HOPES OF TROPHY GLORY WASHED AWAY IN SEASIDE DEFEAT

CONCORD RANGERS 2 ENFIELD TOWN 0

Town's run in the FA Trophy was halted today in a 2-0 defeat to Concord Rangers at Thames Road. The day was summed up by a Town supporter who quipped 'just another bloody day at Concord' on the final whistle. Apart from our 4-0 win in the Essex Senior Championship year we never seem to play well or win on the Seaside Island.

Town were missing Stuart Blackburne and Adam Wallace so started with Roberto Minniti and Fabio Valenti up front with Mark Kirby wearing the number 9 shirt in the centre of midfield.

For late October it was a lovely day down on the Essex coast as the two teams took to the field. The home side were missing the influential goal-machine forward Lyle Taylor but showed how strong their squad is by replacing him with ex AFC Hornchurch forward Ross Wall.

It was Wall who had the first chance of the game after around 10 minutes when his shot was well saved by Rob Blackburne who parried the ball to Ross Edwards who put the ball out for a corner. Shortly after Wall should of done better with a lob which went over the cross bar.

The Town forward line were working hard but couldn't create any opportunities. Roberto was holding the ball up well and passing through to Fabio who was caught offside more times than I can remember in the first half by a Concord back four who were playing high up the field. Fabio did have a good shot from the edge of the box after some good work by the Italian but Dale Brightley in the home goal saved comfortably to his right hand side.

Wall continued to be a thorn in town's side working well with Danny Heale and he opened the scoring when a mis-placed pass on the right side of midfield by town let him in on the edge of the box to shoot past Rob Blackburne's right hand side.

Michael Begg on the home side's right wing showed skill and pace with Easterford and Skelton in the centre of defence looking fairly comfortable all of the first half.

The Director came up with the fact that the two Danny's (Canvey Management) might have been reading 'how to do well in the Ryman League One (North)' a book which could be written by Aveley Manager Rod Stringer.. The blueprint being two big imposing centre backs, a strong midfield, pace on the wings in Begg and a goal-scorer in Lyle Taylor (and Danny Heale)

With one shot on target and two corners forced and going in 1-0 down it wasn't the best half of football for the town, Steve and Del may well have had some stern words to say in the dressing room at the break.

The second half started in a more encouraging fashion with Dave Bastian making some encouraging runs from left back and a Roberto free kick which went straight into Brightley's hands. Mark Kirby also found himself free on the edge of the box with loads of time on his hands when the ball came over to him he unluckily volleyed it high over the bar.

Wall was still proving lively up front for Concord and he got another shot of target which was saved by Blackburne with his strike partner Heale having a shot on the turn straight at Town's keeper.

It was then Concord made it 2-0 when a short corner was whipped into the box by Michael Begg. This cross is now an entry in 'when average crosses get better?' as the ball missed everyone in a white and yellow shirts and bounced into the net. A very unlucky goal to concede.

Town made a double substitution with Ross Edwards and Matt Thompson leaving the field for Rudi Hall and debutant Sam Byfield. Shortly after Minniti left the field of play for Jordan Lockie and Kirby was pushed forward.

Town were probably the better team in the final moments as Rudi had a good dipping shot which just went wide of the post and Lockie had an effort cleared off the line.

Byfield showed some good touches considering he hasn't played since spending pre-season with Wingate and Finchley. As always seems to be the case at Thames Road it just wasn't meant to be.

Concord deserved their victory and it has to be taken into account Town were missing Blackburne and Wallace at Thames Road which baring the hick-up against Leyton last week is usually an impenetrable fortress. Couple this with the fact Concord were penalty kicks away from promotion last season and have since strengthened their squad it was never going to be easy today.

We still have the Ryman League Cup (which we've never won a game in) with Middlesex Senior & Charity cups to compete in along with the bread and butter stuff in the league to enjoy.

Loosing three on the trot isn't brilliant but as the pundits will tell you all good teams have blips and I'm confident with the players we have and the new signings brought in we'll be in with a shout of the play-offs. Lets hope the 'blip' turns into a winning run and not a nightmare!!

Full marks for the Concord programme today which stated Town came from the Ryman Premier League!!

CONCORD RANGERS
Brightley, Watson, Bell, Williams, Easterford, Skelton, Begg (Hopkins), Carlile, Wall (Butterworth), Heale, Collins (Simfield)

ENFIELD TOWN
Blackburne, Blower, Bastian, McKay, Wild, Edwards (Byfield), Marks, Thompson (Hall), Kirby, Minniti (Lockie), Valenti.

TOWN'S TRAVELLING ARMY OF FANS SAW OUR TROPHY HOPES FADE AWAY TODAY

The cold end recommends

The book "Memories Never Die" by Enfield Town's Del Deanus which is available to pre-order now and to buy from Monday 16th November.

A truly inspirational story that everyone should read.

All profits from the book go to the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Details of how to pre-order or buy are on http://delsstory.blogspot.com

Concord Rangers V Enfield Town match preview

HALLOWEEN HORROR SHOW OR SUCCESS AT THE SEASIDE???

Town make the trip to Canvey Island tomorrow to play Concord Rangers in what will be a very tough test for the team. The cold end has already gone into what a fortress Thames Road is and it was a major surprise when Leyton pulled off a shock 2-1 league win there last weekend. On the plus side for Town Concord will be without their super striker goal machine Lyle Taylor (suspended) who has scored 16 times in 18 games since joining from Millwall in the summer.

Steve, Del and the travelling Town fans won't be foolish enough in thinking because Taylor isn't playing the game is won as Concord have one of the strongest squads (if not the strongest??) in the Ryman north with Danny Heale also being amongst the goals this season. They also have Danny Hayzelden (son of Enfield legend Keith), midfielder Nicky Cowley, Nick Skelton and Jack Carlile in their squad.

Arguably we have played better than in some of the matches we have won this season in the last two defeats so the Town squad are very capable of getting a result in what should be an exciting and closely fought terrific trophy encounter.

Skybet.com are offering odds for the match with a home win at 6/5, the draw at 5/2 and an away win for the town at 13/8.

**Note - Remember the roadworks on the M25 between the M11 and Brentwood junction will hold you up. The best route to take maybe round the A406 and then out into the Essex countryside on the A13**

The cold end's single bet of the weekend...

After 6/4 Lowetoft's success in midweek I'm hoping to keep my luck running and can't see past Southampton at evens to win at Leyton Orient tomorrow.

The O's have beaten London rivals Brentford and Millwall at Brisbane Road aka Matchroom stadium this season drawing versus Carlise United and Exeter City. Oldham Atheltic, Colchester United and Charlton Athletic have all left East London with 3 points.

Southampton after a dodgy start are now firing on all cylinders winning four games in a row versus MK Dons, Oldham Athletic, Southend United and Gillingham. Orient welcome back captain Stephen Purches after last weeks 4-0 drubbing at Huddersfield Town but I can only see the Saint's backed by a good travelling support taking all three points.

Orient are 11/4 to win with the draw being 12/5 with http://www.skybet.com but in my opinion Southampton look great value at evens so that is my bet of the weekend.

Remember to gamble responsibly!!!

thecoldend

MIDDLESEX SENIOR CUP 2009/2010

The first round of the Middlesex Senior Cup gets underway on Monday 9th November when Hanworth Villa of the Combined Counites League take on fellow Ryman Northers Wingate & Finchley. The other ties take place 24 hours later on the 10th November with Town travelling to SSMFL Premier Hillingdon Borough. Borough who were bottom of the Ryman North pack last season have

Town travelled to the Middlesex Stadium twice last season in what was for the cold end the worst and most disappointing game ever witnessed since supporting the Town when we were beaten 3-1 in the FA Cup on the 30th August 2008. 108 people witnessed Town's demise from the magic of the cup, Ellis Remy got our goal. This defeat signalled the departure of now Potters Bar Town manager Adam Lee from the club.

Less than a month later on the 23rd September we travelled for a midweek league game and won 4-1 thanks to Gaz Dauti, Mitch Hahn, Jeff Hammond and Remy once again with 90 people in attendance.

Boro have played 14 league games so far this campaign winning 4 drawing 6 and loosing 4. Brimsdown Rovers have visited them on the 3rd October in the FA Vase winning 2-1 thanks to Jermaine Hughes and John Stevenson.

The full draw for Round One is:

Northwood V Bedfont
Hanworth Villa V Wingate & Finchley
Hanwell Town V Bedfont Green
Wembley V Enfield (1893)
Hillingdon Borough V Enfield Town

Round Two has been drawn already and one game has already been played on the 6th October when Staines Town won 4-1 at Hayes & Yeading thus qualifying The Swans for the quarter finals where they will play an away game versus Harrow Borough/Hanwell Town/Bedfont Green.

As well as H&Y, Staines Town and Harrow Borough the full list of teams entering in Round 2 is:

Uxbridge
Ashford Town (Middx)
AFC Hayes
Harefield United
Hendon
Hampton & Richmond Borough
North Greenford United
Wealdstone

If Town win at Hillingdon Borough we face a home tie against Harefield United and then if successful a quarter final home match versus Wembley/Enfield 1893 or AFC Hayes.

The competition is never classed as a priority by most Town fans but with a little luck we may face a home game versus Enfield FC 1893 which will be the first time we have played the newly formed Essex Senior League side.

Interestingly, On the 3rd November a week prior to our visit to The Middlesex Stadium Hillingdon Borough host Enfield 1893 in the Middlesex Charity Cup.

thecoldend

6/4 LOWESTOFT BAG A PLACE IN THE FA CUP FIRST ROUND

The cold end's recommended single bet of Lowestoft Town to beat Gloucester City at home at 6/4 looked easy money as the trawler boys won 4-2 in front of an amazing crowd of 2,247. The Suffolk side now face a long trip to Wrexham in the first round proper and again will miss out on playing another league game on a Saturday. With most of the teams in the Division now playing 11 or 12 games Lowestoft have now only played 8 league games and will fall further behind due to their continued cup success bringing the argument of is it better points in the bag or games in hand???

They face their glory day at Wrexham on the 7th November and a week later visit Goldsdown Road to face the Town. Lowestoft last reached the first round proper over 30 years ago in 1977 when they lost at home to then Football League side Cambridge United 0-2. Prior to this appearance in 1966 they travelled to East London and went down narrowly to Orient 2-1 at Brisbane Road and a year later in 1967 they lost at home to Watford.

Well done and congratulations also goes out to Ryman Premier Tooting and Mitcham who won an amazing game at BSP Eastbourne Borough AET 3-4.

This takes the Ryman contingent in the FA Cup first round to four with the following games:

Wealdstone V Rotherham United - To be played Sunday 8th November
Stockport County V Tooting&Mitcham United
Wrexham V Lowestoft Town
Hereford United V Sutton United

The cold end wishes all the Ryman teams good luck and hopes a shock can be pulled off by some of them.

In other betting news the Directors run of losses continued as Redbridge pulled off a surprise draw at GWR and the Boro boys won at home to VCD. The cold end is sure his luck will change soon and he'll be in profit.

MISSED CHANCES AS NORTHWOOD COME BACK TO WIN

Town deservedly led by 1-0 at half time last night thanks to Fabio Valenti's penalty. Numerous players then missed chances to put the game to bed with Mark Kirby's (making his debut in midfield) having a header cleared off the line. Northwood came back into the game and equalised through Brad Hewitt and substitute Eugene Ofori won the game to make it 2-1.

From those that were present the game was much more encouraging than Saturday and Town were unlucky not to take something from the game in which the team were missing Rudi Hall, Stuart Blackburne and Adam Wallace.

The cold end always likes to be postive so on the up side Town created numerous chances and should of won the game had a little bit more luck been on our side and these been converted.

Next up is the FA Trophy game at Thames Road on Saturday against Concord Rangers. As the cold end has stated the draw couldn't of been much harder for the Town as Concord have turned their home into somewhat of a fortress. However, Leyton's surprise league victory there on Saturday shows it's possible to get a result. Maybe the luck will be on our side at the weekend or is true you make your own luck?? Either way the cold end is looking forward to it.

THE COLD END'S SINGLE BET OF THE MID-WEEK

As I wrote yesterday Lowestoft Town look excellent value at 6/4 to beat Gloucester City at Crown Meadow in the FA Cup tonight. The visiting tigers won't relish the long trip and with the large home support backing the Trawler Boys I can only see one outcome with our fellow Ryman League Division One side being victorious.

The cold end's midweek bet of the week is Lowestoft at 6/4.

GOOD LUCK TO THE TRAWLER BOYS!!

TOUGH TRIP TO CHESTNUT AVENUE TONIGHT

Town face the trip to Chestnut Avenue tonight to play Dave Anderson's Northwood team who are currently sitting with 17 points winning 5 drawing 2 and loosing 4 of their 11 league games to date.

Out of The Woods home fixtures they have lost 1-0 both to Thamesmead Town and Concord Rangers, beating VCD Atheltic (2-0), Ware (6-0) and drawn 0-0 with Tilbury. Away from home they have lost at Lowestoft Town (3-0) and Redbridge (3-1).

In the FA Cup they went out at Wingate and Finchley in a First Round replay and face Evesham United in the FA Trophy on Saturday after overcoming Abingdon United in the first round.

Top scorers this season so far are Garry Senior and young Portuguese striker Hugo Figueredo with 4 goals each. They also include in their squad ex Leverstock Green Midfielder Anthony Page, Well travelled Eugen Ofori (Hendon, Braintree Town, Heybridge Swifts, Chesham United and Boreham Wood), ex Wealdstone stopper Mitch Swain, Central Defender Michael Peacock who has played for North Greenford United and AFC Wimbledon and forward Leon Osei who had played for Winchester City.

Dave Anderson has managed Hendon, AFC Wimbledon and St Albans City and will be looking to get three points tonight to move his team closer to the play-off zone.

However, Steve & Del with the rest of the Town squad will be looking to wipe out the memory of the 0-4 defeat against East Thurrock United on Saturday. This is just the sort of game the team need, It's never easy against Northwood but the cold end is sure three points can be gained tonight in what will be a hard fought victory.

Last year in the 2nd game of the season Northwood thrashed Enfield Town on the 19th August 2008 with Eric Pudaloff picking the ball out of his net 4 times with town drawing a blank.

Town always seem to play better away from home and are unbeaten on their travels in the league in six games and last lost at Waltham Abbey on the 13th April 2009 (1-0).

UP THE TOWN!!!

FA CUP REPLAYS AND DRAW - THE TRAWLER BOYS LOOK GOOD AT 6/4

LOWESTOFT TOWN V GLOUCESTER CITY

Ryman League Division One (North) Lowestoft Town will face a trip to the racecourse ground to play Blue Sqaure Premier Wrexham should they win their replay against Gloucester City and get through to the first round proper for the first time in 30 years.

The Trawler Boys scored in the last seconds to rescue a 1-1 draw at The Corinium Stadium in what was a wind effected game in which neither team dominated. The Suffolk visitors had two good chances in the first half and The Tigers came back at them in the 2nd half.

With the heartbreak of letting in a last second goal, the up to 10+ hour midweek round trip and the expected 1500+ crowd at Crown Meadow the ball will be in Lowestoft's court to beat their Blue Square North rivals.

http://www.skybet.com/ can't decide on which team is favourite for the game at both are 6/4 to win with the draw after 90 minutes being 9/4.

SALISBURY CITY V FARNBOROUGH

The Zamaretto League's Table topping Farnborough face a trip to play Blue Square Premier Salisbury City with the winner's earning a trip to league two Accrington Stanley. Boro who look champions elect are unbeaten in their league (won 8 drawn 3) whereas City are hovering above the relegation zone in the BSP. The game on Saturday was 0-0 with the visitors playing a good percentage of the game with 10 men at Cherrywood Road.

The cold end thinks Boro at 4/1 represent great value against City at 8/13 and the draw at 12/5.

OTHER RYMAN SIDES IN THE FIRST ROUND PROPER DRAW

The only other Ryman league sides left are Premier Divison Tooting and Mitcham United, (who face a replay), Sutton United and Wealdstone.

T&M face a tough trip to Eastbourne Borough in their replay to fight for the right of playing at Stockport County in the first round proper. Eastbourne came back from 3-1 down to score too very late goals to force the replay at Imperial Fields.

The supporters from Gander Green Lane face an exciting trip to League Two Hereford United in the first round proper.

Wealdstone have a great home draw against the Merry Millers of Rotherham United who are sure to bring a large travelling support to Grosvenor Vale.

PAULTON BRACES ITSELF FOR THE VISITING CANARIES AND VIC'S HIT THE JACKPOT WITH CHARLTON

The two sides who will be celebrating the draw are Paulton Rovers (mid table in the Zamaretto League South and West Division - the same level/step as Enfield Town) and Northwich Victoria.

Rovers host three times semi-finalists Norwich City in a game which shows how magic the FA Cup is. In 1993 The Canaries were beating Bayern Munich away in the UEFA Cup and only a short while ago we all know they were an established Premiership team. Now they face a trip to the Athletic Field to face the Rovers in the Cup first round.

Blue Square North Northwich Victoria host giants Charlton Athletic in a game which will boost the Vic's finances.

MEMORIES OF THE GLORY GLORY HALCYON DAYS

The cold end always feels jealous watching the draw for the first round of the cup thinking back to the old club and the fantastic trips we went to at Torquay United, Chesterfield, Preston North End, Peterborough United, Cardiff City and York City etc.... Older fans will remember many other glory glory days and nights and the magic of the cup following Enfield FC. What an achievement it will be when Enfield Town get through to the first round proper for the first time!!

It seems such along time ago we were watching Enfield V P.N.E at Clarence Park, the last time a team representing Enfield were in the FA Cup rounds proper.

The glory glory days will return...the cold end is sure of it!!

The cold end wishes all non-league sides good luck in the first round proper...

SPARE A THOUGHT FOR THE WORST TEAMS IN ENGLAND....

From the Blue Square Premier down to Step 6 there are currently nine teams who are without a point. Highest up the pyramid are Unibond Premier Durham City who have a record of 14 games and 14 losses scoring 9 but leaking an average of 4.5 goals per game and in total 63.

The lowest scorers are Eastern Counties Division One side Fakenham Town who have only scored 3 goals in their 9 winless games. Supporters of the Ghosts have seen their side only concede 28 goals so are hopeful of win soon.

The cold end's current worst team in England tag falls unfortunately at the Sprinter's Leisure Centre in Buckinghamshire which is the home of Hellenic League Division One (East) side Prestwood whose defence has been breached 68 times (average of of 5.23 per game) in their 13 league games so far. They have also played one cup game in the Berks and Bucks Intermediate Cup against Pitstone and Ivinghoe where the score was 14 (fourteen) goals to NIL to the SSMFL side. Prestwood's last game on the 24th October was away against South Kilburn where the visitors scored twice but let in eight. Their last win came at the end of last season on the 25th April when they won 1-0 against Bisley Sports. Last season they won 5 games in the league but also lost games 7-5, 7-0. 11-0, 12-1 and 8-0 amongst others. This season they have also lost a league game 13-0 on two occasions.

Next weekend they face Premier Division Oxford City Nomads in the Hellenic League cup at home in a game the visitors maybe excused for thinking they may have a chance to win and run up a cricket score.

The full list of teams from the BSP to step 6 who haven't won this season at present is:

Bordsworth MW of the North Eastern Counties Premier
Coulsdon United of the Combined Counties Division One
Radford of the East Midlands Counties League
Prestwood of the Hellenic League Division One (East)
Launton Sports of the Hellenic League Division One (West)
Fakenham Town of the Eastern Counties Division One
Midhurst/Easebourne of the Sussex County League Division Two
AFC Aldermaston of the Weesex League Division One
Durham City of the Unibond Premier

The cold end will keep tabs on the list and whichever team remains win less for longest will be hailed as the worst team in England.

thecoldend

ANAGRAM RECORDS TROPHY FIRST ROUND

As you may have read on the cold end earlier in the week The first round of the Anagram Records (Capital Counties Feeder Trophy) was due to be played yesterday. Here are the results:

Berkhamsted 2 Pitstone & Invinghoe 1
Epping 5 Chipperfield Corinthians 0
Metropolitan Police Bushey 2 Mill End Sports 1
Brache Sparta v Westhamians (AWAY WIN AWARDED - HOME TEAM UNABLE TO FIELD TEAM)
Wormley Rovers 2 White Ensign 0
Bovingdon 1 Sandridge Rovers 1 (AET - AWAY WIN ON PENS 2-4)
Old Bradwell United 1 Padbury United 5
Hutton 5 Bletchley Town 3
London Lions 3 Evergreen 0
Croxley Guild 1 Manford Way 3
Frenford Senior 3 Aston Clinton 2 (AET)
Hanworth Villa 2 The 61FC ( Luton) 0
Park Street Village 1 MK Wanderers 2
Kent Athletic 3 Broadfields United 4
Sheerwater 3 Standon & Puckeridge 2
Lemsford 1 Cuffley 2

Congratulations to Wormley Rovers on beating three times winners of the competition White Ensign. Apart from Ensign's defeat it was a good day for the Essex Olympian teams with Divsion One side Hutton and Premier Divsions Epping, Westhamians (by a w/o), Manford Way and Frenford Senior all going through. Frenford sneaked past SSMFL Divsion Two side Aston Clinton 3-2 AET.

The draw for the second round is as follows :

*to be played on Saturday 28th November

MK Wanderers V London Lions
Wormley Rovers V Broadfields United
Westhamians V Manford Way
Hutton V Padbury United
Hanworth Villa V Sheerwater
Epping V Sandrige Rovers
Berkhamstead V Cuffley
Frenford Senior V Met Police Bushey

AN OFF-DAY AS EAST THURROCK OUTCLASS TOWN

Enfield Town 0 East Thurrock United 4
It wasn't only the weather that was gloomy today at Goldsdown Road as for large parts of the game the back four and midfield looked lost as John Coventry's United team easily beat Town who hopefully to use a cliche were 'just not at the races'

Fine rain fell throughout the first half of the match with the sun trying to break through the cloudy conditions, what did only shone on East Thurrock who had the impressive Steve West and Sam Higgins up front and at times it just looked too easy for them. Having said all this it seemed every chance the Essex side created they scored from and Town did have chances to make it a more competitive encounter.

Roberto Minnitti who had kept his place up front with Adam Wallace warming the bench had the first chance of the game. Fabio Valenti robbed Thurrock right back Ryan Sammons of the ball on the left hand side and his cross came to Roberto with time and space in front of goal. The resulting shot rose high over the bar and didn't trouble Richard Wray in the away goal.

Kye Ruel then made no mistake when left in space at the back his shot went past Rob Blackburne in the Town goal to make it 0-1 to the visitors. East Thurrock then dominated the game, Chris Barry saw his effort from the edge of the box go just past Blackburne's right hand post and from a corner had a handball in the box shout turned down by referee Rob Hodges. This decision angered the Thurrock bench who berated the assistant on their side complaining that he should of seen it. The official replied by stating "How am i meant to see overthere?" as the incident happened on the far side.

The travelling management didn't have to moan for long as Sam Higgins made it 0-2 when again he found himself in space to stroke the ball past Rob in the Enfield Town goal.

Enfield then came back into the game and Roberto had a shot on target which stung the keeper's hands who pushed the ball over the cross bar. After some good work by Stuart Blackburne (who was having a quiet game by his standards) a cross was put it which Roberto nicked on with his head past the diving Richard Wray, the ball rebounded off the post and it was still 0-2.

The referee blew for half time shortly after and had Roberto's header had gone in it could of been a different match.

The second half started with Roberto finding himself inside the box with a near enough one on one with the visiting keeper. Roberto took too many touches and fluffed his shot. Fabio had a shot a short while later but nothing seemed to be going right for the Town.

In what appeared to be their first attacking foray of the 2nd half Thurrock made it 0-3 when Kris Newby's mis-kick went somewhat luckily into the path of Sammy Higgins (seemed to have all the time in the world) who only had Rob Blackburne to beat which he did somewhat easily. This goal sparked a muted celebration (almost a polite round of applause) amongst the handful of travelling fans who had congregated to the side at the cold end.

Steve West scored Thurrock's fourth goal when his shot went into the right hand side of the net. 0-4. The game had looked over at 0-2 so it certainly was now!!

The game then petered out into an easy win for ETUFC who now will be one of the favourites for the league. Town were second best giving the ball away too many times to a good East Thurrock side who took their chances well. The word 'drubbing' had been mentioned on the fansfocus forum which the cold end disagrees with. Yes we lost 4-0 to the better side but had Roberto not hit the post just prior to the end of the first half it could of been a different game.

It's very disappointing that in the game of the season so far Town didn't turn up at all especially as Fortress Thames Road was broken when Leyton surprisingly won 2-1 at Concord Rangers(hopefully the same result will occur in the Trophy next week) and Great Wakering Rovers only drew at VCD Athletic.

On the up side we're still up in the right half of the league and apart from this blip look to be in a good position after the games played. It's certainly a better position than last year's 14 point's after 11 games shipping 25 goals in the process.

Steve & Del will know there are areas of the team in need of strengthening and improving which I'm sure will be done in the coming weeks. This was an OFF DAY for a good team which is still up in the play off places. As Steve himself writes in the programme Midfielder/Attacker Denis Maharjan who hasn't played for Town yet is in line to make a come back in the next few weeks.

In summary a miserable day on the pitch and weather wise.....I'm sure Steve, Del and the squad will be drawing a line under it and getting back to winning ways at Northwood on Tuesday.

Town -
Blackburne R, Blower, Kirby, Morton, Wild, Edwards, Marks (Thomson), Hall, Blackburne S (Wallace), Minniti (Johnson), Valenti
Unused subs - McKay, Holmes

ETUFC -
Wray, Sammons, Duffy, Wood, Donavan, Barry, Newby, Cornhill, West, Higgins, Ruel.
Subs - Hart, Hall, Bradford, Cook, Dodd.

FINAL SCORE - 0-4

THE MERRY MILLERS TO BEAT THE SHAKERS AT GIGG LANE

The cold end's single bet of the week this week comes from League Two where the red and white wizards of Rotherham United visit Bury. Last season's game was won by the visitors 2-1 and whilst they haven't been on great form of late (won 2 drawn 3 lost 1 in their last six games) I fancy them strongly to win tomorrow's match at odds of 7/4 with http://www.skybet.com/

Shaker's manager Alan Knill is an ex player and manager of Rotherham. His team's form seems all to be away from Gigg Lane as they have only won once at home against Lincoln City loosing against Bournemouth, Accrington Stanley, Cheltenham Town and Grimsby Town with a recent 2-2 draw with Northampton Town being their last home game. They are in good form claiming 17 out of the last 21 points but have injury worries with David Worrall, Ryan Lowe and Mike Jones all doubtful. Andy Bishop and Damien Allen are both sidelined following surgery with Andy Morrell and Danny Carlton also out.

The Miller's have won 3 out of 6 on the road at Grimsby, Macclesfield and Crewe Alexandra loosing only at Northampton Town and Bournemouth. Last week they rode their luck at the beginning of the match against Notts County coming back into the in the last 10 minutes of the first half and opening section of the 2nd period up until Nick Fenton's dismissal on 51 minutes. Defender Fenton will be the only change forced upon recently returned Miller's God Ronnie Moore. The Yorkshire club also possess one of the best forwards in the division Adam Le Fondre who scores more often than not.

The cold end's single bet of the week is Rotherham United to beat Bury at 7/4. For the record a home win is 6/4 and a stalemate is 12/5.

East Thurrock United visit Goldsdown Road on Saturday

East Thurrock United visit Enfield Town on Saturday for a Ryman League Divsion One (North) in what is what most supporters will consider to be the biggest game of the season so far.

United missed out on the Championship by one point after that amazing game against Aveley on the last day of the season which was followed by Play Off heartbreak at home versus Concord Rangers. The Essex club haven't let that disappointment hang over them this season with their points tally currently at 19, two below Enfield Town on 21!!

They have lost three times this season at home to Brentwood Town (1-2) and away at Great Wakering Rovers (2-0) and at VCD Athletic (4-2). In the cup competitions they lost versus BSS Welling United away (2-0) in the FA Cup and at Waltham Forest (2-0) in the FA Trophy.

The game at the Goldsdown last season finished 2-2 thanks to goals from Ellis Remy and Jermaine Hughes.

If Town win they will move 5 points above the visitors so its all to play for in what should be an exciting game against a side which should include Ex Enfield FC forward Steve West.

Steve and Del will have the boys well fired up for the game but I'm sure John Coventry will have his side up for the game too.

The other sides currently at the top of the league Concord Rangers play hose to Leyton and GWR visit VCD Athletic. Lowestoft Town will be looking to get to the FA Cup 1st round proper when they visit Gloucester City.

UP THE TOWN!!!!

ANAGRAM RECORDS TROPHY

The first round matches of the Anagram records trophy are played on Saturday. The competition also known as the Capital Counties Feeder League Trophy was first competed for in 1999/2000 is now open for teams of a step 9 level and below in London and surrounding areas that don't compete in the FA Vase. Town fans will look back on the competition with affection as it was the first piece of silverware we won in our history when Jim Chandler's team famously beat Pitstone and Ivinghoe at Ware in 2001 after some memorable trips to Netherne Village (which had the best burger van in the history of the world), White Notley, Stony Stratford Town and Epping to get to the final.

Previous winners

2000 TRING ATHLETIC
2001 TRING ATHELTIC
2002 ENFIELD TOWN
2003 WHITE ENSIGN
2004 FRENFORD SENIOR
2005 WINSLOW UNITED
2006 WHITE ENSIGN
2007 WHITE ENSIGN
2008 FRENFORD SENIOR
2009 TAKELEY

White Ensign of the Essex Olympian League have dominated the competition somewhat with three wins and four appearances in the final followed by Tring Athletic and Frenford Senior with two wins each. Essex Senior League Takeley won the Trophy last season beating PSV (Park Street Village of the Herts County League) on penalties.

The first round matches to be played on Saturday 24th October are:

Berkhamsted v Pitstone & Invinghoe
Epping v Chipperfield Corinthians
Metropolitan Police Bushey v Mill End Sports
Brache Sparta v Westhamians
Wormley Rovers v White Ensign
Bovingdon v Sandridge Rovers
Old Bradwell United v Padbury United
Hutton v Bletchley Town
London Lions v Evergreen
Croxley Guild v Manford Way
Frenford Senior v Aston Clinton
Hanworth Villa v The 61FC ( Luton)
Park Street Village v MK Wanderers
Kent Athletic v Broadfields United
Sheerwater v Standon & Puckeridge
Lemsford v Cuffley

This season the Essex Olympian League is represented by six clubs, the SSMFL Division One by one club, the SSMFL Division Two by nine clubs, the Herts Senior County Premier Division by thirteen clubs, the Combined Counties League by two clubs and the Middlesex County League by one club.

Stand out matches this round are White Ensign who have made a poor start to their league campaign visiting Wormley Rovers, Aston Clinton who shocked Hillingdon Borough will be looking to win again when they visit Essex Olympian side and former winners Frenford Senior and making their debut this season Westhamians will fancy their chances in Luton against Brache Sparta.

Hatfield Town edge past Leverstock Green in Challenge Trophy

Hatfield Town 2 Leverstock Green 1
Spartan South Midlands League Challenge Trophy Round 2
21/10/2009

The cold end's unofficial match statistics are as follows:

Hatfield Town - 6 corners, 9 shots/attempts on target, 2 off target.
Leverstock - 3 corners, 4 shots/attempts on target, 1 off target.


LEVERSTOCK SHOT JUST OFF TARGET

Hatfield deserved the victory and had most of the attacking play in the first half scoring their first goal after around half an hour. The visitors rarely had any attacking play of note with the Hatfield back four well marshalled by centre-backs Stanno and Reefer playing the off-side trap to good effect. Green's only attempt on target in the first half was right at the end when a free kick was well saved by the Hatfield Keeper.


LEVERSTOCK FREE-KICK WELL SAVED BY HATFIELD TOWN KEEPER

Half Time 1-0

Town took a two goal advantage early in the second half after the keeper had made a brilliant save just prior and the game looked well safe for the home side. Leverstock came more and more into the game and were unlucky not to get a penalty when one of their forwards was clipped in the box only for the referee to bring back play for what appeared to be a non-existent offside as the ball had been played through off a Hatfield defender. Leverstock never really got going and only scored with a late penalty for a foul in the box.


LEVERSTOCK'S LATE CONSOLATION PENALTY

Overall a forgettable scrappy affair which Hatfield Town will have been pleased to have won as the league result at Pancake Lane recently was 6-1 to Leverstock.

FULL TIME - 2-1

Other teams through tonight in the Trophy are AFC Dunstable (beat Stony Stratford Town 6-1) and Bedford Town Res (beat Woodson Park 4-0)


DRAW/MATCHES FOR ROUND THREE
NON PREMIER DIVSION TEAMS IN ITALICS

TUESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER

Holmer Green v London Colney
Aylesbury v Dunstable Town
Broxbourne Borough v AFC Dunstable
Welwyn Garden City v Aston Clinton
Bedford v Hadley
Kings Langley v St Margaretsbury

WEDNESDAY 18TH NOVEMBER
Hatfield Town v Brimsdown Rovers
Bedford Town Reserves v Cockfosters

Premier Divsion sides left - 7
Divsion One sides left - 8
Division Two sides left - 1

GOALS GALORE AS BEDFORD SHOCK BIGGLESWADE UNITED

Biggleswade United 3 Bedford 5
Spartan South Midlands League Challenge Trophy Round 2
20/11/2009

The cold end visited Biggleswade United's excellent Second Meadow home for the second time this season tonight and for the first half the Premier division hosts were second best against first division visitors Bedford.

It was a brilliant game full of incidents and goals galore as eight were scored with five coming in the first half. Bedford were much the better team for the first ten minutes (and the whole of the first half) with United giving too many easy passes away, All the play was inside of the Biggleswade half until they broke up the other end to hit the post which would been well against the run of play.

Bedford replied almost immediately by scoring their first goal when their player chipped the ball over the advancing keeper.

Bedford made it 2-0 shortly after when a throw in from the right hand side was headed past the Biggleswade keeper on his near post. He should of done better. A very soft goal to concede.



Bedford were all over their higher division opponents with many holes and lots of space in the Biggleswade back four. It was no surprise when after a trip in the box a penalty was awarded and Bedford made it 0-3 from the resulting spot kick. The Biggleswade keeper who was booked for the challenge which resulted in the penalty, accidently kicked the ball out from the net in frustration straight into the referee.



Biggleswade then scored the goal of the match (didn't catch it on film though!!) when near enough straight after the kick off one of the Biggleswade players volleyed the ball into the net from way outside the penalty box to make it 1-3. The goal was greeted by almost silence as the home fans present were still in shock at being 0-3 down and playing so badly.

Bedford kept plugging away and scored a fourth when a free kick was lobbed into the box and with a cry of 'KEEPER' the Biggleswade custodian juggled the ball in the goal mouth (it had been raining so his hands must of been slippery), the ball went out to just inside the edge of the box and the Bedford player had a shot which went into the net via a deflection.



Referee Mr C Campbell was having a great game with shouts of 'NO...GET ON WITH IT' 'NOT A CHANCE...COME ON BIG MAN' to both sides appeals against what they thought were fouls but were perfectly good tackles. He kept the game flowing and worked well with the players.

The half time whistle went and it was 1-4 to the visitors. The cold end ear wigged some of the home fans conversations at half-time....'WE'RE PLAYING LIKE A PUB TEAM'....'IT'S ONLY THE CHALLENGE TROPHY' were some of the comments. United were apparently missing some of their usual first team players.

The second half started and it was like a different Biggleswade team had come out. They had been second to the ball on almost every occasion but were now well drilled at the back and won everything. It was no surprise when the scoreline went 2-4.....and then 3-4 when Biggleswade's substitute scored at the far post following a cross from the left hand side.



There were still about 25 minutes left at this stage and United missed an open-goal to make it 4-4 and piled on the pressure...Their fans were certainly not saying it was just the challenge trophy now.

Biggleswade's centre back who had already been booked then appeared to use some industrial language towards the referee, He started to walk off shouting 'don't worry i'm going' back to the man in black who brandished a second yellow and then a red card. This angered the home fans and they made their feelings quite clear towards Mr Campbell. The cold end as a neutral fan present thinks the referee made the right and correct decision as foul and abusive language is a bookable offence.

Bedford scored late on to make the game safe and send the travelling fans who numbered about 15 into glorious celebration.

A very good game with loads of incidents and goals. Better than sitting gathering dust on the sofa watching the Champions League.

If Biggleswade United can fix their leaky defence they should start to climb the table soon and Bedford should do okay in the first divsion on this showing.

In the other games tonight in the SSMFL Challenge Trophy there were some other 'shocks' as Division Two Aston Clinton won 4-1 at Premier Hillingdon Boro, Divsion One sides Kings Langley and Cockfosters won at Premier Sides Chalfont and Harfield and Welwyn won at table topping local rivals Colney Heath. Buckingham Atheltic lead 1-0 at half time at St Margaretsbury but lost 7-1 and Broxbourne scored 8 versus Divsion Two Totternhoe. All the results here:

http://www.football.mitoo.co.uk/MtchDay.cfm?TblName=Matches&MDate=%7Bts%20%272009%2D10%2D20%2000%3A00%3A00%27%7D&DivisionID=7226&LeagueCode=SMID2009


the cold end apologises for not knowing any of the player names but they were not read out over the PA when I was there and I couldn't get hold of a team sheet.

BRILLIANT WIN FOR ENFIELD TOWN

Enfield Town went 3rd the Ryman League North Table tonight with a brilliant 3 goal victory at Leyton. Paul Marks, Roberto Minitti and Stuart Blackburne got the goals in a fantastic performance by the Town. The cold end wasn't present but is now very much looking forward to East Thurrock visiting Goldsdown Road on Saturday.

Well done to Town!!!

Spartan South Midlands Challenge Trophy....

Tomorrow night is also the start of the Second round on the Spartan South Midlands League Challenge Trophy which is open to all Premier, Division One and Division Two clubs in the league.

The matches tomorrow night are:

Aylesbury V Ampthill Town
Berkhamsted V Brimsdown Rovers
Biggleswade United V Bedford
Broxbourne Boro V&E V Totternhoe
Chalfont St Peter V Kings Langley
Colney Heath V Welwyn Garden City
Harefield United V Cockfosters
Hertford Town V Dunstable Town
Hillingdon Borough V Aston Clinton
Holmer Green V Brache Sparta CFC
New Bradwell St Peter V London Colney
St Margaretsbury V Buckingham Athletic

The cold end's match of the night has to be re-formed Berkhamsted who are top of Division Two against Brimsdown Rovers who with their squad look to be in a false position in the Premier Division. Other Division Two sides in action are Aston Clinton who have had a great start to their season and will fancy their chances at the Middlesex Stadium against Hillingdon Borough and Totternhoe who face a tough trip to Goffs Lane.

There are three matches on Wednesday night when Division Two Woodson Park (who play at Ware) travel to Bedford Reserves who are riding high in Division One, Stony Stratford travel to AFC Dunstable and Hatfield Town host Leverstock Green.

AWAYDAY IN EAST LONDON TOMORROW NIGHT

Enfield Town travel to Lea Bridge Road tomorrow night for the match versus Leyton part 2 after the abandoned game due to Perry Burn's bad injury. The cold end sends best wishes out to Perry and hopes he is getting better now.

Since this game Leyton have been well beaten 4-0 at Thamesmead, lost 3-2 at Ramsgate in the Trophy, drawn 2-2 at Maldon Town, Lost 1-0 at home in the local derby with Waltham Forest and on Saturday fought out a 0-0 stalemate with Tilbury at home.

Lets hope to a sporting game with no incidents and three points to the Town.

thecoldend

Results from the Dickie Davies Cup -

The cold end featured the Hackney and Leyton League last week with the Dickie Davies League cup of which Round One was played today with the following results:

Lancresse Rangers 2 MSW 4
Midfield (Hackney) 6 Bow Young Prince 0
Hackney Borough v Volker United [Home Win was awarded]
Delta 1 FC Metwin 2
Red Devils 7 East London 0
Cock Tavern 1 Athletico Angels 3
Ravenscroft 2 Mile End 4
London Aprilia 1 Clapton Rangers 3
Comet 1 Mustard 6
Hoxton Foxes 2 Cosmopolitan 6
FC Big Kahuna 2 Adam & Eve 10
Regents Park Rovers 3 Wenlock Arms 0
Baris Spor 8 Eastway Olympia 0
Lammas 5 Walthamstow Village 1
Gascoyne 7 Maynell 1
Jay Cubed 7 FC Lockers 5
Alpha Grove 2 Three Compasses 3
Bancroft United v Shoreditch Fire Penguins [Home Win was awarded]
FC Highstone 0 Mile End Colts 5
Tottenham Phoenix 3 FC Storm London 3 AET [ Away Win 5-4 on penalties]
Hare & Hounds 3 Albion Manor 4 AET [1-1 after 90 minutes]
AFC Knights 0 Vio Romania 5

All the Premier Division clubs in at this stage went through with Albion Manor creeping through against Division Two club Hare and Hounds 4-3 AET, The period of extra-time must of been some game as 5 goals were scored. Adam & Eve got into double figures winnig 10-2 at FC Big Kahuna. The cold end is now a fan of the Dickie Davies Cup and will keep you updated with the competition in the forthcoming weeks.

source
http://www.football.mitoo.co.uk/ClubList.cfm?fmTeamID=103851&LeagueCode=HLSFL2009

FORGOTTEN FOOTBALL - EDMONTON FC

FORTY YEARS AGO TODAY THE E'S TOOK ON THE E'S IN A VERY LOCAL DERBY

'Edmonton FC' exisited from 1960 following a merger of Tufnell Park and Edmonton Borough to 1973 when they moved to Coles Park, White Hart Lane and became Edmonton & Haringey later becoming the club that is now Haringey Borough in 1976.

Edmonton FC known as the E'S (sound familiar) played in the Delphian League and later the Athenian League at the Henry Barrass Stadium, Houndsfield Road, N9 just off the Hertford Road where the Cock Tavern Public House stands. They played in green and white quartered shirts. Tony Rocco seems to be the man as he's listed in the programme in 1967 and still played at Coles Park in 1974. Midweek home games were played in the afternoon due to the ground having no floodlights.

The E's struggled along in the Athenian Division Two, the best season coming in 1969/70 when a second place was achieved gaining promotion to the top division. It was this season that by winning games versus Hemel Hempstead and Ilford the E's earnt a home tie versus their close and more illustrious neighbours Enfield FC.

Enfield had beaten Southall, Kingstonian and Grays Athletic (7-0) to reach the game in the 3rd Qualifying Round which was played 40 years ago today on the 18th October 1969. In all of the old Enfield's history this must be the most local of away games ever played. Enfield who were riding high in the Isthmian League were too strong and ran out 4-1 winners. The programme listed the game as David V Goliath as Enfield had thrashed Edmonton 8-1 in their previous encounter 7 years previous. Enfield went on to beat Wealdstone before losing to Brighton & HA 2-1 at the Goldstone Ground in the 1st round proper.

Edmonton moved to Cole's Park in 1973 and became the aforementioned Edmonton & Haringey and the Barrass fell into disrepair. The cold end is old enough to remember a black & white six lane running track running around the pitch (still there in the mid 80's???) and the main stand which is still present today together with grass banking which ran around the some of the ground. The pitch is now regularly used by the Edmonton Sunday League.

The cold end thinks with a little bit of hard work the stand wouldn't look out of place in a Ryman League ground or above.

****The team's listed in the the official programme for the FA Cup game in 1969****

****The Delphian League Senior Section Table January 1960****



Source

http://fchd.info/EDMONTON.HTM

LEAGUE IN FOCUS....

The Hackney and Leyton Sunday League

Priding themselves on being one of the most widely recognised Sunday League organisations in the world having played football on the World famous Hackney marshes since 1949 the league currently has five divisions from the Premier down to division four with most matches taking place on the East and South Marshes and Victoria Park. With the advent of 2012 in near-by Stratford part of the development is to temporarily concrete over the East Marsh turning it into a coach park whilst the Olympics takes place. Promises have been made to convert the area back with improved facilities after the games but according to their website the league is yet to be convinced. From 2011 the league will suffer massive disruption with only the South Marsh and Victoria Park available. More information about the development of the East Marsh on:
http://www.clubplan.org/CMS/pageasp?org=2673&name=Olympics9

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23711302-10m-olympics-makeover-for-hackney-marshes.do;jsessionid=472ED02C4199274B19D77BE3DEFAFA9A

The cold end thinks the East Marsh should of been left alone and more space found on the Olympic park for coaches. If the proposed development does go ahead which it is looking likey, it will be a complete travesty if the area is not returned to how it was as the Marshes are an integral and historical part of football in London being synonymous with the grassroots game in the Capital and beyond.

The league contains some strange but brilliantly named teams such as Jay Cubed, FC Big Kahuna, Shoreditch Fire Penguins, Mustard and Wounded Knee.

Match action continues this Sunday with the opening round of 'The Dickie Davies Invitational Cup' which is open to all clubs who compete in the league, Clubs who got to the quarter-finals last season are exempt from the first round. Last season the competition was won by Lapton who also won the Premier Divsion being unbeaten in the league all through the season. They beat 1st Divsion Real Romania in the final who were promoted to the Premier for this season.

Lapton have dominated the league's top division since 06/07 finishing winners every season prior to this they were first division champions in 05/06, second division champions in 04/05, third division champions in 03/04, fourth division champions in 02/03. Lapton are currently joint top of the league with Clapton Rangers. The teams recently played out a 2-2 on the 4th October.

The winners in 2008 were the afformention Clapton Rangers who finished runners-up in the Premier Divsion last season. Prior to this Albion Manor, Hoxton Athletic, Bancroft, Eureka, London Aprilla and AC Eleanor have held the trophy from 2000 onwards.

The fixtures for this Sunday in the competition are (indicates Premier Divsion clubs):

Lancresse Rangers v MSW
Midfield (Hackney) v Bow Young Prince
Hackney Borough v Volker United
Delta v FC Metwin
Red Devils v East London
Cock Tavern v Athletico Angels
Ravenscroft v Mile End
London Aprilia v Clapton Rangers
Comet v Mustard
Hoxton Foxes v Cosmopolitan
FC Big Kahuna v Adam & Eve
Regents Park Rovers v Wenlock Arms
Baris Spor v Eastway Olympia
Lammas v Walthamstow Village
Gascoyne v Maynell
Jay Cubed v FC Lockers
Alpha Grove v Three Compasses
Bancroft United v Shoreditch Fire Penguins
FC Highstone v Mile End Colts
Tottenham Phoenix v FC Storm London
Hare & Hounds v Albion Manor
AFC Knights v Vio Romania

Six Premier clubs are in action with two matches being Premier versus Fourth Divsion as Bancroft United play the Shoreditch Fire Penguins and Red Devils play East London. Wounded Knee are in league action taking on FC Polit in Divsion One.

The cold end is sure there are more than one or two hidden gems turning out on the Marshes every Sunday morning waiting to be discovered by teams in the Ryman League and beyond.

http://www.hackneyandleytonfootballleague.co.uk/

TOWN COME FROM 2-0 DOWN TO BAG ALL 3 POINTS

Enfield Town 3 Ware 2
Ryman Division One (North)

Full marks go to the Ware player coming off the pitch after the warm up whilst some of his team-mates were still kicking around in the cold end goalmouth...."Would the Ware player's stop playing in the goalmouth at the far end please" went the PA announcement..."Don't worry mate there's no chance of that happening"... There's confidence for you...but how wrong he was as Ware raced into a shock 2-0 lead in the opening 15 minutes.

The first was a defensive mix-up and a very soft goal to concede with the second coming from a sweetly struck shot from outside of the box which Rob Blackburne could only parry into the stride of the Ware forward who made it 2-0...The mood and the atmosphere was very gloomy as the smoke from a near-by resident's pre-November 5th bonfire drifted across Goldsdown Road.

Town got back into the match thanks to a very big helping hand from the assistant referee who after Ware centre back Danny Wolf tackled Stuart Blackburne in the box looking like he won the ball the assistant flagged for a penalty kick to be given. Stuart did go down and didn't dive so it appears Danny did touch him but he won the ball too so most people watching would not of given a penalty. I have to say great credit to the Ware players who did contest the decision for a little while but then resigned themselves to the fact it had been given. Up stepped penalty specialist Rudi Hall to make it 1-2 and Town were back in the match.

Once again Gunz and particularly Staurt were full of running up front with Rudi playing well in midfield with Fabio Valenti probably playing his best game from the left side of midfield yet.

It was Fabio who got the assist for the equalising goal. His brilliant cross into the box from the touchline on the left hand side was expertly dispatched on the volley by Gunz to the delight of the Town fans. Special mention must go to WHINGING FAN who this time last week was shouting "DO SOMETHING WALLACE!!!" and constantly barracking Adam in our game versus Romford...well surprise surprise who was cheering when Adam scored what has to be considered as the goal of the season so far! It didn't last too long though as in the 2nd half WHINGING FAN started whinging again...the cold end thinks he's not even worth talking about.

So the half time score was all square with Town on top for all but those disastrous opening 15 minutes or so... Much of the talk at half-time amongst the travelling Ware supporters was of Danny's excellent challenge and the assistant referee making a big mistake. Those that had travelled the short distance down the A10 this evening were much smaller in number than Ware usually bring, I counted 10 hardy souls behind the cold end goal where Ware were attacking in the 2nd half with some others dotted about around the ground.

Town were much the better team in the 2nd hald with Paul Marks replacing Jonah early on as the later had taken a knock at the end of the 1st half. Fabio was having a great match and put a lovely ball through to Stuart Blackburne who was cynically fouled by the Ware right back just outside the box. The referee showed a brief flash of red when getting his pocket book out but booked the player which looking back was the right decision.

Fabio made the 3rd and final Town goal of the night when his corner to Rudi on the edge of the box who passed the ball back to Fabio whose hanging cross from the left was met by the head of Chris Wild whose header looped over the Ware goal keeper into the back of the net to much celebration behind the goal. It was good to see all the players come together to engulf Chris celebrating the goal. It shows what a good team-spirit Steven Newing and Del Deanus have instilled into the Town team this year when after going 2-0 down they fought back to a 3-2 win. This time last year that would of never have happened.

Town stayed solid and Ware never really threatened Rob Blackburne's goal again.

Final score - 3-2.

TOTE MOM was announced as Adam Wallace which was a good decision although the cold end also thought Rudi Hall, Stuart Blackburne (as usual) and in particular Fabio Valenti had great games too.

Lets hope the team can play even better next Saturday and not have a nightmare opening 10 minutes again to get us through to the next round of the Trophy!

Well done to all the players tonight.

Town's league record is now looking very healthy being P 9 W 5 D 3 L 1 GF 16 GF 11 PTS 18 with us sitting just outside of the play-off zone.
The only other teams to have lost only one game are new table toppers Concord Rangers after their demolition of Romford and Lowestoft Town who Ranger's knocked off the top due to the Suffolk club not playing because of their cup replay.

ETFC -
ROB BLACKBURNE, DAVE BLOWER, ALEX KIRBY, ANDY JONES (REPLACED BY MARKS), CHRIS WILD, ROSS EDWARDS, RICHARD MORTON (REPLACED BY LOCKIE), RUDI HALL, STUART BLACKBURNE, ADAM WALLANCE, FABIO VALENTI.

SUBS - MARKS, BASTIAN, LOCKIE, MINITTI, HOLMES.

WARE TWICE IN FIVE DAYS

Enfield Town welcome back ex-manager and now Ware coach Stuart Margolis tonight when Ware visit Goldsdown Road for a Ryman Division One (North) game followed by a visit to Woodson Park on Saturday to face Ware in the FA Trophy. The cold end hopes both of these games can be won and we'll have the trophy draw to look forward to next Monday.

Our Hertfordshire neighbours have only won two competitive games this season at Barton Rovers in the FA Cup and one league game 2-1 at home to Great Wakering Rovers on the 5th September. Since then they have suffered defeats by Potters Bar Town, East Thurrock United (FA Cup), Ilford and in the battle of the basement dwellers by Harlow Town.

Steve and Del will obviously not let the complacency creep in about the forthcoming two games instilling that Ware will be no push-overs and that 100% effort and hard work must be made in order to gain victory.

TOOTING & MITCHAM UNITED 1 HARROW BOROUGH 0

***TWO VIEWS OF THE IMPRESSIVE MAIN STAND AT IMPERIAL FIELDS***

The cold end ventured South of the river last night with what seemed a very long trip to the bottom of the Northern Line to Tooting and Mitcham's newish Imperial Fields stadium to see them take on Harrow Borough.

The stadium is of a very high standard for this level of football with two sets of terracing running the whole length behind both goals, a large main stand and the side opposite being just two steps of terracing with what looks like space to expand if necessary. The ground and club seem destined for a higher level of football but for a side riding high in the premier division the crowd was only 245 with the travelling band of Boro fans numbering about 20-25. £10 entrance fee for a Ryman Premier Match seemed a bit steep although the cold end hasn't seen a Premier game for a few season's so is not aware of the going rate for entrance fee's across the league.

As you'd expect from a team managed by Dave Howell Harrow were well drilled defensively and played much the better football in the opening 20 minutes drawing a good save from the home keeper. Tooting came back into the match and gradually got on top with Paul Vines looking very impressive up front. It has to be said this Premier Division game was played at a much higher pace than the Town games the cold end has seen this season. Tooting scored the only goal of the game in injury time in the first half when Vines finished a well crafted move.

Tooting's supporters behind the goal tried to get an atmosphere going with one shout of 'Tooting' being followed up by someone else shouting 'Mitcham' and back again with a few shouts of 'C'mon Tooting' but that was it. This win puts them 2nd in the league albeit behind Dartford who look like champions elect so the crowd does look disappointing. The cold end likes to think if Enfield Town ever (or when???) get to the higher reaches of the Premier we could be potentially pulling in crowds of 400-500 or maybe higher. going back to the glory glory days of Southbury Road.

***Tooting's behind the goal fans last night***

Tooting were on top for the whole of the 2nd half especially after Boro were reduced to 10 men following a challenge on Dean Hamlin by James Fraser right in front of the main stand and dug-outs. Hamlin was stretchered off and Fraser red carded. The home side couldn't convert their superiority into goals though hitting the post once and the game ended 1-0. Tooting look a good side and thinking my head (not my heart) they would probably beat Town if we played them. Harrow as stated were well drilled defensively and have an abundance of pace in midfield and up front but only really created one chance in the first half, If Town were to come up against them in the Middlesex Cup it'll be a hard game too.

SEVEN GOAL THRILLER IN BEDFORDSHIRE

Whilst Town were drawing 3-3 in Great Wakering yesterday, the cold end couldn't make it so ventured off to Biggleswade and the Carlsberg Stadium to watch the Bedfordshire Senior Trophy tie between the Wader's tenants Southill Alexander of the Bedfordshire County League and The 61 FC (Luton) of the SSML Division Two.



Southill Alexander known as The Bishops are a new team for this season created as the programme states 'as a dream amongst a number of people with a strong passion for football and the belief that the sport should belong 100% to the fans' 'to bring football back to the fans'. SAFC is run via its own website and forums, owners can purchase up to five shares priced at £25 each with one as a minimum entry requirement and a yearly subscription of £25 to access all areas of the website. A 1000 have been issued this year of which only a limited number remain. http://www.southillalexander.com/

The club have begun playing at Step 7 of the pyramid this season in the Premier Division of the Bedfordshire County League alongside what was 15 other teams until Meltis Corinthians unfortunately folded last week. Other clubs in the league include Biggleswade United Reserves, Dunton, Renhold United, Ickwell and Old Morden and Riseley Sports amongst others.

Its not been easy for SAFC to start from scratch in a area that has the United and Town clubs of Biggleswade and Langford just a stones throw away - the cold end admires the members and fans of SAFC who are working very hard to establish their club on the map. SAFC are currently ground sharing at the Carlsberg Stadium which is a very nice new ground and a change for visiting players/teams in the Beds County League which is mostly played on roped off/park pitches at present.

The 61 FC (Luton) are current holders of the Trophy and won the SSML Divsion Two last year and proved good opponents. Their manager Richard Everitt formed the club back in 1961 and is still at the hub of everything to do with the club. This has to be admired and is highly commendable, I think he should change his name to MR 61 FC.

The game yesterday was a 7 goal thriller with the visitors racing in to a 2 goal lead within the first 15 minutes with a softly let in goal by Bishop's keeper Casey Waterfield and a well taken goal from the edge of the box. The game was pretty level and Southill had some good play up front and were unlucky not to score. They did shortly before half time with a sweetly taken free-kick from outside of the box (see below) only for THE 61 to race down the other end and make it 1-3 at half time. Despite being 1-3 up Mr 61 FC wasn't happy with his team's performance and made his feelings shown from the dug out area.

In the 2nd half Southill put all the pressure on and The 61 played on the counter attack nearly scoring a fourth when Southill cleared off the line after some very brave play by their centre forward who went off injured shortly after. Southill made it 2-3 with a very well taken shot and pilled the pressure on looking for an equaliser, the visitors broke and made it 2-4 and the game looked over with about 15 minutes left.

This wasn't the case as straight from the kick off it was 3-4 with another well taken goal. Despite more pressure from the home side they couldn't find an equaliser and visitors held on for a good hard working victory.

A great game of football played by two good sides in a very sporting manner with no nasty tackles at all. Well done to both teams. Official attendance - 12.

Southill are away at Campton in their next League game on the 24th October, The 61 FC (Luton) welcome Woodson Park to their home ground on the 17th October in the SSML Divsion Two.

**Good shot by Southill saved by the 61'S keeper**

**Southill's excellently taken free kick to score their first goal**

**A Southill free kick just goes over the bar in the 2nd half**