MATCH REPORT: SAFFRON WALDEN 0-3 ENFIELD

Enfield returned to winning ways with a convincing 3-0 victory away at Saffron Walden.

The E’s broke the deadlock in the first half thanks to Danny Norton before Louie Johnson converted from the penalty spot. Usman Adeniji netted late on for the visitors to secure a comfortable away win to stay top of the Essex Senior League.

Neither side were able to conjure up an opportunity in the opening exchanges as both goalkeepers had very little to do. However, with 18 minutes played, Enfield took the lead in style. New signing Solomon Ofori, brought in from Saffron Walden, latched onto Gavin Cockman’s quick throw-in beforesetting up Norton to score from close range.

Norton almost scored a second goal swiftly after but could only head over from Johnson’s corner. With a little over half-an-hour gone, the E’s had a great opportunity to double their lead. Alfie Mason played the ball down the line towards Ofori, whose cross towards the backpost was struck over by Samrai Gebrai.

Enfield looked the better side in the first half and had the chance to add to their lead from the penalty spot three minutes before the break following a handball from Dion Lewis-Kirwan. Johnson stepped up from 12 yards and sent James Young the wrong way to make it 2-0. A perfect way for the E’s to end the half.

Just three minutes into the second half, Greene crossed the ball towards the head of Norton but Young was there to make the save. Meanwhile, Saffron Walden’s afternoon went from bad to worse as they were reduced to ten men. PalvyMaduakila was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Jack Cousins.

With nearly an hour played, Ofori was unlucky to have not marked his Enfield debut with a goal. Greene’s cross fell to the forward at the backpost but his looping header was cleared off the line. Deep into added time, Johnson almost scored his second of the game but his strike from distance crashed back off the crossbar.

However, with nearly the last kick of the game, Usman Adeniji sealed the victory. Tyler Corlett’s cross was headed on by Ofori to Adeniji, whose first-time effort found the back of the net. A perfect way to end a superb performance from the E’s.