ANOTHER WIN AND A CLEAN SHEET AT VCD.

**Roberto Minnitti, Seria D's loss is Town's gain**

**Shayne Johnson was rather harshly booked**


Enfield Town brought home the points this afternoon to make it an impressive 3 wins and a draw from the first five games in their league campaign. The weather was lovely and the pitch at Oakwood was immaculate. I'll make the prediction now that Town won't play on many better surfaces this season.

There were no clear cut chances until the 13th minute when from a long throw Chris Wild headed onwards for Roberto Minnitti to overhead kick the ball from the left hand side of the goal for Stuart Blackburne to score the easiest goal he'll score for a long time heading the ball into the net on the goal line.



The game was one of few incidents with VCD knocking the ball around well but having no clear cut chances. Uche Ibemere looked good up front but had no luck with Chris Wild, Dave Blower, Ross Edwards and in particular Darryl Ellams looking a good back four for Town. Ellams is fast becoming known as the new Darren Annon as no one beats him or gets round him.



Just before half-time Stuart Blackburne picked up a through ball and went one on one with James Tedder in the VCD goal, Stuart touched the ball towards the goal which went just wide but Tedder played no part of the ball and took Stuart out with his challenge. It wasn't nasty but it was late....very late. A clear penalty. Referee Mr Phillips awarded a goal kick with Stuart needing treatment on the floor. Tedder was very lucky.


***How was it not a penalty???**

Half time 1-0.

Just into the second half Minnitti laid the ball off to Richard Morton on the edge of the box whose shot was excellently saved by Tedder to his right. That was the chance for Enfield to put the game to bed. Town got on top for a while but didn't create any further real chances. Adam Wallace came on for Minnitti and Rudi Hall for Fabio Valenti. Town saw the game out well.



VCD plugged away but made no real chances. Town's back four looked really impressive with Rob Blackburne claiming the ball well and with authority on numerous occasions.



Full Time 1-0.



Darryl Ellams and Chris Wild had really good games today. It was most fans opinion that Fabio Valenti's best postion is not wide on the left, He would do much better towards the front attacking the goal.



Ten points from the first five games and things are looking up for Town. Roll on Saturday and another victory versus Potters Bar Town.

Enfield Town -
Rob Blackburne, Dave Blower, Darryl Ellams, Shayne Johnson, Chris Wild, Ross Edwards, Paul Marks, Richard Morton, Stuart Blackburne, Roberto Minnitti, Fabio Valenti.

Subs - Mckay, Thompson, Hall, Wallace, Holmes.

SOUTHBURY ROAD - A DECADE GONE

The Cold End is not ashamed to admit to shedding a tear on two occasions following Enfield FC from 1988 and then Enfield Town from 2001.

I was in Buckinghamshire in April 1994 on the first occasion. A nightmare journey up the M40 on the supporters coaches caused us to miss most of the first half of the Trophy Semi Final replay versus Woking. Darren Hay celebrating his goal in front of us was hard to take but seeing the mass ranks of Cards fans bouncing up and down celebrating on the pitch set me off. Feelings of dejection set in, I was totally gutted. We had been so close to Wembley when Saint hit the post in the 2nd Leg. This is what made following football so endearing, The highs and lows and the ups and downs.

Fast forward almost a year to the day in April 1995 and we all would be celebrating our glorious league title with a 5-0 home win versus Marlow. We were Champions and returning to the promised land of the Conference. The rumours of the 'irregular balance sheet' were already circulating in the bar afterwards but I ignored them as the beer was flowing and we were winners. Over the next few days and weeks the news broke that the E's weren't being promoted and I suppose that was when some of the rot set in for Enfield FC as we knew it. The team's mammoth effort in the league in the next season only to be denied on goal difference (one goal!!!!) was remarkable but all the more heart-breaking.

The second time I cried was in September 1999 and the last league game at Southbury Road. Walking round from the Town End at full time as it became reality that this would be the last game at the once proud home of the kings of non league football was too much to take. The bulldozers were moving in. Sadly I missed the midweek bonus of the cup game versus Barton Rovers.

It's my dad's fault I supported Enfield FC and he wasn't even a fan. Back in December 1988 he had planned to take me to Highbury to watch Arsenal V Everton but his back was playing up. So, My mum probably to get me out of the way for a few hours let me go on the short walk to Southbury Road and the rest is history. That season we had the glory of the Trophy run to the final. Two games stand out being the 2-0 home victory versus Barnet in the February and the Trophy victory against Lincoln City when some of their 'fans' threw coins onto the pitch at the end. I never forget Andy Pape handing me about £3 in loose change, I was thrilled. Thanks to the Imps so called supporters I was in profit for the day.

So many games stand out for me. The cup games versus Leyton Orient, Cardiff City and Peterborough United. The MOTD camera's along with John Motson visiting in 1991 versus Barnet, Not such a good result that time but over 5000 crammed in to the stadium. The trophy replay in 1994 versus Sutton United when Graham Roberts scored at the Kingsmead End, the cold end remembers a great atmosphere under the stands that night. Also in that season beating a sorry Wivenhoe Town side 8-0 and seeing Budgie Burridge running the length of pitch to take a penalty urged on by the E's fans under the Town End only to be waved back by Robbo and Borg in the dugout and the aforementioned glory glory season on 1994/1995 with the legend Johnny Bailey on the wing.

Much has happened since 2001 with the formation and development of Enfield Town FC coupled with the ups and downs of the club we knew as Enfield FC finally coming to end in 2007 and the subsequent formation of Enfield FC 1893. In a perfect world there would only be one club in Enfield and maybe one day soon both will come together. It was certainly a very strange experience in our games versus Enfield FC seeing the badge of the club we love opposing us and reading the history we all had been part of.

So, this September 2009 it will be ten long years since Southbury Road went. I must admit sometimes when I have occasion to drive down the A10 I look across to see if the 'E' floodlights are there, sadly we know they are not. Some people in Enfield now don't even know there was a stadium there and have no idea where Enfield Town play (or EFC 1893)

Southbury Road will always be in our hearts as the spiritual home of football in Enfield but we must look to the future with the QE2 stadium or the 'Donkeydome' as some fans have nicknamed it due the stadium's proximity to Donkey Lane.

SOUTHBURY ROAD.........GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN!!!

***Photo's are from the vaults at the cold end so are not that high quality. They were taken around 1991***

For better photo's of the great old stadium from the 1980's onwards click on Houndog's FLICKR link below, has some great photo's of recent Town games too:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35233459@N02/

A rare trip South of the River up next for Town....

Town venture South of the River on Bank Holiday Monday to play Vickers, Crayford and Dartford Athletic (VCD Athletic). The Bulmer's Kent League Champions have made a steady start to Ryman League life with the following results:

15/08 Northwood (away) LOST 2-0
18/08 Tilbury (home) WON 3-2
22/08 Concord (home) DREW 2-2
25/08 Brentwood Town (away) DREW 1-1
29/08 Corinthian Casuals (home) WON 3-1 **FA CUP**

Another tough away trip in prospect for the Town. Don't forget it's £1.50 each way over the Crossing and through the Tunnel if your coming that way.

FA CUP Preliminary round results for Saturday 29th August involving Ryman North sides -

Barton Rovers 2 Ware 3
Cheshunt 2 Maldon Town 3
Corinthian-Casuals 1 VCD Athletic 3
Dunstable Town 0 Wingate & Finchley 2
East Thurrock United 2 Brentwood Town 0
Enfield Town 2 Leverstock Green 0
Great Wakering Rovers 0 Waltham Forest 0
Hanwell Town 1 Concord Rangers 3,
Harlow Town 2 Kingsbury London Tigers 2
Lowestoft Town 3 Great Yarmouth Town 0
Marlow 3 Ilford 0
Newport Pagnell Town 0 Heybridge Swifts 2
Northwood 3 St. Margaretsbury 1
Potters Bar Town 1 Cockfosters 1
Redbridge 0 Romford 1,
Thamesmead Town 4 Tilbury 2

A good day all round for Ryman North sides with only Ilford being knocked out by Marlow. Maldon Town, East Thurrock, Romford and Thamesmead all knocked out other Ryman North teams and Potters Bar, Harlow and Waltham Forest/GWR all face replays.

Out of the 21 teams which started the day 6 are definitely out with the replays scheduled for next mid-week.

EFC 1893 had a good result winning 7-0 at home to Crawley Green. The cold end's unofficial road to Wembley which started with Hatfield Town versus Southend Manor has a new team following Arlesey Town's 2-0 home victory versus the Hats.

TOWN GO ONE STEP CLOSER TO WEMBLEY

Enfield Town went through to the next round of the FA Cup today thanks to a routine 2-0 victory against SSML Premier side Leverstock Green.

Teams

ETFC

1. Jason Holmes

2. Dave Blower

3. Darryl Ellams

4. Craig Mackay

5. Chris Wild

6. Alex Kirby

7. Matt Thomson

8. Andy Jones

9. Stuart Blackburne

10. Roberto Minnitti

11. Fabio Valenti

SUBS - Dave Allen, Ross Edwards, Paul Marks, Shayne Johnson, Mark Blackburne, Rudi Hall.

LGFC

1. Nick Gardner

2. Lee Bircham

3. Mark Welling

4. Gary Connolly

5. Billy Morgan

6. Richard Harvey

7. Ben Hammond

8. Dales Sears

9. Lewis Pritchard

10. Dan Griggs

11. Jack Johnson

SUBS - Allan Arthur, Jamie Sharples, Adam Mallisey, Gary White.  

The boys from Pancake Lane had the first chance of the game in near enough the first minute when Craig Mackay made an error with a poor back pass which Jack Johnson latched onto and went one on one with Jason Holmes, Johnson sensing Cup glory fluffed his shot straight into Holmes. A let off for Town.

 

 It was a fairly level affair with the fast becoming cult hero Roberto Minnitti showing some deft touches and continental flicks and tricks up front for Town with Stuart (as usual) running his socks off. Stuart had a good chance with a cross come shot which Gardner in the Leverstock goal palmed out for a corner. Billy Morgan was then rather harshly booked for a foul at the edge of the box, Fabio Valenti's free kick being blazed over.

Town took the lead when the Italian blasted home a shot from the edge of the box with Gardner having no chance in the Leverstock's goal.

 

Stuart Blackburne went close with a right foot flick and the first half finished with Andy Jones being booked for a late tackle.

Leverstock had a good spell of play at the beginning of the second half with Ben Hammond looking a good player in midfield. Dales Sears was unlucky with a shot which was cleared by Town's defence. Andy Jones was then lucky to stay on the pitch with another late tackle causing the Town management to bring on Paul Marks for Town's captain before he got booked again with Rudi coming on for Minnitti a short while later.

Town made the game safe when a long range pass from Ellams at left back went to Stuart Blackburne on the right hand side, Stuart worked wonders to keep the ball in and crossed for Fabio to luckily mis kick the ball into the right hand side of the net. They all count and the game was now safe.

Leverstock thought they had a way back into the game when Hammond put through Mallisey into the box who was clipped and a fair penalty was given. The spot kick by Dan Griggs was poor and Holmes saved to his left hand side.

Overall a good victory if not spectacular. Town are through to the next round and talk on a potential run to the first round proper with away trips to Leeds, Southampton, Norwich and Charlton a possibility. There are four games to go so the cold end is not going to get carried way. It's nice to dream though.

RANDOM MIDWEEK GAMES

Hoddesdon Town V Royston Town
FA CUP Preliminary Round
Friday 28th August 2009

The cold end can't resist the magic of the FA Cup so made a trip to Hertingfordbury Park where Hoddesdon Town entertained Royston Town tonight. In the hour leading up to the match there was down pour of rain and some thunder and lighting thrown in to the mix but luckily the weather cleared and as the match began there were nice conditions to play in with a rainbow forming over the stable end of the ground.



The first half was a very tight affair with Hoddesdon's front two of Lee Tombs and Richard Howard working hard but unable to create no real clear cut chances. The Crows had the better chances forcing a good save from Allan Buck in the Hoddy goal before taking the lead when Luke Robins scored with a well taken shot from about 6 yards out which Buck had no chance of saving.


* Hoddesdon Town's Richard Howard (ex ETFC)

Hoddesdon's best chance came when a cross came in from the right which was cleared close to the line by Royston's Jamie Babbage.

The Crow's went in 1-0 up at the break in what was a pretty level half of football.

Hoddy piled on the pressure in the 2nd Half with a header from a free kick from the right unluckily flying past the far post and Richard Howard working hard but still not having a clear cut chance.



Royston's defence held firm with Ryan Wade and Luke Robins looking good on the break. Wade looped a shot just wide from the left hand side.



Hoddesdon were very unlucky not to get anything from the game giving it 100% but just couldn't get a decent shot on goal.

Royston should of scored with a late header which went just over the bar.




In the end it was Royston who found the £1500 pot of gold at the end of the rainbow making it through to the 1st Qualifying Round.

The cold end thought Brian Okwera at the back for Hoddesdon was a good player and looked very composed when on the ball.

Final Score - Hoddesdon Town 0 Royston Town 1.

On this day..............

1989............Enfield FC go down 4-0 at Macclesfield Town in the GM Vauxhall Conference in front of 1,375. The team that day was Andy Pape, Brian Cottington, Roy Parkyn, Dave Howell, Nigel Keen, Kevin Mudd, Paul Harding, Henry Hughton, Nicky Francis, Gary Abbott and Paul Furlong. Subs - John Cooper and George Dalorto

2001......Enfield Town thrash Saffron Walden 5-0 at Caton's Lane in the Essex Senior League Cup. Town line up - Andy Hall, Lee Smart, Matthew Negus, Bradley Quinn, Bradley Brotherton, Jamie Morris, Vulkan Gundogdu, Danny Snowshill, Danny Clarke, Kevin Riley and Danny Alleyne. Subs were Ambrose Idaewor, Gary Byrne and Nicky Morgan. Scorers for the town that night were Lee Smart, Danny Clarke, Jamie Morris and Danny Alleyne (2). Crowd - 187.

FORGOTTEN FOOTBALL - WOODFORD TOWN 1937-2003

Snakes Lane as it stands presently

Woodford Town were evicted from there Snakes Lane ground in 1993 and a fire destroyed the main building in 1996. They played their final game on 7th May 2003 losing 6-0 to Bowers United in the Essex Senior League, the League decided not to re-elect them for the 03/04 season. The 02/03 season was a struggle for Town playing at Clapton FC's Spotted Dog ground which is around 3 miles from Woodford.

The ground in Snakes Lane is still visible with the floodlights still standing and nothing built on it…yet!!!!

another view of the ground with the floodlights still in place

The club were formed in 1937 and played in the Delphian and Metropolitan leagues up until 1971 when they were elected to join the Southern League Southern Division. The first and only season at this time was a disaster winning only 4 games and the club dropped into intermediate football for a few years before joining the Essex Senior League in 1976.

They tried again in the Southern League from 1982 to 1987. Finishing 16th, 19th, 11th, 16th before a glory year in 1986/87 where a 3rd place finish was attained winning 22 out of 38 games. This season was the best on record for Town having a great FA Cup run beating Hertford Town, Grays Athletic, Harwich & Parkeston and Kings Lynn before entertaining local league rivals Leyton Orient in the 1st round proper loosing 1-0 in a very close match.

The club dropped into the Essex Senior League again for the 1987/88 season and were members of the Spartan/South Midlands league from 1993-1999 (playing at various non-league grounds around East London) and they returned to the Essex Senior League for the 1999/2000 season .

Enfield Town fans will be aware of Woodford’s poor record from then on finishing bottom of the pack in 00/01, 01/02 and their final season in 02/03. In 00/01 they went 26 matches without a win.


the old entrance to the ground
It was a struggle for the club to stay alive losing most of their fan base playing outside of Woodford. There was talk of a return to Woodford with a planning application being put in to develop Roding Lane North sports ground (a stones throw from Snakes Lane) to an Isthmian standard. The ground formerly used by Amateur side Old Monovians was in the Roding Valley conservation area so these plans unfortunately never came to fruition.

The start of the 01/02 season was disaster losing 9-0. 7-0, 3-1, 5-0, 6-5, 5-1, 12-2, 3-0, 6-1 before gaining a first point with a 1-1 draw and 2-1 win versus Stansted who had beaten them in the 6-5 game. Sandwiched between these games was another 1-0 loss. By the time ETFC in our first season got round to playing them they had improved slightly with Town winning 3-0 on a extremely terrible Spotted Dog pitch on the 12th January and the return game being won 6-1 at on the 18th February. The game played under the lights at Goldsdown Road is remembered by the cold end as future town favourite Asa Pamplin equalised for Woodford after Town had gone 1-0 up through an OG. Rudi Hall was on the score sheet for ETFC that night.

In the 02/03 season ETFC beat Woodford 3-1 on the 9th October at Golsdown Road, Woodford’s goal coming from Delroy Forde. Woodford included future Towner Steve Baldwin in their team. The return game in Forest Gate on 21st December was won by ETFC 6-1. Woodford’s problems of raising a team at the time was outlined as in the 2 and ½ months between games their starting line up was completely different.

In this last season in 02/03 the club suffered numerous problems with two games at the end of the season being awarded to their opponents with no games being played culminating in the club not being elected for the 03/04 season and subsequently folding.

The club’s last season in the FA Cup was 87/88 (the season after their historic cup run) when they lost to Harlow Town 1-0 away. Their final season in the Vase was 02/03 when they lost to Soham Town Rangers 4-1.

So, Another club in the East London area to be put to the history books alongside Walthamstow Avenue, Leystonstone, Ilford (the first time round) and Chingford Town amongst others.

In 2006 there were reports that a group of supporters were looking to reform the club with applications to several step 5 leagues. However, nothing further came of this announcement and there has been no more news.

The cold end hopes this famous old club will return soon.

Only eleven games to Wembley!!

Town start on the road to Wembley glory on Saturday with a home game in the preliminary round versus Spartan South Midlands Premier Leverstock Green. These games are very important for clubs at our level due to the FA prize money on offer with a healthy £1500 going to the winner of this match who will play Waltham Abbey in the next round. Whoever gets through the next game at Capershots it will be a hard one as ex Ware manager Glen Alzapiedi has just taken over the (temporary) manager reigns following the exit of Tony Tilbrook and Andy Purcell.

The Green have a new manager in the hot seat for the 09/10 season in Steve Heath who successfully managed Kings Langley for 4 years prior. Their form has been up and down so far this year with the following results:

08/08 - Harefield United(h) d1-1 att:100
11/08 - Oxhey Jets (a) d0-0 att:72
15/08 - Burnham Ramblers (h) w2-1 att:57 *FA Cup Extra Prelimanary round
18/08 - Kingsbury London Tigers (a) L3-1 att:45
22/08 - Hatfield Town (h) w6-1 att:44
25/08 - Dunstable Town (a) L3-0 att:122

The Green have entered the cup since 2004 when the infamous floodlight blew up versus Enfield Town. They have never got past the preliminary round so far loosing to Essex Senior Hullbridge Sports 2-1 away last year in the extra preliminary round. Their result at home versus Hatfield Town who had made a good start to Premier Division life stands out from their record this season.

It will be a tough match but the cold end thinks Town will do enough to get through. All supporters will be willing on Enfield Town to go on a cup run after last season's 'effort' at a very poor Hillingdon Borough side, you can't beat the excitement of the cup!!!

The cup campaign starts for the 21 other Ryman North clubs with 5 all division ties as follows

Cheshunt V Maldon Town
East Thurrock United V Brentwood (United will be eager to avenge their 1-2 recent defeat in the league)
Great Wakering Rovers V Waltham Forest
Redbridge V Romford
Thamesmead V Tilbury

Our opponents on Monday (if no replays) VCD Athletic travel to Ryman South Corinthian Casuals.

The Cold End predicts a shock may be on the cards at Harlow Town who entertain Kingsbury London Tigers. The away side may nick a draw and take The Hawks back to Silver Jubilee Park for a difficult replay.

The local tie of the round has to be Cockfosters taking a very short trip up the road to Potters Bar Town. Fosters play two levels below Town so it'll be a tough game for them but the cold end using the old adage that the cup is a great leveler thinks that this game may also end in a draw.

The cup magic starts on Friday night with two local games, Brimsdown Rovers take on Flackwell Heath and Hoddesdon Town verus Royston Town (to be played at Hertford Town).

So, at least five teams from our division will not make it through to the next round. Lets hope at least one team (hopefully Enfield Town) from our division goes on a nice cup run like Ware did in 2007 when they reached the 1st Round proper.

The Cold End says....

The scenes from inside and outside of The Boleyn Ground last night were shocking in what had been a very nasty atmosphere building up all day in the local area according to the the cold end's West Ham correspondent. Those that carried out this violence are SCUM and need to be dealt with in the harshest way possible. They are not football fans they are animalisict moronic yobs.

Grown men, some aged between 40-50 who should know better were seen throwing bottles, bricks, coins and anything they could get their hands on as they fought with each other and the police. Local residents and innocent fans ran in terror of this senseless, savage and shameful behaviour.

The statue of Bobby Moore near to Upton Park was boarded and covered up for the night, The England Legend who loved the game would of been ashamed of what occurred.

As well as the perpetrators being brought to justice The Cold End states the following punishments should be handed out:

1) Both West Ham and Millwall should be removed from the Carling Cup for the next 5 years.

2) If the clubs play each other in the future the match should be played behind closed doors in an undisclosed foreign country.

These punishments are harsh on the real supporters who love the game and support their team without fighting and rioting but a stance needs to be taken to rid our wonderful game of this behaviour once and for all.

the cold end

The Cold End recommends...

...the following excellent website on the history of Enfield FC's gone but not forgotten near neighbours Walthamstow Avenue 1900-1988. I never got the chance to visit Green Pond Road before it was demolished in the late 80s (bit too young) but i'm sure their are still a few Town fans who remember the old Enfield FC matches with the Avenue in the 60s and 70s at Green Pond and Southbury Road.

http://walthamstowavenue.wordpress.com/

Town looking to drive away with a win versus the Motormen

Town travel to Oakside on Tuesday night to face Jay Deveraux's Redbridge side who have so far won 1 drawn 1 and lost 1. Their record is as follows:

15/08 Wingate & Finchley (home) 0-0 att:31
18/08 Potters Bar Town (away) w 2-0 att:41
22/08 East Thurrock United (away) L 3-0 att:157

Last year the Motormen finished a respectable 8th with 18 wins from 42 games and a total of 64 points, this after a great third place finish and penalty heartache in the play offs in 07/08 under Dean Holdsworth who departed for pastures new.

Ex Ilford player Carl Bruce has netted the only two goals so far this season. They also have Nathan Scarborough up front who scored an amazing 64 times in 27 starts in Sunday football, most of last year was spent in the injury room but he is back this season and the cold end thinks he is a very dangerous player for town to look out for. Redbridge also have ex Enfield centre back Simon Peddie and two players from last season's ESL champion's Romford (Ben Turner and Ricki Machin) among their ranks. Andy Edmunds (not the old Enfield player) was a substitute for them on Saturday.

Jay Deveraux's teams are always well organised and hard working so it'll be a tough game in prospect. If Town can play like they did in the first half against Tilbury the cold end is confident 3 points can be won.

New Feature on the cold end

Scrolling away in red above is a new feature "THE COLD END'S RANDOM FOOTBALL FACTS"... An amazing soccer related fact will appear at random times throughout the season.

The Cold End

TOWN EDGE OUT TILBURY IN 4-3 VICTORY

At times it wasn't pretty but Enfield Town managed (just) to edge past Tilbury today in what should of been an easier victory than it was. The towner's were unchanged from Tuesday (when was the last time that happened?, a nice change from last season) facing the Docker's who had the luxury of having Lee Hodges warming their bench.

Teams were:

ETFC

1) Rob Blackburne
2) Fabio Valenti
3) Darryl Ellams
4) David Allen
5) Chris Wild
6) Ross Edwards
7) Paul Marks
8) Andy Jones
9) Stuart Blackburne
10) Adam Wallace
11) Rudi Hall


Subs - Dave Blower, Matt Thompson, Shayne Johnson, Roberto Minnitti, Jason Holmes.



TILBURY

1) Andy Hall
2) Danny Smith
3) Joe Keith
4) Ricky Hayles
5) Glen Golby
6) Ben Bradbury
7) Jamie Wallace
8) Christian Wheeler
9) Zubair Haleem
10) Chris Taylor
11) Dean Stannard

Subs - Taylor Thomas, Lee Hayes, Lee Hodges, Chris Stowe, Oliver Gee-Howes

The Essex side started well and had the Town rattled when they hit the cross-bar from close range in the opening five minutes. For the first 10 minutes the game was played largely in midfield apart from this chance. Town did get the ball in the net but not after fouling Chopper in the docker's goal. It was somewhat against the run of play when Gunz on the right wing swung in a wonderful cross towards the goal which Stuart Blackburne got on the end of to head the ball into the net. 1-0 and things were looking good.

Town then got on top of Tilbury and about 10 minutes later Stuart was threw in a one on one with Chopper just inside the edge of the box. Chopper slid in and from what i saw won some of the ball and then took down Stuart. Somewhat harshly referee Chris O'Donnell blew up and pointed to the spot. Rudi Hall dispatched the resultant penalty to make it 2-0. BRILLIANT!!

Things got even better for Town who were now well on top of what had been a well organised Tilbury team for the first ten minutes. A fantastic 40 yard ball from midfield by Paul Marks went to Stuart on the right wing, he dribbled the ball into the box and crossed the ball which hit a Tilbury defender's hand (which was raised) inside the box. Another Penalty.

This penalty was placed in the net by rudi to chopper's left hand side after what appeared to be the referee blowing to say take the kick but he was still arguing with a Tilbury player and chopper was to the right of the goal bending down having a drink from his water bottle. The referee ordered a re-take and Chopper saved well to his right.



Town then made it 3-0 when Rudi's corner kick looked like it was going in at the near post anyway was touched in by Stuart who widely celebrated with a somersault. 3-0 and it wasn't even half-time yet. Tuesday's game versus Ilford was now well and truly put to bed and Town were cruising to 3 points. OR WHERE THEY???



Tilbury were using the long throw tactic much the same as what Town do with Darryl Ellams and it was from a long throw they got back into the game, Chris Wild headed the ball clear but did climb on the back on the Tilbury player inside the box. Looking back it was soft penalty to give, It was one of those ones which you've seen given and not given.

Another day it would of been play on. Joe Keith scored the spot-kick and made it 3-1.


Still no need to worry as Town were playing well and 3-1 up.

Adam Wallace then had a turn and shot at the edge of the box well saved and soon after Tilbury's Ben Bradbury thought he had made it 3-2 when he headed the ball into the the Town net. The Assistant flagged for what was clearly offside.


HALF TIME 3-1

Town kicked off the second half and it all went horribly wrong for a little while. Tilbury brought on Lee Hodges and apart from a few stray passes you could tell he had played at a higher level. A defensive mix-up and Tilbury made it 3-2. Surprise, Surprise the whinging fan then appeared behind the goal - "come on" "do something" "now".... Did he not see the first half performance?? The Cold End has never seen him happy.

Stuart Blackburne then spoiled what had been a great performance for him. He went in for a tackle with Rickie Hayles and didn't play the ball and was booked, It looked a booking and he should of just run off and played on. Instead he sarcastically applauded the referee who immediately brandished a 2nd yellow and the red card. It was so silly and shouldn't of happened.

Tilbury took advantage of playing versus 10 men and made it 3-3 quickly after.


Lee Hodges showed some good touches and was now pulling the strings in midfield for Tilbury. Andy Jones in the Town midfield was having a shocker if the cold end is honest (other fans thought this too)...too many stray passes. A bad day at the office for Jonah!!

Steve and Dell then took Rudi and David Allen off and replaced them with Matt Thompson and Dave Blower.

Town looked like they were a man short and didn't threaten the Tilbury goal until Fabio who was playing brilliantly passed to Paul Marks who rolled the ball towards the Tilbury net..."it's going in!! It's in! YE"..........No!!! Christian Wheeler slid in and cleared the ball off the line just when it looked like it was in. So close.

Tilbury went forward looking for a winner and had a few shots on and off target and looked the more dangerous team. Lee Hodges put a free kick just wide of the left hand post.

Adam Wallace was replaced by Roberto Minnitti shortly afterwards and it was Town who took the points when Fabio through on goal passed the ball into the net to much celebration from the town fans, players and bench.

There were a few scares for Town fans in the closing minutes with Ben Bradbury's shot being well saved and a few more shots going wide.


Rickie Hayles was very lucky to stay on the pitch when after a free kick was claimed by both Rob Blackburne's hands he launched an over the top challenge on town's keeper. Both player's stayed down injured and the referee gave a yellow card.

FINAL SCORE 4-3

A good game with loads of incidents and a good result. Town looked good in the first half and parts of the second half. Andy Jones as mentioned didn't have the best of games in midfield and letting in 3 goals isn't the best but, Town won and that's all that matters.

From the first 3 games most Town supporters would of took 6 points and Town can now kick on and win at Redbridge on Tuesday before the road to wembley starts next Saturday.

Above Picture - Enfield Town's army of fans at The Cold End this afternoon

Weekend preview....The Foxes go East

The only unbeaten teams in the Ryman North meet this weekend on the East Coast, Lowestoft Town fresh from their 5-0 victory at home to Concord will be looking to make it 3 out of 3 against Ilford. As Town fans know the foxes were very lucky in the first half on Tuesday and as 'the director' has stated if Lowestoft get an early goal he can see only a home win in prospect. The Cold End believes that Ilford's luck will run out at the seaside and Lowestoft will win by at least 2 or 3 goals. The Trawler Boys will be looking to better Tuesday night's impressive crowd of 690.

There are 3 teams on NIL points presently, One being Tilbury who travel to the Town . The others being Cheshunt who make the trip to Burrough's Park to play Great Wakering Rovers and Maldon Town who play Ware at Woodson Park.

The Cold End's game of the day in the Premier Division is Hendon (2 wins from 2 matches) entertaining one of the pre-season favourites for the league Sutton United (1 win and 1 draw) at Vale Farm where they now ground share. Aveley travel to play Kingstonian who were roundly beaten by Dave Howell's Harrow Borough on Monday night. In Divsion One (South) Croydon Athletic who have scored 12 and let in no goals in their two wins go to Imber Court to play Met Police who have drawn 1 and lost 1.

In the SSML Premier Division Haringey Borough have a tough trip to Dunstable Town and FA Cup mid-week winners Harefield United and St Margeretsbury play each other. Broxbourne Borough travel to Langford. In Divsion One Cockfosters play AFC Dunstable at Chalk Lane, Sport London E Benfica play New Bradwell St Peter at Cole's Park.

In Division Two newly re-formed Berkhamsted have made storming start winning 2 out of 2 scoring 14 goals and leaking 5 in the process entertain Old Bradwell United who are also 2 out of 2 scoring 9 and letting in 3. A high scoring game should occur. Berkhamsted have beaten MK Wanderers 6-2 at home in front of 109 and Bletchley Town away 8-3 in front of 80 people. Bletchley Town usually get crowds of 20-50. The Cold End can only see Berko winning this league by a large margin. Also in this Division Woodson Park now ground sharing with Ware go to Risborough Rangers.

In the Essex Senior League Bethnal Green United (2 wins from 2) entertain Stansted and Enfield 1893 go for glory at home versus Maritius Sports Association. The other 100% team Sawbridgeworth play Bowers & Pitsea.

One of the cold end's favourite teams Sporting Bengal United travel to Norton Sports in the Kent League in their quest for a win (or even a draw).

In the Hellinec League Division One (East) Wokingham & Emmbrook play Prestwood. W&E are the old Wokingham Town and Emmbrook Sports merged. WTFC were Enfield's regular opponents in the 1990's. Finchampstead Road was a cold end favourite ground (who remembers the greenhouse end) another one gone to housing developments. W&E are now managed by Wayne Wanklyn, another familiar name to Enfield and Isthmian fans from the 90's.

Also in this division South Kilburn play Kintbury Rangers. The Cold End is led to believe South Kilburn play somewhere in the Vale Farm sports complex where Hendon play Sutton as previously mentioned.

The game of the day can only be at Goldsdown Road...Town V The Dockers and 3 points in the bag!!!!

THE DOCKER'S SHIP INTO ENFIELD ON SATURDAY

Town's next game is on Saturday 22nd August when they entertain Tilbury FC in a Ryman League Division One (North) match. Graham Chester's team hasn't had the best of starts to the season loosing at home to Potters Bar Town by a single second half goal and on Tuesday going down 3-2 away at VCD Athletic.

Tilbury finished 11th last season but Chester showed what a good cup manager he is (he was in charge of Eton Manor in 2008 when they won the Essex Senior League Trophy, the club's first for more than 70 years) when The Docker's won the Isthmian League Cup by beating Folkestone Invicta, Whitstable Town, Ramsgate, Staines Town, Billericay Town and Harrow Borough 2-0 in the final. This was Tilbury's first senior trophy since 1975 when they won the Essex Senior Cup.

Apart from two seasons (04/05 in the Southern League Division One (East) and 05/06 in the Essex Senior League) the club have been members of the Isthmian League since 1973 and apart from a brief spell in the top division in the 1970's they have spent most of their time in lower division obscurity. From 92/93 the club finished 17th, 17th, 14th, 11th, 16th and 20th in Division Two being relegated to the third division for 98/99. Its fare to say their success in winning the League Cup last year was well deserved and well received by their supporters.

The club's most famous season has to be 1977/78 when they reached the FA Cup 3rd round proper. Starting in the preliminary round they beat Kingstonian, Bracknell Town, Witney Town, Feltham, Tonbridge, Kettering Town (after two replays) and Nuneaton Borough to play Stoke City who at the time were in Division 2 after being relegated the season before. The match played at the Victoria Ground in front of over 16,000 (over 2,500 travelled from Essex) was lost 3-0. City's side that day included Howard Kendall, Garth Crooks, Dennis Smith, Viv Busby and Alec Lindsay.

In the following 78/79 season the club's cup glory was brought back down to earth with a bump with a 1st qualifying round exit to Leyton Wingate (away) 1-0. Their best performance since is to reach the 3rd QR in 1997 where they were thrashed 6-1 by Slough Town. SInce 2005 the club haven't got past the Preliminary round. The Docker's travel to fellow Ryman Leaguer's Thamesmead Town in the FA Cup on 29/08/2009 where they will hope to put a stop to their recent poor cup form.

Tilbury's squad currently includes ex ETFC stopper and favourite Andy Hall who was last season's player of the year. Also featured is Ex Brentwood, Ilford, Waltham Forest and Eton Manor player Rickie Hayles, Glen Golby who was at Champions Aveley last season, Joe Keith who made over 200+ appearances for Colchester United and also played in the league for Leyton Orient and Brentford.

The club's most well known current player is Lee Hodges who started his career at his local club West Ham in 1995 making 3 appearances. He was an England Schoolboy International described as a player in the role of Eyal Berkovic during his time at The Boleyn Ground. He spent time on loan at Exeter City, Leyton Orient, Plymouth, Ipswich and Southend finally transfering to Scunthorpe United in 1999 for a fee of £130,000. A fans favourite at Glandford Park he made over 100 appearances for the Iron and scored 20+ times. His most famous goal coming in the 2001 FA Cup tie versus Doncaster Rovers which was featured on Match of the Day to the praise of Alan Hansen. He then transferred to Rochdale and spent time at Bristol Rovers. Since 2005 he has spent time at Thurrock, Billericay Town and AFC Hornchurch. He still has lots of skill and is a very dangerous player as this goal he scored against Hornchurch for Billericay Town a few years back shows.
YOU TUBE LINK - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDxG-NrXb8g

After last night's 1-0 disapointment Town will be hoping for a good performance and 3 points.
Town won last season's game v the Dockers 1-0 on 11th April 2009 in front of 216 people thanks to Ellis Remy's goal.

SOURCE -
http://fchd.info/
http://www.tilburyfc.com/

ILFORD SMASH AND GRAB 1-0 WIN

FULL TIME - Enfield Town 0 Ilford 1

Line Ups

ETFC

1. Rob Blackburne
2. Fabio Valenti
3. Darryl Ellams
4. Dave Allen
5. Chris Wild
6. Ross Edwards
7. Paul Marks
8. Andy Jones (captain)
9. Stuart Blackburne
10. Adam Wallace
11. Rudi Hall

subs - Dave Blower, Matt Thompson, Roberto Minnitti, Shayne Johnson, Jason Holmes

Ilford

1. Rob Budd
2. Michael Noble
3. Anton Trice
4. Harry Chalk
5. Aaron Scott
6. Tony Russell
7. Bradley Drisdale
8. Neil Matthews
9. Callum McGeehan
10. Des Gallen
11. Victor Omegiban

Subs - Jamie Pooley, Dereck Hawtin, Junior Appiah, Jack Sawyer, Jason Sanfeen

What a disappointing night down at Goldsdown Road, The Foxes had one meaningful shot on target from open play and still took home the three points. To be honest they came with tactics of getting behind the ball to frustrate Town and did the job well .

The first 15-20 minutes of the match were very scrappy (much the same as Brentwood) with only an Adam Wallace header to count as any opening of sorts. Then came the first whinge of the season from the whinging fan.
Timed at just over 20 minutes into the first home game came the comment - 'Come on Wallace do something!!!!'.....

With about 35 minutes on the clock the game came to life for Town and they started to get on top of Ilford. Darryl Ellams crossed in from the left edge of the box to find Stuart Blackburne unmarked whose shot beat Rob Budd in the Ilford goal but rebounded off the post... 'It's gonna be one of them nights' was the word behind the goal.

Darryl then had a good shot from the left which just missed the target and Andy Jones had a shot from the centre of field saved by Budd. It was only a matter of time before Town converted the pressure into a goal or was it??

Next from a Ellams long throw Chris Wild headed the ball on for Ross Edwards to hit the ball on the cross bar, the ball bounced down and out of the goalmouth.. I couldn't see if the ball crossed the line and there were no appeals so i would say it didn't cross the line. 'It's definitely going to be one of those nights" was now muttered behind the goal

As the referee blew for half time most supporters thought if Town played like the last 10 or 15 minutes of the first half we should win the match easily.

At half time Jack Sawyer replaced Anton Trice for Ilford.

It was early in the 2nd half when referee Hillier angered most of the Enfield fans present when with Ilford player Neil Matthews down with what appeared an innocuous looking leg injury (certainly not a head injury) and with town breaking away he blew his whistle so the Ilford Physio could come on to treat Matthews who was up and playing again within about 30 seconds.

Enfield then conceded a free kick on just outside the edge of the box to the right hand side of the goal as you look at it. Enfield's wall was just inside the area, the free kick was taken and struck Andy Jones's elbow/arm (who was on the end of the wall)... The referee blew for a penalty. It didn't look intentional but Andy did raise his arm so there weren't many complaints. Des Gallen smashed the resultant penalty kick down the centre of goal past Rob Blackburne who dived to his left. 1-0 Ilford.

Some of Ilford's players then started to go down injured and need treatment for a number of minutes which slowed the game down.

Junior Appiah then replaced Bradley Drisdale.

The referee then in most fan's opinion then lost control of the game and became very whistle happy. Town player's seemed to get frustrated at Ilford's apparent time wasting tactics which played right into Ilford's hands really.

The town management then sent on some Italian Flair to shake the game up in the form of Roberto Minnitti on for Gunz Wallace. A few minutes later Shayne Johnson and Matt Thompson replaced Fabio and Marksy.

The referee then brandished a red card to Ilford's Michael Noble who launched a tackle through a Town player in front of the town bench. Ilford were now down to 10 men. Surely Town could rescue a point.

But it was Ilford who got the best chance after that when a rare error by Dave Allen was seized upon by Omegibin whose shot was well saved by Blackburne.

A chance then fell to Rudi whose shot went past the keeper heading goalwards only to hit an Ilford defender and then cleared.

Ilford then went down to 9 men when one of their player's who had already been booked tripped Shayne Johnson and was booked for a second time. I don't know who this player was as he ran off down the tunnel before I could see.

After 8 minutes injury time mostly caused by Ilford's players going down injured the referee blew up for full time to the delight of the Foxes players and supporters who were present.

As stated they came to frustrate and do a job, they rode their luck (town hit the post and crossbar) and got the penalty which they scored from. Aaron Scott (their number 5) seemed to win every header in the 2nd half and had an immense game for them. It wasn't pretty football but they got the points.

Cold End positive notes:

1) Enfield Town we have played two games and not conceded a goal from open play and with a bit more luck in the 1st half I think we would of won the game as Ilford would of had to have changed their tactics.

2) Stuart Blackburne run his socks off tonight and if he keeps up this enthusiastic approach the goals will come.

3) For once when red cards were brandished at Goldsdown Road it wasn't towards Town players.

As the saying goes Rome wasn't built in a day, Town should put this result behind them and look at the positives for the game with Tilbury on Saturday and hopefully three points won.

UP THE TOWN!!!!!!

Bet of the night

The cold end's favourite Moldovan team FC Sheriff Tiraspol take on Olympiacos tonight in the 1st leg of their Champions League match. The winners of the two matches will qualify for the Group stages proper.

FC Sheriff are underdogs and have been all through their run to this stage, they are 10/3 for the win with the Greek side 8/11 and the draw being 9/4. http://skybet.com

So far they have beaten Inter Turku of Finland and Czech champions Slavia Prague thanks to a late equaliser in the away 2nd leg.

Sheriff have just started their league campaign with a 5-0 win, Olympiacos haven't started their league season;

The Cold End loves an underdog and is going for a shock home win at the nice 10/3 odds. Sheriff ran Slavia Prague close at home in the previous leg and are no push-overs.

Now i've tipped them expect an away rout!!!

http://www.fc-sheriff.com/eng/

Ilford up next for Town on Tuesday night

The town entertain Ilford on Tuesday night at Goldsdown Road. The foxes gained an unexpected 2-0 home win versus Heybridge Swifts on Saturday. Chris Wood’s team scored early goals through Bradley Drisdale and Michael Noble in what was by all accounts a good performance in front of a crowd of 58.
Ilford’s team on Saturday was:

1) Rob Budd (ex Concord Rangers and Redbridge)
2) Michael Noble (previously with Broxbourne Boro)
3) Anton Trice
4) Harry Chalk (described as a tough tackler in the mould of Dennis Wise)
5) Tony Russell
6) Anton Scott
7) Bradley Drisdale (one of the many player’s to come through the revolving doors at ETFC last season)
8) Neil Matthews
9) Callum McGeehan (signed from Canterbury City in the summer)
10) Des Gallen
11) Victor Omeghiabhn (re-signed from Aveley recently)

Junior Appiah (a recent signing from local football) and Jamie Pooley (ex Grays Athletic) came on as substitutes.

Town lost to Ilford 1-0 at the Goldsdown last season on 18th April in front of 245 people.

The current Ilford FC were reformed in 1987 after the area didn’t have a senior team of sorts as the old Amateur team of Ilford FC moved out of Lynn Road and merged with Leytonstone to make Leytonstone/Ilford in 1979. Lynn Road is sadly no more and another famous non-league stadium now housing. Dellow Close off Lynn Road just off the A12 is named after a famous player from the 1930s.

Since the foxes have been at this level of football after winning the Ryman Division 2 in 04/05 they have struggled finishing 21st out of 22 clubs for their first three seasons and last year improving slightly with a finish of 17 out of 22. The club has also struggled in the F.A Cup with their performance in reaching the 1st qualifying round in 2002 their best to date.

Ilford is a breeding ground for famous people. MK Don’s boss Paul Ince was born in the town in 1967 along with Nigel ‘the dark destroyer’ Benn 3 years earlier. Sean ‘Aidan in Eastenders, Tegs in Grange Hill and reached number 14 in the charts with don’t pull your love’ Maguire in 1976. Actress Dame Maggie Smith was also born in the area in 1934 and Noel Edmonds was born in Ilford in 1948.

The Cold End say’s ‘deal’ to a home win and ‘no deal’ to an away win. Lets hope the lads get another win and make it 2 out of 2. TCE also wish Ilford the best of luck on their away day to the seaside at Lowestoft on Saturday (hope the sun shines for you) and in their FA Cup fixture at Marlow on 29th August.

Ilford's website http://ilfordfc.moonfruit.com/

PAUL PUTS THE SKIDS ON BRENTWOOD

Brentwood Town supporter's planned protests in light of Carl Griffith's departure didn't materialise today as Town won a game of few chances 1-0.

The first 20 minutes of the game were very scrappy with the ball bogged down in midfield and no real clear-cut chances. After about 30 minutes Town got their first chance when Darrell Ellams launched a long throw into the box towards Chris Wild, the ball bounced over the keeper and with goal gapping no Town forwards were near the ball to score and the Brentwood defence cleared.

The only other real clear cut chance of the half was for Brentwood when their forward should of scored when in front of goal but Rob Blackburne saved well.

The second half was much of the same apart from Town's goal. A cross in from the right went across the goal just inside the penalty box for Paul Marks to rise up and head past the Brentwood keeper.

Brentwood looked very poor up-front and didn't really trouble Rob Blackburne in goal, this was helped by David Allen playing at centre back who was immense and didn't give their forward line an inch. A man of the match performance.

So a game of few chances but the result is what matters. Town can build on this for Tuesday night's game.

A clean sheet, a good battling performance all round against a strong Brentwood side and 3 points taken back to North London for the start of the season. Stuart Blackburne had a quite game which in my book means he's going to score on Tuesday night with a better performance. Adam 'Gunz' Wallace also battled away up front and looks a good prospect.

The Brentwood fans known as the Sky Blue Ultra's with their drum and bell fell silent with about 20 minutes to go and most just sat down drinking their tinned lagers. Their chant of "Sh*t kit, Sh*t fans" was met by some town fan's "Sh*t kit but we're 1-0 up". (Brentwood fans have bad taste - it's a quality kit) They then turned on their own team with 'We're sh*t and we know we are" followed by songs about them going down with Ilford back to the Essex Senior.

As i've stated before the Brentwood fans should be thankful they've got a club to follow with their own ground at a decent standard. Just under 4 years ago in their opening home match in the ESL they drew 39 spectators for the game with Waltham Abbey (03/09/05)

Roll on Tuesday night and another 3 points.

ETFC Team

1. Rob Blackburne

2. Fabio Valenti (sub Dave Blower)

3. Darrell Ellams

4. Chris Wild

5. David Allen

6. Ross Edwards

7. Paul Marks

8. Andy Jones

9. Adam Wallace

10. Stuart Blackburne (sub Shayne Johnson)

11. Rudi Hall (sub Matt Thomson)

The Cold End Man of the Match - David Allen

Brentwood game news

The Cold End's source close to the Brentwood Town FC camp states that most of the team will be playing in tomorrow's game with only a couple of players leaving/missing.

The Cold End never thought it was going to be an easy game even if the Brentwood team had been completely different.

The game now looks like it will be a highly competitive one with the cold end expecting the Brentwood players to put in a good performance in support of Carl Griffiths.

"Chaos" reported as Chairman and Manager leave Brentwood Town.

Brentwood Town versus Enfield Town FC
Saturday 15th August 2009
MATCH PREVIEW

I had an article ready for the big season kick off which went into how Brentwood Town were one of the favourites for the title as manager Carl Griffiths had assembled an impressive looking squad with what was rumoured to be one of the highest budgets in the league. I was going to finish with my heart says we'd love to cause a shock with a 2-1 away win but my head said a 1-1 draw would be nice to take onto the home game with Ilford.

Events over in Essex with Chairman Keith Woodcock leaving the club swiftly being followed by Carl Griffiths (by reported mutual consent) has thrown town's opponents into reported and alleged "chaos" this week. It has also been reported that some of the club's squad has walked out in support of Carl and his assistant Scott Canham who has also left. Some disgruntled supporters have planned protests for the game on Saturday both inside and outside of the ground.

Brentwood had had a good pre-season with some notable results against higher league opposition such as Rushden & Diamonds (2-0) and Billericay Town (1-0). Sammy Higgins and Joel Barrett had scored lots of goals the build-up matches.

What was expected to be a tough game against strong opponents is now 'up in the air' and it is unknown what sort of team Brentwood will put out. What has been confirmed is that Assistant Director of Football and former manager Steve Witherspoon will act as manager for the game.

bwin.com have removed the game from their Ryman list in wake of the news and appear to be taking no more bets on the outcome of the game.

The beginning of the season proper always brings thoughts, hopes and aspirations of some exciting times ahead with a possible championship challenge &/or play off involvement. The cold end hopes for moments of euphoria this season with Steve and Del building a squad capable of exciting things. In the first twelve games when the dynamic duo were in charge over at Lea Bridge Road last season they won 8 games, loosing 3 and drawing 1. If this form is replicated for Town's start most supporters (and I say most as some are not even happy when we're winning all the time) will be happy with. It will be certainly better than last season's frustration of a very poor start (remember Steve and Del's Leyton team destroying ETFC on Bank Holiday Monday at home 4-0) and then mid-table boring rubbish obscurity.

So, ETFC travel the 20 or so miles on Saturday not really knowing what will happen. Whats certain is the glorious uncertainty of it all... what team will Brentwood play?? what will their supporter protests be like?? Brentwood's website reports that a statement will be posted late on Thursday night or early Friday regarding the events at the club this week.
Link - http://www.brentwoodtownfc.co.uk

All Town can do is concentrate on playing well and hopefully returning home victorious. Something the cold end hopes will become a regular feature of our season.

Up the Town!!!

The Cold End's message for Brentwood supporters is that despite what has occurred and the reported 'chaos' be thankful you have a club (with it's own ground) to support and remember that as recently as 2005 your club finished 14th out of 15 clubs in the Essex Senior League playing in front of a handful of supporters winning just 3 games in 28. The Cold End hopes the reported troubles are sorted out but, of course, after we take 3 points home on Saturday evening.

RANDOM MIDWEEK MATCHES - THE REAL WHITE HART LANE

The Cold End had a choice tonight of staying indoors to watch overpaid and overrated players on television with Mrs Cold End moaning she wants to watch Location, Location, Location or pop out to Coles Park, White Hart Lane to watch the game of the midweek Sport London E Benfica (SLEB)V Tokyngton Manor in the SSML Divsion One. I chose the 2nd option for an easy life and what an eventful game it was.

This was Sport's first game in their ground share at Haringey Borough and they entertained the previously Cold End mentioned Tokyngton Manor FC who posted an official attendance of 2 in their season opener on Saturday. Last season in a home game versus Buckingham Athletic the recorded official crowd was 1.

The team line ups for tonight were: Sport London 1) Ivan Viera 2) Chez Hayden 3) Afonson Ferreira 4) Emanuel Fletcher 5) James Bonsu 6) Martin Irungis 7) Ivo Barroso 8) Bruno Mondlane 9) Dani Da Conceicao 10) William Dos Santos 11) Djibrill Djalo Subs - Fernando Seidi, Simon Bisgarda (on after 10 mins), Andre Morris, Domingos Ferreira and Amir Khan (on at half time)

Tokyngton Manor FC 1) Jon Cardy 2) Russell Chandler 3) Dao Helmuit 4) Ben Tomlinson 5) Dean Thomas 6) Michael Williams 7) Gino Sufi 8) Anthony Bayele 9) Chris Ellis 10) Dan Owen 11) Steve Doreis Subs - Andy Watson (on at half time), David Adetule (on with 5 minutes left) and Simeon Hinds.

Both teams had lost on Saturday and must of been eager to open their league account. SLEB looked very professional warming up and within the first ten minutes Cardy in the TM goal had given away a penalty after upending Ivo Barroso who went off injured. The resulting spot kick by Bruno Mondlane went roughly down the centre of the goal and was well saved. TM then took the lead through Dan Owen who slotted the ball home after a cross from the left. Owen was about a foot taller than the whole of the SLEB back four. He had to leave the pitch for a cut to his head after about 20 minutes, He returned patched up about 5 minutes later.

Gino Sufi (the best player on the pitch) then made it 2-0 to TM with the best goal of the game from the edge of the box, Viera in the SLEB goal didn't stand a chance. Up until then it had been a pretty ordinary game, SLEB didn't keep the ball very well and too many passes went astray with their forward line not doing very much.

The game then sprung into life when Bruno Mondlane went in for a tackle with Dean Thomas who already had strapping to his knee. Some verbals appeared to be exchanged which the ref dealt with by giving the players a talking to.

Gino Sufi then hit the post and the crossbar within about 2 seconds of each, He was very unlucky not to make it 3-0. SLEB then raised their game and Djibrill Djalo looped a shot from outside the box over Cardy and it rebounded off the crossbar. It was shame the linesman had his flag up. Afonso Ferreira then made it 2-1 after a cross form the right went through a crowd of players and he nicked it in at the far post.

HALF TIME 1-2

Dean Thomas made it 3-1 just after half time.

This is where the real fun began. Bruno Mondlane and Dean Thomas who were both big physical players got involved with each other in front of the main stand, Both appeared to raise their hands causing at least 10 people in the main stand to jump up and run down to the fence to remonstrate. The situation was calmed down and the referee spoke to his young assistant to figure out what had happened. According to most people watching both players deserved a red card to be brandished. The Cold End didn’t see the initial incident as he was reading a text Mrs Cold End had sent him about Location, Location, Location. The referee gave two yellows and got on with the game.

As the game went on two supporters of the female variety then began a shouting match and had to be virtually dragged apart whilst Andy Watson made it 4-1 for TM after a defensive error by SLEB.

It was now raining but the two ladies were still having a go at each other, they were now in the car park area with a group of about 10 blokes trying to sort it out. Most of the spectators were watching these events and not the game. Dean Thomas even walked off the pitch to make sure everything was okay, whilst this was going on the Tokyngton keeper and a SLEB forward got involved and another scuffle broke out, this time a full bench clearer with even the group of blokes and arguing young ladies running from the car park to behind the goal some even jumping over the fence onto the pitch.

Order was finally restored after about 30 seconds and the referee gave Cardy a Card, sending him off with a red one. Dean Thomas was subbed and accompanied his team-mate down the tunnel. The two ladies who had been shouting at each other then started up again.

The final whistle was blown with one of the SLEB subs stating 'that was the sh**est game i've ever seen' (he obviously hadn't seen Town play last season at Hillingdon in the Cup)and the referee commenting 'It wasn't pretty out there.'

FULL TIME 1-4

Not the best of game but it was never going to be advert for the beautiful game, entertainment wise it was brilliant. SLEB need to get some ideas going forward as they didn't look good up front today, Tokyngton's Gino Sufi who only played the first 45 minutes looking the best player on the pitch.

Sport London are sharing at Haringey all season, their midweek games are played on a Wednesday. It's only £3 to get in and I recommend you pay them a visit if your free and bored (some would say boring) like I did for some good entertainment which is far better than watching England on telly. Non-League is the way forward.

Coles Park bar serves you beer in cans which reminded me of being 14/15 years old again, sitting in a park thinking your parents didn't have a clue what you was up to getting hammered.

The Cold End's unofficial crowd figure - 70-80. Official Crowd - 30