Enfield Town are through to the FA Trophy 2nd Qualifying round following yesterday's 2-1 home win versus Ryman Division One (South) side Walton Casuals.
Richard Morton on the ball
Everyone is hoping for news of a good draw from The FA headquarters on Monday morning. Thankfully, Concord Rangers, who knocked Town out of the competition last year were themselves knocked out yesterday (lost 3-2 at Tonbridge Angels) and with Bognor Regis Town, Ramsgate*, Hastings United*, Folkestone Invicta and Weymouth still in the draw we may get a sea-side trip if we're lucky!! (*Both face midweek replays in order to qualify for the next round)
Alex Brown dwarfs Adam Wallace
Yesterday was not a classic game to write home about - One of those ones where it's the result what matters. Casuals, managed by ex football league player Neil Shipperley, were a tough tackling team who looked a good side at times. Adam Wallace stole the show for the Town with a brilliant performance full of running and hard work up front.
Town fans bath in the Autum sunshine at the cold end.
A huge mention has to go to Darren "Bomber" Bonfield in goal, who made two excellent saves in the second half with the score precariously balanced at 2-1. The second (right at the end of the game) was a superb double save to deny Casuals a replay.
Bomber rises to catch a Walton cross
The sun shone yesterday but it was still chilly!!
The first half was a scrappy affair with both sides having a few half chances before Wallace set the Town's first up for Liam Hope to score on 42 minutes. Wallace turned his defender inside out with a twisting run into the box to lay the ball across to Hope who passed the ball into the net.
Town came out the stronger of the two sides and took the game to Casuals resulting in a penalty being awarded in the 51st minute. After some good hold up play on the edge of the box Liam Hope hit the ball towards goal which unfortunately for Casual's giant 6ft 6inch defender Alex Brown hit his hand/arm inside the box. The referee adjudged it was deliberate and pointed towards the spot. The cold end putting it's neutral hat on can see why Casuals were slightly aggrieved at the decision. You've seen them given and seen them not given??? Hope confidently scored the spot-kick to make the score 2-0.
Adam Wallace takes a shot
Another header won by Alex Brown
Neil Shipperley makes some notes
Walton came back at Town and scored through Kristian Webb who was set up by Brown's header from a corner.
The away side were reduced to ten men when Joe Kelly was shown a second yellow card for holding back Adam Wallace on the half way line.
Most people thought Richard Morton's booking was harsh
Town substitute Fabio Valenti in action
With the game in the balance it was all down to Darren Bonfield who made two fine saves right out of the top draw to keep the £2,200 prize money at Goldsdown Road. One being the double save already mentioned and the other when he dived at the feet of substitute Michael Baring to claim the ball. Baring also had a effort cleared off the line by Craig McKay to keep the score at 2-1.
Enfield Town
Darren Bonfield, Jordan Lockie, Jey Siva, Craig McKay, Mark Kirby, Dan Forward, Paul Campbell (Fabio Valenti), Richard Morton, Liam Hope(Dennis Maharjan), Adam Wallace, Sam Byfield (Lee Protheroe).
Subs Not Used: Dave Kendall.
Walton Casuals
Mark Phillpott, Joe Kelly, Liam Hind, Craig Lewington, Luke Evans, Alex Brown, Max Howell(Michael Baring ), Charlie Ide, Kristian Webb, Mark Nicholls, Alfie Arthur(Lawrie Walters).
Subs Not Used: Craig Totton, Daniel Lawson, James Warrington
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