The BIG Questions - of Man, Morality and More

Enfield Town vs. Grays Athletic - 3pm k-o

Saturday 21st January, 2017 - Ryman Premier League

"… what I know most surely about morality and the duty of man I owe to sport and learned it in the RUA”* - Albert Camus, second-youngest recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature 
[as quoted in an interview with an alumni sports magazine, in the fifties. Camus had played for RUA’s junior team from 1928 to 1930. Racing Universitaire d'Alger won both the North African Champions Cup and the North African Cup twice each, in the 1930’s.]

Goal-keeper Albert Camus, amongst his RUA team-mates.

When it comes to philosophy, The Beautiful Game provides answers to many of life’s BIG questions, it seems. Not everybody realises this; but Camus, apparently, did. He might have landed more football-related thoughts and sound-bites for our delight and delectation, had his hopes of playing continued football not been utterly dashed when he contracted TB; for which there was no cure, at the time. It didn’t kill him; but a car accident in the small, French town of Villeblevin did, at the age of 46. Ironically, in his coat pocket was an unused train ticket. He had originally planned to make that last, fateful journey by train, with his wife and children; but, at the last minute, he had accepted his publisher's offer to travel with him by car, instead. Whoops! … but I digress.

It is a rare event these days, that Fulham are weakened by international duties; but they have recently been in such reduced circumstances. Both Floyd Ayite and Neeskens Kebano have been away on Africa Cup of Nations duty; the latter is still in Gabon, as I write. Enfield Town, however, have had no such issues, you may not be surprised to hear.

Recently, though, The Towners did have the opportunity to answer one footballing question which holds ramifications for our reflections on life in general: “Is it better to face high calibre opponents, to thrive under stiff competition and overcome; or to terrorise and dominate a weak opponent?” This is a question which becomes particularly high profile during an FA Cup weekend; like the one we are currently facing into. When, for instance, non-league sides Lincoln City and Sutton United will host Brighton & Hove Albion and Leeds United; and Tottenham Hotspur will entertain Wycombe Wanderers. Respectively, 72, 84 and 70 league places separate each of these sets of competing teams. These are all true "David & Goliath" conflicts, in the tabloid sports media sense; which will, surely, excite any football-loving neutral - and extract significant odds against the junior side, in each case, from any self-respecting bookies (of which there is only a small number, I know!). Enfield's challenge had been far less extreme, by comparison; as they took on a side just 17 places below them; with much to play for.

Another question in the mix was “In either case, what qualities can one learn about oneself?” Deep; all very deep! There was also the added frisson of yet another over-arching query: as to whether a “January Sale” at the Donkey-Drome turnstiles could produce a significant increase in the crowd, on an unwelcoming winter’s day. From a purely commercial perspective, it would appear that better opposition generally provides greater attendance revenues and a more appreciative crowd; since the Enfield Town club management had decided to slash the price of tickets for the visit of lowly Grays Athletic. All of the above might suggest to some, after all, that (as the song wisely informs us) there really are More Questions Than Answers**.

With the admittance price halved to just £5 on the gate, it was clearly hoped that more spectators than might otherwise have been expected would turn up to seek answers to the above BIG questions. Would more Grays Athletic fans make the journey than might, otherwise, have been the case? Would more home fans turn out, to lend voice to the unending chorus, which The Towners tend to enjoy? Simple maths suggested that twice the normal attendance would be required for the home club not to lose out on this “January Sale” deal; but it’s difficult to second guess just how many of today’s attendance actually would have shown up anyway, to watch such apparently poor opposition, on a cold but bright January afternoon, without the inducement of that price reduction. For Grays, although this has mostly been a season to forget so far, with various problems both on and off the field of play, it has also been one which has seen their status officially change. Hopefully for the better; as they have recently become (like Enfield Town) one of the country’s few fan-owned outfits (“Grays Athletic officially confirmed as a Supporters owned/run community Football Club” – 2nd Dec. 2016).

At one point, it looked as though there would, at least, be twice as many Harneys as usual turning out for the game.  I guess, however, the fact that Cal decided even £5 was too much to pay for this fixture and chose to stay at home in the warm, highlights the scale of indifference which Town (and Non- League football, in general) must overcome to boost crowds and club turnover, even amongst a fairly receptive audience. The Towners are one of the better supported sides in this league. They are 7^th in the table of average home gates, with a current figure of 383. This may help give some sense of the precarious nature of club finances, “at this level”; particularly so for the 17 teams who sit below Enfield in that table of home attendances. When the official attendance was announced as a crowd of 575, it was easy to assume that this was more than might have otherwise attended without a price incentive. Town’s lowest attendance this season has been 232; which was for the visit of Lowestoft Town – one of only 6 teams who can boast a higher home average attendance than Enfield’s. The lure of Grays (or lack of it?) might well have given the Trawlerboys a run for their money in the stay-at-home stakes.

Grays travelling fans: the baker's dozen.

Town started the day 6^th in the league table, on 44 points; with a +20 Goal Difference. By contrast, Grays were in 24^th (and last) place, on 23 pts; with a -35 GD. They were unkindly dubbed “the basement club” by local Enfield paper The Advertiser (?); which I thought made them sound too much like the home of some emerging new form of sweaty dance-music. Although the Visitors were, indeed, 4 points and -5 GD adrift of their nearest rivals. Town also sat 7^th in the current (10-match) form table. They will probably need to get into the top 5 of this, at least, to maintain their hopes of a play-off berth. Whereas the visitors sit at a nose-bleed-inducing 18^th, in the same form table; which may yet offer the Essex boys some faint hope of league survival. More helpful stats are provided from a look at the respective club web-sites. Enfield have just one defeat in their last 15 league outings; and only one home defeat all season. Meanwhile, Grays have lost 5 of their last 6 league games; and have won just 4 of their last 18. They had, however, strengthened their side with the one-month loan from Barnet of young left-back Joe Payne; who had gained brief notoriety back in late November as the scorer of THAT goal from the half-way line, in the Middlesex Senior Challenge Cup, against … Enfield Town. It was to be hoped he wouldn’t repeat that trick again, for the benefit of his temporary team-mates.
(https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2016/nov/23/barnets-joe-barnet-score-spectacular-goal-from-halfway-line-video). 

Kick-off at the QEII.

Elsewhere, 2^nd in the table hosted 3^rd (Havant & Waterlooville vs Needham Market) and 8^th (Worthing) hosted 4^th (Leiston) whilst Bognor, Dulwich and Tonbridge all face road trips – although, to be honest, none of those away games looked particularly “tricky”, on paper. Still, this weekend’s roll of the fixture computer’s ‘dice’ surely gave Enfield an enhanced chance to climb into the play-off places, by tea-time. An opportunity that was enhanced when the message “Match OFF following arrival of match referee” appeared alongside details for the Billericay - Dulwich game. In fact, Enfield’s would be one of just seven games played, out of the scheduled twelve Premier League fixtures. Another unexpected bonus for the Towners, then, might be an unexpected increase in fixture congestion for some of the teams around them. Incidentally, Enfield’s crowd of 575 was its largest home gate of the season – but STILL only the third largest of the day in their league … even though the number of fixtures was reduced from 12 to just 7. The Towners’ website was able to joke "No pitch inspection required in tropical Enfield. Beach wear optional!". They were also able to boast "Ales today from @RedemptionBrew and @newriverbrewery including the tasty Riverbed Red #forthebeards". So there was more on offer than just the answers to philosophical questions, to lure punters to the QEII Stadium. Which was probably just as well.

 A half-price £5 entry secured a healthy (home) crowd, at least.

Whatever happened anywhere else, however, The Towners priority would need to be ensuring that they, themselves, did not fall over, clown-like, on the improbable, slippery banana skin of their South Essex visitors. After entering the ground, buying a programme and checking the team sheet (posted beside the club shop) I made my way to the Eastern end of the ground and the SH Property Agents Ltd. stand. It was impossible not to discern the tell-tale pre-match smells of fried onions, liniment and nervous tension; and that was just from the kids playing kick-around behind the East stand.

The QEII's iconic South (Cafe) stand, holding up the setting sun. 

As early as the 5^th minute, Enfield’s fans were up to their old tricks/songs. First of all, trying to distract the visitors’ goalie, the exotically named Amadou Tangara; to the tune of “Whole World in His Hands”, it was noted that “He’s got the fattest ar5e – In the League … (repeat)”. There were sly references to Grays likely opponents in future Ryman seasons: “If you all love Stanway Rovers, clap your hands…”. Then the “January Sale” ticket price got a mention: “Here for a fiver – We’re only here for a fiver …”. It was less obvious what the referee was here for. Despite the visitors setting out their stall early on for a highly physical (and not entirely lawful) encounter, it took the official 17 minutes to produce his first yellow card of the afternoon. Although it was very belated – and the tone of the encounter had already been set by then - it would also, inexplicably, turn out to be his last card of the afternoon. So, unsurprisingly, the bottom-placed club continued trying to unsettle their far superior opponents with an “agricultural” approach, for the duration; whilst sitting deep and trying to score on the break, against the run of play. So, after 24 minutes of soaking up almost non-stop Enfield pressure, it was no surprise to home fans that Grays’ first meaningful effort was from all of 40+ yards out … Luke Wilson nearly catching Town ‘keeper Nathan McDonald out of position with a long-range effort, after his poor clearance, from wide on his right.





The anatomy of a free kick: conceded, set up and ... missed! Although that is not a wall Donald Trump would be proud of. Town (in white) apply first-half pressure; but what is Ottaway (#10) doing there? 

From early in the first half, the visitors were already wasting as much time as possible. Their goalie, in particular, was taking longer and longer on the ball with every back-pass and every clearance. That was until he was nearly caught with the ball, after 27 minutes, by Harry Ottaway’s eager, lurking pressure. Indeed, it was ALL one-way traffic, as Enfield pressed for their opening goal. It might have come after 37 minutes, when Tangara saved twice from Tyler Campbell and Ottaway. It certainly SHOULD have come after 42 minutes, when Micky Parcell drove in a great low cross for Ottaway, unmarked, on the far side of the Gray’s 6-yard box. It was amazing to see him unchallenged; but even more amazing to see the Enfield striker thwarted again, at close range, by Tangara. The half ended with a clear-cut chance for Grays. Their centre-forward, Mascoll, rose unmarked for a powerful, close-range header which he struck sweetly … high over the bar. It was impossible to know how he’d managed it. Despite total dominance, Enfield were happy to take a 0-0 stalemate into the half-time break; and slightly lucky to do so.

The second half started with some surprise pressure from the visitors; and a couple of chances (for Mahal and Kabobola) which were dealt with by McDonald. Soon Grays were trying to run down the clock with a couple of substitutions; but they mostly only resulted in unsettling the visitors’ balance. After 57 minutes, Bobby Devyne collected a through-ball on the left. Isolated, and in the absence of any obvious danger, Devyne intelligently threaded his way between a couple of defenders and rounded the advancing Tangara, before finally outwitting two more defenders who’d managed to get back between him and the goal. He slid an accurate final ball in to the far corner of the net to break the deadlock. It was his first goal since October; and could hardly have been better-timed, as nerves had been starting to jangle both on the pitch and on the terraces.

Bobby Devyne (in white) expertly rounds the exposed Tangara, before breaking the deadlock. (Photo: Tom Scott)

As a result, the game finally opened up significantly. Grays recognised the need to push forwards, in search of a goal of their own; but Town retained broad control of the game and now there was more space to play in. The hosts finally began to look comfortable after 71 minutes. Ottaway got his head to a Parcell free-kick from the right. He back-flicked the ball on for Crook, who had made an intelligent late run to the edge of the visitors’ 6-yard box, to strike a powerful volley back across Tangara, for his tenth goal of the season.

Enfield even had the luxury of wasting a penalty opportunity, late in the game. Substitute Dernell Wynter was brought down by a desperate Luke Wilson lunge from behind, inside the 6-yard box. Wynter dusted himself down to take the kick himself; but Tangara guessed well and got down low (and VERY early - see photo!) to his right to keep the score at a respectable 2-0. For all their multiple opportunities, Enfield couldn’t add another goal. They had to be content with 3 points, rather than the Goal-Difference boosting score-line their dominance of possession and territory might have merited. Tangara had single-handedly kept out at least half a dozen good efforts.

Tangara was a long way off his line before the penalty was even taken; but perhaps he deserved that little bit of good luck; after a mostly excellent display, which had kept his team in the mix for longer than they'd really deserved.

After the game, Enfield could look back on a job well done – if not prettily so. They still sit seventh in that all-important 10-match form table, having drawn too many previous games for comfort (indeed, they are the “drawing-est” team in the League, so far this season). They had at least, however, managed to avoid the ignominy of earning yet another draw with “the basement club”; a fate which, for far too long during today’s action, had looked an immensely possible outcome, against stubborn and well-organised opponents. Enfield still have to travel to Grays for the return fixture, on 25th March; and that could yet turn out to be a critical game, in terms of Town’s play-off hopes and final league position. They will probably need to show similar resilience and determination on that future March day as they did on this January one. Even if that is ALL the players and fans of ETFC learned about themselves this day, then the lesson will, surely, have been worth while

So, what ARE the answers to those big questions posed earlier? IS it better to face high calibre opponents or to terrorise weak opponents? And what qualities can one learn about oneself? Enfield may put their learnings to the test again this weekend, as they entertain Burgess Hill Town – who have won just once on the road this season. Town now sit 5^th in the table and are starting to look in control of their own end-of-season destiny; although mathematically there are still too many teams in the mix to be breaking open the champagne any time soon. In this case, in the hunt for a play-off place, the answer is that it was certainly better to dominate weaker opponents than to tackle strong opposition.

And what of Camus? His works are often interpreted as offering insights into The Absurd; and from his Wiki entry, it seems that football may have had an even more profound influence on him than that first, simple quote, at the top of this report, might suggest: “His work presents the reader with dualisms such as happiness and sadness, dark and light… He emphasizes the fact that happiness is fleeting”. If all of that is true of his work, then I suspect Camus would have fitted in rather well at Donkey Lane, with the Enfield Town fans. I just hope all of the squad are busy reading up on his works, as you read this. I believe that the study of Absurdist French Philosophy is, indeed, Bradley Quinton’s preferred pastime for his players, in between fixtures.

“Il n'y a pas d'endroit où l'homme est plus heureux que dans un stade" - Albert also said [“Nowhere is man happier than in a sports stadium”]. On Wednesday (when I plan to make my first visit to the hubristically-named “London Stadium”, to see West Ham United entertain Manchester City) I suspect I’ll be able to put this bold statement to the test, as a neutral ... if it truly IS a "stade" at all. Answers to this final question on the proverbial post-card, please.

Enfield Town: Nathan McDonald, Harold Joseph, Ricky Gabriel, Jon Muleba, Mark Kirby, Scott Shulton, Tyler Campbell (Samir Bihmoutine 79), Billy Crook (Percy Kiangebeni 88), Bobby Devyne, Harry Ottaway (Dernell Wynter 87), Mickey Parcell. Unused subs: Connor Bolton, Tom Collins.

Grays Athletic: Amadou Tangara, Ryan Mahal, Joe Payne, Lartey Sarpong, Nathan Campbell, Luke Wilson, Etienne Kabobola, Kwabena Osei, Jamie Mascoll (Lhereux Menga 52), Kieran Bishop, Joao Carlos. Unused subs: Harry Watkins, Jordan Aghatise, Terrell Forbes, Aaron Wickham. Booked: Campbell.

Attendance: 575

Culture-Vulture:
* Source/Notes: Herbert R. Lottman, “Albert Camus: A Biography” (1979)
** "There Are More Questions Than Answers" (1972) written and recorded by John Lester "Johnny" Nash, Jr. (b. 19/8/1940); American rock-steady singer-songwriter - one of the first non-Jamaican singers to record reggae music in Kingston, Jamaica:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEstgTAXyec).

What exactly makes a "stade", though?

Could it be, at least in part, the philosophy-inducing sun-set views one takes in on the reflective, post-match walk home? Tick ✅

Of Old Friends and Classic Football Walks

Fulham vs. Barnsley - 3pm k-o

Saturday 14th January, 2017

The English Football League Championship

"Neither Nowt Nor Summat" - Ian McMillan (a.k.a. "the Bard of Barnsley")

Graham, an old Fulham friend, topically came up Trump(s) with a late nod for a spare ticket in The Hammersmith End this weekend, for the Barnsley game. The trouble was, TfL didn’t read the same script. I had been hoping for some civilised pre-match chat over lunch and a couple of beers, in Putney's Jolly Gardeners pub. Instead, late-morning, on match-day I got a couple of messages from the relevant “transport” organisations, which scuppered my best-laid plans. Firstly: "TfL Latest - District Line: No service between Wimbledon and Parsons Green due to loss of signal control in the Wimbledon area”: and then “Trains to Putney delayed from Waterloo because of points problems at Clapham Jnctn.”. So, instead, I ended up meeting Graham outside the Hammersmith End turnstiles at 2.45pm after making do with the river walk to the ground from Hammersmith tube station, while munching on a cold sandwich and a pork pie.

Graham and I first met at the 'Stag' weekend of a mutual friend, yet another Fulham fan and season-ticket holder, John P. His wild Saturday night out in Bristol City (no sniggering, back there!) all those years ago, had started with a tour of the Harvey’s Sherry cellars, followed by dinner with suitable “adult (Bristol City) entertainment”, a late night spent posing as sports personality VIP guests of a premier night-club (I kid you not) and then an early start and a day of outdoor pursuits with a hog-roast lunch. All of which kicked off a friendship that has lasted 30 years, so far. Fulham-Barnsley should have been a cake-walk, by comparison with all of that Stag weekend action. Just so long as I could complete my cake-walk along the Thames first, under lowering pewter skies.

 

 

For those not familiar with two of the finest walks to an English football ground, the road less travelled by me this day would be the one from Putney Bridge tube station, through Bishop’s Park. Instead, I would be re-tracing part of John P’s Varsity Boat Race route, in reverse. There goes the Harrods Furniture Depository, followed by a landing jetty with the Craven Cottage floodlights already blazing in the background. There are all the folk “messing about on the river”; and then we’re heading inland for the last few hundred yards. Emma’s hot snacks van gives way to an inevitable, parked-up convoy of outside broadcast trucks. Finally, we are greeted by the famous red-brick façade of the Stevenage Road stand. Now renamed The Johnny Haynes Stand, it is the oldest surviving structure in English professional football. It is marginally older, in fact, than Graham, me and John.

  

I've lifted the following photo from footballsite.co.uk. Apparently, little "Amos" helped 2nd Division Barnsley get to their first FA Cup Final, in 1910. It is believed that Amos was the name of the jockey and not the donkey. No self-respecting modern groundsman would normally let a donkey anywhere near their pitch, nowadays. Although there’s not much he can do if a visiting team turn up with a stable full of them. The Tykes had carelessly sold their top scorer, Sam Winnall, to Sheffield Wednesday during the week; and, with a “For Sale” sign also apparently hanging around the neck of their other hot talent, Conor Hourihane, it was difficult to know quite who would be taking to the hallowed Craven Cottage turf in the visitors funny little red-and-white-hooped socks.

Who would be Barnsley's Amos, today?

To be fair, Fulham have been dealing with the shenanigans of a want-away striker themselves, in recent weeks; as Chris Martin angled for an early end to his season-long loan spell away from fellow play-off contenders, Derby. After three weeks effectively spent ‘on strike’, Martin was back in the squad; and back in the starting line-up. There were a few half-hearted boos, when his name was first announced in the starting line-up, over the PA system; but the home crowd had clearly decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and hope that he could return to the side firing on all those East Anglian / “Scottish” cylinders of his. He went through, clear on goal with just the ‘keeper to beat as early as the 5^th minute; but fluffed his lines in shooting straight at the visitors’ goalie, Adam Davies. As for the rest of the match action, Barnsley had turned up with a spoiling game plan that left Fulham’s faithful frustrated for the whole of the first 45 minutes. Floyd Ayité is away with Togo at the Africa Cup of Nations, giving on-loan Chelsea boy Lucas Piazon the chance to start. He has since extended his loan spell to the end of the season, much to the delight of some (easily-pleased) fans.

Before the game, a minute's applause was scrupulously observed in honour of Graham Taylor (see big screen, top). While, nearby, men in boats disrespectfully kept on fannying about on the river. Eventually, however, everybody remembered Bill Shankly's sly admonition that Football is "much more serious than" life and death - allowing the match to finally get under way.

It was difficult to believe that the visitors had started the day two places above their hosts in the table. Despite dominating possession and territory, however, Fulham were unable to turn any of their superiority into goals … until right up to just before the half-time break. With many restless fans already out of their seats in search of half-time refreshments, Barnsley’s Angus MacDonald had a brief rush of blood to the head and pulled down his namesake Kevin McDonald near the penalty spot, during the flight of a looping Piazon corner from the right. On another day the Barnsley MacDonald might have got away with it; but referee Andy Davies seemed to be of a fairly nervous disposition; and he pointed immediately to the spot. There was only mild celebration amongst the long-suffering Fulham faithful.

McDonald goes to ground, under pressure from MacDonald. The referee was perfectly placed to offer Fulham the lottery of yet another penalty.

Now you may not be aware of this; but there is a back-story around Fulham's penalty 'success' rate this season which, perhaps understandably, made the home fans’ response to that penalty decision somewhat muted. Prior to this one, we had been awarded five already and, of these, scored … just one. So who would step up bravely to deal with this sixth opportunity? None other than the returning Prodigal Son, Chris Martin. Would he make it 2 out of 6, to a resounding hero’s chorus of cheers; or would he drill it into Row Z, to the ignominy of a zero’s jeers? Luckily, Fulham went into the break 1-0 up. Martin struck a firm effort to the right, whilst sending the ‘keeper the wrong way. He had scored his seventh goal in 17 games for Fulham in his last appearance for us, back on Boxing Day; and any previous January shenanigans were immediately forgiven and forgotten. Hark, was that the sound of a fatted calf being prepared for slaughter and roasting? To the tune of Verdi’s “La Donna Immobile”, the relieved and highly-cultured Fulham fans sang a chorus of “We’ve Scored a Pen-al-ty; We’ve Scored a Pen-al-ty …”, as Mr. Davies nervously signalled that he’d seen enough, for now.

The multi-talented Chris Martin stands on one leg, while converting Fulham's penalty.

It was a crisp, winter’s day and the light was fading by the time the teams returned to the pitch to resume hostilities. It soon turned out that the visitors were fading, too. A lower-than-average gate of just 18,010 had shown up. Demonstrating that Barnsley were not that much of a draw, on a January afternoon. Fulham resumed the second half where they had left off: dominating possession and territory but occasionally looking a little shaky at the back. Most of their nervous jitters were calmed, however, ten minutes in; when Scott Malone arrived deep on the left of the Barnsley area, giving Piazon a shout to leave Chris Martin’s intelligent cross. The result was a sublime left-footed volley, driven into the ground, which went across Davies and into the far corner of the net. From thereon in, Fulham looked mostly in control. Martin went close a couple more times; as did Johansen, Piazon and Cairney. Davies was now earning his keep, in goal; whilst Barnsley continued to threaten just occasionally, on the break. A triple substation on 70 minutes made little difference to the visitors or the balance of play.

Spot the Ball. Malone hits his left-foot volley sweetly past Davies: 2-0.(Photo: FFC website)

Eventually, Fulham made three substitutions of their own, late on: after 88, 89 and 92 minutes. It was difficult to see them as anything other than gamesmanship and clock management by wily (and nervous?) old Slaviša Jokanović; but it was nice to see Parker, Odoi and much-heralded "teenage sensation" Ryan Sessegnon all get a brief run-around in a game that was already won.

Second-half floodlight "porn", for the needy.

Good though he is, Hourihane had struggled to impose himself on the game, despite playing the whole match. Some thought he might not be selected - or would be withdrawn early - to reduce the risk of an injury prior to his expected sale. He had a couple of attempts at goal and was involved in several of Barnsley’s better moves, including an assist from a free-kick that saw Tom Bradshaw head wide to the right, from the centre of the box; but it soon became apparent that it’s tough to boss a game with a price-tag hanging around your neck and your most effective goal-scoring partner already sold.

Barnsley: a town proudly built on the profits from coal-mining, glass-blowing, Michael Parkinson ... and player sales. 

Some Fulham fans continue to feel rightly nervous about the resilience of their defence, even in the presence of returning centre-back, Kalas. The outcome could easily have been very different, for instance, if Hammill “after a fine solo run” had converted a first-half chance which, instead, bounced safely over, off the Fulham cross-bar. It was Barnsley’s best chance of the game; and would have been 'against the run of play', had it gone in. Now, if only Barnsley had a proven goal-scorer in their midst - whoops!

Poet and presenter, Ian McMillan: no verse yet issued on the Barnsley management's strategy, of selling the club's best players. "A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever", perhaps?*

The overall match statistics speak for themselves: Fulham had 68% of possession and eight shots on target, to Barnsley’s two. The visitors did win the foul count though, by a clear margin of 12 to 4; and the bookings count by two to nil. These matters were probably of little comfort to the departing travelling fans. Even for the ones who had been seen leaving rather early. Ian McMillan's book title (at top of page) could be mistaken for a fair description of his side's contribution to the proceedings. To be fair to the visitors, though, they were probably more tired and distracted than usual, as a result of having taken part in the BBC's latest dancing extravaganza, earlier in the week (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b088pjyf/our-dancing-town-1-barnsley - see below).

Barnsley: it's an official BBC "Dancing Town", y'know.

There was little more left to do other than to thank Graham once again for the generous offer of his spare ticket and to set off, dancing, back up the Thames Path towards Hammersmith, with a warm, two-goal glow in my heart and eighth place in the table stashed in my pocket. It was still exactly a month before Valentine’s Day; but this really had been something of a massacre. The 2-0 scoreline had flattered a poor Barnsley performance; but now we were, at least, rightfully above them in the table. Fulham fans had rejoiced in repeated choruses of “Olé!, Olé!, Olé!”, in response to each individual, slide-rule pass, as their men in white had dominated the game. There are 21 league fixtures left in which Fulham might yet turn their entertaining, passing game into something approaching a genuine promotion challenge. Oh, and the little matter of a chance to do some "Giant" killing in the F.A. Cup, against Hull City. Two big days out at Wembley, anybody?

Come on, you Whites!

Fulham

• 27 Button

• 2 Fredericks

• 26 Kalas

• 13 Ream

• 3 Malone

• 14 Johansen - Substituted for Parker at 88' minutes

• 6 McDonald

• 24 Aluko - Substituted for Odoiat at 90+2' minutes

• 10 Cairney

• 20 Piazon - Substituted for Sessegnon at 89' minutes

• 25 Martin

Substitutes

• 1 Bettinelli

• 4 Odoi

• 8 Parker

• 9 Smith

• 15 Madl

• 17 Sigurdsson

• 30 Sessegnon

Barnsley

• 1 Davies

• 2 Bree

• 4 Roberts

• 5 MacDonald

• 3 White- Booked at 53 mins

• 15 Watkins - Booked at 73 mins

• 6 Scowen

• 8 Hourihane

• 7 Hammill - Substituted for Kent at 70' minutes

• 28 R Williams - Substituted for Moncur at 70' minutes

• 20 Bradshaw Substituted for Armstrong at 70' minutes

Substitutes

• 10 Moncur

• 13 Townsend

• 16 Evans

• 18 Jackson

• 23 Payne

• 32 Armstrong

• 40 Kent

Culture Vulture reference:

* from "Endymion", by Enfield's very own 'Bright Star' - John Keats (1795 -1821)

New Year's Resolution

Enfield Town vs. AFC Sudbury - 3pm k-o

Saturday 7th January, 2017 - Ryman Premier League

"Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering: 'It will be happier'..." - Alfred Lord Tennyson (Victorian Poet Laureate)

All football fans (I think) hope that next year will be "happier". They'd have to be pretty contrary NOT to want a better year than last time, wouldn't they? At the start of this season even Claudio Ranieri, of Premier League title-holders, Leicester City, said he wanted to go one point better than last time out - although he may well have since re-calibrated his ambitions somewhat. This year, Enfield Town are in with a genuine shout at a Premier League Play-Off place; and an extended end-of-season. Recent form suggests it is well within their grasp, with 20 games left to play. One would hope that making it through to those play-offs should be on every Enfield player's list of New Year's Resolutions.

There are many alluring aspects to The Beautiful Game. Although a wet January Saturday afternoon at Donkey Lane is rarely listed high amongst them, by those in the know - not least if they have recently returned from warmer (yea balmy) foreign climes [see previous blog entry, below]. ETFC, however, had lost only once (away to Leatherhead) in their last 12 games - and just can't stop scoring. So it was to be hoped that the Towners could put on a show to warm my heart and returning soul. Newly-promoted Suffolk side, Amalgamated Football Club Sudbury (1999), had to make the damp, 115-mile round-trip to visit the QEII Stadium, after having picked up just 3 league points from their last 12 available. A journey to the in-form, 6^th-placed side was probably not the cheeriest of New Year prospects for them, looking up the table from 16^th, some -13 points and -20 Goal Difference behind North London’s finest.

It was tough enough for the 407 of us brave, non-league supporting souls present to drag ourselves along to The Donkeydrome in the rain at all; but tough was made tougher still by a delayed start, with the game getting underway some seven minutes late. One could only assume that the match sponsor was the much-derided Southern Trains. This being a New Year fixture, there were comic seasonal references on the lips of the in-form home crowd, who regaled us with variations on one of their most beloved themes: “… I just don’t think you understand. His name is Mark Kir-by. He’s eaten my tur-key … He’s [manager] Brad-ley Quin-ton’s man. He’s fat-ter than my Nan …”, quickly followed by a hilarious, if unauthorised, adaptation from the Kaiser Chiefs: “I predict a Diet”. How we larrfed!

NOT laughing now! 'Food-Thief' Mark Kirby gets better-acquainted with the perimeter fencing ... painfully 
 (Photo: Tom Scott)

As was probably to be expected, given the two sides’ respective league positions and recent form, once the match-day train finally left the station, it was the hosts who dominated early play. On the slippery surface, and in occasional rain, we were surely all expecting a flood that Noah would have been familiar with … a biblical flood of goals, that is. As early as the 15^th minute, the Sudbury floodgates were, indeed, opened up. Unperturbed by his earlier, stubborn chase of a lost cause (and his subsequent, painful collision with the perimeter fence) Enfield skipper Mark Kirby chased a loose ball determinedly, managing to put it back into the danger area. At this point, apparently, Tyler Campbell supplied the sublime finishing touch, low to the right of the visitors’ ‘keeper, Marcus Garnham. I say ”apparently” because, at the critical moment, I dropped my pen and was distracted. Missing the opening goal didn’t bother me too much, though; since it was to be the first of many. Indeed, just a minute later, Campbell turned provider for Dernell Wynter, whose cross-shot … trickled just wide, to the right of the Sudbury goal. It surely couldn’t be long before the next goal arrived. Sudbury looked exactly what they were: a newly-promoted team, out of their depth.

It's a good sign you might well be at a community club, when there's as much exciting action behind the main stand as there is on the pitch in front of it. Kids go free. Literally!

Town are now an experienced side, “at this level”; and they were able to use their superiority to apply significant pressure for the rest of the half – but, ultimately and frustratingly, all to no avail. Despite dominating territory and possession (to be sure, there was plenty of fairy-tale huff and lots of wolfish puff; but) nobody’s seasonal, pantomime house quite fell down.

Desperate Sudbury 1st half defense (in red) was to the fore, as they were battered by Enfield's rams.

That was until the 38^th minute. Town’s Nathan Livings ran half the width of the pitch to clatter inconceivably into Sudbury’s Jack Wilkinson, later even than the proverbial Southern Rail train of legend, on the half-way line, with the ball long gone. Unsurprisingly, Livings was sent off; shown a straight red card by Mr. Donnellan for upending his opponent in the most agricultural (or locomotive) fashion. In an echo of the closing theme music from hit 1980’s comedy drama “Auf Wiedersehen, Pet”, one despondent home fan muttered “that’s Livings, alright”. He has form in this area; and now there was a risk that it would be Enfield’s ‘house’ that might be blown down wolfishly. Luckily, it turned out that Wilkinson was not, in fact, dead at all; as had seemed likely from his long-term, prostrate position on the bloody field of battle. One colleague had helpfully intervened, early in the delay; strolling over, presumably, to suggest that there was really no rush whatsoever to get back up, whilst the referee was still considering his disciplinary options, with the help of some judicial contributions from his assistant / linesman.

Engrossing action - and Enfield's famous Cafe Stand.

So much for that pre-match observation that Town "just can't stop scoring". Was this red card to be the cause of a collapse in Enfield’s house of cards? It soon became clear that we might not have to wait long to find out. There were still several minutes of first the half for Enfield to survive, with just 10 men on the field. To be followed by the small matter of a further 45 minutes, after the break. In the last action of the half, Town’s long-suffering fans were given a sign of what to expect when Sudbury's Sam Bantick drove his side’s best effort of the half against the corner of the Enfield woodwork, from distance. A long-range artillery bombardment could be anticipated, it seemed. When, at half-time, the PA system began to play Beyoncé Knowles-Carter’s anthemic "Crazy (in Love)", it was hard not to assume this was a barely-veiled criticism of Livings’s rush of blood to the head; and an acknowledgement of the fifty-minute-plus rear-guard, defensive action he had just bequeathed to his team-mates. It was very likely that the game-plan (and the spectacle for the crowd) would now take on a very different hue - and cry - to that originally anticipated.

It's so crazy right now!

... Uh oh, uh oh, uh oh, oh no no

Uh oh, uh oh, uh oh, oh no no

Uh oh, uh oh, uh oh, oh no no

Uh oh, uh oh, uh oh, oh no no.

First-half floodlight and corner-flag "porn".

"If you asked me for my New Year Resolution, it would be to find out who I am" - Cyril Cusack (South Africa-born Irish stage, TV and film actor)

Here was Enfield's chance to find out precisely who they really are. Surprisingly, after the break, the expected Sudbury onslaught never really fully materialised. Enfield played a little deeper, for sure, and left Harry Ottaway mostly alone up front to keep the visitors’ defence busy and 'honest'; looking to extend Town’s lead, on the break - or as a result of a defensive error. Campbell scuffed an early shot wide, and the fresh legs of Enfield substitute Mickey Parcell forced Garnham into action, parrying his effort, after 64 minutes. Shortly afterwards, Captain Kirby, leading by example and still coming forwards for every set-piece move, headed Billy Crook’s corner thumpingly - but just wide-ly. Ottaway also got into the offensive action, firing wide across goal from an unlikely angle on the right of the box. Meanwhile, Sudbury tried to pepper the Enfield goal; but mostly without the necessary accuracy. McDonald was forced into just a few valuable saves: one from a Dylan Williams free-kick; another, a Luke Callender header after Wilkinson’s set-piece cross.

Enfield's loyal fans huddle together in the dry for warmth - and maximum decibels.

Enfield have the eighth-best home attendances in the Ryman Premier League. Sudbury have the fourth-best away gate record. You would never have guessed the latter. There was little more than a scattering of travelling support; and it made a difference. Even as the home side’s inevitable fatigue began to show, with little encouragement from the terraces, Sudbury mostly continued to offer little invention going forwards. They continually fired the ball from side to side, across the full width of the pitch looking for better angles, chinks in the defensive armour and opportunities to take the fight to Town’s defence; but, like a team of obstinate, muddy Gandalf’s, Enfield insisted the visitors would not pass! Late on, Brad Quinton threw on a couple more substitutes to break up the rhythm of the game and provide some much-needed breathing space for his besieged defence.

Ten-man Town (in white) continue to take the game to their more numerous opponents.

As the stalemate continued to wear us all down – and, perhaps, somewhat in desperation – AFC’s manager, Jamie Godbold, left his own experienced head on the bench and gave debuts late on to two of his Academy graduates, Sam Mills and Joe Wright. But breaking down the wily, if depleted, home defence remained beyond them all. Nothing would dent Enfield's resolution. The AFC website would later describe the action as “a narrow defeat”; but that barely scratched the surface of their uninspired performance, with a man advantage.

Town players celebrate their hard-fought win - and come to thank the home support for their vocal performance.

Is it fair to even talk about “10-man Enfield” at all? It would not be unreasonable to suggest that the home crowd, sometimes referred to as “The 12^th Man”, simply took up Livings’s place in metaphorical midfield and became the 11^th man. Certainly, after the final whistle, Town’s players showed more than their usual degree of gratitude for the fans’ part in keeping up team morale. Bringing so few travelling fans may have cost Sudbury at least a point.

Man in Black: Enfield manager Brad Quinton gladly leads the lengthy celebrations, before finally heading for the dressing room. At least 2 points saved!

As I have previously menioned, some very good friends of mine at Colne Radio (active campaigners Against Modern Football - https://www.mixcloud.com/brynandbill/new-episode-12-the-bryn-bill-football-show-with-john-mcgreal-the-dragons-michael-kennedy/) take a very keen interest in football clubs’ involvement with their local communities. Enfield Town have taken their own community connection in a new direction this month, by offering locals a "January Sale". Not a sale in the well-patronised club shop; but at the turnstiles where, for their last league fixture of the month, entry will be half-price. Which is almost as good as 50% off; and there’s no multi-buy con, collector mechanic or other strings attached, like at Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Costa. Join me, if you can! It could be the best value 90 minutes of the season.

It seems like a generous gesture from the fan-run club. That is until you realise the opponents, Grays, are adrift at the foot of the table, with a Goal Difference of -35, having lost 5 of their last 6 league games. Regardless of this more pragmatic maths, "football for a fiver" remains a far cry from the cynical commercialism of most 'Modern Football'. There's an obvious New Year's Resolution lurking somewhere in there, just waiting for the Premier League money-men to find it.
Come on, you Towners! Show them the way ...

Enfield Town: Nathan McDonald, Harold Joseph, Ricky Gabriel, Jon Muleba, Mark Kirby, Scott Shulton, Tyler Campbell (Bobby Devyne 81), Nathan Livings, Billy Crook, Harry Ottaway (Percy Kiangebeni 90), Dernell Wynter (Mickey Parcell 58). Unused subs: Tom Collins, Keir Dickson. Sent off: Livings.

AFC Sudbury: Marcus Garnham, Jack Wilkinson, Aidan Austin (Liam Wales 63), James Baker, Tyler French, Adam Tann, Sam Bantick, Dylan Williams (Sam Mills 84), Luke Callander, Craig Parker, Robert Eagle (Joseph Wright 87). Unused subs: Kolade Salaudeen, Jamie Godbold. Booked: Eagle, Williams.

Attendance: 407

Stop Press News: Enfield Town followed up their courageous and Herculean 10-man efforts against Sudbury with another formidable performance, this latest effort away to table-toppers Bognor Regis Town ("The Rocks"). Despite leading the game 1-0 for over 50 minutes, Enfield ultimately had to settle for a single point, extending their unbeaten run to five games. The match report on the club web-site says they "were unlucky not to have gone in at the half time break more than a goal up". They remain in 6th place; but now only by virtue of a superior Goal Difference over the heavenly Tonbridge Angels.