and sat behind the ball and proved difficult to break down – A job they did very well. The three points were vital and Matt's goal. on the hour, brought a collective sigh of relief. The attendance of 189 though was a disappointment.
Brentwood then joined us in the Isthmian League and we travelled to them in October 2007. They were undefeated and had only conceded 8 goals all season where as we had conceded 7 in our last 2 games. We came back with a 1-1 draw which was grimly satisfying. We were well organised and deserved our point. Our disciplinary record was beginning to cause concern though as Darren Grieves became the third Town player to see red in 3 games and we had another 3 booked. Ricci Crace scored for us after 35 and they equalised after 44. 224 were there. Talking of grimly satisfying – the same could be said of a 0-0 draw played at the beginning of April. We had nothing but pride to play for while they needed points for their play off challenge. The game had little to write about as we cancelled each other out. 234 yawned their way through it.
The home game of October 2008 was anything but dull. Brentwood were unbeaten and clear while our league form had improved. The result a cracking 2-2 draw which was a right ding dong from start to finish. The sort of game both sides will be glad not to have lost and sorry they didn't win. Glenn Harvey gave us the lead, they levelled, Ellis Remy scored from an overhead kick that came down off the bar and they levelled again. 249 were there.
We travelled to Brentwood in February on the back of some very poor performances and I'm afraid this was another one! We played Ellis Remy as a lone striker when it looked as if he needed more support. Dave Walton saved a first half penalty but was powerless to stop the rebound. The game meandered after that with neither side looking particularly potent up front. That all changed when Brentwood took off former Towner Mitch Hahn, who was not on top form, and replaced him with the frighteningly effective Sherwin Stanley. After that there was only ever going to be one winner as they rattled in two more for a comprehensive victory. The introduction of Luke Marshall and Sammy Winston for the last ten to fifteen minutes was too little too late. 228 were there to witness this painful performance.
Our first league game of 2009-10 saw us travel to Brentwood but with new management and new players the supporters were full of optimism – especially since we had thrashed AFC Hayes 6-1 in the previous game! Brentwood had gone through some internal strife that had not helped their cause but take nothing away from our win. Although it was only 1-0 we were always in control even if the style of it was ugly. 201 saw us bring home the points through a solitary goal from Paul Marks. For the stattos amongst you (other than me!) Rudi Hall achieved his 100th assist in this game. The return game took place in March 2010 and it was a tense affair with Brentwood showing a rich turn of form. Three goals in quick succession settled the game as we came from behind to grab all three points and move into third place in the league. Brentwood had hardly finished celebrating before Andy Jones scored a stunning solo effort, picking the ball up a long way out before firing home from the edge of the "D". And almost straight away it was 2-1 when Liam Hope was gifted the ball and slotting home. 'Keeper Rob Blackburne had to be replaced during the second half but Jason Holmes made sure that there were no further goals for our visitors. The only disappointment was the gate – 172.
We travelled to Brentwood in February 2011 for what should have been a difficult game but we racked up our best result against Brentwood since our Essex Senior League days. Leon Osei scored the first Enfield Town hat-trick since Mitch Hahn in our 7-4 defeat at home to Aveley in November 2008. His first two gave us a half time lead before Liam Hope added to the score and Leon then completed his hat-trick for 4-0. Stuart Blackburne made it 5-0 with 3 minutes to go and Dan Forward wrapped things up in the last minute. Apparently it could have been 10! 152 saw the thrashing. Brentwood came to us a few weeks later and it could not have been more different as another flat performance from Town led to more points lost in a 0-1 defeat. This was one of our worst performances ever as we lost to an 83rd minute penalty. They hit the woodwork twice and we were virtually shot less. MOM was Ryan Edgar (for them). 225 saw this most disappointing result.
We travelled to Brentwood in September 2011. Having gone 2-0 up through Dean Pennant and an Ashfordeque lob (the Great Man Himself would have been proud!) from Jon Moore we had to batten down the hatches a bit, especially in the second half. Jason Mason thumped home an unstoppable goal for our hosts but we hung on for the three points. 115 were there.
11th January 2012
Potters Bar Town Res 1 Enfield Town Res 7
Capital League
This evening the reserves took all three points against Potters Bar Town with a rather one-sided score line.
Dan Forward (left, in the Ryman League at Redbridge earlier this season) made his comeback from a broken leg and opened the scoring. Daniel Ailey then took over, bagging five goals in total, including a screamer from over twenty yards out. Bradley Ambrose got the other one. The result would not have been so one sided but the home 'keeper was injured trying to save our third goal.
I didn't get to the Potters Bar tonight. There may be some photos from the game on Flickr, but I can't promise anything.
While the reserves were playing in the Capital League, Grays Athletic were playing in the Ryman League at home to Redbridge. The result was Grays 0 Redbridge 2. Grays remain third, five points behind us but they have now played the same number of gmaes as we have.
10th January 2012
Potters Bar Town Res vs Enfield Town Res
Capital League
Tomorrow evening the reserves travel to Potters Bar in the Capital League. Kick off will be 7.45pm.
I am not sure if I will be able to get there but for any other buddinphotographers, the Flickr tags for the game will be:
etfc11012012 enfieldtown
That will ensure your photos turn up in our search.
8th January 2012
Romford 0 Enfield Town 5
Ryman League Division 1 North
Once more we have taken top spot in the league. What looked like it could be a very tricky game ended as an emphatic victory, although it has to be said that Romford made us work for our points.
Jon Moore is emigrating to Australia and signed off in style with the opening goal (right). Neil Johnston made it 2-0 following some excellent work from Adam Wallace and that was the half time score. It was 3-0 shortly after the break as Dave Ottley beat Walid Matata to a cross but bundled it into his own net. It wasn't Ottley's day as he then gave away a penalty after Leon Osei broke free with the ball even though he looked hopelessly trapped in the corner only for Ottley to bundle him over on the edge of the area. Man of the Match Rudi Hall scored from the spot. Walid Matata wrapped up the scoring from close range after an excellent run and cross from Neil Johnston.
In the other games we have to thank Ware 'keeper Rhys Madden for a penalty save and striker Ryan Mattos for an 88th minute equaliser against Leiston which meant our three points were enough to take us top. Meanwhile Redbridge came from behind to beat Needham Market, Grays won 1-0 at Cheshunt and AFC Sudbury dropped to 8th following their 5-1 defeat at Potters Bar Town.
We are now a point ahead of Leiston, five ahead of Grays, seven ahead of Needham Market and eight ahead of fifth-placed Tilbury. Needham Market have played the same number of games as ourselves but all the others have a game in hand.
Photos from the game are now, or will shortly be, on Flickr. Clicking on the photo will also take you to Flickr.
6th January 2012
Romford vs Enfield Town
Ryman League Division 1 North
Tomorrow we travel to Aveley to play Romford in the League. Kick off is 3.00pm. Please note, if you are going by public transport, all trains are leaving from Liverpool Street and not Fenchurch Street because of planned engineering works.
The Flickr tags for the game will be:
etfc07012012 enfieldtown
That will ensure your photos turn up in our search.
Statistically Speaking
Jim Cunneen
Our first ever win came in an away game against Romford in a pre season fixture. It was our fourth game. Jim Chandler was beginning to settle on his squad – and the football was beginning to flow. Nicky Morgan gave us an early lead and although Romford equalised two late goals from Daniel Clarke gave us a deserved win.
In August 2002 a below full strength side travelled to the old Ford United ground for an ESL game and came away with a 2-0 win which kept us at the top in the early part of the season. Graeme Hall scored his third goal in as many games and Stuart Snowden scored the second from the penalty spot. 250 watched this one.
The return game, in February 2003, was a much tighter but still hugely entertaining affair for the 250 present. Kevin Riley gave us the lead but Romford deserved their equaliser and a draw was just about right.
We travelled in August 2003 for another entertaining draw. 2-2 this time. Somehow goalless at half time Romford opened the scoring after 70 minutes. Simon Miller opened his ETFC account after 75 minutes and Matthew Negus put us in front after 83. We could not hold the lead and Romford came back to deservedly equalise just 2 minutes later. Even then both sides had further chances to win it. 182 saw this cracker.
The return game in November was a bit of a disaster really. We never got going, our passing was dreadful and we found ourselves at 0-2 just past the ½ hour. Billy Cove pulled one back with 20 minutes to go and we waited for the surge. It never came and Romford probably had the better chances. Whatever, this was our second loss of the season and was a thoroughly deserved win from our visitors.
Romford came to us in August 04 for our second home league game of the season and the home crowd expected flowing football after our recent performances. They didn't get it as we struggled to put passes together against a side that suffered from the handicap of having a man sent off after only 22 minutes. Still the ability to 'win ugly' is the hall-mark of a good side and thanks to a Bradley Brotherton effort we ground out a 1-0 win. We left it late, however, as there was only 2 minutes on the clock when he scored. (Att: 239). The away game, in November, was a physical, sometimes over physical, game with a spate of bookings. Dean Nyman gave us the lead only for us to be pegged back before a Rudi Hall penalty restored the lead. A brace from Lee Smith made it 4-1 and confirmed an outstanding win for the boys and brought us ever closer to Waltham Abbey at the top of the table. Incidentally Romford's goal ended a club record of 546 minutes without conceding a goal! The attendance was 215.
Funnily enough we found ourselves with the opportunity of setting another record for not conceding a goal in the League Cup tie first leg. There was to be no denying us this time as we ground out a 1-0 win. That meant we had gone 6 games / 632 minutes since conceding. The game was ugly and just like the earlier away game! Two players were sent off. Rudi Hall was ours after taking the free kick which Lee Smith headed home for the only goal. 227 were there. Regrettably, it turned out that Romford fielded a cup tied player in that game amd we were awarded the tie.
It was 2009-10 before our paths crossed again when Romford came up to join us in the Isthmian League. They came to us in October and a goal in each half from Man of the Match Stuart Blackburne saw Town take the three points and move five places up the table to sixth. Romford had lost their trophy tie very heavuily the previous weekend but they never looked like a side which had shipped seven goals! Town didn't start too cleverly either, not really playing a good passing game until Romford's Remi Nelson got sent off when he picked up two yellow cards in a matter of minutes. Romford hit the bar with the score at 0-0 and certainly played their part in a close first half. 201 saw us win.
We travelled for the return game in March 2010 and it was a cracking game played out in front of 150. Town bagged all three points with a 3-2 win although some poor defending had visiting hearts in mouths as Romford first led and then brought the game back to 2-2. Richard Morton headed the equaliser, while two from Stuart Blackburne secured the win. Romford came to us in February 2011 for what was a real 6 pointer. This was not a game for the neutral with both sides restricted for the most part to long range shots, which is how both goals arrived. Poor defending allowed Jack Barry to score from distance after 31 minutes and Jordan Lockie got the equaliser towards the end of 90 minutes. This one will not stay long in the memory 191 watched as no man of the match was awarded for the second game running. Says it all really! We went to Romford for the return game in March and came away with nothing after a game in which we certainly didn’t get the rub of the green! Romford got a penalty when one of their players appeared either to tread on, or to trip over, the ball. Enfield had three excellent shouts for penalties but none were given. Ex-Towner Alex Read got behind our defence to score their second. It was all horribly frustrating as we lost 0-2. 152 were there.
Romford came to us at the beginning of October 2011. Somehow there was only one goal in a game in which we hit the bar and numerous saves by visiting keeper Elliott Anderson prevented a big score. Adam Wallace got the goal early in the second half and Wallace, Jon Moore, Leon Osei and Daniel Ailey came close to adding to the single goal for the day. The gate was 240.
Enfield Town Res 0 Potters Bar Town Res 0
Capital League
On Wednesday the reserves played out a goal-less draw in horrible conditions at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium. The nearest that either side came to scoring was when Daniel Ailey hit the bar towards the end of the second half.
I may get some photos from the game on Flickr, but I was sitting in the stand because of the rain and can't promise that I got too many decent ones.
3rd January 2012
Enfield Town Res vs Potters Bar Town Res
Capital League
Tomorrow evening we welcome Potter Bar's reserves to the Queen Elizabeth Stadium. Kick off will be 7.45pm.
The Flickr tags for the game will be:
etfc04012012 enfieldtown
That will ensure your photos turn up in our search.
Enfield Town 3 Redbridge 0
Ryman League Division 1 North
Enfield eased past Redbridge yesterday and should have won by a greater margin. The game was a bit fractious and it appeared that Redbridge were lucky to finish with eleven men.
Jon Moore opened the scoring to finish an excellent move started by an astonishing flick on from Liam Hope. Adam Wallace crossed and Moore passed the ball between Redbridge 'keeper Joe Wright's legs into the net (left). In the second half, Man of the Match Neil Johnston scored his first goal for the club and Leon Osei wrapped things up with a direct free kick.
In the other games in our division, Leiston beat Soham Town Rangers 2-0 and remain top, one point above us with a game in hand. Needham Market were beaten 1-0 by AFC Sudbury and Grays Athletic won 1-0 at Great Wakering Rovers. We are now four points clear of third placed Needham Market on the same games, and five clear of Grays who have a game in hand.
Photos from the game are now, or will shortly be, on Flickr. Clicking on the photo will also take you to Flickr.
1st January 2012
Enfield Town vs Redbridge
Ryman League Division 1 North
Tomorrow we welcome Redbridge to the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in the League. Kick off is 3.00pm.
The Flickr tags for the game will be:
etfc02012012 enfieldtown
That will ensure your photos turn up in our search.
Statistically Speaking
Jim Cunneen
The 2nd qualifying round of the 2005 FA Trophy saw us drawn at home to, then, Isthmian Premier side Redbridge and although we achieved what was on the face of it a credible draw the result was anything but flattering. Town found themselves a goal down after 32 minutes and then had the best of the play. Bryan Hammatt had a goal very harshly disallowed before he was fouled in the box and Rudi Hall dispatched the equaliser. We had another goal disallowed before the end but we all had to troop off to Redbridge for a second go on the Tuesday. Our attendance: 268. We had the same referee for the replay and he had a similar game. We lost 2-1 and Matt Negus scored a late consolation goal for us. 172 were there and although we did not perform to our best the general feeling was that we deserved better but there you go.
Redbridge came down to Division 1 at the same time we moved across so ex-Towner Alan Fenn brought his side across to us in October 2006. We continued to be inexplicably bad at home and followed up our 4-0 win at Ware with a mind numbing 1-0 home defeat. Redbridge scored from a free header after 27 minutes and we created virtually nothing. The only thing to liven the crowd was a spate of nine bookings and we had five of them. 230 zzz'd their way through. The return game took place at the beginning of April and was played out in front of only 120. We conceded an early goal but came back to level before half time through Ricci Crace. The second half was awful from our point of view as we conceded a second goal and failed to create anything of note. Very poor!
The away game in November 07 was anything but poor – it was a real cracker! Behind as early as the 5th minute we levelled in the 37th minute. Darren Grieves powered home a header from David Bastian's superb cross. We went 2-1 up after 47 when Paul Campbell hit his contender for goal of the season. Redbridge never gave up and equalised again after 61. The game ebbed and flowed but a draw seemed likely until the Redbridge keeper dropped the ball in a puddle in the last minute and David Bastian won the race and knocked it home for the three points that kept us in contention. A poor gate of 114 were there. The home game, on the 1st March, marked the end of an era as it was Jim Chandler's last game in charge. Regrettably the players let him down on the day and 266 saw us turn in a gutless performance in which we succumbed 1-4 without any fight. David Bastian scored our consolation goal in the very last minute. This defeat saw us sink to 10th place. For the second match running there was no man of the match award – it was that poor!
The home game, in October 2008, was described by many as 'over physical and fractious' and there was little to please the purists. David Allen, who was fast closing down Chopper's appearance record, was injured by an appalling challenge that left him with a broken foot. Jon Stevenson, and one of theirs, was sent off for a spat and we went 2-0 down. Now this was the sort of game that we would have lost earlier in the season 3 or 4 nil. But not this day! Simon Tickner reduced the arrears and David Bastian equalised in the 92nd minute. So there! Cue wild celebrations. 206 were there.The return game took place in April and ex Towner Charlie Hasler was in goal for Redbridge Not many 'keepers would have kept out Danny May's thunderbolt which reduced the arrears after we found ourselves 0-2 down half way through the second half. Redbridge grabbed an excellent third goal while Chris Wild had been pushed up front alongside Ellis Remy and Billy Healey. Many thought the result a little harsh on us. 149 were there.
Town travelled to Redbridge in August 2009 and we had made areasonable start to the season under our new management. Town were without the injured Rob Blackburne but Jason Holmes performed very well on his debut. Redbridge controlled a first half in which Town just couldn't get moving, and went in at half time 1-0 up. Roberto Minniti equalised with an inch perfect lob and the score stayed one apiece thanks in no small measure to a stunning save by Holmes. 127 saw us stay at 8th place in these early days. The home game came along in April 2010, between the 1-0 home win against Maldon and the 0-0 draw away to champions-elect Lowestoft. 208 turned up to see a "game of two halves" in which our visitors deservedly went in 1-0 up at half time through a Dave Blower own goal and a reversal of fortunes saw Stuart Blackburne finish off a move involving Michael Bardle and Adam Wallace, passing the ball into the net from about three yards out.
In January 2011, Enfield took advantage of a flagging Redbridge side to take all three points at Oakside. Adam Wallace and Jon Moore got the goals. Redbridge hit the post before Jordan Lockie whacked a shot into the side-netting and Moore headed over. Darren Bonfield dealt with the few attacks which got past Mark Kirby and Craig McKay very well but Elliott Justham at the other end was a lot busier, especially in the second half. It has to be said though, we had played against worse sides than Redbridge by that point in the season. This was a cracking game for the neutrals in the crowd of 211. Redbridge came to us in April and we claimed the points with a 2-1 win. The win wasn't pretty but it was an important one as Enfield came back from one down to take all three points. Redbridge took the lead in the first five minutes through Kevin McLeod and held it to half time. Dave Kendall equalised early in the second before Redbridge’s Glowacki put through his own net for the winner following a shot by Mark Kirby, giving us our first ever home win against Redbridge at the sixth time of asking. 213 were there.
We went to Redbridge for an August Bank Holiday game in 2011 and came away with an exciting 5-3 win! We took a 1-0 half-time lead thanks to a Stuart Blackburne penalty after he was fouled by Redbridge's Dan Trenkel, before Stuart extended the lead and Dave Kendall made it 3-0. It then all went temporarily wrong as we allowed two goals from long throws, which was really Redbridge's only tactic, and with a gift of a goal from an embarrassing mix-up at the back, to bring the score back to 3-3. Normal service was resumed as Mark Kirby headed home the fourth. Adam Wallace thumped home goal number five at the death. Erm… tighten up at the back please lads, eh? 166 witnessed the fun!
Liam Hope
Liam joined the 100 club at Tilbury in our defeat on Saturday!
He made his debut in the 3-1 League Cup win at home to Waltham Abbey in November 2009 and scored 2 goals, was man of the match and was substituted in an eventful first game!
Here are his stats:
Apps goals
Isthmian League 87 39
FA Cup 3 -
FA Trophy 2 2
Middlesex Senior Cup 3 1
Middlesex Charity Cup 2 -
Isthmian League Cup 3 3
Liam has scored 45 goals which is very impressive in his 100 games and is 4th in the all time scorers list. He has scored all 12 of the penalties he has taken. Liam scored in 10 consecutive appearences between 05.11.11 and 26.12.11 – a club record. He has contributed 25 assists as well.
Liam has been booked 9 times. And sent off once in a 0-1 home defeat to Thamesmead in September 2010. He has also played in 14 friendlies and scored 6 times in these. Liam has been credited with 7 MOM awards.
Keep going Liam!
Jim Cunneen
Happy New Year
Happy New Year from all of us at Enfield Town Football Club. As it will be our first full calendar year in the Queen Elizabeth Stadium, let's hope 2012 will be a good one for our club!
31st December 2011
Tilbury 2 Enfield Town 1
Ryman League Division 1 North
Liam Hope's remarkable scoring run came to an end today as he finally drew a blank. The Tilbury goals came from defensive errors – the first, scored by former Towner Alex Read, after an unfortunate rebound fell kindly for our hosts and the second following a poor attempt to punch clear by Noel Imber. In between Walid Matata equalised with a spectacular overhead kick (right).
The winner was scored in controversial fashion, as Tilbury's Joe Nightingill appeared to be offside. That would have been academic had we taken all our chances but James Marrable and his defence cleared the ball off the line on at least half a dozen occasions.
We dropped to second place as Leiston jumped above us with a 2-0 win at Cheshunt. Needham Market lost 4-3 at home to Heybridge Swifts and Grays Athletic's home game last night against Waltham Forest was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.
Photos from the game are now, or will shortly be, on Flickr. Clicking on the photo will also take you to Flickr.
30th December 2011
Tilbury vs Enfield Town
Ryman League Division 1 North
This game is subject to a 9.00am pitch inspection.
Tomorrow we travel to Tilbury in the League. Don't forget, the kick off has been brought forward to 1.00pm.
The Flickr tags for the game will be:
etfc31122011 enfieldtown
That will ensure your photos turn up in our search.
Statistically Speaking
Jim Cunneen
Our third ever match was an away game against Tilbury in a pre season fixture. Jim Chandler was still trying out his new players and we lost 0-1. We were a bit unlucky not to get a draw though as Nicky Morgan hit the post in the second half.
In 2004 we had another pre-season fixture but this one was cut short after 62 mins due to a floodlight failure. Paul Cobb opened the scoring from the spot for Tilbury before Kevin Riley equalised for us.
Tilbury joined us in the Isthmian League for 2006-07 and we travelled there in August and came away with a 4-0 win. This was a relaxed and comfortable win. Ricci Crace scored a first half hat trick and Lee Smith scored the other in front of 152. Ricci was pushed for the MoM award by Stevan Velandia who had a superb match. The return game was another 4-0 win on Good Friday. It was another relaxed and comfortable win. This time it was Bryan Hammatt who scored a hat trick and the third was an absolute gem! Ricci Crace wasn't going to be left off the score sheet tho and weighed in with the other. The other positive was the attendance – we were the only league game on the day and an impressive 441 turned up!
We travelled to Tilbury in November 07 and came back with all three points after a 3-2 win. One positive was the performance of the youngsters Jim drafted in for this game. One negative was the seven bookings we picked up – including a double for Jamie Nay. It has to be said though that the general feeling was that the ref booked everything that moved in the last 20 minutes. Rudi Hall gave us the lead with a free kick and Ozie Foster made it 2-0. They pulled one back before Ozie got a second and although Tilbury pulled another one back with 9 minutes to go the points were ours. 138 saw us reclaim 4th place. We dropped to 6th after the return game in February 08. This game was described as a shambles, and shapeless and one one in which we didn't deserve anything. They took the lead after 50 minutes direct from a free kick before Ricci Crace equalised with a bit of a lucky effort. That appeared to be that until the 94th minute when Charlie Hasler dropped a bit of a clanger and they went home happy and we didn't. 234 were there.
We went there in September 08 on the back of an appalling record that saw us at 21st in the table and joint manager Adam Lee depart in the week before. We came back with a 4-2 win that lifted us to 14th. We fell behind but the team battled back and Luke Marshall levelled on the half hour. We were given the bonus of a soft penalty before the break which Rudi Hall whacked past Chopper. When Ricci Crace scored after 78 that seemed to be it but Tilbury came back and reduced the arrears but in stoppage time Hall scored with a trademark free kick and that was it. 117 were there to see this feast of entertainment. We completed the double over them with a 1-0 home win in April 2009. Ellis Remy scored the only goal on the stroke of half time but if not for the performance of Chopper our win would have been far more substantial. 216 were there.
The home game in August 2009 had everything and Martin said he needed to go and lie down after it. Stuart Blackburne gave us the lead after 15. Rudi Hall doubled it from a non existent pen after 21. He then missed a pen after 23 before Blackburne made it 3-0 after 29. Tilbury got a pen after 35 and pulled another one back after 50. Stuart Blackburne got himself sent off after 52 and Tilbury promptly levelled. Both sides had chances before Fabio Valenti scored a 4th for us with 2 minutes to go. They should have had a man sent off in te last minute for an appalling challenge on Rob Blackburne and although crocked he still managed to pull off a tremendous save at the last. All this in front of 227. The return game took place in March 2010 and Town returned with nothing as they lost 0-1. Two tired looking sides tried to play good football on a pudding of a pitch and unfortunately for us, our hosts were better at it than we were. 142 witnessed this defeat.
We went to Tilbury for a league for a league game in September 2010 and we took our time to get going after Tilbury's Ben Boyce got a straight red card for a headbutt on Craig McKay on the half hour and none of the goals came until the second half. Our goals were all special because Dan Forward (with two) and Man of the Match Craig McKay (despite Fabio Valenti's insistence that it was an own goal) scored their first goals for the club while Rudi Hall's penalty made him the first Enfield Town player to reach the 100 goal mark. 103 witnessed the 4-0 win. We finished our season, and our time at Goldsdown Road, with a well worked win against Tilbury. Dave Kendall thumped home the opener after Tilbury 'keeper James Marrable palmed Michael Bardle's shot onto the post and Phil Kane finished things off in the last minute after Marrable did well to save from Adam Wallace. It could have been so different but for two exceptional saves by Rob Blackburne, one of which appeared to be from Craig McKay! 227 were there.
In August 2011 we welcomed Tilbury to our first home game at Cheshunt and came away the worse for the odd goal in seven. Liam Hope gave us the lead before Leon Osei got a straight red card. In the second half Tilbury took the lead before visiting 'keeper James Marrable punched an equaliser into his own net, did so again before Walid Matata scored from the spot and then won it with a cracking shot from distance which went in off the bar. Towners felt hard done by but Marrable's performance in the visitors' goal was the difference between the sides. 172 turned up for this one.
29th December 2011
New Rules
Members need to be aware that the Society Board wishes to adopt new rules at the AGM to be held at the Stadium on Thursday 26th January 2012 commencing at 8pm. The board consider it extremely important that all members vote to adopt the new rules at the AGM. Ballot papers will be sent to members with the notice of meeting shortly. Please do not ignore the ballot paper. Either return it as directed by post, hand it to a director at a game, or provide it on the evening of the AGM. A copy of the new rules can be found here.
New Rules
The background to the new rules is explained below:
Overview
Supporters Direct working with Cobbetts Solicitors who are a leading firm in the subject of mutual law have put together a set of model rules based on experiences of the 170 Supporters Trusts who share these rules and other mutuals who share the same values. As the first Supporters owned club our rules have served us well but after 10 years they do require some fine tuning.
The latest model rules aim to do the following:
- Make the rules shorter and more succinct
- Include the option of additional powers available to Community Benefit Societies
- Improve areas where common issues have arisen in the past
- Be more user friendly
The result is that we believe we have managed to achieve all of these.
What does this mean to my Trust?
The main changes are detailed below. What does not change however is the main principals of one member/one vote, "not for profit" ethos, and democratic elections of directors.
Main Changes
There are 3 areas where there are material changes:
- Withdrawable Shares
At present our rules offer ordinary shares to members. These shares are not withdrawable and do not carry any rights to interest or dividend.
A growing trend for Community Benefit Societies looking to raise finance is to offer a different type of share alongside the ordinary share called a withdrawable share (often reported as a community share). The withdrawable share doesn't infringe the one member one vote ethos that runs throughout all Supporters Trusts, but can offer a solution to attract potential investors who want to support the aims of the organisation. The money is seen neither as a donation or a loan but can be requested back (usually after a defined period of time has elapsed) although only at the discretion of the Society Board to ensure the Supporters Trust is not put at risk and its community objectives can be met.
- Asset Lock
The new rules provide for assets of the Society to remain locked into it and cannot be sold or transferred without the members agreement. This is important to the Society now that it has an interest in the new stadium.
- Officers Term
Currently elected directors may only serve a maximum of 12 years whilst the new rules will allow for an unlimited period. Each director will still have to be re-elected every 3 years but this change allows directors who have built up expertise and relationships with important partners to continue to serve the club in that capacity.
Side Policies
In an attempt to shorten the rules some of the wording which referred to the process of things like the conduct of the Board, holding members/Board meetings and elections has been moved to 5 different side policies, being:
- Board Membership and Conduct Policy
- Disciplinary Policy
- Election Policy
- Standing Orders for General Meetings
- Standing orders for Board Meetings
Copies of these policies will be available soon. If you wish to see these or a hard copy of the proposed new rules please contact the Club or speak to a director at a home game.
Please make sure you vote to adopt these new rules! It is important for the future of your club!
26th December 2011
Waltham Abbey 2 Enfield Town 2
Ryman League Division 1 North
Enfield returned to the top of the league today despite dropping two points away at Waltham Abbey. The Abbots took the lead twice before Liam Hope and Adam Wallace (seen, left, against the Tottenham Hotspur XI at the QE Stadium earlier this season) equalised. Wallace's goal took us to the 50 league goal point which, of the other clubs in the division, only Needham Market has reached this season.
The other results benefited us as Needham Market lost 5-0 to Leiston, Grays Athletic lost 2-1 to Romford, and AFC Sudbury went down 3-1 at Soham Town Rangers. We are now a point clear of Needham Market but third placed Leiston are only two points behind us with a game in hand.
Photos from the game may be on Flickr but I can't promise anything. Clicking on the photo will also take you to Flickr.
25th December 2011
Happy Christmas
Happy Christmas from all of us at Enfield Town Football Club.
Waltham Abbey vs Enfield Town
Ryman League Division 1 North
Tomorrow we travel to Waltham Abbey in the League. Kick off will be 3.00pm.
The Flickr tags for the game will be:
etfc26122011 enfieldtown
That will ensure your photos turn up in our search.
Statistically Speaking
Jim Cunneen
Waltham Abbey were accepted into the Essex Senior League at the beginning of 2002-03 and our first game against them was at the end of August 2002 when we made the short trip up the road.
It was a very tight affair – Abbey had a set game plan to frustrate us and they stuck to their task well. It took a second half goal from Rudi Hall to set up the three points and a tremendous triple save from Andy Hall at the death to secure it. An excellent crowd of 302 watched this one. Another excellent crowd, 322, watched us draw the return game in December 1-1. Daniel Clarke gave us an early lead but we were pegged back by a penalty on the stroke of half time. We lost our way a bit in the second half but we were still denied at the death when an Alleyne effort was ruled out for a debatable offside.
Pete Coath described our performance at the Abbey in September '03 as industrious as we came away with another 1-0 win. We were always comfortable after Lee Smith had given us the lead after 17 minutes. Having said that Chopper had to be at his best to deny an equaliser on the hour but you always had the feeling we had enough in hand. (Att: 243).
We then played the Abbey in the 1st round of the Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy and squeaked a 1-0 win. Opinions seem to be split as to whether we were a tad lucky to win or not but the bare facts are these. Abbey missed a penalty, Chopper was man of the match, Stuart Snowden scored with a wind assisted corner. Well there you go – it was enough to put us into the next round. Back we came one week later, this time for our home league game. 253 watched and frustration ruled as we failed to win for the 5th league game on the trot and managed to conjour a defeat as Abbey scored with the final kick of the game. We did not create much on the night and goals looked very hard to come by.
And so to 2004-05. We travelled to Abbey in December and a record ESL gate (for them) of 338 were in attendance. Abbey had their tactics right on the day and hit us on the break while soaking up everything we threw at them. One down after half an hour we huffed and puffed a lot but could not break them down. A second goal at the death sealed their win and ended our record breaking away run without defeat And left them clear at the top of the table. There was a complete turn of fortunes by the time of the return game in early April. We were top and battling it out with Burnham. An excellent gate of 374 saw us put in a superb performance and gain revenge for our our earlier defeat. Graeme Hall put us one up after only 4 minutes and Kevin Riley made it two after half an hour. Although Abbey pulled one back shortly into the second half we were never in trouble and when Lee Smith rolled one in iff the post with 54 minutes played the points were safe. With Burnham losing to a last minute goal at Barkingside this was a perfect day for all Towners. On the second of May we travelled to Barkingside for the League Cup Final with the League in the bag. Abbey beat us 4-1. A win that was thoroughly deserved and nothing that follows should detract from that. We didn't turn up in the first half and went in a goal down. Lee Smith levelled and for the next ten minutes we looked good. Abbey then hit us on the break and scored another two before the end. A total of 11 bookings and 1 sent off in a game that was not that dirty doesn't even start to… No, not let's not go there! A great crowd of 565 saw Abbey pick up there trophy and they deserved the congratulations.
We had our chance for a spot of revenge when we drew Abbey in the 1st qualifying round of the FA Cup in 2005-06. Matthew Negus gave us the lead as early as the 3rd minute and things got a little tasty after that. The game wasn't settled until the 83rd minute when David Ayres attempted to cushion a header back to his keeper with no Town player in sight. Regrettably the keeper wasn't there. Another goal from Matt Negus was the icing on the cake but the scoreline was probably a little harsh on our neighbours.
In 2006-07 we were paired with our near neighbours again in the Isthmian League due to another shake up. We travelled there towards the end of August and came away with the points thanks to a 2-0 win. Even though Abbey hit the bar twice we never looked in any trouble and the win was comfortable. Steven Velandia opened the scoring for us and man of the match Liam Patrick wrapped up the win. 288 were there. Incidentally Our full backs were Patrick and Campbell and Tom Scott (blame him!) said this was why our performance was stuttering. Sigh! The return game was played at the third time of asking, in February 2007, and almost didn't take place again! The dreadful weather meant that the crowd was only 209 but they saw sub (very appropriate!) Dean Nyman score the only goal.
We'd been going through a dreadful run of form when we went to the Abbey in October 2007 but came back with a bit of a win. 8-2 to be precise! Two hat tricks – Ricci Crace and Bryan Hammatt (both joint mom) and a brace from Rudi Hall (one pen) wrapped it up thank you. They had a player sent off but I really don't think it would have made that much of a difference – it was that kind of a night. 211 were there. The return game was played in dreadful conditions and with floodlight problems. Abbey took the lead after 9 minutes but we were level a minute later through a Michael Deane penalty. Rudi Hall came on at half time and went off just 7 minutes later for an elbow. We then lost to a late goal. No comment is necessary. 246 were there.
Our home game of 2008-09 was played on a bitterly cold afternoon in the dog days of December. Unusually for us we played really well in a home game and after what was described as 'ripsnorter' of a performance we had all 3 points after a 2-0 win. Jeff Hammond gave us the lead with a snap shot and Rudy Hall doubled the advantage from the spot. 240 were there. The return game in April was dreadful. Neither side played much football and the goal, in the last minute, was completely out of context with the rest of the game. A direct free kick that was direct indeed! Abbey won 1-0 and secured a play off place and 303 were there.
In 2009-10 we made the short trip to newly promoted Abbey for an FA Cup 1st qualifying round tie. Town won through to the second qualifying round on a bumpy Capershotts pitch thanks to a penalty from Rudi Hall.
The penalty followed a foul on Adam Wallace which could have led to the Abbey being reduced to ten men. Although the Abbey hit the woodwork twice, once following an excellent save from Rob Blackburne, and Blackburne also pulled off a great save in the second half, this was a thoroughly deserved victory for Town in front of 260. We then drew the Abbey at home in the League Cup and both sides put out strong sides with some first team regulars on the bench. It was Town who came out on top for the second time this season. Our scorers were both making their debuts. They were winger Ben Hammond and centre forward Liam Hope, who scored twice. Abbey's reply was an unfortunate own goal by Rob Blackburne who had come on as a second half substitute after U18s 'keeper Jason Holmes went off with an ankle injury. 107 saw us gain our first ever win in the League Cup.
Abbey came to us for the first league game of 2010-11. Town easily saw off our near neighbours, having controlled the game, despite giving away a fluky goal on 3 minutes and seeing former Town 'keeper Harry Ricketts make some excellent saves. The visiting defence eventually crumbled to let Adam Wallace, who had already had a "goal" very harshly ruled out, cross to a totally unmarked Sam Byfield, who equalised. Shortly afterwards Ricketts was once more left to his own devices by a horribly AWOL defence and Mark Kirby put the ball away with great aplomb. As with the first half, Rob Blackburne was reasonably untroubled, dealing with Abbotts' attacks efficiently as and when and staying alert when the ball was up the other end (which was most of the time, to be honest). 261 were there. The return game took place in March 2011 and Town made the most of "away advantage" to take all three points with a 2-0 win. Joe Stevens got his first for the club, scoring from a Leon Osei cross before Liam Hope doubled the lead thanks to his persistence after former Towner Harry Ricketts had saved and then dropped his first effort. Abbey were then reduced to ten men when Tyler Campbell, who had already been booked, received a second yellow. They were further reduced to nine when another former Towner, Matt Attard, also got a second booking. By then, though, Abbey were well out of the contest. 123 were there.
17th December 2011
Enfield Town 5 Thamesmead Town 0
Ryman League Division 1 North
This afternoon Enfield eased past Thamesmead, helped by our visitors being reduced to ten men. Liam Hope (left) set the ball rollong on 25 minutes and made it 3-0 on 65 following an excellent passing move. Walid Matata (right) showed that he could take his chance as he got a rare start and he got the second and fourth. Dean Pennant wrapped things up in the 72nd minute as Enfield rattled in three goals in a seven minute spell.
Needham Market won 2-0 and remain ahead of us in top spot on goal difference, but Leiston came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Grays, leaving both of them four points behind us.
Our win was all the more satisfying as we were without the influential but suspended Michael Ewang and Leon Osei and to be able to turn the tables on Thamesmead after losing there twice (usually we seem to do better at their place than at home) has given us a huge boost as we look to end the year on a high.
Photos from the game are now, or will shortly be, on Flickr. Clicking on either photo above will also take you to Flickr.
Mark Kirby
Jim Cunneen
Kirbs became the latest addition to the 100 club at Leiston last Saturday!
Mark made his debut in the 1-2 defeat at Northwood in October 2009. Mark is so consistent that he has only been subbed 3 times in his 100 appearences. He has scored 11 goals and has also contributed 21 assists. Kirbs has been booked 6 times.
Here are the stats.
Apps Goals
Isthmian League 85 10
FA Cup 6 1
FA Trophy 4 -
Middlesex Senior Cup 4 -
Isthmian League Cup 1 -
Mark has been an unused substitute on 6 occasions. He has also played in 14 friendlies and scored 1 in these.
Well done Kirbs and keep going !
E-mail problems
I am having problems with my e-mail program at the moment so I will shortly be switching to a different one. This means I will have to access the messages I have received up to now through a web mail page, which will take time to do. If you have sent us a message through the contact forms or have e-mailed me directly, please bear with me while I sort this out.
Thanks.
Tilbury vs Enfield Town
Ryman League Division 1 North
Please note our match at Tilbury on 31st December kicks off at 1.00pm. If it is still showing as 3.00pm in the list of forthcoming fixtures, refresh the page (Ctrl+R, F5 or Ctrl+F5) and that should correct it.
16th December 2011
Enfield Town vs Thamesmead Town
Ryman League Division 1 North
Tomorrow we welcome Thamesmead Town to the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in the League. Kick off will be 3.00pm.
The Flickr tags for the game will be:
etfc17122011 enfieldtown
That will ensure your photos turn up in our search.
Statistically Speaking
Jim Cunneen
We first played Town in November 2008 and made the worst possible start – conceding a goal after exactly 1 minute! Things got even worse as we conceded a second after only 8 minutes. Having gifted Thamesmead the two goal lead the Towners really should have taken the game by the scruff of the neck when the visitors' 'keeper, Tony Kessell, was sent off for a dreadful challenge on Hammond after 18 minutes. Rudi Hall converted the penalty but we failed to really challenge the stand in keeper until Gazmend Dauti headed the equalizer after 64 minutes. Only 200 braved the cold to witness yet another disappointing effort. The return game was the last league game of the season and it wasn't a bad game to be fair. Mind you we won – which always helped. Ryan Edgar gave us the lead and Andy Jones doubled it before they pulled one back on the stroke of half time. Nick McKoy made it 3-1 and David Walton saved a penalty. A massive 91 were there to see us finish a poor 12th.
The Towners' fans who took the trip to Thamesmead in November 2009 were treated to some sparkling play and some excellent goals. Paul Marks gave us a 1-0 half time lead before Liam Hope weighed in with a second half brace. The front line was admirably led by Man of the Match, Adam Wallace, until he was replaced by Stuart Blackburne, who was unlucky not to add to our goal tally. All in all an excellent evening's work which has moved us up to fifth in the league table. The result looked even better as they were 2nd in the table, Only 93 were there but I suppose it's better than the previous season. Thamesmead came to us in early March 2010 and were in the play off places like ourselves. A 2-0 scoreline suggests we had things all our own way and that the win was relatively simple. However, the fact that 'keeper Rob Blackburne was Man of the Match, and just about everybody agreed with the choice, shows what a hard fought result it was. It wasn't all Thamesmead though, not by any stretch of the imagination, and the win was deserved. Ben Hammond opened the scoring in the first half with a vicious shot, just after we should really have had a penalty for hand ball. Stuart Blackburne scored the second, reacting quickest to Mark Kirby's header coming back off the crossbar and then appearing to trick the Thamesmead defenders into covering only half the goal before heading the ball into the empty corner. The biggest disappointment was the crowd – only 206 were there.
In September 2010 Thamesmead came to us for a league game and they took all three points to beat Enfield for the first time ever at Goldsdown Road. Town had the best of the first half, and came closest to scoring when Sam Byfield hit the woodwork. Thamesmead had the best of the second and scrambled home a goal just after the hour. We could have had a penalty when Lew Tozer blocked a shot from Sam Byfield with his arm as he went to ground but it wasn't to be. In the last minute it got worse as Liam Hope got a straight red after an altercation following a foul by Michael Bardle. Not a good day at the office. 178 turned up. The return game took place in April 2011 and our topsy turvy form continued as we won comprehensively 3-0. Liam Hope scored after only 3 minutes, Richard Morton blasted home number two after 24 and Adam Wallace made it three after 77. It could have been even better but Rudi Hall missed a penalty right at the death – a rarity this. The gate, a mere 79, was our worst ever for a Saturday.
One less (78) witnsessed our midweek away game in September 2011 but the Towners amongst the gate missed very little in the way of a Town performance as two second half goals saw us lose 2-0 in an utterly dismal performance. Enough said! We then went there in the Trophy in October. Another trip to Thamesmead, another two soft goals and another 2-0 defeat. All rather depressing really. Except our hosts owe their clean sheet to an exceptional performance in goal from Man of the Match, Sam Mott who made a number of top class saves. We had two strong shouts for penalties when Leon Osei appeared to be tripped, and was booked for diving, and Jon Moore appeared to be shoved over but it wasn't our day. In fact we battered them! The gate was 84.
15th December 2011
Christmas Gift Idea
This is it – the last of the Christmas Gift Ideas for this year
Norton Internet Security 2012 Performance Pack
Windows XP/Vista/7 – subscription covers three computers for one year.
If you don't know what to get, why not buy a gift certificate instead?
14th December 2011
Christmas Gift Idea
Hancock's Happy Christmas: Four Original BBC Radio Episodes
Audio CD
If you don't know what to get, why not buy a gift certificate instead?
13th December 2011
Christmas Gift Idea
Harry Potter – The Complete 8-Film Collection
Region 2 DVD – 8 discs
If you don't know what to get, why not buy a gift certificate instead?
12th December 2011
Mark Kirby
I understand Mark Kirby made his 100th appearance for the club on Saturday at Leiston. I will add a statistical breakdown of his appearances shortly. Well done Mark.
Christmas Gift Idea
Lioness: Hidden Treasures Amy Winehouse
Audio CD
Vinyl
If you don't know what to get, why not buy a gift certificate instead?
endif;
11th December 2011
Leiston 2 Enfield Town 1
Ryman League Division 1 North
It was a case of "after the Lord Mayor's show" yesterday as Enfield failed to turn first-half control into goals and, despite taking the lead after the break through Liam Hope left huge gaps in midfield allowing Leiston a deserved victory.
The result could have been worse, but Needham Market lost 1-0 to Chatham, although that good news was tempered by reports of a bad knee injury suffered by leading goal scorer Sam Newson just days before he was due to spend a week's trial with League 2 side Gillingham.
Photos from the game are now, or will shortly be, on Flickr. You will also be able to see the photos by clicking on the photo of Enfield goalscorer, Liam Hope, above. More to follow…
Christmas Gift Idea
Retro Sweets Gift Box
If you don't know what to get, why not buy a gift certificate instead?
10th December 2011
Christmas Gift Idea
Bee Hotel & Flower Seeds for Bees
If you don't know what to get, why not buy a gift certificate instead?
9th December 2011
Leiston vs Enfield Town
Ryman League Division 1 North
Tomorrow we travel to Leiston in the League. Kick off will be 3.00pm.
The Flickr tags for the game will be:
etfc10122011 enfieldtown
That will ensure your photos turn up in our search.
Christmas Gift Idea
Addictaball Maze Puzzle
Large
Small
If you don't know what to get, why not buy a gift certificate instead?
8th December 2011
Christmas Gift Idea
Flair Hair Visor/Bandana
Black visor/brown hair
Black visor/fair hair
Black visor/grey hair
Black bandana/brown hair
Black bandana/fair hair
Black bandana/grey hair
If you don't know what to get, why not buy a gift certificate instead?
7th December 2011
Members' Meeting
There is a members' meeting tomorrow evening at 8pm in the bar area at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium.
It had originally been proposed that this would be the AGM but we want to put a change of rules to the AGM which will include an "asset lock" that will protect our stadium so that in the future there can be no repeat of the way the Southbury Road Stadium was lost. We have had other priorities in recent weeks and will have for a little while yet so we now intend to hold the AGM in January.
While this is a members-only meeting, you can join the Society on the night.
Enfield Town 0 Wealdstone 6
Middlesex Senior Challenge Cup 2nd Round
After making ten changes from Saturday's starting line-up, Dave Kendall being the only starter in both games, Enfield were outplayed by our Premier Division opponents.
A number of players from the U18s side played last night, with 'keeper Charlie Crowley and winger Connor Bolton (left) starting. For each it was his first team competitive debut, although Charlie played in the friendlies against Chertsey Town and the Tottenham Hotspur XI. Daniel Laurent came on a sub for his second ever appearance and both Scott Hayes and Rhys Hunt were debutants from the substitutes bench.
We welcomed Michael Bardle back for his first game since his pre-season injury and Lee Allen and Craig McKay continued their returns from lengthy spells out.
Although Wealdstone controlled most of the game we came close to scoring on about four occasions and there was a loud shot for a penalty when Wealdstone's David Hicks went in studs first at thigh height on Daniel Ailey, but I think the offence took place just outside the area. Unfortunately the officials didn't even see it. Charlie Crowley made some excellent saves during the game—some from his own players!
Photos from the game are now, or will shortly be, on Flickr. You will also be able to see the photos by clicking on the photo of Connor Bolton, above. More to follow…
Christmas Gift Idea
USB Powered Fairy Lights
If you don't know what to get, why not buy a gift certificate instead?
6th December 2011
Christmas Gift Idea
VW Camper Van Tent
Yellow
Blue
If you don't know what to get, why not buy a gift certificate instead?
5th December 2011
Enfield Town vs Wealdstone
Middlesex Senior Challenge Cup 2nd Round
Tomorrow we welcome Ryman League Premier Division side Wealdstone to the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in the Middlesex Senior Cup. Kick off will be 7.45pm.
The Flickr tags for the game will be:
etfc06122011 enfieldtown
That will ensure your photos turn up in our search.
Statistically Speaking
Jim Cunneen
Just after our formation Town travelled to Edgware for a friendly against Wealdstone and came away with a creditable 2-2 draw. A spectacular own goal gave us a lead before we fell behind. In the dying moments of the first half a fine cross from Ricky Antoine gave Daniel Clarke a chance to equalise. As hard as both sides tried there were no further goals in the second half.
Who would have thought that we would be meeting the Stones in two competitive fixtures so soon into our history but that is what happened when we were drawn at home in the Middlesex Senior Cup 3rd round in January 2002. A crowd of 314 saw Town triumph 3-1 in probably their best result in ETFC's short history. Daniel Clarke gave us the lead with a solo spectacular before ex E Brian Hammatt equalised. Further goals from Clarke and an own goal from Jason Shaw saw us through to the semi finals in our first season! We put up a credible performance against Hendon before bowing out 1-0. We then played the Stones in the final of the Middlesex Charity Cup at Brook House in the last game of the season in May. John Ridout gave us the lead within 5 minutes before Wealstone equalised in the second half. Extra time produced no further goals and our second penalty shoot out in four days (the other being the victory over Leyton in the League Cup final!) gave us the trophy 4-3. What a finish to our very first season – three trophys, incredible. For the record Stuart Snowden, Ridout, Clarke and Martin St Hilaire scored the vital kicks and 459 watched the game.
We then played Wealdstone pre season in August 2008 at Brimmo and this also ended as a draw – this time 1-1. Wealdstone's scorer went under the unlikely name of David Hicks (!) and we equalised from the spot courtesy of Rudi Hall. It was a decent game and a solid performance played out before 94 hardy souls who braved the continuous rain. Another preseason game in July 2009. This time on a hot day but only 88 turned up to see us lose 1-2 in a very decent workout. Paul Killick gave us the lead after 11 minutes and they equalised after 25. Ex Towner Lucas Williams scored the winner for them after 57 minutes.
We travelled for our last pre season game in August 2010 and after a very enjoyable game lost 1-0. The winner came in the very last minute after we had made wholesale changes. A good work out though just before the start of the season.
We went to Wealdstone for another pre-season game in August '11 and came back with a very impressive 4-1 win. After a very even first half, Dan Forward gave us the lead before Kieron Knight's equaliser. We then weathered a mid-second half storm before Daniel Ailey rounded home 'keeper Jonathan North following great work from Adam Wallace, fired home first time from a Walid Matata cross and then thumped the ball home for his hat-trick after the unfortunate North had pulled off a blinding save at point-blank range from a Joe Stevens shot. All that and both sides hit the woodwork as well! As well as being Daniel Ailey's first team debut (he scored a hat-trick on his reserve team debut as well!); it was also our first sight of 'keeper Rob Blackburne in this pre-season.
Christmas Gift Idea
Football Club Dog Lead
Arsenal
Celtic
Chelsea
Liverpool
Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United
Especially for footballers who want to hold on to a lead
If you don't know what to get, why not buy a gift certificate instead?
4th December 2011
Christmas Gift Idea
Making the Most of Your Deer: Field Dressing, Butchering, Venison Prepration, Tanning, Antlercraft, Taxidermy, Soapmaking and More Dennis Walrod
Paperback book – Remember, Rudolph is not just for Christmas...
If you don't know what to get, why not buy a gift certificate instead?
3rd December 2011
Enfield Town 2 Grays Athletic 1
Ryman League Division 1 North
We are top of the league!
Well, that was a bit exciting, wasn't it? We didn't have any idea of how the game would go when the David Wilkinson Stand was officially opened before the game (right), but former Towner Andy Hall gave away a penalty in the second minute and was rightly booked (it was not a red card offence), then Leon Osei became the first Towner to be sent off at the QE, although his first yellow card appeared harsh, and then Grays had to play the last five or so minutes with ten men before our injury time winner.
Liam Hope opened the scoring from the penalty spot although Chopper got a hand to it. Enfield then played a very defensive game, which became more important after Leon Osei's sending off. Grays' Stanley Muguo picked up his second yellow card on 86 minutes and then, in injury time, Adam Wallace put in a perfect cross which Jon Moore headed over Andy Hall to win us the three points.
As we made our way into the bar news came in that Needham Market had equalised against Brentwood Town but even with their one point that meant we had leapfrogged them into top spot.
It was great to see so many former players from the now defunct Enfield FC (not just Hakan Hayrettin-Ramis, Andy Hall and Grant Cooper who came along with Grays). Being in the bar after the game with the likes of Micky O'Sullivan, Steve King and Tony Gibson really made the day for those of us of a certain age!
Photos from the game are now, or will shortly be, on Flickr. You will also be able to see the photos by clicking on the photo of the official opening of the David Wilkinson Stand, above. More to follow…
Christmas Gift Idea
Inflatable Zimmer Frame
If you don't know what to get, why not buy a gift certificate instead?
2nd December 2011
Coach to Leiston
We shall be running a coach for our Ryman League North match at Leiston F.C.
Date: Saturday 10th December 2011
Meeting Point: Enfield Town F.C.
The Queen Elizabeth Stadium
Donkey Lane, off Carterhatch Lane.
Departure Time 10:55am sharp
Fare: £15.00
Enfield Town vs Grays Athletic
Ryman League Division 1 North
Tomorrow we welcome Grays Athletic to the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in the League. Kick off will be 3.00pm. Grays are managed by former Enfield player Hakan Ramis-Hayrettin. They also feature former Towner Andy Hall in goal and both he and defender Grant Cooper, like their manager, played for the now defunct Enfield FC. Grays have just been handed a 3 point deduction for fielding an ineligible player so they will be looking to win those points back tomorrow and stop us consolidating second place or even topping the league.
I understand we will be joined by some former Enfield players from the 1960s tomorrow.
The Flickr tags for the game will be:
etfc03122011 enfieldtown
That will ensure your photos turn up in our search.
Statistically Speaking
Jim Cunneen
Grays came to us for the first time in September 2010 for a league game. For the second game in a row we finished the game playing against ten men, this time following a horrible challenge on Sam Byfield by Grays' Marvin Samuel which earned him a straight red card. It was, it has to be said, an uncharacteristic lapse by a player we know to be hard but, for the most part, fair. Rudi Hall had already put us one up from the penalty spot in the 17th minute. Shortly after Samuel's departure Fabio Valenti doubled the lead after Grays' 'keeper Nick Wilson punched the ball out to him after Sam Byfield's shot had been blocked and the ball had almost gone in the top corner of the net. This was our best performance of the season so far and was witnessed by 237. In the return game in March Enfield limped to a 2-0 defeat. Bradley Thomas headed Grays into the lead before Jared Small finished things off in second half injury time and, while Grays deserved the win, Enfield peppered their goal towards the end of the match.
Christmas Gift Idea
Amazon Kindle
Kindle Keyboard 3G + Wi-Fi
New Kindle
If you don't know what to get, why not buy a gift certificate instead?
1st December 2011
Enfield Town Res 9 Chertsey Town Res 0
President's Cup 3rd Round
Last night the reserves eased through to the semi-final of the President's Cup (the league cup for the Capital League) where they have a home tie against Wealdstone.
Rhys Hunt opened the scoring with an excellent individual strike, curling the ball round Mark Shipperley in the visitors' goal after he had dispossessed defender Moses Obibi. Connor Bolton and Daniel Ailey gave us a 3-0 half-time lead. Bolton and Ailey both scored again in the second half with the remaining goals coming from Bryan Hammatt, Aaron Cato and two from Billy Jones.
Photos from the game are now, or will shortly be, on Flickr (you will have to wait a couple of days for most of these). You will also be able to see the photos by clicking on the photo of Rhys Hunt's celebration, above. More to follow…
Christmas Gift Idea
Buy for Christmas and Help Your Club!
As we head into December, don't forget, you can add Amazon to your "Favorites" or "Bookmarks", complete with our ID, with a single click from this page—you will be prompted to add the Amazon page (it won't be done without your agreement)—and then we will get the commission every time you use that "Favorite" or "Bookmark". You won't need to remember to go into the Amazon site from this one.
Go Hamster Racing!
Chopper Bike
Racing Car
Race Track
Hamster not included
If you don't know what to get, why not buy a gift certificate instead?
|
