MATCH REPORT: ENFIELD 3-3 BARKING

Ten men Enfield pull off stunning comeback thanks to late Miles goal

Enfield picked up a crucial point in the title race after a remarkable second half which saw the ten men E’s come from 3-1 down to draw 3-3. Ahmed Abdulla put the away side in front before Aaron Greene equalised for the E’s. However, an Abdulla penalty and a goal from Ergis Kastrati restored Barking’s lead before late goals from Louie Johnson and Olly Miles ensured the home side came away with a point.

With just six minutes on the clock, Barking stunned the home side by taking the lead. Enfield failed to clear their lines resulting in Luke Hirst setting up Ahmed Abdulla, who found the bottom corner. Meanwhile, up the other end, Enfield threatened for the first time. Kieran Bishop’s cross was met by the head of Olly Miles, whose header was straight at Harvey Simson.

However, Barking looked the better side in the first half and almost doubled their advantage. The ball was played through to George Okoye, but his shot was well saved by Jarvis Monk. Enfield, on the other hand, were pushing for an equaliser but Bishop could only strike his effort over the bar.

The away side continued to provide a threat going forward and nearly added a second through Daniel Brock, but Monk once again made the save. Enfield’s task of getting back into the game was dealt a huge blow when they were reduced to ten men. Alex Warman was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Brock. The E’s were a goal down and now a man down at the break and had it all to do in the second half.

Enfield improved after the restart and with just over an hour gone, they picked up a much deserved equaliser. Miles crossed the ball out wide to Aaron Greene, who found space inside the penalty area before slotting home. The home side almost made it 2-1 moments later after Ofori crossed the ball into the middle towards Greene, who was unable to prod home.

However, the joy was short lived for Enfield as Barking were awarded a penalty after Monk brought down Hurst. Abdulla stepped up from 12 yards and scored to regain the lead for Barking. Despite falling behind for a second time, the E’s were determined to get back into the game. However, Miles saw his shot blocked before falling to Greene, whose effort deflected wide.

Barking, meanwhile, almost made it 3-1 with 20 minutes to go as Alfie Mason’s clearance fell straight to Hirst, whose header was kept out by Monk. However, the visitors scored from the resulting corner as Ergis Kastrati headed home. The E’s almost pulled a goal back on 76 minutes but Tyler Corlett headed the ball wide from Mason’s free-kick.

With 11 minutes to go, Enfield were handed a lifeline. Substitute Samrai Gebrai played a perfectly weighted pass to Louie Johnson, whose first time strike went in off the post. It soon got even better for the home side as just two minutes later, Enfield drew level. Gebrai was involved again, this time crossing towards the backpost as Greene sets up Miles, who fired into the roof of the net. A remarkable turn of events.

There was still time for Enfield to score a winner, but Gebrai’s long range effort was comfortable for Simson. However, they were unable to find a winner as the E’s had to settle for a point. Despite dropping points, 2nd placed Redbridge could only manage a draw at Clapton meaning the E’s remained five points clear at the top.