MATCH REPORT: ENFIELD 2-1 WOODFORD TOWN

Enfield edge past Woodford to go top of the table

Enfield moved to the top of the Essex Senior League after overcoming Woodford Town 2-1 despite a late scare from the visitors. Ibrahim Kehinde gave the home side the lead midway through the first half before Danny Norton doubled Enfield’s advantage after the restart. Alejandro Machado pulled one back for Woodford late on but the E’s held on for all three points.

With 11 minutes gone, the home side came close to taking the lead. Aaron Greene’s cross was met by Gavin Cockman, who put his effort wide of the target. Meanwhile, up the other end,Zivonimir Lopes’ free-kick for Woodford provided very little threat to Jarvis Monk in the Enfield goal.

Midway through the first half however, Enfield made the breakthrough, and it was very much deserved for the hosts. Kehinde capitalised on a mistake from the Woodford defence, finding space for a shot before slotting home past the goalkeeper. It was the forward’s second goal of the season for the E’s having netted in last week’s win over Southend Manor.

Enfield almost doubled their advantage three minutes later. Alex Warman’s sliding challenge was collected by Louie Johnson, whose shot on the edge of the area deflected out for a corner. The resulting set piece from Warman was put wide by Norton at the nearpost.

The home side continued to dominate and came close again. Kehinde was played through on goal but this time he was denied by goalkeeper Michael Corderoy. Shortly after, Norton skewed his shot wide following a pinpoint delivery from Cockman. Norton was involved again this time setting up Greene, who was unlucky not have made it 2-0 after striking wide.

The E’s started the second half how they ended the first with Warman’s long-range effort sailing off-target. However, moments later, Jack Grosvenor’s header was cleared off the line from the corner before the rebound from Corlett was again blocked by the Woodford backline.

With just over an hour played, Enfield at last added a second goal. Warman’s free-kick was played short to Cockman, whose cross found Kehinde which was parried into Norton’s path leaving him to tap in from close range. Norton was unlucky not to score minutes later after his effort cannoned off the post before Cockman struck over on the follow-up.

As the match headed into the closing stages, Woodfordthreatened a late fightback. Substitute Albert James was unlucky not to have scored after his attempt was inches over the bar. However, with five minutes remaining, the away side scored after Machado headed home from the corner, setting up a nervy ending.

Despite Woodford threatening an equaliser, Enfield held out for the win to move top of the Essex Senior League, two points clear of West Essex and Redbridge and with a game in hand.