MATCH PREVIEW: ATHLETIC NEWHAM

Enfield are aiming to put last weekend’s disappointing defeat to West Essex behind them and return to winning ways when they head to the Terence McMillan Stadium to take on Athletic Newham.

Prior to last week’s match, the E’s were on an eight match unbeaten run. However, that run was swiftly ended by the Stags, who scored twice in the final 12 minutes to inflict a shock defeat on Enfield. The E’s also played on Monday away to Redbridge in the Errington Cup but the match was abandoned in the second half after Jack Grosvenor and Tyler Corlett clashed heads. The club wish both a speedy recovery and hope to see them back in an Enfield shirt very soon. Saturday’s match is an opportunity for Enfield to get back on track in the league and maintain their promotion charge.

Opposition: Athletic Newham

The E’s taken on an Athletic Newham side currently languishing in 14th ahead of this match. Newham have struggled to maintain consistent form throughout the seasonbut despite that, however, they have picked up some impressive results including a 2-2 draw away against Redbridge and most recently a 3-0 victory at Clacton. Although they are struggling in the league, Newham went on an excellent run to the second-round proper of the FA Vase where they faced off against Jersey Bulls but ultimately losing 5-1.

One man that has been key for Athletic Newham this season is prolific striker Richard Kone. Last season’s top scorer in the ESL is once again banging in the goals for Newham with 19 to his name so far. The forward most notably scored six in one game this season when Newham thrashed Southend Manor 8-1 in the cup. Kone will no doubt be a player capable of troubling the Enfield defence having netted three times against them last season.

Current form (all comps)
Athletic Newham D D L W W
Enfield: L W L D W

Previous meetings

The two sides last faced off against each other at the end of August with the E’s coming away with a comprehensive 4-1 victory. Reece Conway opened the scoring before Anderson Baro equalised for Newham at the end of the first half. However, the home side ran riot after the restart and goals from Danny Norton, Dwade James and Jack Grosvenor helped Enfield to all three points.

The result was also the E’s first win over Newham having failed to beat the East London side in three attempts the previous season. In their last away game at Athletic Newham, the sides played out a 1-1 draw after a Daniel Izekor goal cancelled out Kieran Bishop’s opener for Enfield. Meanwhile, at home, a winning goal from Richard Kone helped Newham defeat the E’s 2-1. After winning against Newham in August,can Enfield complete a league double over the East London side?

Player to watch – Solomon Ofori

Since signing from Saffron Walden at the end of November, Solomon Ofori has made the impact needed for Enfield scoring eight goals in nine matches. The forward has proven a threat to ESL defences with his blistering pace and has a keen eye for goal. Ofori knows how to find the back of the net and will be hoping to continue his already impressive start to life at Enfield. After losing to West Essex last week, the striker is hoping to make amends and get himself on the scoresheet at the Terry Mac.