Enfield Town take all three points back to North London after seven-goal thriller in Sussex

Goals galore as Horsham came from behind twice, and at one point led the tie, but were ultimately beaten 4-3 by Enfield Town.

This game pitted a Horsham side, who had not long alleviated their relegation worries with six straight wins, against an Enfield Town side that find themselves within the play-off picture.

Perhaps it was to expected that this game would be chaotic with Enfield Town’s previous two games being a 4-4 draw against Cray Wanderers and then a disappointing 4-1 home loss to Lewes.

The match started in such a fashion that set the precedent, as Horsham’s Eddie Dsane drove into the box before being brought down by a clumsy flailing leg. 

The forward took on the responsibility of taking the penalty, but sadly for the Hornets, his effort was well saved by Nathan McDonald. Horsham have made a habit of missing penalties this season, a trend which may well haunt them this season. 

Sam Howes made a fantastic save that would not have looked out of place in the higher divisions as he tipped Sam Youngs’ effort onto the bar at full stretch. 

However, the delight at this save was short-lived for Horsham. The visitors broke the deadlock as Youngs was there to capitalise on a Will Miles mistake and fire the ball home. 

The hosts responded almost instantly, as just a minute later, a goalmouth scramble resulted in Isthmian Youth League product Lee Harding being in the right place at the right time to find the back of the net from close range.

The Hornets had a sting in their tail and looked to complete the rapid turnaround as Harding’s exhaustive pressing forced an error, allowing Shamir Fenelon a clear sight of goal. On this occasion, the Irishman was denied by McDonald. 

However, Fenelon was not to be outdone, and after some exquisite buildup play, he found himself on the scoresheet and gave Horsham the lead. A delightful through ball from Charlie Hester-Cook sliced through Enfield’s defensive line like a hot knife through butter, allowing the forward to lift the ball gracefully over the goalkeeper to bulge the net. 

Unfortunately, the joy of going ahead was almost as short-lived as the despair of going behind as Howes fumbled the greasy ball straight to the feet of Lyle Della-Verde, who made no mistake in levelling the game up at 2-2. 

Approaching the half-hour mark, Enfield regained their lead with what will surely be a contender for Goal of the Season in the Isthmian League.

Former Bolton Wanderers man Muhammadu Faal picked up the ball around 30 yards out, and under severe pressure, he nutmegged his man and then drove towards the box before unleashing a sensational strike that nestled perfectly into the top right-hand corner. Unsurprisingly, the celebrations from the Enfield fans, players and Faal himself were jubilant, to say the least. 

The first half came to a close after a couple of lengthy stoppages due to nasty collisions, but after the break, Horsham came out on top and were piling on the pressure. The Hornets went close after left-back Harvey Sparks did brilliantly to whip the ball across to the back post, finding a teammate, but at full stretch, Fenelon could only poke the ball into the side netting.

The hosts did equalise however as a floated corner into the box caused absolute carnage amongst the Enfield defence, with Miles eventually knocking it down to former Preston North End and Fleetwood Town youngster Dsane to scramble home. 

After six goals were scored, the game was still level at the Camping World Community Stadium, yet there was a general consensus amongst the crowd that there was a winner in this for either side. 

Much to the jubilation of a strong Enfield Town following, this goal went the way of the Towners. Faal turned provider as the Horsham defence were caught lacking, with the number 10 finding the right ball to debutant Jake Cass.

Making his first appearance since signing from direct rivals Bishop’s Stortford, the forward endeared himself to the Enfield faithful in the best possible way by firing home the winner and celebrating with those that made the journey to Horsham.

The hosts tried everything to get an equaliser but did not manage it as Enfield claimed all three points and climbed into fourth place, still harbouring their hopes of reaching the play-offs. 

Horsham remain in 12th, and consequently, the play-offs look a touch too far for the Hornets. They will look to get back to winning ways with a trip to Bognor Regis next time out whilst Enfield face a trip to fellow Londoners Haringey Borough. 

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