MATCH REPORT: ENFIELD 3-0 HALSTEAD TOWN

Enfield kicked off 2023 in style with a convincing 3-0 victory over Halstead Town.

Samrai Gebrai broke the deadlock for the E’s in the first half with the home side in control of proceedings. Shortly after the restart, Gavin Cockman added a second for Enfield before Gebrairounded off the scoring with a stunning strike.

In the opening stages of the game, the E’s were on the front foot but had done little to trouble Jack Cherry in the Halstead goal. However, it was the visitors who threatened first. Alfie Cleal’s free-kick fell to Michael Brothers as his effort was cleared off the line before five minutes later, Brothers came close again but was denied by Jarvis Monk.

However, with 21 minutes gone, Enfield broke the deadlock following an excellent team move. Kieran Bishop’s through ball was latched onto by Solomon Ofori, who did brilliantly to hold off the defence before unselfishly setting up Gebrai to tap into an empty net. The E’s were awarded a penalty 14 minutes later after Ofori was bundled over but Louie Johnson could only see his spot kick saved by Cherry.

Four minutes before the break, the hosts had a chance to double their lead after Bishop set up Ofori but the Halstead defence stood firm to block his shot. Enfield held a 1-0 advantage at the break, but they soon made it 2-0 five minutes after the restart. Alfie Mason delivered in a perfect cross towards the head of Cockman, who scored his second in as many matches.

The E’s scored a third with just over an hour played thanks to a moment of sheer brilliance from Enfield’s number 11. Gebrai had the ball at his feet as he dazzled past Ryan Carter before finding space and curling home a sensational effort past the goalkeeper. A quite superb goal for his second of the game.

However, the home side weren’t done there yet. Gebrai’scross fell to Bishop at the backpost, whose effort deflected off-target before moments later, Ofori set up Johnson but the forward struck wide. Nonetheless, Enfield ran out 3-0 winners to move eight points clear at the top of the table.