Match Preview: Brightlingsea Regent

Enfield will be hoping to put last week’s FA Cupdisappointment behind them when they take on Brightlingsea Regent in our second match of the Isthmian North season.

A narrow defeat away to Leighton Town meant the E’s were knocked out of the FA Cup at the Preliminary Round stage on what was a frustrating afternoon. However, focus is now back on the league as we travel to the coast to face Brightlingsea looking to make it two wins from two at the start of the campaign.

Meanwhile, our opponents will be looking to do the same having themselves picked up three points on the opening day courtesy of a 1-0 victory away at Bowers & Pitsea. A tough test awaits Enfield, but can we return to winning ways?

Two weeks ago, Jamie Cureton’s men impressed in our first Isthmian North game of the season with a comfortable 3-0 win at home to Grays Athletic. Enfield will be hopeful of a similar performance in this game. In addition to this, the E’s will very much be fired up for this match and looking to put things right following our FA Cup exit.

Opposition: Brightlingsea Regent

Brightlingsea Regent are back in the Isthmian North this termfollowing last year’s relegation from the Isthmian Premier in which they spent six seasons at that level. However, last season was difficult one for the R’s, finishing rock bottom and a monumental 15 points from safety. With former White Ensign manager Brett Munyard remaining in charge, Regent will be determined to bounce back at the first attempt and have already started the campaign strongly.

Having defeated Bowers & Pitsea, another relegated side, on the opening day, Brightlingsea have also progressed to the 1st qualifying round of the FA Cup. A 5-0 thrashing of Spartan South Midlands side Stansted last week has now set up a meeting with Sawbridgeworth Town. The likes of Harry Honesty and Marlon Agyakwa in attack will no doubt be a problem for the E’s defence in what should be an entertaining affair.

Player to Watch: Godfrey Poku

Last week’s defeat against Leighton Town was a disastrous performance all round from the E’s. Poor defending coinciding with very little attacking threat meant not many players stood out. However, one man that had a good game was midfielder Godfrey Poku. Having been signed in the summer from National League South side Hemel Hempstead, Poku has impressed for the E’s and already proven to be a successful acquisition in the early stages of the season.

Although it wasn’t enough to help the team, Poku showed plenty of fight and determination against Leighton as well as controlling the middle of the park by continuing to win back possession. As well as this, the midfielder adds plenty of experience to this Enfield team having also played for the likes of Havant and Waterlooville and Wealdstone. Poku is one to look out for this week.