News has reached the cold end that some callous and quite frankly brainless criminals have stolen the goalposts from Town's near neighbours Wormley Rover's Church Lane ground. The posts are aluminium so have little or no scrap value so it has been assumed they may have been stolen to order.
Rover's didn't let this incident effect their weekend Herts Senior Centenary Cup game which they won at Bladock Town/Lethchworth on penalties 1-3 after a 2-2 draw AET. Rovers are having a great season so far and will go top of the Herts County League should they win their game in hand over the London Lions.
Rover's have appealed for anyone to contact Dave Smith at the club if any information is known on 07789263484.
source - http://www.hsc.leaguemanager.biz
Monday, 30 November 2009
ANOTHER TRIP TO WINGATE & FINCHLEY FOR TOWN
After the league game ended in a convincing 4-2 defeat on the 7th November Town get to erase this memory by visiting Wingate & Finchley tomorrow night in the Championship Manager Cup Round 3. The game will be used by Steve and Del to give some of the squad players a run-out and it'll be their chance to play well, stand out and stake a claim to a place in the starting line up for Town's next important League game in the local derby at Potters Bar Town on Saturday. Round 3 of the league cup is uncharted territory for the Town so it'll be nice to get back to winning ways after Saturday and set up a possible glory tie at a Premier Division side in Round 4.
HARLOW TOWN MANAGER ANTHONY ANSTEAD RESIGNS
There are three Ryman North League games this week with 'relegation doomed' Harlow Town taking on Northwood at Barrows Farm and two teams Town have recently played in Heybridge Swifts entertaining VCD Athletic at Scraley Road on Tuesday night. Ilford welcome Brentwood Town to Cricklefield on Wednesday night.
The Vickers, The Foxes and The Wood are all in the chasing pack below the play-off places so will want get a win to move closer to the top of the division. Wood who lost at Thamesmead Town on Saturday should win easily at Harlow Town who baring a miracle look like they will be playing in the Essex Senior League next season. The club have much publicised financial problems and the Hawks are today looking for a new manager following Anthony Anstead leaving the club. Anstead must be praised for doing his very best in a difficult situtation. What sort of team will turn up to play Town at Goldsdown Road on the 29th December??????
Heybridge Swifts and VCD Athletic I would of put down as a home win but with VCD's battling qualities shown at Goldsdown Road on Saturday they will prove tough to breakdown for Wayne Bond's Essex side and this may end up as a score-draw.
Wednesday night's game is an interesting one. Ilford have fallen down the league following their tremendous start to the season and Brentwood seem to be mirroring them by climbing up the league following their poor start. The Foxes were soundly beaten 4-0 at Maldon Town on Saturday and in the previous game only beat a troubled Leyton side 1-0 away from home, they have won three in last ten league games. Brentwood Town have improved immensely following the pre-season turmoil with Les Whitton's team unbeaten in 7 games (4 wins and 3 draws).
http://www.bwin.com/ offer odds of 2/1 for Brentwood Town to win with a home win being 19/20 and the draw at 5/2. Remember you can only bet in trebles at this level but 2/1 looks good value if you add in Northwood at 9/10 to win at Harlow and one other you may be onto a winning bet!
December begins tomorrow with Christmas approaching fast and Enfield Town are fifth in the league fighting for one of the four play-off places up for grabs come the end of the season. Rewind 12 months ago and Stewart Margolis's Town were nowhere near the play-offs having a Topsy turvy disappointing season. The cold end can only thank Steve and Del, Jason Dale, Darren Bonfield and Lisa Corallini along with all the players for having such a good season so far in what looks to be a highly competitive league. Their are 18 points up for grabs in this festive month with three home and three away games.
UP THE TOWN!!!
HARLOW TOWN MANAGER ANTHONY ANSTEAD RESIGNS
There are three Ryman North League games this week with 'relegation doomed' Harlow Town taking on Northwood at Barrows Farm and two teams Town have recently played in Heybridge Swifts entertaining VCD Athletic at Scraley Road on Tuesday night. Ilford welcome Brentwood Town to Cricklefield on Wednesday night.
The Vickers, The Foxes and The Wood are all in the chasing pack below the play-off places so will want get a win to move closer to the top of the division. Wood who lost at Thamesmead Town on Saturday should win easily at Harlow Town who baring a miracle look like they will be playing in the Essex Senior League next season. The club have much publicised financial problems and the Hawks are today looking for a new manager following Anthony Anstead leaving the club. Anstead must be praised for doing his very best in a difficult situtation. What sort of team will turn up to play Town at Goldsdown Road on the 29th December??????
Heybridge Swifts and VCD Athletic I would of put down as a home win but with VCD's battling qualities shown at Goldsdown Road on Saturday they will prove tough to breakdown for Wayne Bond's Essex side and this may end up as a score-draw.
Wednesday night's game is an interesting one. Ilford have fallen down the league following their tremendous start to the season and Brentwood seem to be mirroring them by climbing up the league following their poor start. The Foxes were soundly beaten 4-0 at Maldon Town on Saturday and in the previous game only beat a troubled Leyton side 1-0 away from home, they have won three in last ten league games. Brentwood Town have improved immensely following the pre-season turmoil with Les Whitton's team unbeaten in 7 games (4 wins and 3 draws).
http://www.bwin.com/ offer odds of 2/1 for Brentwood Town to win with a home win being 19/20 and the draw at 5/2. Remember you can only bet in trebles at this level but 2/1 looks good value if you add in Northwood at 9/10 to win at Harlow and one other you may be onto a winning bet!
December begins tomorrow with Christmas approaching fast and Enfield Town are fifth in the league fighting for one of the four play-off places up for grabs come the end of the season. Rewind 12 months ago and Stewart Margolis's Town were nowhere near the play-offs having a Topsy turvy disappointing season. The cold end can only thank Steve and Del, Jason Dale, Darren Bonfield and Lisa Corallini along with all the players for having such a good season so far in what looks to be a highly competitive league. Their are 18 points up for grabs in this festive month with three home and three away games.
UP THE TOWN!!!
Sunday, 29 November 2009
CLASSIC/HORRIFIC AWAY DAYS - CONTACT THE COLD END
The cold end has recently written about classic 90's away days at Torquay United, Bromsgrove Rovers and Sutton United which promoted a discussion on Saturday about other glory trips following Enfield FC and Enfield Town FC. Preston NE, Chesterfield, Kidderminster in the Trophy, Barrow in the Trophy 88, Leyton Orient, Ilford in our Essex Senior Championship season when Ulatowski got a hat-trick were all discussed as were Horror Trips with Matlock Town, Horwich RMI, Hillingdon Borough (FA Cup last year) and the Runcorn 9-0 game coming up in conversation.
If you want to write about a trip that sticks in your memory for whatever reason be it an FA Cup classic away trip or a midweek trip to Staines Town in the Middlesex Senior Cup the cold end would love to hear from you. Lets keep the memory of the old kings of non-league football going!!! Even classic games at Southbury Road can be included.
Contact the cold end on - thecoldend@live.co.uk
If you want to write about a trip that sticks in your memory for whatever reason be it an FA Cup classic away trip or a midweek trip to Staines Town in the Middlesex Senior Cup the cold end would love to hear from you. Lets keep the memory of the old kings of non-league football going!!! Even classic games at Southbury Road can be included.
Contact the cold end on - thecoldend@live.co.uk
VCD TAKE ALL THREE POINTS ON A BAD DAY AT THE OFFICE FOR TOWN
Enfield Town 1 VCD Athletic 2Despite large spells of pressure Town failed to give VCD custodian James Tedder any decent shots on target to save. It was a very scrappy forgettable game played out at a very cold Goldsdown Road.
VCD defended in numbers and it was agreed by most supporters at the cold end where Town were attacking in the first half that if we could get an early goal the game could be there for the taking.
Richard Morton who was the only change in the side from Tuesday night (in for suspended Paul Marks) had the first chance of the game from a Rudi Hall corner his fierce shot rose up and over the bar. It was then we heard it.......The Whinging fan's first confirmed whinge timed at 18 minutes....."come on midfield...do something!!!!" THEY JUST HAD!!
VCD's left sided winger Nick Hegley looked very good at times and was a thorn in Enfield's defence on more than one occasion. It was a long ball up to Hegley on the left which got VCD's first goal on 21 minutes. He found himself in lots of space and put over a great cross for Captain Leroy Huggins to rise unchallenged at the far post to head into the net.
Town's defence seemed to go to sleep for a while as Hegley found himself in space again to put over another good cross into the danger zone which luckily none of his team mates got on the end of.The only other talking point of the first half was VCD'S penalty shout, Danny Penny was tackled in the box in what looking at it from a neutral point of view was a late challenge and didn't win the ball. Referee Alex Saily didn't think so though much to the disgust of the VCD team. To rub salt into Penny's wounds he was taken off the pitch injured after being booked for dissent as he must of said something to Saily. As stated looking at it from a neutral view it did look like a penalty and if it would of happened up our end Town would of been aggrieved as well. Managers and coaches always say "these things level themselves up over the course of the season" so this may have been Paul Marks penalty shout from Tuesday being balanced out.
Adam Wallace worked hard up front holding the ball up well but Town didn't have any real chances in front of goal.
HALF TIME - 0-1
All the discussion at half time was that Town needed an early goal in the second half to make VCD change their game plan and hopefully allow Town to score the goal's needed for victory.
Town came out and put the pressure on with a Ben Hammond cross into the box being met by a lovely diving header from Rudi Hall.. This summed up the day as the effort was unluckily off target, anywhere on target and it would of been a certain goal.
Liam Hope did come up with the goal Town needed heading home after 57 minutes which left at least half an hour for the team to go on and win the game.VCD had other plans though and it was a high looping ball from David Hunt on the right hand side into the box which was met by the unchallenged Meshach Nugent whose header was saved brilliantly by Rob Blackburne. Unfortunately the powerful header could only be palmed across the goal and Nugent followed up by putting the ball in the net, Rob can't be blamed for the goal. He was injured trying to save the follow up. A great header and some bad luck for Rob.
Town threw on Stuart Blackburne, Sam Byfield and Andy Jones in the closing stages of the match and despite loads of pressure didn't create any clear cut chances with VCD holding out for the victory.
VCD had the best two chances of the game which they took so you have to say they probably deserved the victory on the balance of what little exciting play there was.
Steve and Del will want to put this performance down as just one of those days and move onto the glory of Wingate and Finchley away in the League cup on Tuesday.
ETFC
Blackburne, Blower, Bastian (Byfield), Hammond, Kirby, McKay, Morton (Jones), Hall, Hope (Blackburne), Wallace, Bardle.
Unused subs - Turner, Holmes.
VCD
Tedder, Hunt, Barton, Ward, Cook, Hogg, Winchcombe, Penny, Huggins, Nugent, Hegley.
Subs - Ibemere, Duckworth, Maskell, Bradshaw, Hamilton.
They did bring on a few of their subs but I was so cold didn't note them down.
Enfield Town fans behind the goal in the second half.
VCD's travelling band of fans went home the happier though!!
Friday, 27 November 2009
MIDDLESEX V KENT AT THE GOLDSDOWN ON SATURDAY
5th placed Enfield Town entertain 12th placed VCD Athletic at the Goldsdown on Saturday. The visitors from Kent are 8 points below us in the league and looking at their record prefer playing on their lovely pitch at Oakwood having only lost once on their own ground on Sunny August Bank Holiday Monday when Town were triumphant 1-0.
The Vicker's form on the road is only 1 win and 1 draw in eight games. The one win came almost a month back on the 31st October when they won 2-0 at Potters Bar Town with the draw (1-1) coming at Brentwood Town on the 25th August. They have lost on the road at Northwood, Wingate and Finchley, Waltham Forest, Concord Rangers (only 1-0), Romford and last weekend at Lowestoft Town.
The game last weekend at Crown Meadow which finished 2-0 has conflicting reports from each side. The Trawler Boys message board states the away side came for a draw putting men behind the ball making it difficult for them with VCD never having any clear cut chances whereas the VCD website states Lowestoft got a lucky penalty and they deserved something from the game.
The cold end thinks that VCD will come to the Goldsdown with the same sort of game-plan as the Lowestoft Town fans report. They will put men behind the ball making it difficult for the team to break them down and then try to hit the Town back-four on the counter-attack. The game in August at Oakwood was a very tight affair but we all know the Town team has changed and is playing much better than back then.
VCD have only hit the back of the net 6 times in the 8 away games they have played and let in 15 goals along the way.
What the team must not do is get frustrated if VCD stifle us and keep the game goalless. An early goal will be nice and should send us on our way to three more valuable points.
OTHER RYMAN NORTH GAMES
Top of the table Great Wakering Rovers travel to Cricklefield for the second time in a week this time to play Waltham Forest. Last week GWR got away with a lucky 2-2 draw with a last minute equaliser and will not find it easy to beat The Stags who narrowly lost 1-2 to Lowestoft Town in midweek which was only their second loss in their eight home games. Iain O'Connell' side have lost on the road to Harlow Town and Ware at the beginning of the season and more recently to Lowestoft Town (doesn't everyone). Their form has stuttered recently, only beating Thamesmead Town by a single goal at home in midweek and loosing at home to Potters Bar Town along with the aforementioned defeat to Lowestoft and the last weekend's 2-2 draw. VERDICT - A CLOSE GAME. POSSIBLY A SCORE DRAW.
As the director has stated Concord Rangers should have no problems in beating bottom of the table whipping boys Harlow Town at Thames Road. Anthony Anstead's team lost 4-1 in midweek to away at Tilbury. Lowestoft look very strong at home and entertain a Leyton side who lost the East London derby to Ilford in midweek and could only draw 2-2 at Harlow Town last weekend. VERDICT - ANYTHING BUT LARGE HOME WINS WILL BE A SHOCK
There is an interesting game at Rookery Hill where East Thurrock United play Heybridge Swifts. The Rocks are the form side in the division having scored 16 goals and let in 1 in their last four league games. However, The Swifts as we know are no push-overs and gained a creditable 2-2 draw at Northwood in Midweek. VERDICT - A HARD GAME FOR ETU BUT ANOTHER HOME WIN
Second bottom Ware entertain Potters Bar Town in a local-derby of sorts. Ex Broxbourne Borough manager Tony Faulkner picked up his first points in his debut match as new manager in the 2-2 draw with Redbridge at Woodson Park on Tuesday night. He has brought with him a number of players from Goffs Lane most notably Ryan Wade who has scored loads of goals in the SSMFL. He joins along with defender Danny Swift and ex towner Bradley Drisdale. The Scholar's form is up and down with seven wins, two draws and six defeats at present. Faulkner's Boro side after their departure from the FA Vase at the beginning of October form reads - WWWWWLWWW.
VERDICT - EXPECT FAULKNER TO STAMP HIS AUTHORITY AND GAIN HIS FIRST WIN AS WARE BOSS WITH WADE ON THE SCORE SHEET.
FULL LIST OF WEEKEND FIXTURES IN THE RYMAN NORTH
BRENTWOOD TOWN V TILBURY
CONCORD RANGERS V HARLOW TOWN
EAST THURROCK UNITED V HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS
ENFIELD TOWN V VCD ATHLETIC
LOWESTOFT TOWN V LEYTON
MALDON TOWN V ILFORD
REDBRIDGE V CHESHUNT
THAMESMEAD TOWN V NORTHWOOD
WALTHAM FOREST V GREAT WAKERING ROVERS
WARE V POTTERS BAR TOWN
WINGATE AND FINCHLEY V ROMFORD
The Vicker's form on the road is only 1 win and 1 draw in eight games. The one win came almost a month back on the 31st October when they won 2-0 at Potters Bar Town with the draw (1-1) coming at Brentwood Town on the 25th August. They have lost on the road at Northwood, Wingate and Finchley, Waltham Forest, Concord Rangers (only 1-0), Romford and last weekend at Lowestoft Town.
The game last weekend at Crown Meadow which finished 2-0 has conflicting reports from each side. The Trawler Boys message board states the away side came for a draw putting men behind the ball making it difficult for them with VCD never having any clear cut chances whereas the VCD website states Lowestoft got a lucky penalty and they deserved something from the game.
The cold end thinks that VCD will come to the Goldsdown with the same sort of game-plan as the Lowestoft Town fans report. They will put men behind the ball making it difficult for the team to break them down and then try to hit the Town back-four on the counter-attack. The game in August at Oakwood was a very tight affair but we all know the Town team has changed and is playing much better than back then.
VCD have only hit the back of the net 6 times in the 8 away games they have played and let in 15 goals along the way.
What the team must not do is get frustrated if VCD stifle us and keep the game goalless. An early goal will be nice and should send us on our way to three more valuable points.
OTHER RYMAN NORTH GAMES
Top of the table Great Wakering Rovers travel to Cricklefield for the second time in a week this time to play Waltham Forest. Last week GWR got away with a lucky 2-2 draw with a last minute equaliser and will not find it easy to beat The Stags who narrowly lost 1-2 to Lowestoft Town in midweek which was only their second loss in their eight home games. Iain O'Connell' side have lost on the road to Harlow Town and Ware at the beginning of the season and more recently to Lowestoft Town (doesn't everyone). Their form has stuttered recently, only beating Thamesmead Town by a single goal at home in midweek and loosing at home to Potters Bar Town along with the aforementioned defeat to Lowestoft and the last weekend's 2-2 draw. VERDICT - A CLOSE GAME. POSSIBLY A SCORE DRAW.
As the director has stated Concord Rangers should have no problems in beating bottom of the table whipping boys Harlow Town at Thames Road. Anthony Anstead's team lost 4-1 in midweek to away at Tilbury. Lowestoft look very strong at home and entertain a Leyton side who lost the East London derby to Ilford in midweek and could only draw 2-2 at Harlow Town last weekend. VERDICT - ANYTHING BUT LARGE HOME WINS WILL BE A SHOCK
There is an interesting game at Rookery Hill where East Thurrock United play Heybridge Swifts. The Rocks are the form side in the division having scored 16 goals and let in 1 in their last four league games. However, The Swifts as we know are no push-overs and gained a creditable 2-2 draw at Northwood in Midweek. VERDICT - A HARD GAME FOR ETU BUT ANOTHER HOME WIN
Second bottom Ware entertain Potters Bar Town in a local-derby of sorts. Ex Broxbourne Borough manager Tony Faulkner picked up his first points in his debut match as new manager in the 2-2 draw with Redbridge at Woodson Park on Tuesday night. He has brought with him a number of players from Goffs Lane most notably Ryan Wade who has scored loads of goals in the SSMFL. He joins along with defender Danny Swift and ex towner Bradley Drisdale. The Scholar's form is up and down with seven wins, two draws and six defeats at present. Faulkner's Boro side after their departure from the FA Vase at the beginning of October form reads - WWWWWLWWW.
VERDICT - EXPECT FAULKNER TO STAMP HIS AUTHORITY AND GAIN HIS FIRST WIN AS WARE BOSS WITH WADE ON THE SCORE SHEET.
FULL LIST OF WEEKEND FIXTURES IN THE RYMAN NORTH
BRENTWOOD TOWN V TILBURY
CONCORD RANGERS V HARLOW TOWN
EAST THURROCK UNITED V HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS
ENFIELD TOWN V VCD ATHLETIC
LOWESTOFT TOWN V LEYTON
MALDON TOWN V ILFORD
REDBRIDGE V CHESHUNT
THAMESMEAD TOWN V NORTHWOOD
WALTHAM FOREST V GREAT WAKERING ROVERS
WARE V POTTERS BAR TOWN
WINGATE AND FINCHLEY V ROMFORD
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
Classic Away Days (3) - Torquay United - 13/12/1994
The recent FA Cup first round and forthcoming second round draw pitting non-league minnows against their more illustrious league giants brings back some marvellous and very fond memories of the great FA Cup runs the old Enfield FC had. None more so was the campaign of 1994/95 when led by George Borg we started off in the First Qualifying Round beating Hemel Hempstead Town, Purfleet, Ruislip Manor, St Albans City and then league side Cardiff City at Southbury Road setting up a 2nd Round tie with another league side in Don O'Riordan's Torquay United. It all looked to be going wrong when the league side went 1-0 up in the first minute through Barbadian International Gregory Goodridge but thanks to one of the world's most well known sellers of fine fruit and vegetables Gary Abbott (Martin Fowler must have a claim to be the most famous and prior to him Pete Beale 'Awight treacle') making it 1-1 it was an exciting midweek trip down to the West Country with a possible glory trip in the third round to Premiership Leicester City.
There were three supporter coaches which made their way towards Devon along with various cars and minibuses carrying the vast army of Enfield FC supporters. I remember my coach not having any toilet facilities so numerous bottles were filled whilst driving on the motorway as a few pints had already been sunk in the bar prior to us leaving if memory serves me correctly.
Torquay were doing okay in the league so it was going to take an immense effort from the team to get a win at Plainmoor. Prior to this game their last home game was a 0-0 draw versus Wigan Athletic in front of 2509.
Enfield fans were placed in the open end of the ground exposed to the elements with the vocal Gulls fans to side terracing banging their drum constantly throughout the match.
The crowd of 3174 saw a brilliant game where Enfield at times heroically defended with Legend Andy Pape back to his ultimate very best between the sticks and Martin St Hilaire 'wooshing' the Torquay defence outclassing and outpacing them numerous times.
It was a horrible night weather wise and it rained on and off throughout the match, this didn't stop us singing our hearts out. Blue and white balloons and the Union Jack flags with ENFIELD FC emblazoned over them were waved and displayed as the travelling support enjoyed the magnificent and historic occasion.
It was quite a level match when just before half time Saint went on another run 'wooshing' yet another defender and ran with the ball towards the right hand corner flag. The advancing Torquay keeper Ashley Bayes slid in on the wet pitch and took Saint out. Looking back the foul wasn't nasty and definitely didn't stop a clear goalscoring opportunity. Referee Mike Reid didn't see it this way and brandished a red card sending off Bayes. To say the home fans were not impressed with the decision is a bit of an understatement and when forward Goodridge was replaced by sub goal-keeper Adrian Tucker they were not happy with their manager O'Riordan.
Into the 2nd half and it was Paul Hobson who sent a brilliant free kick into the box from the left hand side for Disc-Jockey Andy Kerr to rise above the home defence heading the ball past Tucker and putting us 1-0 up. Scenes of manic celebration and joy on the away terrace followed with 'time flys by when your the driver of a train...' drowning out the Torquay drummer.
Torquay hit the cross-bar shortly after through Kevin Hodges and England's number one Andy Pape produced a world class save from substitute forward Duane Darby.
It was then Gary Abbott who was never a nasty player despite being kicked to pieces regularly in the Isthmian League had a moment of madness and kicked out at a Torquay player who had hold of his leg. Referee Reid showed no hesitation in showing the red card again which was the catalyst to a melee and a bit of pushing and shoving between the opposing sides.
The last ten minutes seemed to last a lifetime as the ten men of Enfield defended and defended and defended against the rapidly advancing ten men of Torquay who laid siege to the goal at the open end of the ground where we were situated. When Reid blew the final whistle we all went mad. Two league teams beaten and we were off to Filbert Street. The celebrations between players and fans is a brilliant memory of a fantastic night following Enfield FC. A real 'glory glory' night that I am proud to say I was there alongside the other loyal fans and supporters.
Enfield's FC heroes on the night nearly 15 years ago were:
Andy Pape, Gary Blackford, Jimmy Carstairs, Andy Kerr, Al-James Hannigan, Mark Pye, Martin St Hiliaire, Paul Hobson, Gary Abbott, Leroy Whale and Pat Ryan.
SUBS - Richard Cherry FOOTBALL GENIUS (on for Whale), John Ridout and GK Neil Thompson.
Sitting on the coach awaiting to leave still celebrating one moronic Torquay 'supporter' who must of been about 40 banged on the back window and offered us out for a fight. He was swiftly laughed at and 'we're going to Leicester. we're going to Leicester, your not' sang towards him. The idiot should of known better and couldn't take the fact his team had lost against the then kings of non-league football - Enfield FC.
As a result of Abbott's red card he was banned from playing in the Leicester City game. I can't help thinking in a game we lost 2-0 if only Gary was playing we may well have got a result at Filbert Street!!
There were three supporter coaches which made their way towards Devon along with various cars and minibuses carrying the vast army of Enfield FC supporters. I remember my coach not having any toilet facilities so numerous bottles were filled whilst driving on the motorway as a few pints had already been sunk in the bar prior to us leaving if memory serves me correctly.
Torquay were doing okay in the league so it was going to take an immense effort from the team to get a win at Plainmoor. Prior to this game their last home game was a 0-0 draw versus Wigan Athletic in front of 2509.
Enfield fans were placed in the open end of the ground exposed to the elements with the vocal Gulls fans to side terracing banging their drum constantly throughout the match.
The crowd of 3174 saw a brilliant game where Enfield at times heroically defended with Legend Andy Pape back to his ultimate very best between the sticks and Martin St Hilaire 'wooshing' the Torquay defence outclassing and outpacing them numerous times.
It was a horrible night weather wise and it rained on and off throughout the match, this didn't stop us singing our hearts out. Blue and white balloons and the Union Jack flags with ENFIELD FC emblazoned over them were waved and displayed as the travelling support enjoyed the magnificent and historic occasion.
It was quite a level match when just before half time Saint went on another run 'wooshing' yet another defender and ran with the ball towards the right hand corner flag. The advancing Torquay keeper Ashley Bayes slid in on the wet pitch and took Saint out. Looking back the foul wasn't nasty and definitely didn't stop a clear goalscoring opportunity. Referee Mike Reid didn't see it this way and brandished a red card sending off Bayes. To say the home fans were not impressed with the decision is a bit of an understatement and when forward Goodridge was replaced by sub goal-keeper Adrian Tucker they were not happy with their manager O'Riordan.
Into the 2nd half and it was Paul Hobson who sent a brilliant free kick into the box from the left hand side for Disc-Jockey Andy Kerr to rise above the home defence heading the ball past Tucker and putting us 1-0 up. Scenes of manic celebration and joy on the away terrace followed with 'time flys by when your the driver of a train...' drowning out the Torquay drummer.
Torquay hit the cross-bar shortly after through Kevin Hodges and England's number one Andy Pape produced a world class save from substitute forward Duane Darby.
It was then Gary Abbott who was never a nasty player despite being kicked to pieces regularly in the Isthmian League had a moment of madness and kicked out at a Torquay player who had hold of his leg. Referee Reid showed no hesitation in showing the red card again which was the catalyst to a melee and a bit of pushing and shoving between the opposing sides.
The last ten minutes seemed to last a lifetime as the ten men of Enfield defended and defended and defended against the rapidly advancing ten men of Torquay who laid siege to the goal at the open end of the ground where we were situated. When Reid blew the final whistle we all went mad. Two league teams beaten and we were off to Filbert Street. The celebrations between players and fans is a brilliant memory of a fantastic night following Enfield FC. A real 'glory glory' night that I am proud to say I was there alongside the other loyal fans and supporters.
Enfield's FC heroes on the night nearly 15 years ago were:
Andy Pape, Gary Blackford, Jimmy Carstairs, Andy Kerr, Al-James Hannigan, Mark Pye, Martin St Hiliaire, Paul Hobson, Gary Abbott, Leroy Whale and Pat Ryan.
SUBS - Richard Cherry FOOTBALL GENIUS (on for Whale), John Ridout and GK Neil Thompson.
Sitting on the coach awaiting to leave still celebrating one moronic Torquay 'supporter' who must of been about 40 banged on the back window and offered us out for a fight. He was swiftly laughed at and 'we're going to Leicester. we're going to Leicester, your not' sang towards him. The idiot should of known better and couldn't take the fact his team had lost against the then kings of non-league football - Enfield FC.
As a result of Abbott's red card he was banned from playing in the Leicester City game. I can't help thinking in a game we lost 2-0 if only Gary was playing we may well have got a result at Filbert Street!!
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
ANOTHER WIN WITH AN EXCELLENT TEAM PERFORMANCE
Enfield Town 2 Concord Rangers 1
Town turned in another brilliant performance tonight against Concord Rangers at Goldsdown Road. Every player in the Town team showed determination and put in an immense amount of hard work to take the three points. Rudi Hall, Adam Wallace and Ben Hammond (who looks like the signing of the season so far) shone for the cold end on a wonderful night of football for Town.
Town took the lead on seven minutes in the first goalmouth action of the game when Ben Hammond on the right hand side put a cross into the six yard box which looked to be drifting wide but the ball was put past Concord keeper Dale Brightly by one of his own defenders under pressure from Wallace and Hope. Scoreline commented it was the best own-goal he had seen for a number of years.
It didn't take long for the away side to equalise when Liam Hopkins shot on the turn from the edge of the box flew past the diving Rob Blackburne into the right hand corner of the goal on eleven minutes.
Town came back at Concord and it was the impressive Hammond who had the next chance when his shot from outside of the box stung the hands of Brightly who palmed the ball out for a corner. From the resulting kick the ball pinged about the penalty box and it appeared that Paul Marks was fouled from behind when on the ball inside the box with assistant referee Andreas Anastasiou who had a good view of the incident flagging from the far side for an unknown reason (possibly a penalty??). Referee Tom Donnellan didn't stop play and the assistant's flag was lowered after a few seconds and the game was played on much to the annoyance of the Town fan's present among the crowd of 182 people.
Taylor Sinfield then replaced Scott Kinch for Concord who came off the field of play with a injury. Liam Hope had his first chance of the game then with a shot which went wide of Brightly's left hand post.
Concord then in an attack worked the ball across for right to left and Hopkins found himself free. He will look back wanting to do better with the resultant shot which Blackburne saved easily.
Town easily looked the better side and were playing much the better football with Rudi Hall putting in an immense performance in the centre of midfield. Adam Wallace hit the post from a Dave Blower cross and was unlucky with the shot afterwards which went over the bar.
The game then looked to boil over when Michael Bardle appeared to be elbowed by one of the Concord players very close to the Enfield dug-out with referee Donnelllan waiving play-on despite major protests from the bench and the fact Bardle was on the floor injured. All I can say is it looked much worse than the incident Paul Marks was sent-off for against Lowestoft Town.
The Concord bench then complained about Town returning the ball from the re-start for a throw in and not directly to their keeper. A comment heard was 'Enfield are getting all the decisions' which appeared to everyone present clearly not to be true.
Concord substitute Sinfield then gave away a free kick outside of the box for high feet. Rudi Hall's free kick headed towards the bottom left hand corner of Brightly's goal with everyone looking thinking it was going to be routine save for the Concord stopper. It seemed as if he was caught in two minds and the ball snuck into the net beneath his dive to make it a deserved 2-1 to Enfield right on half time.
The Second Half started with Concord looking the brighter team with Ashley Robinson replacing Michael Begg who had had a quite game after being so influential in the Trophy game at Thames Road. They never really created any clear cut chances with Enfield's back four holding firm.
Town came back at Concord with Rudi had another free kick from outside the box which Brightly calmly saved at the second attempt after dropping the ball at first and a header was tipped over the bar by Brightly from a Hall corner.
On 65 minutes Hope came off with Stuart Blackburne coming on with Lee Williams coming off for Concord to be replaced by ex Redbridge and Newport County player Dave Collins who is known as a free-kick specialist.
Ben Hammond who had been brilliant going forward putting the ball into danger areas in the box all night showed he was just as good at getting back defending when a ball fell inside the box with Concord looking to equalise Hammond put the challenge in which put the forward off with the ball going out for a corner. Hammond was replaced by Sam Byfield shortly after with Bardle swopping left midfield for right and Byfield playing on the aforementioned right hand side.
The game looked to be going Town's way but it was still very nerve-wracking towards the end of the game with only one goal in it and Concord's attackers Ross Wall and Lyle Taylor always likely to score from a half-chance.
Taylor who had been very quiet all night then had a glorious chance to make the game all square when the ball bounced to him on the edge of the six yard box. His shot went wide thankfully.
The last action of the game was Sam Byfield's shot which went wide of the goal and it was then the referee blew the whistle to cap an excellent victory for Steve and Del's Enfield Team.
Town are now unbeaten in four league matches and are playing the best football we have seen all season. To beat top sides Concord Rangers and Thamesmead Town and to run Lowestoft Town so close shows Steve and Del have put together a great side who work their socks off for each other and if they continue to play like they have done have every chance to be up in the play-off section come the end of the season.
The team and management were quite rightly cheered and clapped off the pitch as they walked down the tunnel. Town were the better side in all departments tonight and deserved the victory against a very good Concord side who will be up the top half of the league at the end of the season.
Well done to all concerned and here's to another three points on Saturday against VCD Athletic.
UP THE TOWN!!!
ETFC
Blackburne, Blower, Bastian, Hammond (Byfield), Kirby, McKay, Marks, Hall, Hope (Blackburne S), Wallace, Bardle.
Unusued subs - Smith, Morton, Holmes.
CONCORD RANGERS
Brightly, Watson, Beale, Williams (Collins), Easterford, Skelton, Begg (Robinson), Kinch (Sinfield), Taylor, Wall, Hopkins.
Unused subs - Buckfield, Butterworth.
Town turned in another brilliant performance tonight against Concord Rangers at Goldsdown Road. Every player in the Town team showed determination and put in an immense amount of hard work to take the three points. Rudi Hall, Adam Wallace and Ben Hammond (who looks like the signing of the season so far) shone for the cold end on a wonderful night of football for Town.
Town took the lead on seven minutes in the first goalmouth action of the game when Ben Hammond on the right hand side put a cross into the six yard box which looked to be drifting wide but the ball was put past Concord keeper Dale Brightly by one of his own defenders under pressure from Wallace and Hope. Scoreline commented it was the best own-goal he had seen for a number of years.
It didn't take long for the away side to equalise when Liam Hopkins shot on the turn from the edge of the box flew past the diving Rob Blackburne into the right hand corner of the goal on eleven minutes.
Town came back at Concord and it was the impressive Hammond who had the next chance when his shot from outside of the box stung the hands of Brightly who palmed the ball out for a corner. From the resulting kick the ball pinged about the penalty box and it appeared that Paul Marks was fouled from behind when on the ball inside the box with assistant referee Andreas Anastasiou who had a good view of the incident flagging from the far side for an unknown reason (possibly a penalty??). Referee Tom Donnellan didn't stop play and the assistant's flag was lowered after a few seconds and the game was played on much to the annoyance of the Town fan's present among the crowd of 182 people.
Taylor Sinfield then replaced Scott Kinch for Concord who came off the field of play with a injury. Liam Hope had his first chance of the game then with a shot which went wide of Brightly's left hand post.
Concord then in an attack worked the ball across for right to left and Hopkins found himself free. He will look back wanting to do better with the resultant shot which Blackburne saved easily.
Town easily looked the better side and were playing much the better football with Rudi Hall putting in an immense performance in the centre of midfield. Adam Wallace hit the post from a Dave Blower cross and was unlucky with the shot afterwards which went over the bar.
The game then looked to boil over when Michael Bardle appeared to be elbowed by one of the Concord players very close to the Enfield dug-out with referee Donnelllan waiving play-on despite major protests from the bench and the fact Bardle was on the floor injured. All I can say is it looked much worse than the incident Paul Marks was sent-off for against Lowestoft Town.
The Concord bench then complained about Town returning the ball from the re-start for a throw in and not directly to their keeper. A comment heard was 'Enfield are getting all the decisions' which appeared to everyone present clearly not to be true.
Concord substitute Sinfield then gave away a free kick outside of the box for high feet. Rudi Hall's free kick headed towards the bottom left hand corner of Brightly's goal with everyone looking thinking it was going to be routine save for the Concord stopper. It seemed as if he was caught in two minds and the ball snuck into the net beneath his dive to make it a deserved 2-1 to Enfield right on half time.
The Second Half started with Concord looking the brighter team with Ashley Robinson replacing Michael Begg who had had a quite game after being so influential in the Trophy game at Thames Road. They never really created any clear cut chances with Enfield's back four holding firm.
Town came back at Concord with Rudi had another free kick from outside the box which Brightly calmly saved at the second attempt after dropping the ball at first and a header was tipped over the bar by Brightly from a Hall corner.
On 65 minutes Hope came off with Stuart Blackburne coming on with Lee Williams coming off for Concord to be replaced by ex Redbridge and Newport County player Dave Collins who is known as a free-kick specialist.
Ben Hammond who had been brilliant going forward putting the ball into danger areas in the box all night showed he was just as good at getting back defending when a ball fell inside the box with Concord looking to equalise Hammond put the challenge in which put the forward off with the ball going out for a corner. Hammond was replaced by Sam Byfield shortly after with Bardle swopping left midfield for right and Byfield playing on the aforementioned right hand side.
The game looked to be going Town's way but it was still very nerve-wracking towards the end of the game with only one goal in it and Concord's attackers Ross Wall and Lyle Taylor always likely to score from a half-chance.
Taylor who had been very quiet all night then had a glorious chance to make the game all square when the ball bounced to him on the edge of the six yard box. His shot went wide thankfully.
The last action of the game was Sam Byfield's shot which went wide of the goal and it was then the referee blew the whistle to cap an excellent victory for Steve and Del's Enfield Team.
Town are now unbeaten in four league matches and are playing the best football we have seen all season. To beat top sides Concord Rangers and Thamesmead Town and to run Lowestoft Town so close shows Steve and Del have put together a great side who work their socks off for each other and if they continue to play like they have done have every chance to be up in the play-off section come the end of the season.
The team and management were quite rightly cheered and clapped off the pitch as they walked down the tunnel. Town were the better side in all departments tonight and deserved the victory against a very good Concord side who will be up the top half of the league at the end of the season.
Well done to all concerned and here's to another three points on Saturday against VCD Athletic.
UP THE TOWN!!!
ETFC
Blackburne, Blower, Bastian, Hammond (Byfield), Kirby, McKay, Marks, Hall, Hope (Blackburne S), Wallace, Bardle.
Unusued subs - Smith, Morton, Holmes.
CONCORD RANGERS
Brightly, Watson, Beale, Williams (Collins), Easterford, Skelton, Begg (Robinson), Kinch (Sinfield), Taylor, Wall, Hopkins.
Unused subs - Buckfield, Butterworth.
SCORELINE MAKES DEBUT ON THE COLD END
HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS V ENFIELD TOWN - MATCH REPORT
Town started the game where they left off at Thamesmead, looking bright and playing the ball around with a good tempo. They gained an early stranglehold on the game and could have taken the lead on five minutes. Adam Wallace's cross found it's way through to Michael Bardle who's ferocious effort looked destined for the top corner before Swifts keeper Ollie Sanders pulled off a magnificent save, palming the ball away for a corner.
It wasn't all one way traffic though and Swifts were creating space in the Town half but were let down with some very wayward shooting.
Town deservedly took the lead after 18 minutes. Liam Hope proving again what a great finisher he is, getting to a Ben Hammond cross first and steering the ball into the net.
With confidence high Town kept pressing but couldn't create any more clear cut chances in what was a very promising first half.
Heybridge came out in the second half with far more purpose and could have equalised shortly after the restart. Rob Blackburne alert to the danger as the Swifts forward went through one on one and the Town keeper smothered the effort.
With most of the pressure coming from the home side, the Town back four of Blower, McKay, Kirby and Bastian again looked solid and it was in fact up the other end where the next good chance was carved out. Adam Wallace sliding the ball across the six yard box and with the goal at his mercy Paul Marks was denied a chance to continue his goalscoring streak by an outstanding saving tackle.
Despite this scare Heybridge continued to threaten and with substitute Fiston Manuella pulling the strings an equaliser came with 20 minutes left. A ball to the back post left Blackburne stranded and as the shot was fired in, Swifts' Russell Malton was on hand to score from close range.
Town freshened things up with Stuart Blackburne and Sam Byfield replacing Ben Hammond and Liam Hopes but couldn't force a late winner and a very entertaining game finished 1-1.
Special mention to larger than life keeper Ollie Sanders who was playing his last game for Swifts before a move to Aveley. A more jovial stopper you'd struggle to meet and his first half save was as good as any seen this season.
Town: R. Blackburne, Blower, McKay, M. Kirby, Bastian, Hammond, Hall, Marks, Bardle, Wallace, Hope
Subs: S. Blackburne (for Hammond), Byfield (for Hopes), Holmes, Smith, Morton.
Reporter: Scoreline
Thanks to Scoreline for providing a report for Saturday's match. TOP MAN!!!!!
Town started the game where they left off at Thamesmead, looking bright and playing the ball around with a good tempo. They gained an early stranglehold on the game and could have taken the lead on five minutes. Adam Wallace's cross found it's way through to Michael Bardle who's ferocious effort looked destined for the top corner before Swifts keeper Ollie Sanders pulled off a magnificent save, palming the ball away for a corner.
It wasn't all one way traffic though and Swifts were creating space in the Town half but were let down with some very wayward shooting.
Town deservedly took the lead after 18 minutes. Liam Hope proving again what a great finisher he is, getting to a Ben Hammond cross first and steering the ball into the net.
With confidence high Town kept pressing but couldn't create any more clear cut chances in what was a very promising first half.
Heybridge came out in the second half with far more purpose and could have equalised shortly after the restart. Rob Blackburne alert to the danger as the Swifts forward went through one on one and the Town keeper smothered the effort.
With most of the pressure coming from the home side, the Town back four of Blower, McKay, Kirby and Bastian again looked solid and it was in fact up the other end where the next good chance was carved out. Adam Wallace sliding the ball across the six yard box and with the goal at his mercy Paul Marks was denied a chance to continue his goalscoring streak by an outstanding saving tackle.
Despite this scare Heybridge continued to threaten and with substitute Fiston Manuella pulling the strings an equaliser came with 20 minutes left. A ball to the back post left Blackburne stranded and as the shot was fired in, Swifts' Russell Malton was on hand to score from close range.
Town freshened things up with Stuart Blackburne and Sam Byfield replacing Ben Hammond and Liam Hopes but couldn't force a late winner and a very entertaining game finished 1-1.
Special mention to larger than life keeper Ollie Sanders who was playing his last game for Swifts before a move to Aveley. A more jovial stopper you'd struggle to meet and his first half save was as good as any seen this season.
Town: R. Blackburne, Blower, McKay, M. Kirby, Bastian, Hammond, Hall, Marks, Bardle, Wallace, Hope
Subs: S. Blackburne (for Hammond), Byfield (for Hopes), Holmes, Smith, Morton.
Reporter: Scoreline
Thanks to Scoreline for providing a report for Saturday's match. TOP MAN!!!!!
Monday, 23 November 2009
CONCORD TO LAND AT GOLDSDOWN ROAD TOMORROW NIGHT
The tough matches keep coming for Enfield Town as Goldsdown Road hosts another Ryman North match tomorrow night against Concord Rangers who are now three points behind us in the league but with four games in hand.
Since the FA Trophy match at Thames Road on Halloween the Rangers have been beaten away at Redbridge (2-0), won at home versus East Thurrock United in the Championship Manager Cup (3-0) and on Saturday went down 3-2 at Blue Square South Hampton & Richmond Borough in the FA Trophy. The goals came late on in the match at the Beveree for the travelling side but the H&R website describes them as not giving the home side an easy win.
In the Trophy game Rangers were missing the suspended Lyle Taylor (17 goals in 21 league and cup matches this season so far) who will add another dimension to their attacking line up at Goldsdown Road in conjunction with Danny Heale and Ross Wall. Town played the trophy match with a makeshift front two of Fabio Valenti and Roberto Minitti who plugged away and did their best but with Adam Wallace, Liam Hope and Stuart Blackburne all fighting for a place in the team the Rangers back four should be alot busier (hopefully) tomorrow.
Rangers record away from the fortress of Thames Road in the league this season is played 5 won 2 (Northwood and Harlow Town) drawn 1 (VCD Athletic) lost 2 (Lowestoft Town and Redbridge) GF 10 GA 9 . Five of the goals they have conceeded came in the defeat versus Lowestoft Town early in the season and seven of the goals scored were in their thrashing of Harlow Town (discounting this freak result they have only scored 3 goals in four games on the road).
There has been an average of 3.25 goals in Town's games this season with Concord's average at 3.08. Both clubs haven't had a 0-0 draw in the league this season. In fact Town haven't been involved in a goalless stalemate in the League since the 5th April 2008 at home to Brentwood Town (a run stretching 62 games), Concord's last 0-0 came on the 24th January 2009 away at Leyton (30 games including 2 play-off fixtures).
With this in mind and the fact that Taylor, Heale, Wall, Wallace, Hope and Blackburne will be on show the cold end predicts there will be goals!! Lets hope we get more than them adding another 3 points to our already impressive tally.
bwin.com make Town slight favourites at 13/10, the draw at 5/2 and an away victory at 29/20.
UP THE TOWN!!!!!
15th placed Leyton who were 2-1 up at Harlow Town on Saturday until the Hawks equalised in the last minute through an OG face local rivals Ilford (12th place) who so nearly were victorious versus table toppers GWR (who equalised in the last minutes to make it 2-2, they were 2-0 down after 39 minutes at Cricklefield). Leyton's starting XI has changed almost entirely over the past month or so. They have gained a great win at Thames Road versus Concord Rangers and if they win tomorrow night they go above early season pace-setters Ilford. The cold end can see this being a close game and the result maybe a score-draw. Leyton are the only side in the division without a home win so far this season and have only scored 6 times on their own patch (equal with Waltham Forest as lowest in the league)
Over in the Essex Rivera at Burroughs Park there is the battle of top v 2nd place when GWR take on Thamesmead Town. The Mead who only drew versus Ware on Saturday thanks to a 83rd minute goal and who were soundly beaten by Town last mid-week will find it hard to get back to winning ways in Essex. The cold end verdict is for GWR to shade this one just!
FA Trophy heroes Northwood will not want to suffer a cup hangover versus Heybridge Swifts who travel to Northwood Park on a good run of form following the 1-1 draw on Saturday. Dave Anderson's side face the winners of the replay between Weston-Super-Mare and Carshalton Athletic in the next round of the Trophy.
Lowestoft Town face a mammoth trip down the A12 from Suffolk to play Waltham Forest on Wednesday night at Cricklefield. The Stags who didn't play on Saturday face The Trawler Boys who overcame 14th place VCD on Saturday at Crown Meadow. Top scorer Danny Gabriel will be looking to get on the score-sheet versus the Town. The cold end sends respect out to all the fans who make the long 220ish mile journey from the coast. Proper football watched by proper fans!!!
Cheshunt will be looking to build on their 1-0 win at Theobald's Lane on Saturday when they travel South of the rive to play on VCD'S bowling green carpet of a of a pitch.
Eighth placed Tilbury who narrowly lost at Cheshunt (85th minute goal) should win at home to bottom place Harlow Town. The Dockers record at Chadfields is very impressive winning 5 drawing 1 and loosing 1 of the seven games played so far. The one loss being on the opening day of the season versus Potters Bar Town.
Potters Bar themselves face East Thurrock United at the South Mimms Travel stadium. The Scholars in their last three games have beaten GWR away, then lost to Heybridge Swifts at home and won on the road again on Saturday at Romford will find in tough against the free-scoring Rocks. John Coventry's side have scored 32 times in 13 games versus the home side's total of 16 in 14 games.
FULL LIST OF RYMAN NORTH MIDWEEK FIXTURES
Tuesday night
Brentwood Town V Romford
Enfield Town V Concord Rangers
GWR V Thamesmead Town
Leyton V Ilford
Maldon Town V Wingate and Finchley
Northwood V Heybridge Swifts
Potters Bar Town V East Thurrock United
Tilbury V Harlow
VCD Athletic V Cheshunt
Ware V Redbridge
Wesdnesday Night
Waltham Forest V Lowestoft Town
Since the FA Trophy match at Thames Road on Halloween the Rangers have been beaten away at Redbridge (2-0), won at home versus East Thurrock United in the Championship Manager Cup (3-0) and on Saturday went down 3-2 at Blue Square South Hampton & Richmond Borough in the FA Trophy. The goals came late on in the match at the Beveree for the travelling side but the H&R website describes them as not giving the home side an easy win.
In the Trophy game Rangers were missing the suspended Lyle Taylor (17 goals in 21 league and cup matches this season so far) who will add another dimension to their attacking line up at Goldsdown Road in conjunction with Danny Heale and Ross Wall. Town played the trophy match with a makeshift front two of Fabio Valenti and Roberto Minitti who plugged away and did their best but with Adam Wallace, Liam Hope and Stuart Blackburne all fighting for a place in the team the Rangers back four should be alot busier (hopefully) tomorrow.
Rangers record away from the fortress of Thames Road in the league this season is played 5 won 2 (Northwood and Harlow Town) drawn 1 (VCD Athletic) lost 2 (Lowestoft Town and Redbridge) GF 10 GA 9 . Five of the goals they have conceeded came in the defeat versus Lowestoft Town early in the season and seven of the goals scored were in their thrashing of Harlow Town (discounting this freak result they have only scored 3 goals in four games on the road).
There has been an average of 3.25 goals in Town's games this season with Concord's average at 3.08. Both clubs haven't had a 0-0 draw in the league this season. In fact Town haven't been involved in a goalless stalemate in the League since the 5th April 2008 at home to Brentwood Town (a run stretching 62 games), Concord's last 0-0 came on the 24th January 2009 away at Leyton (30 games including 2 play-off fixtures).
With this in mind and the fact that Taylor, Heale, Wall, Wallace, Hope and Blackburne will be on show the cold end predicts there will be goals!! Lets hope we get more than them adding another 3 points to our already impressive tally.
bwin.com make Town slight favourites at 13/10, the draw at 5/2 and an away victory at 29/20.
UP THE TOWN!!!!!
Bragging rights up for grabs in East London Derby and Lowestoft facing a massive monumental midweek adventure into Stag Country!
Elsewhere there is a full programme of midweek fixtures in the league with some interesting games taking place.15th placed Leyton who were 2-1 up at Harlow Town on Saturday until the Hawks equalised in the last minute through an OG face local rivals Ilford (12th place) who so nearly were victorious versus table toppers GWR (who equalised in the last minutes to make it 2-2, they were 2-0 down after 39 minutes at Cricklefield). Leyton's starting XI has changed almost entirely over the past month or so. They have gained a great win at Thames Road versus Concord Rangers and if they win tomorrow night they go above early season pace-setters Ilford. The cold end can see this being a close game and the result maybe a score-draw. Leyton are the only side in the division without a home win so far this season and have only scored 6 times on their own patch (equal with Waltham Forest as lowest in the league)
Over in the Essex Rivera at Burroughs Park there is the battle of top v 2nd place when GWR take on Thamesmead Town. The Mead who only drew versus Ware on Saturday thanks to a 83rd minute goal and who were soundly beaten by Town last mid-week will find it hard to get back to winning ways in Essex. The cold end verdict is for GWR to shade this one just!
FA Trophy heroes Northwood will not want to suffer a cup hangover versus Heybridge Swifts who travel to Northwood Park on a good run of form following the 1-1 draw on Saturday. Dave Anderson's side face the winners of the replay between Weston-Super-Mare and Carshalton Athletic in the next round of the Trophy.
Lowestoft Town face a mammoth trip down the A12 from Suffolk to play Waltham Forest on Wednesday night at Cricklefield. The Stags who didn't play on Saturday face The Trawler Boys who overcame 14th place VCD on Saturday at Crown Meadow. Top scorer Danny Gabriel will be looking to get on the score-sheet versus the Town. The cold end sends respect out to all the fans who make the long 220ish mile journey from the coast. Proper football watched by proper fans!!!
Cheshunt will be looking to build on their 1-0 win at Theobald's Lane on Saturday when they travel South of the rive to play on VCD'S bowling green carpet of a of a pitch.
Eighth placed Tilbury who narrowly lost at Cheshunt (85th minute goal) should win at home to bottom place Harlow Town. The Dockers record at Chadfields is very impressive winning 5 drawing 1 and loosing 1 of the seven games played so far. The one loss being on the opening day of the season versus Potters Bar Town.
Potters Bar themselves face East Thurrock United at the South Mimms Travel stadium. The Scholars in their last three games have beaten GWR away, then lost to Heybridge Swifts at home and won on the road again on Saturday at Romford will find in tough against the free-scoring Rocks. John Coventry's side have scored 32 times in 13 games versus the home side's total of 16 in 14 games.
FULL LIST OF RYMAN NORTH MIDWEEK FIXTURES
Tuesday night
Brentwood Town V Romford
Enfield Town V Concord Rangers
GWR V Thamesmead Town
Leyton V Ilford
Maldon Town V Wingate and Finchley
Northwood V Heybridge Swifts
Potters Bar Town V East Thurrock United
Tilbury V Harlow
VCD Athletic V Cheshunt
Ware V Redbridge
Wesdnesday Night
Waltham Forest V Lowestoft Town
Friday, 20 November 2009
ANOTHER THREE POINTS AT SCRALEY ROAD???
HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS V ENFIELD TOWN MATCH PREVIEW
Enfield Town travel to Scraley Road tomorrow to face one of last season's relegated Premier teams in Heybridge Swifts. Wayne Bond's team have played seven home games so far winning 4 and loosing 3 scoring 11 and letting in 8 goals. Their home wins have come against Harlow Town, Thamesmead Town, Cheshunt and on Tuesday night versus Waltham Forest. Their losses were against Leyton (0-1 on 22.8.09), East Thurrock United (0-2) and Great Wakering Rovers (narrowly 2-3). Since they were thrashed 4-1 at Romford they have won at Potters Bar Town (2-0) and won the aforementioned game against Waltham Forest.
The Swifts find themselves in 14th place on 18 points, only 7 behind town in 5th place which shows what a tight league the Ryman North is this season. As stated their net has been breached only 8 times in the 7 home games (6 of those in the three defeats) which shows that Scraley Road is a hard place to score goals to ensure victory. If Swifts had a better record away from home they would be up amongst the play-off places with Town.
An interesting game is in prospect as Heybridge will want to build on their two recent victories and forget about their poor early season form and head in the right direction up the table whereas Town will want to gain another away win after Tuesday's brilliant victory at Thamesmead. The cold end thinks Heybridge are a much better team than there league position and it'll be a tough game for Town but with the firepower of (pick two of three) Wallace, Blackburne and Hope up front another 3 points will be won to add to Town's point's total.
http://www.bwin.com/ make Town slight favourites at 27/20 with the home side 7/5 and the draw being 5/2.
OTHER RYMAN NORTH GAMES
Table toppers Great Wakering Rovers who lost at Lowestoft Town on Tuesday night face a trip to 12th placed Ilford who following their great start to the season have dropped down the league. They have won one game in the last six versus rock bottom Harlow Town. This should be a comfortable win for the Rovers.
2nd placed Thamesmead Town face 2nd bottom Ware at Bayliss Avenue. Ware, despite only winning one in the last six games on Tuesday night against Romford (away) have only lost by one goal to VCD, Tilbury and Wingate&Finchley and drawn games versus Waltham Forest and Heybridge Swifts whereas Thamesmead may still be dazzled from the 0-3 reverse versus Town. In The Mead's previous game to Tuesday's they let three goals in versus Maldon (3-3) so their back four is not on good form. The cold end can see a win for Ware or a draw in this game. Ware are 7/1 with bwin.com with the home-side well odds on at 1/5 with the draw being 5/1.
Lowestoft Town shouldn't have any problems in beating VCD Athletic at Crown Meadow. VCD bring to Suffolk an away record of just one win (@ Potters Bar Town) and a draw at Brentwood Town in seven games scoring just six goals. Anything but a large home victory will be a major shock.
W&F face Brentwood Town at the Harry Abrahams Stadium in what should be a routine victory for David Norman's side. However, following their problems with both chairman and manager leaving on the eve of the season the Essex side have re-grouped and have won four games on the spin. It'll be close but W&F should win.
The cold end wishes all the best to Concord Rangers and Northwood, the Division's sole representatives left in the FA Trophy in their trip to BSS Hampton and Richmond Borough and Northwood's home game versus BSS Baingstoke Town. The Rangers who somewhat surprisingly lost to Redbridge in the league after beating Town in the last round of the Trophy got back to winning ways in the Championship Manager cup recently by beating East Thurrock United (3-0) will fancy their chances of a result at The Beveree Stadium. Alan Devonshire's side were beaten by Bury Town in the competition last year and are not having a great season by their standards, they appear to be suffering from a play-off loosing hangover of sorts finding themselves in 17th place (out of 22) just five points off relegation but only 8 points off the play-off zone. http://www.skybet.com/ make H&R 1/2 favourites with Concord at 5/1 and the draw being 5/2. With the firepower of Taylor and Heale up front Rangers may be worth a speculative punt. Don't forget if the game is a draw it will mean the game at Goldsdown Road on Tuesday will be off as Concord will be involved in the replay.
FULL LIST OF FIXTURES
CHESHUNT V TILBURY
HARLOW TOWN V LEYTON
HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS V ENFIELD TOWN
ILFORD V GREAT WAKERING ROVERS
LOWESTOFT TOWN V VCD ATHLETIC
REDBRIDGE V MALDON TOWN
ROMFORD V POTTERS BAR TOWN
THAMESMEAD TOWN V WARE
WINGATE&FINCHLEY V BRENTWOOD TOWN
Enfield Town travel to Scraley Road tomorrow to face one of last season's relegated Premier teams in Heybridge Swifts. Wayne Bond's team have played seven home games so far winning 4 and loosing 3 scoring 11 and letting in 8 goals. Their home wins have come against Harlow Town, Thamesmead Town, Cheshunt and on Tuesday night versus Waltham Forest. Their losses were against Leyton (0-1 on 22.8.09), East Thurrock United (0-2) and Great Wakering Rovers (narrowly 2-3). Since they were thrashed 4-1 at Romford they have won at Potters Bar Town (2-0) and won the aforementioned game against Waltham Forest.
The Swifts find themselves in 14th place on 18 points, only 7 behind town in 5th place which shows what a tight league the Ryman North is this season. As stated their net has been breached only 8 times in the 7 home games (6 of those in the three defeats) which shows that Scraley Road is a hard place to score goals to ensure victory. If Swifts had a better record away from home they would be up amongst the play-off places with Town.
An interesting game is in prospect as Heybridge will want to build on their two recent victories and forget about their poor early season form and head in the right direction up the table whereas Town will want to gain another away win after Tuesday's brilliant victory at Thamesmead. The cold end thinks Heybridge are a much better team than there league position and it'll be a tough game for Town but with the firepower of (pick two of three) Wallace, Blackburne and Hope up front another 3 points will be won to add to Town's point's total.
http://www.bwin.com/ make Town slight favourites at 27/20 with the home side 7/5 and the draw being 5/2.
OTHER RYMAN NORTH GAMES
Table toppers Great Wakering Rovers who lost at Lowestoft Town on Tuesday night face a trip to 12th placed Ilford who following their great start to the season have dropped down the league. They have won one game in the last six versus rock bottom Harlow Town. This should be a comfortable win for the Rovers.
2nd placed Thamesmead Town face 2nd bottom Ware at Bayliss Avenue. Ware, despite only winning one in the last six games on Tuesday night against Romford (away) have only lost by one goal to VCD, Tilbury and Wingate&Finchley and drawn games versus Waltham Forest and Heybridge Swifts whereas Thamesmead may still be dazzled from the 0-3 reverse versus Town. In The Mead's previous game to Tuesday's they let three goals in versus Maldon (3-3) so their back four is not on good form. The cold end can see a win for Ware or a draw in this game. Ware are 7/1 with bwin.com with the home-side well odds on at 1/5 with the draw being 5/1.
Lowestoft Town shouldn't have any problems in beating VCD Athletic at Crown Meadow. VCD bring to Suffolk an away record of just one win (@ Potters Bar Town) and a draw at Brentwood Town in seven games scoring just six goals. Anything but a large home victory will be a major shock.
W&F face Brentwood Town at the Harry Abrahams Stadium in what should be a routine victory for David Norman's side. However, following their problems with both chairman and manager leaving on the eve of the season the Essex side have re-grouped and have won four games on the spin. It'll be close but W&F should win.
The cold end wishes all the best to Concord Rangers and Northwood, the Division's sole representatives left in the FA Trophy in their trip to BSS Hampton and Richmond Borough and Northwood's home game versus BSS Baingstoke Town. The Rangers who somewhat surprisingly lost to Redbridge in the league after beating Town in the last round of the Trophy got back to winning ways in the Championship Manager cup recently by beating East Thurrock United (3-0) will fancy their chances of a result at The Beveree Stadium. Alan Devonshire's side were beaten by Bury Town in the competition last year and are not having a great season by their standards, they appear to be suffering from a play-off loosing hangover of sorts finding themselves in 17th place (out of 22) just five points off relegation but only 8 points off the play-off zone. http://www.skybet.com/ make H&R 1/2 favourites with Concord at 5/1 and the draw being 5/2. With the firepower of Taylor and Heale up front Rangers may be worth a speculative punt. Don't forget if the game is a draw it will mean the game at Goldsdown Road on Tuesday will be off as Concord will be involved in the replay.
FULL LIST OF FIXTURES
CHESHUNT V TILBURY
HARLOW TOWN V LEYTON
HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS V ENFIELD TOWN
ILFORD V GREAT WAKERING ROVERS
LOWESTOFT TOWN V VCD ATHLETIC
REDBRIDGE V MALDON TOWN
ROMFORD V POTTERS BAR TOWN
THAMESMEAD TOWN V WARE
WINGATE&FINCHLEY V BRENTWOOD TOWN
Sunday, 15 November 2009
BRILLIANT ENFIELD PERFORMANCE IN 2-2 THRILLER
Lowestoft Town made the long trip down from the Suffolk Coast to Golsdown Road yesterday and should of been beaten by Enfield Town who put in their best performance of the season so far. The game was played in blustery conditions with the wind mainly blowing across from the bar side of the ground but on occasions big gusts blew in all directions. Coupled with the intermittent heavy rain in the first half it was not the best playing conditions for football but the match turned out to be gripping at points especially during the second period.The Trawler Boys had a very strong team including midfielder Gary Holt. The ex Kilmarnock, Norwich City, Nottingham Forest, Wycombe Wandereres and Colchester United player has also been capped ten times by the Scotland. Ex Peterborough United and Norwich City player Adam Smith also impressed at left-back and Matt Nolan up front looked a very useful player, More about him later. Jamie Godbold who is a Lowestoft legend having played 400+ times for his home town club looked a sound player in the midfield for the away side too.
After about ten minutes Town's new signing Michael Bardle playing on the left wing had a shot which rose over the bar from the edge of box not troubling keeper Andy Reynold but after this Lowestoft controlled large parts of the first half with both teams struggling in the conditions.
Scott Mitchell made it 1-0 when he hit a shot from the left hand side edge of the box which flew past the diving Rob Blackburne and nestled into the right hand corner to large celebrations from the travelling support which numbered about 70 hardy souls. Mitchell then got the better of Dave Blower at right back and would of wanted to do better with his resulting shot which went wide of the mark.
Rudi Hall playing in the centre of the park was having a great game for Enfield, his work-rate was second to none putting in a number of impressive blocks and tackles, his battle with his opposing number Dale Cockerill was interesting to watch.Lowestoft threatened to make it two goals to nil when Nolan's shot rose just high and wide of Blackburne's left hand post and bar.
The Town centre back pairing of Matt Kirby and Ross Edwards was then split up as Edwards was replaced by Craig McKay as it looked like he had taken a knock.
Town then equalised much against the run of play when some great play by Bardle on the left hand side of the box got him in front of right back Neil Plaskett for him to swing a brilliant cross into the box. Reynolds seemed to be in two minds as the ball came over towards him, He went to catch it but then decided to punch it out towards the edge of the box. The ball fell to Paul Marks on the edge of the box who with upmost composure volleyed the ball back past Reynolds into the back of the net. A fantastic finish!!!
HALF TIME - 1-1The Second half was excellent and the Town players were first-class putting in first-rate performances all over the field of play.
Lowestoft had a good chance when a free kick was tipped excellently onto the post by Blackburne, in the resulting scramble the ball was cleared off the line by Dave Bastian who jumped and celebrated like he had scored himself.
The game changed when Liam Hope who had been very quiet came off to be replaced by a returning Stuart Blackburne. Stuart looked at home instantly linking up with Gunz in their familiar partnership up front.
It was then the ball was lofted forward by Blackburne in goal down the centre of the pitch to Wallace who knocked the ball on for the speedy Blackburne to score past the diving Reynolds in the right hand corner of the goal. An exceptional finish to make it 2-1.
Paul Marks was then rather harshly sent off for a normal looking 50/50 shoulder to shoulder challenge against Matt Nolan. Referee Richard Jaye who had been brilliant up to this point as no supporter had noticed him showed the red card immediately. Maybe the referee had seen something we hadn't. Nolan went down onto the floor injured but almost immediately he was up and playing following the incident.
The ten men played heroically and looked to kill the game off being much the better team with Stuart causing the Lowestoft back four all sorts of problems with his pace. He ran onto a ball in the left hand corner and beat Neil Plaskett. Stuart then ran across the goal with Reynolds looking beaten but seemed to take one more touch than he should of and wasn't able to get a shot on target.
Stuart then rounded keeper Reynolds and shot towards goal. I have to admit along with most Town fans present I was jumping celebrating as the ball went towards the net, Neil Plaskett unfortunately slid in and cleared the ball off the line at the final moment. Any later and the ball would of been in the net.
It was cruel blow to the Enfield team who had played brilliantly in the 2nd half taking the game to Lowestoft with ten men when Scott Mitchell scored an equaliser right at the death. This showed what a good team they really are or should it be lucky....Probably a bit of both???
Now I've had a chance to calm down from the disappointment of the last minute equaliser I can say on reflection it was a great game which Lowestoft controlled in the first half and Enfield in the second so a 2-2 draw was probably a fair result in the end.
Matt Kirby played a stormer in the centre of defence for Town, Rudi Hall also had a great game in midfield and when Stuart came on it changed the game in the favour of Town. Ben Hammond on the right of midfield pushing up and Michael Bardle on the left doing the same seemed to give the side more shape and width. The midfield four of Hall/Morton/Marks (two of three) with the two new signings out wide look good and with Blackburne/Wallace or Hope (who with his record at previous clubs will score goals) look a positive attacking force for the games to come.
The cold end thinks the league title is going to be won by either East Thurrock United or Lowestoft Town so drawing 2-2 against the trawler boys is a great result after we were soundly beaten by East Thurrock a few weeks back. What is pleasing is we scored twice against a team who had previously only conceded four goals in the league.
A point of note for the travelling fans who chanted 'your just a bus stop in Tottenham' is Enfield is nowhere near Spurs.. It would be same as visiting supporters singing 'your just a train station near Yarmouth' at Crown Meadow. Full marks to the Trawler Boy fans though and it was nice to see some visiting fans making some noise for once. Well done for making the long journey down from Suffolk! Your a credit to your club. See you all in February for a day at the seaside.
ETFC
Blackburne R, Blower, Bastian, Hammond, Kirby, Edwards (McKay), Marks, Hall (CAPTAIN), Hope (Blackburne S), Wallace, Bardle.
Subs unused - Byfield and Holmes.
LOWESTOFT TOWN
Reynolds, Plaskett, Smith, Holt, Crane, Halliday, Godbold, Dale Cockerill (Bussens), Nolan, McGee (Darren Cockerill) Mitchell.
Subs unused - Fisk, Potter, Hunn.
Friday, 13 November 2009
ONE STEP CLOSER TO WEMBLEY GLORY
FA VASE RETURNS THIS WEEKEND
The Second round proper of the FA Vase IS played this weekend with a handful of SSMFL and ESL teams left in the competition.
Hadley who are riding high in 2nd place of the SSMFL Division One who have beaten fellow SSMFL sides Harpenden Town and Leverstock Green to get to this stage visit Eastern Counties League Premier side Stanway Rovers. Rovers are in fourth place in the league scoring 44 goals in 17 league matches whereas Hadley one step below them in the football Pyramid have scored 29 times in 15 league games. Hadley are debutants in the competition this season so will find it hard travelling to seasoned Vase campaingers Stanway. Rovers were knocked out in the fourth round last season in a replay defeat versus UCL St Ives Town, In the 07/08 season they went to the 5th round where they lost at home to Coventry Sphinx (1-3). Stanway's top scorer this season is Sam Newson who has scored an incredible 24 times in 18 league and cup games, Last season he hit the back of the net 44 times in 45 games and the season prior 26 times in 40 appearances. His twin brother Ben also plays for the team. The 21 year old has played as a youth at Ipswich Town and with his impressive goal ratio must be destined to play at a higher level. VERDICT - Hats off to Hadley for getting to the Second Round in their first season but only a home win can be seen at this game.
SSMFL Divison One side Bedford have already "giant killed" Hanwell Town and Burnham Ramblers on route to their trip to Needham Market. Needham are 2nd in the ECL Premier and have only lost twice this season to table toppers Leiston and in the FA Cup to Sutton Coldfield Town who ran Lowestoft Town close in the next round. They have won 10 of their last 11 league and cup games. VERDICT - Another home win for the Eastern Counties League.. Anything else will be a shock
Royston Town in good form in their returning season to the SSMFL Premier travel to UCL Premier Wellingborough Town who are lurking near the foot of the table. VERDICT - Royston to be triumphant in Northamptonshire.
Chalfont St Peter who maybe had gone closer to the SSMFL title last year had it not been for their fixture congestion due to their Vase run to the Semi-Final where they were so unluckily and cruely beaten on penalties by Glossop North End begin their vase campaign with a home tie versus Peacehaven and Telscombe. The Saints welcome The Tyes to Mill Meadow not in the best of form. Since they thrashed Kentish Town 7-1 on the 17th October their form in league and cup reads - LLLLLL. VERDICT - P&T are 5th in the Sussex County Premier and with the home sides poor form could pull off a "shock" win.
Brimsdown Rovers hose Divsion One London Colney and will be looking to get one step closer to Wembley on Sunday. Rovers have been steadily moving up the league since a disapointing start with the squad they have assembled. Current form is - WWDWWWLWWD. They gained a creditable draw at Aylesbury on Tuesday night. Colney have beaten two teams from one step higher than them on their way to the 2nd round in Kentish Town and Bethnal Green United. Their current from reads- WWWLWWWWLDWL and they run Ryman Premier Aveley close in the FA Cup before going out in a replay so they obviously like Cup matches against higher league teams. VERDICT - Brimsdown to win in a close game with Ricci Crace on the scoresheet.
The last SSMFL Division One side left is Hoddesdon Town who also play on Sunday travelling to Combined Counties Premier Division side Wembley. Hoddesdon winners of the first FA Vase have "giant" killed Clapton, Oxhey Jets and Witham Town so far to get to this stage and come into this game in good form winning their last four matches scoring 14 and letting in 6 goals. The Lions are bottom on the CCL Premier and won their first game since the beginning of October on Tuesday night beating Enfield 1893 in the Middlesex Senior Cup. They seem to have put their dissapointing league form when playing in the Vase beating Wooton BC, St Margaretsbury and Langford so far. VERDICT - Close but Hoddesdon Town will continue on the road to Wembley in the shadow of the national stadium.
Fixtures involving SSMFL and ESL sides
SATURDAY
Stanway Rovers V Hadley
Long Buckby V Stansted
Kirkley and Pakefield V Biggleswade United
Needham Market V Beford
Wellingborough Town V Royston Town
Chalfont St Peter V Peacehaven and Telscombe
SUNDAY
Brimsdown Rovers V London Colney
CRC V Enfield 1893
Tiptree United V Cogenhoe United
Wembley V Hoddesdon
The Second round proper of the FA Vase IS played this weekend with a handful of SSMFL and ESL teams left in the competition.
Hadley who are riding high in 2nd place of the SSMFL Division One who have beaten fellow SSMFL sides Harpenden Town and Leverstock Green to get to this stage visit Eastern Counties League Premier side Stanway Rovers. Rovers are in fourth place in the league scoring 44 goals in 17 league matches whereas Hadley one step below them in the football Pyramid have scored 29 times in 15 league games. Hadley are debutants in the competition this season so will find it hard travelling to seasoned Vase campaingers Stanway. Rovers were knocked out in the fourth round last season in a replay defeat versus UCL St Ives Town, In the 07/08 season they went to the 5th round where they lost at home to Coventry Sphinx (1-3). Stanway's top scorer this season is Sam Newson who has scored an incredible 24 times in 18 league and cup games, Last season he hit the back of the net 44 times in 45 games and the season prior 26 times in 40 appearances. His twin brother Ben also plays for the team. The 21 year old has played as a youth at Ipswich Town and with his impressive goal ratio must be destined to play at a higher level. VERDICT - Hats off to Hadley for getting to the Second Round in their first season but only a home win can be seen at this game.
There are only three Essex Senior League sides left in the Vase this year. On Saturday, Stansted travel to Long Buckby and on Sunday Tiptree United entertain Cogenhoe United and Enfield 1893 FC travel to play Cambridge Regional College (aka CRC) of the Eastern Counties Premier.
It's a tough game in prospect for the Goffs Lane club as CRC are 3rd in the table and go 2nd if they win their game in hand. They have also only lost 2 games in their league and cup competitions all season being unbeaten since 15th August. They have beaten Huntingdon Town, Brantham Athletic and March Town United (thrashed 7-1) to get to this stage. Since the defeat to Kings Lynn Reserves on the 15th August they have won 19 and drawn 2 of their 21 games. VERDICT - Anything but a home win will be a shock.
The airportmen travel to UCL side Long Buckby who are 4th in the Premier Divsion at present. Stansted have beaten Wivenhoe Town and Tring Athletic to get to this stage of the competition. VERDICT - Long Buckby have played 7 home league game winning six and loosing one scoring 24 goals and letting in 11. Stansted have won two out of six on their travels in the league. Should be a home win.
Its ESL V UCL once more on Sunday in a food related derby when The Jam Makers of Tiptree entertain The Cooks of Cogenhoe. United in their first season in the ESL are having a mediocre one in mid-table, whereas the travelling Northamptonshire outfit have won 5 of their 10 away league games and are sitting near to the top of the UCL Premier. Tiptree have beaten Barkingside and Halstead to get to this stage and Cogenhoe have been exempt up until round 2. Last season they got to the 4th round loosing to Bitton and Tiptree went out at this stage loosing 2-0 to semi-finalists Lowestoft Town. VERDICT - Too close to call, Maybe a draw, replay and penalties at Compton Park in midweek.
Biggleswade United travel to ECL Kirkley and Pakefield on the Suffolk coast having won their last two matches versus Aylesbury and Harefield United. Biggleswade are near the foot of the SSMFL but these two victories show they are better than their league position. The Royals are having a good season and sit 5th in the ECL premier. They haven't beaten fellow ECL teams Walsham-Le-Willows and Newmarket Town to get to this stage. Walmer Road is somewhat of a fortress for K&P, Out of the 12 home league and cup games they have played they have won 10 drawn 1 and lost 1 scoring 35 goals and letting in only 3. What makes this statistic even more impressive is the 3 times the home net has been breached all occured in one 0-3 defeat to Dereham Town. VERDICT - Biggleswade to fight all the way but can only see a home win (just)SSMFL Divison One side Bedford have already "giant killed" Hanwell Town and Burnham Ramblers on route to their trip to Needham Market. Needham are 2nd in the ECL Premier and have only lost twice this season to table toppers Leiston and in the FA Cup to Sutton Coldfield Town who ran Lowestoft Town close in the next round. They have won 10 of their last 11 league and cup games. VERDICT - Another home win for the Eastern Counties League.. Anything else will be a shock
Royston Town in good form in their returning season to the SSMFL Premier travel to UCL Premier Wellingborough Town who are lurking near the foot of the table. VERDICT - Royston to be triumphant in Northamptonshire.
Chalfont St Peter who maybe had gone closer to the SSMFL title last year had it not been for their fixture congestion due to their Vase run to the Semi-Final where they were so unluckily and cruely beaten on penalties by Glossop North End begin their vase campaign with a home tie versus Peacehaven and Telscombe. The Saints welcome The Tyes to Mill Meadow not in the best of form. Since they thrashed Kentish Town 7-1 on the 17th October their form in league and cup reads - LLLLLL. VERDICT - P&T are 5th in the Sussex County Premier and with the home sides poor form could pull off a "shock" win.
Brimsdown Rovers hose Divsion One London Colney and will be looking to get one step closer to Wembley on Sunday. Rovers have been steadily moving up the league since a disapointing start with the squad they have assembled. Current form is - WWDWWWLWWD. They gained a creditable draw at Aylesbury on Tuesday night. Colney have beaten two teams from one step higher than them on their way to the 2nd round in Kentish Town and Bethnal Green United. Their current from reads- WWWLWWWWLDWL and they run Ryman Premier Aveley close in the FA Cup before going out in a replay so they obviously like Cup matches against higher league teams. VERDICT - Brimsdown to win in a close game with Ricci Crace on the scoresheet.
The last SSMFL Division One side left is Hoddesdon Town who also play on Sunday travelling to Combined Counties Premier Division side Wembley. Hoddesdon winners of the first FA Vase have "giant" killed Clapton, Oxhey Jets and Witham Town so far to get to this stage and come into this game in good form winning their last four matches scoring 14 and letting in 6 goals. The Lions are bottom on the CCL Premier and won their first game since the beginning of October on Tuesday night beating Enfield 1893 in the Middlesex Senior Cup. They seem to have put their dissapointing league form when playing in the Vase beating Wooton BC, St Margaretsbury and Langford so far. VERDICT - Close but Hoddesdon Town will continue on the road to Wembley in the shadow of the national stadium.
Fixtures involving SSMFL and ESL sides
SATURDAY
Stanway Rovers V Hadley
Long Buckby V Stansted
Kirkley and Pakefield V Biggleswade United
Needham Market V Beford
Wellingborough Town V Royston Town
Chalfont St Peter V Peacehaven and Telscombe
SUNDAY
Brimsdown Rovers V London Colney
CRC V Enfield 1893
Tiptree United V Cogenhoe United
Wembley V Hoddesdon
Thursday, 12 November 2009
THE RYMAN DIVISION ONE (NORTH) SEASON SO FAR
With most teams playing 13 or 14 games so far the league is taking shape and looking a very exciting one at that, Just eight points separate Waltham Forest in 11th position with table toppers East Thurrock United and the surprise package teams for this season Thamesmead Town (18th last season) and Great Wakering Rovers (13th last season). In fact if The Mead win on their Saturday trip to Maldon Town they will equal the ten games they won last season in just 14 games.
FA Cup Heroes Lowestoft Town who make the trip to Goldsdown Road have only played nine league games due to their magnificent cup run but look one of the team's to beat having only conceded 4 goals in those nine games. If they win all there games in hand on the 13 games East Thurrock United and Thamesmead Town have played they will be on 34 points and 40 points on Thamesmead's 15 games. The Trawler Boys opened the season with a 2-0 win at Thamesmead and then demolished Concord Rangers at home 5-0. Their only blips being the freak 1-0 home defeat to Ilford and a 1-1 draw at Leyton on August Bank Holiday Monday.
Below the Table toppers we have the chasing pack of Wingate & Finchley, Concord Rangers, the aforementioned Lowestoft Town (although you could take them out bearing in mind the games in hand), Northwood and the mighty Enfield Town. What is disappointing is in the games versus the teams above us we have a record of played 4 won 0 drawn 1 lost 3 scoring six goals and letting in 13. In order to obtain our goal of making the play-offs the team will need to improve this record and what better place to start than against Lowestoft Town on Saturday. After their heartbreak of loosing to a late goal versus Wrexham in the cup they beat Ilford 3-1 at home in the League Cup in midweek which shows they are not suffering the dreaded cup hangover. It will certainly be a very hard game when the Trawler Boys come to face Town for the first time in our club's history.
Wingate and Finchley who impressed when winning last week have been on good form loosing only to Tilbury, Lowestoft Town, East Thurrock United and Great Wakering Rovers. They have won 4 and lost 2 of their last six games.
Concord Rangers whose 2-0 defeat at Redbridge last week showed what a topsy-turvy league it is this year are always going to be in the running with the firepower of Lyle Taylor, Danny Heale and Ross Wall. Most people will be expecting the Essex side to put the memory of that defeat behind them when they travel to Brentwood on Saturday. However, The International arena side who were pre-season favourites prior to their manager and chairman leaving have picked up their form of late winning four in a row versus Potters Bar Town, Harlow Town, Redbridge and Maldon Town. The game at the weekend will be a marker for how far Brentwood have come since their pre-season turmoil.
Northwood with a manager of the quality of Dave Anderson were always going to be there or thereabouts in the play-offs. They face Cheshunt on Saturday in what should be a routine victory for The Woods. Bob Dearie's side have been thrashed by Thamesmead Town and East Thurrock United in their last two games.
In the relegation section at the moment are Ware and Harlow Town (who we are all aware are suffering from major financial difficulties). Ware have only won one game versus Great Wakering Rovers on the 5th September but since loosing to Enfield Town on 13th October have drawn versus Heybridge Swifts and impressively at Waltham Forest (away) and then lost versus Wingate and Finchley, Tilbury and VCD Athletic by the odd goal which shows they maybe not as bad as their league position shows them to be. They face East Thurrock United at Woodson Park on Saturday in what surely should be an easy away win or should it????
Harlow Town who won their opening game of the season against GWR and then only one other in the battle of the basement dwellers at Ware look doomed. Their last six results reading LLDLLL. The Hawks boss Anthony Anstead has put together a young squad since Glen Alzapeidi left Barrows Farm. The club have been deducted 10 points for entering into a Company Voluntary Agreement (CVA) in a bid to tackle their debts rumoured to be around the £270,000 mark. With two wins in fourteen games and the club on NIL points following the deduction it's going to take an almighty effort for the Hawks to maintain their Ryman League status. They have recently won 4-0 versus Halstead Town in the Essex Senior Cup to set up a home tie with league side Dagenham & Redbridge. Unfortunately the cold end can see the impressive Barrows Farm being the best stadium in the Essex Senior League for season 10/11.
Relegated from the Premier last season Heybridge Swifts sit just above the relegation zone on 12 points. Wayne Bond is in charge at Scraley Road and will surely be looking to pull away from the bottom of the league starting with a win at Potters Bar Town on Saturday.
FACTS ABOUT THIS SEASON SO FAR
Cheshunt are the only side not to draw a game.
Redbridge have drawn the most games - six out of their fourteen games.
Cheshunt have conceded the most number of goals (34) but Ware have the worst goal difference (-17)
Lowestoft Town top the crowd table with an average of 637 (Apart from Dartford this tops every club in the Premier). In 2nd place are Enfield Town with an average of 209.
Every club has won at least one game at home. Only two remain winless on their travels being Ware and Heybridge Swifts.
Every club has lost at least one game at home. Lowestoft Town are the only club to remain without a defeat on the road...Lets hope that has changed at 5pm on Saturday.
There is only one club left representing the division in the FA Trophy and that is Town's conquerors Concord Rangers. They face a trip to BSS Hampton and Richmond Borough on 21st November. The cold end wishes Concord the very best of luck in this game.
After 13 games last year Town stood on 15 points winning 4, drawing 3 and loosing 6. GF 29 GA 35 (-6) which means we are 6 points better off this season.
FA Cup Heroes Lowestoft Town who make the trip to Goldsdown Road have only played nine league games due to their magnificent cup run but look one of the team's to beat having only conceded 4 goals in those nine games. If they win all there games in hand on the 13 games East Thurrock United and Thamesmead Town have played they will be on 34 points and 40 points on Thamesmead's 15 games. The Trawler Boys opened the season with a 2-0 win at Thamesmead and then demolished Concord Rangers at home 5-0. Their only blips being the freak 1-0 home defeat to Ilford and a 1-1 draw at Leyton on August Bank Holiday Monday.
Below the Table toppers we have the chasing pack of Wingate & Finchley, Concord Rangers, the aforementioned Lowestoft Town (although you could take them out bearing in mind the games in hand), Northwood and the mighty Enfield Town. What is disappointing is in the games versus the teams above us we have a record of played 4 won 0 drawn 1 lost 3 scoring six goals and letting in 13. In order to obtain our goal of making the play-offs the team will need to improve this record and what better place to start than against Lowestoft Town on Saturday. After their heartbreak of loosing to a late goal versus Wrexham in the cup they beat Ilford 3-1 at home in the League Cup in midweek which shows they are not suffering the dreaded cup hangover. It will certainly be a very hard game when the Trawler Boys come to face Town for the first time in our club's history.
Wingate and Finchley who impressed when winning last week have been on good form loosing only to Tilbury, Lowestoft Town, East Thurrock United and Great Wakering Rovers. They have won 4 and lost 2 of their last six games.
Concord Rangers whose 2-0 defeat at Redbridge last week showed what a topsy-turvy league it is this year are always going to be in the running with the firepower of Lyle Taylor, Danny Heale and Ross Wall. Most people will be expecting the Essex side to put the memory of that defeat behind them when they travel to Brentwood on Saturday. However, The International arena side who were pre-season favourites prior to their manager and chairman leaving have picked up their form of late winning four in a row versus Potters Bar Town, Harlow Town, Redbridge and Maldon Town. The game at the weekend will be a marker for how far Brentwood have come since their pre-season turmoil.
Northwood with a manager of the quality of Dave Anderson were always going to be there or thereabouts in the play-offs. They face Cheshunt on Saturday in what should be a routine victory for The Woods. Bob Dearie's side have been thrashed by Thamesmead Town and East Thurrock United in their last two games.
In the relegation section at the moment are Ware and Harlow Town (who we are all aware are suffering from major financial difficulties). Ware have only won one game versus Great Wakering Rovers on the 5th September but since loosing to Enfield Town on 13th October have drawn versus Heybridge Swifts and impressively at Waltham Forest (away) and then lost versus Wingate and Finchley, Tilbury and VCD Athletic by the odd goal which shows they maybe not as bad as their league position shows them to be. They face East Thurrock United at Woodson Park on Saturday in what surely should be an easy away win or should it????
Harlow Town who won their opening game of the season against GWR and then only one other in the battle of the basement dwellers at Ware look doomed. Their last six results reading LLDLLL. The Hawks boss Anthony Anstead has put together a young squad since Glen Alzapeidi left Barrows Farm. The club have been deducted 10 points for entering into a Company Voluntary Agreement (CVA) in a bid to tackle their debts rumoured to be around the £270,000 mark. With two wins in fourteen games and the club on NIL points following the deduction it's going to take an almighty effort for the Hawks to maintain their Ryman League status. They have recently won 4-0 versus Halstead Town in the Essex Senior Cup to set up a home tie with league side Dagenham & Redbridge. Unfortunately the cold end can see the impressive Barrows Farm being the best stadium in the Essex Senior League for season 10/11.
Relegated from the Premier last season Heybridge Swifts sit just above the relegation zone on 12 points. Wayne Bond is in charge at Scraley Road and will surely be looking to pull away from the bottom of the league starting with a win at Potters Bar Town on Saturday.
FACTS ABOUT THIS SEASON SO FAR
Cheshunt are the only side not to draw a game.
Redbridge have drawn the most games - six out of their fourteen games.
Cheshunt have conceded the most number of goals (34) but Ware have the worst goal difference (-17)
Lowestoft Town top the crowd table with an average of 637 (Apart from Dartford this tops every club in the Premier). In 2nd place are Enfield Town with an average of 209.
Every club has won at least one game at home. Only two remain winless on their travels being Ware and Heybridge Swifts.
Every club has lost at least one game at home. Lowestoft Town are the only club to remain without a defeat on the road...Lets hope that has changed at 5pm on Saturday.
There is only one club left representing the division in the FA Trophy and that is Town's conquerors Concord Rangers. They face a trip to BSS Hampton and Richmond Borough on 21st November. The cold end wishes Concord the very best of luck in this game.
After 13 games last year Town stood on 15 points winning 4, drawing 3 and loosing 6. GF 29 GA 35 (-6) which means we are 6 points better off this season.
THE RYMAN LEAGUE GOLDEN BOOT
With the season now in full flow the cold end has taken a look at the Ryman League Golden Boot top-scorer across the three division. The current standings are as follows:
1st - Lee Burns (Dartford, Premier Division) 13 apps 12 goals
2nd - Gary Noel (Croydon Athletic, First Division South) 11 apps 11 goals
3rd= Byron Harrison (Ashford Town, Premier) 15 apps 9 goals
Carl Rook (Tonbridge Angels, Premier) 13 apps 9 goals
Bobby Traynor (Kingstonian, Premier) 14 apps 9 goals
Hicham Akhazzan (Sittingbourne, First Divsion South) 12 apps 9 goals
Enfield Town's Stuart Blackburne heads a clutch of other players on 8 goals, Lets hope he hits the back of the net at the weekend to help him challenge Burns and Noel at the top of the standings.
1st - Lee Burns (Dartford, Premier Division) 13 apps 12 goals
2nd - Gary Noel (Croydon Athletic, First Division South) 11 apps 11 goals
3rd= Byron Harrison (Ashford Town, Premier) 15 apps 9 goals
Carl Rook (Tonbridge Angels, Premier) 13 apps 9 goals
Bobby Traynor (Kingstonian, Premier) 14 apps 9 goals
Hicham Akhazzan (Sittingbourne, First Divsion South) 12 apps 9 goals
Enfield Town's Stuart Blackburne heads a clutch of other players on 8 goals, Lets hope he hits the back of the net at the weekend to help him challenge Burns and Noel at the top of the standings.
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
WAS THE BALL OVER???
HILLNGDON BROUGH 1 ENFIELD TOWN 2
Once again the cold end couldn't make it to the Town match tonight (three in a row now but I'll be there on Saturday) due to work commitments but can give you the good news we won 2-1 and are through to the second round to play another SSMFL side Harefield United at Goldsdown Road in December.
STOTFOLD V ST NEOTS TOWN
I did get to a game in the United Counties League at Stotfold who entertained St Neots Town. Town are managed by West Ham and QPR legend Steve Lomas who barked out orders from the dugout throughout the match in his familiar Northern Irish lilt. The match was won by the away side 2-0, the scoreline suggests it was an easy game but it was far from this and the home side had their chances.
St Neots Town have a plush new stadium at Rowley Park and are riding high at the top of league in company of Daventry Town looking for promotion with Stotfold in 4th place who have won the UCL recently but weren't promoted. A very healthy crowd including a large travelling contingent saw a highly competitive game. St Neot's did have a "goal" (was it over the line or not??? Judge for yourself on the video below) disallowed in the first half. The cold end was impressed with ex Stevenage Borough player George Brinkman up front for the home side and midfielder Daniel Jacobs for the away side. Stotfold's Roker Park is a nice little ground with a stand and some cover on one side and the dugout's opposite.
ST NEOT'S "GOAL" IN THE FIRST HALF....WAS THE BALL OVER??
Once again the cold end couldn't make it to the Town match tonight (three in a row now but I'll be there on Saturday) due to work commitments but can give you the good news we won 2-1 and are through to the second round to play another SSMFL side Harefield United at Goldsdown Road in December.
STOTFOLD V ST NEOTS TOWN
I did get to a game in the United Counties League at Stotfold who entertained St Neots Town. Town are managed by West Ham and QPR legend Steve Lomas who barked out orders from the dugout throughout the match in his familiar Northern Irish lilt. The match was won by the away side 2-0, the scoreline suggests it was an easy game but it was far from this and the home side had their chances.
St Neots Town have a plush new stadium at Rowley Park and are riding high at the top of league in company of Daventry Town looking for promotion with Stotfold in 4th place who have won the UCL recently but weren't promoted. A very healthy crowd including a large travelling contingent saw a highly competitive game. St Neot's did have a "goal" (was it over the line or not??? Judge for yourself on the video below) disallowed in the first half. The cold end was impressed with ex Stevenage Borough player George Brinkman up front for the home side and midfielder Daniel Jacobs for the away side. Stotfold's Roker Park is a nice little ground with a stand and some cover on one side and the dugout's opposite.
ST NEOT'S "GOAL" IN THE FIRST HALF....WAS THE BALL OVER??
Monday, 9 November 2009
BID FOR MIDDLESEX CUP GLORY STARTS TOMORROW AT HILLINGDON
Town travel to SSMFL Premier Divsion side Hillingdon Borough tomorrow night in the start for our bid for glory in the Middlesex Senior Cup. Boro were of course a Ryman League side last year and we played them four times on the following occasions:
12/08/2008 - MCC FINAL @ HAYES - WON 4-1 AET (1-1 AT 90 MINS)
30/08/2008 - FA CUP AWAY - LOST 3-1
23/09/2008 - RL1N AWAY - WON 4-1
17/01/2009 - RL1N HOME - WON 3-0
Hillingdon were bottom of the league at the end of the season and were relegated back to the SSMFL for 2009/2010. Since then they have consolidated playing 16 winning 4 drawing 7 and loosing 5 scoring 23 goals and letting in 28 in the league. Last Tuesday they beat Enfield 1893 FC 2-1 in the Middlesex Charity Cup in front of 29 spectators at the Middlesex Stadium and on Saturday drew 1-1 at Kingsbury London Tigers in the league. The top crowd they have played in front of this season was on the 22nd August when they lost 2-1 away at Royston Town in front of 150 people.
Steve and Del (or STEL if you renamed them like John & Edward aka JEDWARD on the X-Factor) will obviously use the game to look at some of the squad players but will still want to win the match and do well going on a run to possible glory in the MSC.
In 2007/2008 when the duo were in charge at Edgware they took them to the Q/F of the MSC beating Kingsbury London Tigers 4-0 away from home (Maharjan and Wallace were among the goals) and Wembley away on penalties after a 2-2 draw (Gunz scored a brace) before being beaten 3-1 at the white lion to Northwood. They got Edgware to the same stage in the glory season in 06/07 beating the Town 2-1 away (Wallace was on the score sheet that night too) and Staines Town at home before loosing to Hayes.
UP THE TOWN!!
12/08/2008 - MCC FINAL @ HAYES - WON 4-1 AET (1-1 AT 90 MINS)
30/08/2008 - FA CUP AWAY - LOST 3-1
23/09/2008 - RL1N AWAY - WON 4-1
17/01/2009 - RL1N HOME - WON 3-0
Hillingdon were bottom of the league at the end of the season and were relegated back to the SSMFL for 2009/2010. Since then they have consolidated playing 16 winning 4 drawing 7 and loosing 5 scoring 23 goals and letting in 28 in the league. Last Tuesday they beat Enfield 1893 FC 2-1 in the Middlesex Charity Cup in front of 29 spectators at the Middlesex Stadium and on Saturday drew 1-1 at Kingsbury London Tigers in the league. The top crowd they have played in front of this season was on the 22nd August when they lost 2-1 away at Royston Town in front of 150 people.
Steve and Del (or STEL if you renamed them like John & Edward aka JEDWARD on the X-Factor) will obviously use the game to look at some of the squad players but will still want to win the match and do well going on a run to possible glory in the MSC.
In 2007/2008 when the duo were in charge at Edgware they took them to the Q/F of the MSC beating Kingsbury London Tigers 4-0 away from home (Maharjan and Wallace were among the goals) and Wembley away on penalties after a 2-2 draw (Gunz scored a brace) before being beaten 3-1 at the white lion to Northwood. They got Edgware to the same stage in the glory season in 06/07 beating the Town 2-1 away (Wallace was on the score sheet that night too) and Staines Town at home before loosing to Hayes.
UP THE TOWN!!
Saturday, 7 November 2009
GRIDLOCKED A406 = THE COLD END MISSES TOWN MATCH
Mauritius Sports 0 Bethnal Green United 6ESSEX SENIOR LEAGUE
I was gutted today as I missed the Town game. I had been working close to the home of London 2012 and finished at just before 2pm which I thought was more than enough time to get across the A406 to Finchley. NO SUCH LUCK!!!
The North Circular Road was gridlocked from the Waterworks roundabout just about moving at a snail pace probably due to the Spurs traffic. Knowing I was never going to make it I turned off at The Crooked Billet and made my way to Wadham Lodge to watch the Essex Senior League match between Mauritius Sports Association UK and Bethnal Green United. At least I'll have watched some football but sadly not ETFC.
I'm glad I missed the Town match as we went down 4-2 (were 4-1 down at one point) our goals coming from Paul Marks and Fabio Valenti. Reports back to the cold end suggest W&F were much the better team and deserved their win.
I'm glad I missed the Town match as we went down 4-2 (were 4-1 down at one point) our goals coming from Paul Marks and Fabio Valenti. Reports back to the cold end suggest W&F were much the better team and deserved their win.
In the game at Wadham Lodge Mauritius who have just lost their manager and are rock bottom of the league and without a win took on Bethnal Green who are having a storming debut season, This comfortable win taking them into 2nd place behind table toppers Burnham Ramblers (who incidentally are the only team that Mauritius have taken a point off of this season)
It was the first time I had seen an ESL match since Town left the league in 2005, It brought back some good memories looking at the Essex Senior League Centre Spot insert in the programme.
BGU who as stated have taken to life two steps up from the Middlesex County League Premier Division played some really good football. The cold end was particularly impressed by the front pairing of (I think) Amos Foyewn and Anton Stephenson.
The away side controlled the first half with authority and went in at the break 3-0 up. Mauritius only had one shot (off target) in the first half.
BGU took the lead through a marvellous free-kick from Stephenson (see below) and the same player added a second when a free kick into the box was headed home from the edge of the six yard box (see below). It was 3-0 just before half time when after some great work by Foyewn the ball was chipped over the keeper into the net.
The second half wasn't as one sided as the first and Mauritius showed some signs that they are not as bad as their league position says they are. A few shots off target with nothing to trouble the Bethnal keeper.
BGU took a four goal lead just after the break and ran in two more goals just before the final whistle to make it a 6-0 final score. The attendance was 24 people which equalled the home side's record for the season and took their aggregate in 5 home games to 88 people. Overall, An enjoyable game if not a little one-sided.
Bethnal Green look a strong side and will up at the top of the ESL challenging for the Championship that was once held by ETFC. The cold end is unaware if they will apply for promotion should they win the league or if their Mile End Stadium is currently up to scratch regarding ground grading. BETHNAL GREEN'S FIRST GOAL....A SWEETLY TAKEN BRILLIANT FREE KICK
BETHNAL GREEN'S SECOND GOAL...
Friday, 6 November 2009
YOUNG GUNS (GO FOR IT) AT STORMIN NORMANS..
Wingate & Finchley V Enfield Town - Match Preview
Kick Off 3pm (7/11/2009)
Enfield Town get back to the bread and butter of Ryman League action this weekend when we visit Wingate and Finchley whose manager David 'Stormin' Norman has a good start to his first season in charge of The Blues. Norman has previously been in charge of Oswestry Town in the Welsh Premier League before the club merged with TNS Llansantffraid to form The New Saints.
He had an excellent playing career in Wales playing for Rhyl, Bangor City, Welshpool Town, Caernarfon Town and Barry Town amongst others. Whislt with Barry he was part of the side that played in the Uefa Cup first round. He has also been a youth team coach at Arsenal.
They are level on 21 points in the league with Town but we have a game in hand so it's all to play for. Their league form from the start of the season reads - DWDWDWLLWLWWL. They were knocked out of the FA Cup by SSMFL Aylesbury FC and the FA Trophy by Gary Abbott's Sittingbourne, Both exits were after replays.
Last weekend they took the long trip to Suffolk to play FA Cup heroes Lowestoft Town and went down narrowly in a 2-1 loss. This shows they are a good team and it will not be easy for Town to take the three points away.
Leon Smith heads the top-scorers list with 9 goals in league and cup.
Town will be looking to turn a different corner to last season's game on the 13th January (just after last christmas) when we lost 3-2 and in the season before that a 3-0 reverse when Simon Tickner was red-carded. Two goals that day came from ex-town player Daniel Clarke.
Steve and Del have a good squad of players to choose from and it'll be interesting to see if midweek goal heroes Ben Hammond or Liam Hope make an appearance.
So it'll be battlestations as Town look to build on their 3-1 midweek win and get back to winning ways in the league. Lets hope W&F give us the freedom to play some nice football. The cold end has faith that the blue and white (or will be be red and yellow) army can win. There is a welcoming bar at the ground but as at all bar and public house facilities it's not club tropicana and the drinks aren't free...
Finchley is the birth place of many famous people none more so than Gerald Norman Springer (aka Jerry) who was born on one of the underground stations during the second world war. English comic actor Terry Thomas, Harry Beck the artist who created the modern day tube map and spice girl turned radio presenter Emma Bunton. A world famous singer was also born in the area and his parents owned a shop locally when he was growing up. He was christened Georgios-Kuricos Panayiotou but is now known as a different name.........There are obvious clues above??
COME ON TOWN!!!
Kick Off 3pm (7/11/2009)
Enfield Town get back to the bread and butter of Ryman League action this weekend when we visit Wingate and Finchley whose manager David 'Stormin' Norman has a good start to his first season in charge of The Blues. Norman has previously been in charge of Oswestry Town in the Welsh Premier League before the club merged with TNS Llansantffraid to form The New Saints.
He had an excellent playing career in Wales playing for Rhyl, Bangor City, Welshpool Town, Caernarfon Town and Barry Town amongst others. Whislt with Barry he was part of the side that played in the Uefa Cup first round. He has also been a youth team coach at Arsenal.
They are level on 21 points in the league with Town but we have a game in hand so it's all to play for. Their league form from the start of the season reads - DWDWDWLLWLWWL. They were knocked out of the FA Cup by SSMFL Aylesbury FC and the FA Trophy by Gary Abbott's Sittingbourne, Both exits were after replays.
Last weekend they took the long trip to Suffolk to play FA Cup heroes Lowestoft Town and went down narrowly in a 2-1 loss. This shows they are a good team and it will not be easy for Town to take the three points away.
Leon Smith heads the top-scorers list with 9 goals in league and cup.
Town will be looking to turn a different corner to last season's game on the 13th January (just after last christmas) when we lost 3-2 and in the season before that a 3-0 reverse when Simon Tickner was red-carded. Two goals that day came from ex-town player Daniel Clarke.
Steve and Del have a good squad of players to choose from and it'll be interesting to see if midweek goal heroes Ben Hammond or Liam Hope make an appearance.
So it'll be battlestations as Town look to build on their 3-1 midweek win and get back to winning ways in the league. Lets hope W&F give us the freedom to play some nice football. The cold end has faith that the blue and white (or will be be red and yellow) army can win. There is a welcoming bar at the ground but as at all bar and public house facilities it's not club tropicana and the drinks aren't free...
Finchley is the birth place of many famous people none more so than Gerald Norman Springer (aka Jerry) who was born on one of the underground stations during the second world war. English comic actor Terry Thomas, Harry Beck the artist who created the modern day tube map and spice girl turned radio presenter Emma Bunton. A world famous singer was also born in the area and his parents owned a shop locally when he was growing up. He was christened Georgios-Kuricos Panayiotou but is now known as a different name.........There are obvious clues above??
COME ON TOWN!!!
Thursday, 5 November 2009
THE FA CUP FIRST ROUND - RYMAN LEAGUE CLUBS GOING FOR GLORY
The FA Cup first round is always a favourite weekend for non-league football followers where the David's of our game take on the Goliaths of the Football League. The prestige and national press coverage that comes with victory over a higher division team awaits for team and supporters alike.
Whereas in the top division of the English game the Big teams have got bigger with the gap between Premiership and Football League growing considerably larger each season a strong argument can be put forward for the top teams in the non-league game closing the gap against League particularly with the advent of two-up two-down from the Blue Square Premier. The top division in the non-league game is certainly more professional and of a higher quality since the old Enfield FC were relegated in 1990
There are four Ryman teams gunning for the illustriousness of a triumph over a Goliath this weekend and the cold end is hopeful at least one of our fellow league teams can win.
It's also a chance for an astute non-league fan to hopefully get one over on the bookies with some longs odds on offer.
WREXHAM V LOWESTOFT TOWN
Fellow Ryman Northers The Trawler Boys have had an amazing Cup run totally 7 games fighting their way from the Preliminary round to make the First Round proper for the first time in 30 years. Town have beaten their local rivals Great Yarmouth Town (H), Dereham Town (H), Boston United (H), Sutton Coldfield Town (A*replay) and Gloucester City (H*replay).
The Suffolk side travel to Wrexham in a 500 mile round trip having lost only five games on the road since the beginning of the 08/09 season. Former league side Wrexham have had a up and down season so far and qualified for the first round proper by beating FC Halifax Town 1-0 away. Since loosing at home to Salisbury City at the Racecourse Ground on 3rd October 2009 Dean Saunders side's form has picked up and they are unbeaten in five games (3 wins and 2 draws) currently lying in 14th place in the Blue Square Premier.
Apparently in Tuesday's 2-2 draw versus Kettering Town they were unlucky not to get all three points.
Skybet.com make the Welsh team 4/11 odds on favourites with Town at 7/1 to win and a draw at 3/1.
STOCKPORT COUNTY V TOOTING AND MITCHAM UNITED
Ryman Premier T&M are another famous non-league side making a return to the first round of the FA Cup after a long period. The Terrors were last seen at this stage in 1977 where current boss Billy Smith played in the side that lost 2-1 at Sandy Lane to Northampton Town. The South Londoners have beaten Horsham, Canvey Island, Slough Town and BSP Eastbourne Borough (after two amazing games being 3-3 and 3-4) and travel to Edgeley Park full of confidence but wanting to forget their 4-1 reverse at the hands of Chippenham Town in the FA Trophy last weekend.
County are not on good form, having a poor season and are beset by reported financial problems so will be looking to the FA Cup to raise some much needed revenue. They have only won 3 games in the league this season against Brighton, Leyton Orient and Tranmere Rovers hovering in the bottom four in League One.
In the game that the cold end saw T&M play this season versus Harrow Borough I was particularly impressed with forward Paul Vines who has scored 13 times in 17 games.
skybet.com make County 4/11 favourites with the draw being 7/2 and an away victory at 8/1 which the cold end thinks is excellent value. Well worth a speculative punt!!!
WEALDSTONE V ROTHERHAM UNITED
The Merry Millers visit Grosvenor Vale on Sunday and since God Ronnie Moore returned results haven't been brilliant. Yorkshire's finest lost to Forest Green Rovers in the cup a few seasons ago so will be not taking this match lightly. The Stone's are level on points with T&M in the Ryman Premier and last reached this stage of the competition in 1986 when they lost to Swansea City 4-1 at the Vetch Field in a replay.
Wealdstone are 9/2 to win with the draw being 3/1 and an away win at 4/7.
The Millers are a good side and have Adam Le Fondre in their ranks who scores more often then not. A hard one to call but I can see an away win just or a high scoring exciting draw with the Stone's fans looking forward to a midweek trip to The Death Valley as the Don Valley is nicknamed by Miller's fans.
HEREFORD UNITED V SUTTON UNITED
Arguably the most famous of non-league giant-killers after their 1989 victory versus Coventry City travel to Edgar Street looking to add another famous game to the 1993 victories versus Colchester United and Torquay United, the aforementioned victory versus the sky-blues and1987's wins versus Aldershot and Peterborough United. Sutton are unbeaten on the road in 5 games having last lost to Wealdstone on 31/08/2009 (2-1) and are on good form of late, ignoring the 0-2 reverse at Gander Green Lane to Tonbridge in the FA Trophy so will be no pushovers for The Bulls. Hereford having been a non-league side recently and will not be taking the game as an easy victory. Herford are 17th in League Two and in their last game beat Darlington 2-1 at home.
Hereford United are 2/5 for the win with a draw being 16/5 and a victory for Sutton United at 15/2.
all odds at http://www.skybet.com/
Somewhere a league team will fall to a non-league side and there are good odds on offer, you just have to be lucky enough to pick the right game. The cold end thinks the value lies in Tooting and Mitcham's trip to Stockport County. T&M with their new ground are a Blue Square South club in waiting and with Stockport's poor form of late (last six league games - DLWLLL) The Terrors look excellent value at 8/1. The cold end makes this my single bet of the week!!
Lowestoft Town to get some sort of a result at Wrexham also looks a good bet. The cold end recommends backing the away win at 7/1 covering this bet with the draw at 3/1.
Whereas in the top division of the English game the Big teams have got bigger with the gap between Premiership and Football League growing considerably larger each season a strong argument can be put forward for the top teams in the non-league game closing the gap against League particularly with the advent of two-up two-down from the Blue Square Premier. The top division in the non-league game is certainly more professional and of a higher quality since the old Enfield FC were relegated in 1990
There are four Ryman teams gunning for the illustriousness of a triumph over a Goliath this weekend and the cold end is hopeful at least one of our fellow league teams can win.
It's also a chance for an astute non-league fan to hopefully get one over on the bookies with some longs odds on offer.
WREXHAM V LOWESTOFT TOWN
Fellow Ryman Northers The Trawler Boys have had an amazing Cup run totally 7 games fighting their way from the Preliminary round to make the First Round proper for the first time in 30 years. Town have beaten their local rivals Great Yarmouth Town (H), Dereham Town (H), Boston United (H), Sutton Coldfield Town (A*replay) and Gloucester City (H*replay).
The Suffolk side travel to Wrexham in a 500 mile round trip having lost only five games on the road since the beginning of the 08/09 season. Former league side Wrexham have had a up and down season so far and qualified for the first round proper by beating FC Halifax Town 1-0 away. Since loosing at home to Salisbury City at the Racecourse Ground on 3rd October 2009 Dean Saunders side's form has picked up and they are unbeaten in five games (3 wins and 2 draws) currently lying in 14th place in the Blue Square Premier.
Apparently in Tuesday's 2-2 draw versus Kettering Town they were unlucky not to get all three points.
Skybet.com make the Welsh team 4/11 odds on favourites with Town at 7/1 to win and a draw at 3/1.
STOCKPORT COUNTY V TOOTING AND MITCHAM UNITED
Ryman Premier T&M are another famous non-league side making a return to the first round of the FA Cup after a long period. The Terrors were last seen at this stage in 1977 where current boss Billy Smith played in the side that lost 2-1 at Sandy Lane to Northampton Town. The South Londoners have beaten Horsham, Canvey Island, Slough Town and BSP Eastbourne Borough (after two amazing games being 3-3 and 3-4) and travel to Edgeley Park full of confidence but wanting to forget their 4-1 reverse at the hands of Chippenham Town in the FA Trophy last weekend.
County are not on good form, having a poor season and are beset by reported financial problems so will be looking to the FA Cup to raise some much needed revenue. They have only won 3 games in the league this season against Brighton, Leyton Orient and Tranmere Rovers hovering in the bottom four in League One.
In the game that the cold end saw T&M play this season versus Harrow Borough I was particularly impressed with forward Paul Vines who has scored 13 times in 17 games.
skybet.com make County 4/11 favourites with the draw being 7/2 and an away victory at 8/1 which the cold end thinks is excellent value. Well worth a speculative punt!!!
WEALDSTONE V ROTHERHAM UNITED
The Merry Millers visit Grosvenor Vale on Sunday and since God Ronnie Moore returned results haven't been brilliant. Yorkshire's finest lost to Forest Green Rovers in the cup a few seasons ago so will be not taking this match lightly. The Stone's are level on points with T&M in the Ryman Premier and last reached this stage of the competition in 1986 when they lost to Swansea City 4-1 at the Vetch Field in a replay.
Wealdstone are 9/2 to win with the draw being 3/1 and an away win at 4/7.
The Millers are a good side and have Adam Le Fondre in their ranks who scores more often then not. A hard one to call but I can see an away win just or a high scoring exciting draw with the Stone's fans looking forward to a midweek trip to The Death Valley as the Don Valley is nicknamed by Miller's fans.
HEREFORD UNITED V SUTTON UNITED
Arguably the most famous of non-league giant-killers after their 1989 victory versus Coventry City travel to Edgar Street looking to add another famous game to the 1993 victories versus Colchester United and Torquay United, the aforementioned victory versus the sky-blues and1987's wins versus Aldershot and Peterborough United. Sutton are unbeaten on the road in 5 games having last lost to Wealdstone on 31/08/2009 (2-1) and are on good form of late, ignoring the 0-2 reverse at Gander Green Lane to Tonbridge in the FA Trophy so will be no pushovers for The Bulls. Hereford having been a non-league side recently and will not be taking the game as an easy victory. Herford are 17th in League Two and in their last game beat Darlington 2-1 at home.
Hereford United are 2/5 for the win with a draw being 16/5 and a victory for Sutton United at 15/2.
all odds at http://www.skybet.com/
Somewhere a league team will fall to a non-league side and there are good odds on offer, you just have to be lucky enough to pick the right game. The cold end thinks the value lies in Tooting and Mitcham's trip to Stockport County. T&M with their new ground are a Blue Square South club in waiting and with Stockport's poor form of late (last six league games - DLWLLL) The Terrors look excellent value at 8/1. The cold end makes this my single bet of the week!!
Lowestoft Town to get some sort of a result at Wrexham also looks a good bet. The cold end recommends backing the away win at 7/1 covering this bet with the draw at 3/1.
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