MATCH REPORT: ENFIELD 3-1 STANWAY ROVERS

Louie Johnson at the double as Enfield see off Stanway

Enfield regained their five-point advantage at the top of the Essex Senior League after coming from a goal down to defeat Stanway Rovers 3-1.

James Crisell opened the scoring for the visitors, but Louie Johnson swiftly equalised for the E’s. Dwade James put Enfield in front on the half-hour mark before Johnson scored late on from the penalty spot to wrap up the three points.

The home side started the match on the front foot and almost went ahead early on. Dwade James capitalised on an error from Freddie Cooper, but his shot was saved by Alfie Marigliani.

However, in the ninth minute, Stanway went in front against the run of play. Sonny Dutton played the ball through to James Crisell on the edge of the penalty area, whose deflected effort found its way into the back of the net.

Meanwhile, three minutes later, Enfield levelled the match. Louie Johnson latched onto Danny Norton’s lofted pass and after some excellent footwork, slotted the ball home past the goalkeeper.

 But The home side almost took the lead just minutes later after Olly Miles played through James, who could only strike wide. Enfield threatened again as Josh Luther set up Johnson on the edge of the box, but his first time strike was off-target.

Enfield continued to dominate in the first half and were again unlucky not to have scored. Mason’s free-kick fell perfectly to James, whose header was saved superbly by Marigliani. However, James wasn’t to be denied again.

A quick throw-in from Luther was collected by Miles, who crossed into the middle for James to prod home from close range. A well-worked goal from the E’s, whose patience was finally rewarded.

The E’s continued to provide a threat going forward and went in search of a third. Alex Warman’s free-kick fell to Aaron Greene at the nearpost but his shot was wide. Greene was involved again minutes later after playing the ball through to James, who set up Miles but the forward’s curling effort deflected wide.

In the closing stages of the first half, Stanway came close to equalising. Nat Mardell latched onto Dutton’s through-ball but his attempt was kept out by Jarvis Monk. Enfield went in at the break 2-1 in front following a solid first half display.

The E’s almost doubled their advantage minutes after the restart. Greene fed the ball through to James, but his effort was kept out by Marigliani.

Enfield started the second half how they ended the first as Johnson’s low driven effort was saved by the goalkeeper. The E’s came close from the resulting corner as the ball fell toJack Johnson, who struck over the bar.

With 17 minutes to go, Enfield continued their search for a third goal. The two substitutes combined with Samrai Gebrai playing through Gavin Cockman, whose shot was saved with Miles unable to score on the rebound.

The home side had a glorious opportunity to seal the victoryas Gebrai capitalised on a defensive error from Stanway but his effort was parried by Marigliani before missing on the rebound.

However, in the final five minutes, Enfield were awarded a penalty after Emmanuel N’Daw brought down Gebrai. Johnson stepped up and scored from 12 yards to secure a convincing victory. A crucial three points for the E’s in the title race.