Amateur Football and Grass Roots Soccer Online : AC Enfield

Match Reports 2005-2007

11 May 2008
MWFL 3rd Division Game
Hadley Green 3 - AC ENFIELD 0

With the league won Marcelo played may reserves in the above game – which they lost!

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4 May 2008
MWFL 3rd Division Game
AC ENFIELD 2 (J. Philpott, P. Marenghi) – White Bear 1

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!

AC Enfield were crowned Mercury Waltham League Division 3 Champions this week after defeating the last of the teams who could have denied them the title, White Bear. The second of Devizio's "3 finals" proved to be the title clincher as results elsewhere went in the Rossoneri's favour and AC Enfield clinched the title with a game to spare.

Following the demolition of their other title rivals, Shadwell, the previous week, few were expecting many changes, yet Devizio still managed to get in a couple, mainly due to the absence of Coach Noto, who has been vital in the decisive part of the season. Without his cultured forward, Devizio decided to move The Assist Machine up front to partner Pow-Wow, to create the shortest forward line in Sunday league history, and slot Jesus into left wing, knowing that the misfiring striker would make up in effort what he lacked in experience in that position. The rest of the team remained the same as the week before.

Straight from the kick-off, you could see AC Enfield wanted to finish the job here, and they immediately began to dominate. Maintaining possession well but constantly asking questions of the White Bear defence, playing the ball in behind the back-line to see how they coped with the pace of Pow-Wow and The Assist Machine. The two pacy strikers running riot as The Assist Machine found himself through on goal but was denied by some excellent goalkeeping. Minutes later, Pow-Wow scampered down the right wing and his pass back into the penalty area was met by Hansel, who fired the ball into the empty goal to put AC Enfield into the lead. They could have extended that lead minutes later when they were awarded a penalty. Top goalscorer Pow-Wow took responsibility, he stepped up confidently and placed the ball on the spot, but proceeded to fire his penalty over the crossbar showing none of the composure we are used to seeing from the player who prides himself on his Mazzola-style penalties. Despite this missed opportunity, AC Enfield continued to dominate as they kept possession from White Bear who lost out regularly to the AC Enfield defence with their direct style of play, which AC Enfield have learnt to deal with, having encountered it on so many occasions this season. Terminator commanding, as always, El Capitan dominant, supported by the expert Mouth of the South and Fridge down the flanks. The full backs were taking very few risks and we didn't see them joining the attack as we usually do, but did their jobs in defence, protecting their Sweeper/Goalkeeper Beckenbauer, who has been in superb form this season, whenever called upon. Safe in the knowledge that all was under control at the back, the 6 in front of the defence were free to probe the opposition and look for openings. Jesus was incisive on 2 occasions but his crosses into the box were cut out by the opposition defence, and Hansel went close with a strike from outside the box, but the first half closed at 1-0.

Perhaps AC Enfield could have been further ahead but Devizio was happy with the performance and would have been happy with the same scoreline at the end of the game.

AC Enfield were 45 minutes away from winning the title but it was evident that the tight scoreline was playing on their minds. They needed another goal to settle the nerves. This duly arrived, courtesy of some generous defending by the White Bear left-back and cool finishing by Pow-Wow. The left back was caught in possession by the flamboyant winger/striker who then slotted the ball coolly past the out-rushing goalkeeper to double AC Enfield's lead. They were well on their way to clinching the title but there were still 35 minutes to go, and they were to be a tense 35 minutes as they started to relax and expected to see out the rest of the game, whereas White Bear had other ideas. The Roy Bailey Cup finalists were not the kind of team to let a loss like this stand and came back strong, throwing on another attacking player to try and get the goals to get them back in the game. But Teminator and co stood strong, sending every attack back to where it came from, frustrating the opposition who were running out of ideas of how to break through this wall they found in front of them. With Hansel and Manos de Bebe sitting in front of the back four, White Bear had a formidable task before them in having to score minimum 2 goals. Their frustrations epitomised by the manner of the dismissal of their left winger, who committed a dangerous foul on The Mouth of the South after being dispossessed yet another time, by the pacy full back. White Bear still continued to apply pressure, even with 10 men, and the teams were even 5 minutes later as Hansel was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a rash challenge in the centre of the park. White Bear pulled one back when one of their players was left free at the edge of the box and let fly, giving Beckenbauer no chance. So Devizio, seeing his players faltering, brought on Marco...Polo and Blue for The Fridge and Pow-Wow, looking to freshen things up. There were still 20 minutes left, and White Bear were in the ascendancy, the AC Enfield players and fans anxiously counting down the minutes. White Bear continued to apply pressure, but some excellent defensive work by the whole team, kept White Bear at bay. Even Blue, notorious for his low work rate was defending from the front, hunting down the White Bear defenders whenever they had the ball, and resisting the temptation to go for goal, instead running to the corner flag, Pippo Inzaghi-style, to run down the clock. Once the final whistle blew, there were scenes of celebrations as Devizio and the other players on the sidelines, ran onto the pitch with their arms in the air. The scenes also included singing of the Queen hit "We are the champions" and an AC Enfield bundle in the middle of the pitch. Truly exuberant scenes as AC Enfield secured promotion and won a second division in 2 seasons. Many had thought the step up of 2 divisions may be too much but this was not the case as they were crowned champions once again.

A fantastic achievement by the red and black team from Enfield, who are quickly rising through the divisions in the Mercury Waltham League, at a rapid rate. They still have one more game to play against Hadley Green, but Devizio is sure to give many of his fringe players a rare start now that the league is in the bag. It may also be the last game for the club for both Blue and Pow-Wow, who have announced they may be leaving the club at the end of the season to pursue careers in Midget-bodybuilding and setting up his own dojo respectively. The club wishes them all the best and would welcome them back with open arms if they were to decide to return and help fight for promotion again next season. So there may be some squad strengthening to come in the summer for Devizio and the board, but right now they are going to savour another title, in 2 seasons. Well done everyone!

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27 April 2008
MWFL 3rd Division Game
Shadwell 2 - AC ENFIELD 6 (C. Taitt, J. Philpott, D. Dafonte x 2, M. Noto, S. Taitt)

HAVE YOU SHAD ENOUGH?

AC Enfield taught Shadwell a footballing lesson this week as they hit Shadwell for 6 in their top-of-the-table clash at Enfield Playing Fields.

Following their woeful performance last time out, against Northaw, Manager Devizio claimed his boys needed to up their game and win the 3 remaining games if they are to win the title, his players heeded this call and responded by producing a fine footballing display to destroy Shadwell in the first of their "3 finals" by 6 goals to 2.

AC Enfield controlled the game from the start, not giving too much away in the opening exchanges. Devizio showed his intentions by playing 2 full-backs on the right-wing, in El Bearday/Chuck Norris Jr and The Mouth of the South, and having Hansel and Manos de Bebe sitting deep with Coach Noto coming short, looking to set away Pow-Wow and The Assist Machine with his incisive passing on the break. The counter-attacking tactics seemed to do the job as Shadwell were getting frustrated by the impenetrable wall in front of them and regularly lost possession as they played long balls forward that the defence easily dealt with, under the guidance of Beckenbauer who commanded his area in expert fashion. AC Enfield were the smarter of these two heavyweights who were biding their time, waiting for an opportunity to strike rather than Shadwell who came out all guns blazing. That opportunity came and was taken by AC Enfield when they won a corner, which was whipped into the box by The Assist Machine and was met by El Bearday/Chuck Norris Jr as he leapt like a salmon to meet the cross and crashed his header into the back of the net, to put AC Enfield ahead after just 8 minutes. The game continued in similar fashion as AC Enfield banked on their formidable defence to contain the opposition threat and looked to punish Shadwell as they threw men forward. Pow-Wow constantly a threat, as he played the high backline, looking to expose their weaknesses with his lightning pace. There were a few attempts from distance by both teams, and Terminator suffered a slight malfunction and lost the ball in defence but his captain, El Capitan, came to his rescue, with an excellent sliding challenge. Terminator atoned for his mistake with an excellent intervention from a corner, when Shadwell looked certain to score, before Hansel then doubled AC Enfield's lead, with a fantastic strike from outside the area. Pow-Wow beat the offside trap to escape down the right wing and attempted a shot at the near post, this was cleared, but only as far as Hansel who was ready and waiting on the edge of the area, and fired his volley past the Shadwell goalkeeper. Coach Noto attempted an audacious shot from the half-way line, just before half-time, but he may need to get off the leg-weights as his attempt flew over the cross-bar.

It was a professional performance in the first half. AC Enfield were leading and looked comfortable, they just needed to see out the next 45 minutes and they would have successfully completed the first part of their decisive trilogy of games leading to the title. This was the advice of the manager but the players could taste blood and took to the field for the second half looking to finish the job in style!

The second half started in a completely different manner, as Shadwell attempted to find a way back into this game and AC Enfield looked to deliver the knock-out blow. This made for an expansive game, that would allow both teams to play an open passing game, that made for gripping viewing. Already 5 minutes in, AC Enfield extended their lead to 3-0 as Pow-Wow raced onto a through ball by Coach Noto and unselfishly squared the ball to Manos de Bebe when through on goal, with only the goalkeeper to beat, to leave Manos de Bebe to pass the ball into an empty net. Two minutes later AC Enfield killed the game off, as Coach Noto deservedly got his name on the scoresheet. The Assist Machine once again with the assist. He scampered away down the left flank leaving everyone in his wake, he then floated the ball into the area where Coach Noto touched the ball past the outrushing goalkeeper before walking the ball into the Shadwell goal. It was party time and AC Enfield were enjoying themselves as they looked to embarrass their title challengers and send a message to the rest of the league challengers. Coach Noto attempted another strike from the halfway line that went just over once again (Senna of Villareal showed him how it's done later that evening), before delivering a pinpoint cross to The Fridge, who had joined in the fun, but the 1-goal-a-season left-back surely was not going to get a second this season! In fact, he didn't, despite the accurate cross, the left back failed to make the correct contact and the ball went safely into the hands of the Shadwell goalkeeper. AC Enfield were enjoying themselves a little too much as more and more players threw themselves forward looking to get their names on the scoresheet, leaving the defence a little exposed, requiring Terminator to be at his very best with some excellent blocks and he needed all 6ft 8inches of his colossal frame to stop the ball crossing the line as the Shadwell striker beat Beckenbauer in the air to head goalwards. In the midst of all this, Shadwell pulled one back just after the hour mark, with an excellent strike from outside the box after a poor clearance. But AC Enfield re-established their 4 goal lead when Manos de Bebe finished coolly with his left foot when he found himself in front of goal with just the goalkeeper to beat after fantastic work from Coach Noto. This was Coach Noto's last contribution as he, El Bearday/Chuck Norris Jr and Hansel left the pitch to allow Marco...Polo, Blue and GBH Taitt to join the game. GBH Taitt made his impact on the game by first, making his presence known to the Shadwell central midfielders with some trademark "man and ball" challenges and then conceding a penalty for trying to bodyslam a Shadwell player when defending a corner. The penalty was scored, a mere consolation for the opposition, who then proceeded to try and cause a fight, as the Shadwell number 17 began verbally abusing The Assist Machine, and was given a yellow for his troubles, then Marco...Polo foolishly commented on the player's name, antagonising the Shadwell player to threaten to hit him, and both players were sent from the field of play. Puerile behaviour by both players which meant they missed the rest of the game and also suffer heavy fines. It has been calculated Marco..Polo's actions cost him £6 per minute of play this week! Once this disruption had passed, AC Enfield got back to business and put the icing on the cake when The Mouth of the South bagged his first goal for the club, after playing a one-two with Manos de Bebe, he finished coolly over the outrushing goalkeeper to make the final score 6-2 to AC Enfield.

A fantastic performance and a deserved result for AC Enfield who produced, arguably, their best performance of the season exactly when required. Manager Devizio was clearly delighted with his team's performance as he left the Enfield Playing Fields claiming all 11 players were his Men of the Match after a real team effort put AC Enfield in a title clinching position next week, as other results went their way. However the MOM award went to Manos de Bebe, whose dominant performance in the middle of the park was the base for the team to build on. Winning possession on numerous occasions and providing an assist for a goal as well as grabbing 2 goals of his own, his performance proved crucial to the side's victory and won him the accolade. AC Enfield could all but win the title by beating White Bear next week, the only team who can still spoil the party for AC Enfield and also the only team to beat the Division 3 leaders in the league this season, a fact that will still hurt the AC Enfield players and one they will want to avenge this week. Once again the players will have to step up and prove their worth, let's hope they still have more left in the tank after this phenomenal performance!

"There's no 2 ways about it, we now have to win every game, but it is still in our own hands!" These were the words of AC Enfield manager Marcello Devizio after seeing his team's worst performance of the season in a disappointing 0-0 draw with 3rd placed Northaw, at Goffs Lane. The ACE boys hadn't played for 5 weeks but no one expected as bad a performance as this, as AC Enfield managed a sum total of 3 shots on target in 90 minutes of football.

Things looked to be going well for the rossoneri before the game, with only long-term absentee, El Capitan, and Matt Damon, who failed a late fitness test, missing, there was a strong starting 11 and excellent options on the bench for AC Enfield to take all 3 points from a game, vital to keep up with league leaders, Shadwell.

However, AC Enfield started slowly and struggled to dictate the tempo of the game, with some wayward passing, gifting possession to the opposition. Northaw's long ball approach proved to be much more effective, as they dominated the aerial battles, and looked to benefit from the flick-ons. Fortunately the break hadn't affected the defence in the same way as the rest of the team. The commanding Terminator was a colossus, as ever, and the Mouth of the South continued his excellent form this season. The pacey centre-back turning in a Man of the Match performance, as the back four had to be on their toes to deal with the persistent threat from the long ball. Northaw did manage to penetrate the red and black wall in front of them on occasion, but an ever-alert Beckenbauer was on hand to stop any threat to his goal, dead in their tracks.

The back five were keeping AC Enfield in the game as the team struggled to create any chances of note. Even the dazzling feet of Babyface and The Assist Machine, failed to penetrate the solid Northaw defence. As the two teams got to half time without a goal being scored.

Devizio clearly wasn't happy and was expecting a marked improvement for the second half. The players remained the same, but everyone had to pick up their game. However, Devizio seemed to be itching to change something and brought his top goalscorer on after only three mintues. Pow wow replaced Blue, who had hardly touched the ball in the 48 minutes he was on the pitch. But the change made little difference, as AC Enfield still struggled to create chances. Hansel then followed Blue off the pitch, to allow Jesus to join the game, as Devizio went in search of a miracle to save his struggling team. But it was Coach Noto who would have AC Enfield's first shot on target. A thunderbolt from 25 yards by the cultured forward was goalbound, but the Northaw goalkeeper got a strong hand to it, and managed to tip the ball over the crossbar. This was

closely followed by a low drive from outside the box, by Babyface, but this went just wide of the post. The period of sustained pressure continued with a number of consecutive corners, but little came of them. Manos de Bebe's header from a tight angle being the closest attempt but this too went just wide. Then came Northaw's reaction, the long ball continued to cause havoc, and they won a number of free-kicks around the penalty area, their aerial ability making them a real threat. Beckenbauer dealt with the high ball well, and when he was beaten, The Fridge came to his rescue, stopping the ball on the line. The Fridge almost undid his good work, when he was caught out of position and his winger had a sight of goal, but he recovered well to block the shot with

a perfectly executed sliding tackle and played the ball out of defence. The game was tight, but gaps were appearing as tiredness took its toll. This favoured AC Enfield, whose superior fitness saw them get on top for the last 15 minutes. Marco...Polo came on for Coach Noto with the hope that the extra space would allow him to deliver better quality ball into the box. Moments later came the most glorious chance of the game, and it fell to Jesus. Following an excellent run by the flamboyant Assist Machine down the left wing, he reached the by-line and cut the ball back across goal, the pass beating the goalkeeper, and finding Jesus in the six-yard box. A first time stab at the ball would have been enough but he took a touch and allowed the opposition defenders to block his shot. He was given a second bite of the cherry when the ball came back to him, but his second shot was also blocked and cleared. You felt that was the match-winning opportunity and so it proved, as Northaw's defence held out for the rest of the game, clearing the ball anywhere as long as it stayed out of their penalty area. AC Enfield had 2 strong penalty claims for handball waved away by the referee late on in the game, ending their hopes of taking the 3 points.

A disappointing performance and result as AC Enfield were out-muscled and now find themselves trailing Shadwell by a point with no games in hand. As Devizio said, the title race is still in their hands, but they have given themselves a mountain to climb as they have to win all 4 of their last games to stand a chance of winning the title. With arguably the hardest run-in to the season of the whole league, it won't be easy but now is the time for heroes to step up and show their worth!

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9 March 2008
MWFL 3rd Division Game
AC ENFIELD 2 (M. Noto x 2) – Upshire Reserves 1

NO-NO-NO-NOTO-RIOUS!

AC Enfield just about took all 3 points this weekend in a must-win game against Upshire Reserves thanks to a brace of goals by Coach Noto.

Upshire had already taken a point in the first game of 2008, and AC Enfield were wary of this happening again. So Rafa Devizio was glad to see the return of El Capitan from a lengthy absence. His leadership on the field could prove to be vital in this tough run-in to the end of the
season. The Assist Machine returned to the starting line-up as did Jesus. Emu, Blue and El Bearday had to settle for places on the bench.

AC Enfield began the game in lively fashion, as they did last week, and immediately put Upshire under pressure. Manos de Bebe and Hansel dominated the centre of the park, allowing the rest of the team to orchestrate their attacks, particularly down the flanks, where The Assist Machine and Matt Damon created the space for The Fridge and Mouth of the South to deliver quality ball into the box. Unfortunately, AC Enfield were unable to convert these opportunities into goals, but they
were playing well and it looked to be only a matter of time before they would take the lead. Upshire offered little to trouble the returning El Capitan and the colossal Terminator, who easily dealt with the long ball over the top. The biggest threat coming from the central midfielder's
long throws, which were like corners! It looked as if Jesus was to be the one to break the deadlock, and build on his goal last week, as Coach Noto and Matt Damon combined to work an opening and leave Jesus one-on-one with the Upshire goalkeeper, but the goalkeeper did well to
close him down and block his attempt on goal. Minutes later, Jesus was given an opportunity to make up for his earlier sin from a delightful through-ball from Manos de Bebe, but again his finish was straight at the goalkeeper, some very uncharacteristic misses by the striker, the
likes of which he should have been crucified for, by his teammates. But he wasn't alone. Coach Noto was also guilty of a shocking miss, when Manos de Bebe produced an exquisite back-heel pass, on the volley, to put the Coach through on goal, with only the goalkeeper to beat, but he
too managed to find the goalkeeper with his finish. It was a magical piece of play by Manos de Bebe which deserved a goal. Manos de Bebe was in inspired form and was cutting the opposition defence open with his vast array of passing. The next to benefit was The Assist Machine. Manos
de Bebe's pass sliced through the Upshire defence and set The Assist Machine on his way to goal, but as his angle was closed by the opposition defence, he chose to attempt a finish to the far post, which went just wide, rather than cut the ball back to Manos de Bebe who was
waiting in the centre of the box, after running 60 yards to offer his support. AC Enfield were wasting far too many chances, the story of their season so far, and it looked like it was going to be another one of those days where they would dominate but still drop 2 points. Then
came the breakthrough. The Assist Machine went on one of his mazy runs and was taken down right on the edge of the box. The 2 candidates to take it were The Assist Machine and Coach Noto, as they both stood over the ball, plotting how they would finally breach Upshire's walls, which had somehow withstood the early onslaught. The Assist Machine laid the ball off to Coach Noto who struck a thunderbolt that flew through all the bodies in the box and past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0. At this point AC Enfield took their foot of the gas a little and looked to maintain possession, but their lowered intensity allowed their opposition to have some attacks of their own. This wasn't a problem as the back 5 took everything Upshire, quite literally, threw at them, with
Terminator particularly impressive with his phenomenal aerial ability and intelligent reading of the game. They nearly did become unstuck when a breakdown in communications saw Beckenbauer, who had been marshalling his area very well, hit Mouth of the South in the back with his
attempted clearance, giving the Upshire striker a sight of goal, but Beckenbauer and Mouth of the South recovered well to make up for the earlier blunder. Minutes later, more lack of communication contributed to allow Upshire to equalise. As El Capitan advanced to intercept the
ball, nobody was called back to fill in for the missing centre-back, so The Fridge drifted in leaving the Upshire right winger all alone. As he received the ball, the Fridge went out to meet him, but didn't help matters as he let the winger skip past him too easily and enter the box, Hansel tried to make it back to cover but ended up fouling the winger and giving away a penalty, which the Upshire midfielder converted to make it 1-1 just before half time.

It had been an eventful first half but, despite all their opportunities to score, AC Enfield found themselves on level terms with a team they were clearly superior to. Rafa Devizio sent out the same team with a clear warning that changes will be made unless the situation was rectified.

The second half started at a slower pace, as both teams struggled to get any rhythm to their football. So Devizio decided to force the issue by introducing Pow-Wow to the game, in place of The Fridge. A clear sign of his intentions, a very offensive move to get his side in the lead again,
even if it meant exposing himself a little at the back. Even with the introduction of the explosive winger, his team still struggled to create the chances from the first half, despite the incredible amount of work by the midfielders who were helping out in defence and the bombing forward to support the attacks. Manos de Bebe in particular, standing out with a tireless display as he won numerous battles all over the pitch, returning possession to his teammates in search of the winner.

Upshire Reserves started to tire and their forwards work rate dropped but they remained a threat from set pieces and throw-ins in their half, which the central midfielder made as effective as a set-piece. But any football was now being played by AC Enfield but it didn't look as if they would get a winner, until Matt Damon produced a prodigious piece of skill to set Coach Noto on his way to goal. Matt Damon received the ball with back to the opposition and back-heeled it through the defence all in one movement, for Coach Noto to run onto and finish neatly past the outrushing goalkeeper. A brace for the coach, who is proving to be vital in this run-in to the season. Rafa Devizio decided to leave things as they were, as he pushed for another goal to kill off the game, against a tired opposition. This goal nearly came as a result of The Assist Machine's trademark attempt at a wunder-goal! This time it was his impersonation of Maradona, as he picked the ball up in his own half, on the left wing, and spun away from his winger, he then proceeded to skip inside past the full back and drag the ball away from the central midfielder, bearing down on the area, he could see the fear in the eyes of the centre-back as he produced some rapid step-overs in a bid to throw his concentration, but the defender held his nerve and, with the help of his centre-back partner, they managed to block his route to goal. Caught up in the adrenaline of it all, he still attempted the shot, but it cannoned of the defenders and was cleared. This opportunity
was followed by another that was squandered by the AC Enfield attack, so Devizio decided to protect his lead for the last 15minutes by introducing El Bearday and GBH Taitt for Jesus and Matt Damon. The game's tempo dropped at this point, as Upshire's fatigue took its toll and AC Enfield seemed content with their lead. One last attempt on goal by AC Enfield came minutes from time as El Bearday, played an excellent one-two with Hansel and hared down the left wing, leaving winger and full-back in his wake. He reached the by-line and cut the ball back into the box, but nobody managed to turn the ball into the goal to kill the game off. This didn't matter anyway, as AC Enfield took all 3 points.

So they stay on track to challenge for the title, going into the business end of the season. With 5 games remaining they find themselves top of the pile, but their competitors have games in hand. But with 4 of their main challengers to play in the remaining 5 games it is still in their hands. Man of the Match was the imperious Manos de Bebe. His tireless work-rate and creative passing contributed to his commanding performance, earning him the accolade. Regularly feeling under pressure due to competition for places, the Spanish maestro has recently upped his game and cemented himself as a regular fixture in Devizio's starting line-up. It looks as though it is going to be an exciting run-in to the end of the season, as the big boys collide in the coming weeks to decide who will be crowned Division 3 champions!

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24 February 2008
MWFL 3rd Division Game
AC ENFIELD 6 (M. Noto, D. O’Meachair, D. Dafonte, T. Collier, J. Philpott, V Rodia) – BBFC 0

ACE PERFORMANCE PUTS ENFIELD TOP!

AC Enfield went top of the table, this week, after brushing aside lowly BBFC with a dominant performance.

By now, fans are used to seeing Rafa Devizio mix things up with his rotation policy, and this week was no exception as it was all change at Goffs Lane. Andre the Giant deputised for the absent Beckenbauer, Emu joined the rest of the usual back four, in the place of El Bearday, who
moved to left wing, to join Matt Damon, Hansel and the returning Manos de Bebe who was captain. Blue and Coach Noto completed the line up, leaving Devizio with a star-studded bench, consisting of The Assist Machine, Marco...Polo, Babyface and Jesus. AC Enfield had been struggling for form of recent weeks and it was rumoured Devizio had been planning a change in formation for last week's
top of the table clash with Northaw, in an attempt to change their forunes in front of goal. The players showed there was no need as they put in a top performance, hitting BBFC for 6!

From the start, the AC Enfield players looked sharp and hungry for goals, with Coach Noto and Matt Damon linking up with a short, sharp passing move, creating an opening for AC Enfield's first shot on goal, straight from the kick off. Minutes later came AC Enfield's first real chance of the game as Coach Noto and Matt Damon were involved in another excellent move with Blue, who was unlucky to see his finish cleared off the line by the scrambling BBFC defence. AC Enfield were showing why
they were title contenders as they created chance after chance whilst conceding nothing at the back. We are used to seeing the defence nullify opposition attacks but it was an excellent attacking performance as the team produced a fantastic display of flowing, passing football, starving the opposition of any possession and peppering the BBFC goal with shots. Coach Noto was pulling the strings, his link-up play bringing everyone into the attack. His excellent performance certainly warranted a goal and that came after the front two combined to put Coach Noto through on goal to finish clinically. AC Enfield doubled their lead minutes later from a set piece. The initial corner was cleared but didn't make it to the touchline, before Terminator collected and delivered a precise cross to the back post where Matt Damon was lurking to nod the ball home. Blue nearly made it 3 when he recived the ball at the edge of the area, with back to goal, threw the defender with a clever flick and fired a shot on goal, but his shot went just wide of the post. But AC Enfield did get a third before half time as Hansel played a clever ball over the back line to put Matt Damon in with a sight of goal, his shot was parried by the goalkeeper but he could do nothing about Manos de Bebe's follow up. AC Enfield's most capped player adding another goal to his, already
impressive, tally this season.

AC Enfield were cruising and looked well on their way to an easy victory. But Rafa Devizio's instructions were to keep up the intensity and focus, as this was the boys' game to lose. The complacency Devizio was worried about did creep into AC Enfield's play at the start of the second half, as they allowed BBFC to play, and test the defence. But as usual, the back four were more than up to the task as they handled BBFC's tame attack with control and excellent interventions, where required, by Terminator and Mouth of the South, who have established an excellent partnership in the absence of El Capitan. AC Enfield overcame the brief period of pressure and resumed service as usual when The Assist Machine, who had come on for El Bearday at half time, scampered down the left flank. In a Cristiano Ronaldo-like break, he pulled away from the right winger, skipped the full back, cut inside, dummied a pass to make an opening and fired his shot past the goalkeeper with his weaker right foot. An excellent goal, showing the flamboyant winger's quality. The Rossoneri could have had a fourth when Andre the Giant's huge kick upfield was latched onto by Coach Noto, but his finish was off target, and he couldn't score so easily because that's just not our style! The BBFC defence breathed a sigh of relief as Blue and Coach Noto were taken off, but didn't realise that the 2 players coming on were going to pile on even more misery! Babyface and Jesus came on and looked full of beans, demanding the ball and taking on their men.
Especially Babyface, who was a nightmare for the opposition defence, as they struggled to contain him, regularly opting for conceding a corner to take a break. But even this gave them problems as Babyface spotted Hansel making a late run into the box and delivered a pin-point delivery from the corner, straight to Hansel's head, who duely converted to make it 5. This wasn't the end of BBFC's misery, as ruthless AC Enfield added a 6th, when The Assist Machine lived up to his name and served up a goal on a silver platter, to Jesus. After skipping his full-back for the umpteenth time, the winger took the ball to the by-line and cut in towards goal, as the goalkeeper came out to close him down, he cut the ball back into the centre of the box, where Jesus was waiting with the
goal at his mercy, and passed the ball into the net. Game Over.

BBFC were not the best opposition but it was a rampant AC Enfield that took to the field at Goffs Lane this week, no matter who would have been in front of them, they would still have won. We look forward to seeing more of the same when the table-toppers are next in action! Matt Damon
picked up the MOM accolade and was well worth it, his combination of power and finesse made the early in-roads meaning it was party time for AC Enfield, which he still continued to play his part in, exposing the opposition to some serious pressure.

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10 February 2008
MWFL 3rd Division Game
AC ENFIELD 1 (P. Marenghi) – Turnford Rangers 1

A Turn for the Worse!

AC Enfield will not be happy on Monday morning following a draw against Turnford Rangers which has seen their title push put in jeopardy. With results elsewhere not going in their favour, they now find themselves, potentially, 5 points off the top and 4 off second, with a trip to top of the table Northaw coming up next week!

The boys were not expecting an easy game, especially when they left it quite late to come back from a goal down in the first game against Turnford Rangers, and they certainly were tested against the fourth placed team, with promotion aspirations of their own.

The pitch was not in the best of conditions but AC Enfield endeavoured to play football at least, whereas Turnford opted for the long-ball style of play, and it was the footballing side that seemed to prosper as they maintained possession and were gifted possession when they lost it, with the excellent centre-back pairing of Mouth of the South and Terminator winning their aerial battles and restoring possession to their teammates. Unfortunately the AC Enfield attack failed to turn possession into goals, squandering chance after chance. One of the main culprits being Pow-wow who fired over the bar when one-on-one with the goalkeeper, and then was unlucky to see his neat finish past the goalkeeper cleared off the line by the Turnford defender. Much more couldn't be said of the rest of the offensive four who failed to really get into the game, Jesus, Babyface and The Assist Machine not looking their usual selves as they struggled with the heavy pitch, not allowing them to express their flamboyant skills. The defensive section fared better as they were constantly kept busy by the long ball tactics, but occasionally came unstuck as the slippery conditions meant the occasional mistake was inevitable. In those occasions, they were glad to find a superb Beckenbauer behind them, clearing everything in and outside of his area. He also displayed his cat-like reactions, with an awesome double save, and minutes later tipping a shot from outside the box, destined for the bottom left corner, around the post with a strong out-stretched left hand. The half finished 0-0 and Devizio made it clear to the boys that this was the type of game where a singe goal could decide it.

So the boys took to the field in search of the winner, they knew they had to get the 3 points to keep their title aspirations alive. Hansel and Matt Damon turned up the heat as they dominated the midfield and launched attack after attack. But a well organised Turnford defence cut out any threat and it looked like neither defence would be beaten short of something special. That something special arrived courtesy of one of Turnford Rangers' central midfielders. Following a poor clearance from a set piece, he was not closed down and allowed to shoot from 25 yards, his excellent strike found Beckenbauer's top left hand corner, and despite his previous heroics, Beckenbauer could do nothing to stop it as it flew past his outstretched hand. It was 1-0 and AC Enfield looked to be in serious trouble, so Devizio introduced Coach Noto to the game for Jesus, hoping the coach could provide a little cutting edge. As usual the coach delivered, immediately demanding the ball from his teammates he began to really test the Turnford defence's credentials, his increased work rate and intelligent runs causing havoc, and inciting panic in the defenders. The fruits of his labour were clear to see shortly afterwards, as a powerful run out to the right took him past the Turnford left-back to the by-line and his excellent delivery was glanced home by Pow-wow to draw AC Enfield level. By this point, the Turnford players looked tired and their long-ball tactics were becoming less effective as they struggled to get bodies forward to support the front men who were engulfed by the AC Enfield defence. It looked like there would only be one winner as Turnford committed more men to defence in their bid to hold onto the draw. Devizio saw this and sent Manos de Bebe on for a tired Matt Damon. He had covered vast amounts of ground in his efforts to drive on the AC Enfield attacks. Also, Manos de Bebe's physical presence was sure to create a threat from the numerous set pieces Turnford were conceding in their efforts to keep out AC Enfield. Undoubtedly the best chance of the game fell to Coach Noto, who could have capped his excellent performance with a goal, when he broke through the Turnford defence once more, took the ball past the out-rushing goalkeeper and passed the ball towards goal with his left, only for a Turnford defender to save the ball on the line once again and clear the danger. With 10 minutes left, Devizio took off Babyface and brought Blue into the game, in the hope the flamboyant striker may do a bit of magic and catch the tired Turnford defence off-guard, but his efforts were in vain as the Turnford defence held strong and took home the point they deserved.

This result now means the title is out of AC Enfield's hands as they find themselves in a similar position to Chelsea in the Premier League. They have the opportunity to cut 3 points out of Shadwell and Northaw's leads but they will require their competitors to drop points elsewhere if they are to pass them. They immediately have an opportunity to put things right next week against top of the table Northaw, who beat title challengers White Bear this week. Nothing less than a win will do as they can kiss their title hopes goodbye with anything less than victory!

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27 January 2008
MWFL 3rd Division Game
AC ENFIELD 10 (S. Genco x 4, P. Marenghi x 3, R. Teppett x 2, T. Collier) – Rosemill 2

Genc-Oh my God!

There were smiles all round this week as an Ole Gunnar Genco inspired AC Enfield team mauled Rosemill at Goffs Lane in their biggest win of the season, by an incredible 10 goals to 2!

It has been clear that AC Enfield's main problem, this season, has been a lack of goals, since they do boast the best defence in the league, but are amongst the league's lowest scorers. Many have cited Devizio's frequent changes of personnel in attack as the reason, but he stuck by his strategy and fielded a new attack for the game against Rosemill. A rare start for Ole Gunnar Genco with Jesus partnering him, not an attack many expected but the gamble paid off, as Ole Gunnar Genco bagged a hatful of goals to set AC Enfield on their way to a season's best goalscoring performance.

The game started brightly for AC Enfield as they attacked Rosemill from the kick-off. The Assist Machine and Pow Wow looked sharp and Hansel and Matt Damon were running the show, as they dominated the midfield and played the game in Rosemill's half. By the time 10 minutes had passed AC Enfield had already given Rosemill all the warnings they were going to get, as the Assist Machine fired a textbook volley just over the bar and Hansel had a shot go fractions wide of the post. It was clear AC Enfield were in no mood to mess around, the frustrations from previous games had built up to breaking point and Rosemill were going to feel their wrath! Ole Gunnar Genco got the party started on 14 minutes when he benefitted from the work of The Assist Machine on the left wing, an excellent ball into the centre of the penalty area was slotted home from 6 yards. This early goal was not something the boys are used to and the shock seemed to affect the defence as they conceded the softest of equalisers. A slip by The Fridge in the middle of the park set Rosemill on their way as they broke down their right flank. The winger proceded to deliver an excellent cross to find his team mate completely free at the back post, to head home. The 2 teams were back on level terms in a matters of minutes. But Ole Gunnar Genco was having one of those days and he doubled his and the team's tally minutes later, as he latched onto the rebound after a vicious strike by Matt Damon, and coolly took it around the goalkeeper. He was at it again 5 minutes later as he pounced onto another rebound, this time following up a thunderbolt from the right foot of Hansel, to complete his hattrick within 25 minutes of his first start of the season. It was a 5 minute double salvo from AC Enfield. But he wasn't finished there, as he grabbed another 10 minutes later. This time, the assist coming from the last remaining midfielder without an assist. Pow Wow seemed to think he was working in a michelin star restaurant as he served up Ole Gunnar Genco's fourth on a silver platter, having beaten all defenders and the goalkeeper, before leaving the striker with a the whole goal at his mercy from 2 yards out. True to form, though, Ole Gunnar Genco didn't make it to half time, as his troublesome knee forced him to leave the field shortly after his 4th goal. But the damage had been done and the introduction of Babyface for Ole Gunnar Genco was only going to make things worse for the away side. 4 goals down and AC Enfield still weren't finished there as Pow Wow added another 2 before the end of the half, benefitting from some excellent play by Jesus to score AC Enfield's 5th and the 6th came courtesy of an excellent through ball by AC Enfield's playmaker, Hansel.

They went in 6-1 up at the break, but the second half looked to be a heated affair as the Rosemill players' frustration got the better of them and they became aggressive. But AC Enfield were not going to let that spoil their party. The attacking players were looking to score something nice, whereas it was a much more dignified affair for the back 5 as they enjoyed their cigars and brandy, whilst dealing with the Rosemill attack.

The second half was only 3 minutes old when Babyface got his name on the scoresheet too. Another beauty to add to his collection off wunder-goals this season. The Assist Machine picked up his easiest assist of the season, as his throw-on reached Babyface on the left wing and, since he was given space, he tried his luck from 30 yards, bending his effort to the back post, where the Rosemill goalkeeper could do nothing to prevent his team conceding a 7th goal. The goals were coming thick and fast, and the fans only had to wait another 5 minutes for the next goal and this one was a beauty! El Bearday advanced up the right wing and played the ball into Pow Wow's feet at the edge of the area. With the defender tight to him, he flicked the ball up, turned on a six-pence and fired a ferocious strike into the top corner, a truly fantastic strike! He had obviously taken notes whilst watching MOTD the night before, since the goal was very similar to an Antoine Sibierski strike against Chelsea, the day before. That was his hattrick, and with that, he bowed out and made way for Marco...Polo. Rosemill looked down and out, as they had no answer to the beating they were taking, but ACE were in no mood for showing mercy as they had double figures in their sights. Jesus was desperate to get on the scoresheet, not having scored for a long time, but his efforts were in vain, as he was denied first by the Rosemill goalkeeper, then by his own poor finishing as he shot wide. Matt Damon saw his wonderfully executed strike cannon off the crossbar, and Hansel followed suit as he lofted a delicate ball over a congested area, only to be denied by the woodwork too. It was Babyface who added the ninth, on the hour mark as Hansel slipped a ball in between the Rosemill defenders for Babyface to run on to and finish clinically. By this point, Devizio had brought on the Emu to replace The Fridge, but nothing much changed at the back, as Beckenbauer put the kettle on to make them all tea. Unfortunately, they were probably a ittle too relaxed, as Rosemill grabbed a consolation goal, when the ball wasn't cleared correctly and the Rosemill winger was free in the middle of the box to put the ball in the net. This was not going to bother AC Enfield who were still 9-2 up, and it was the Assist Machine who was to add the finishing touch, the icing on the cake, as he took AC Enfield to double figures for the match. Excellent forward play by Jesus, put The Assist Machine through on goal and his delightful lob was the cherry on top. AC Enfield had scored 10 and put themselves back in the title race.

A truly magnificent performance by the Rossoneri, who are once again int he title race, but it looks to be a very tight title race as 4 or 5 teams in contention. AC Enfield now have a more competitive goal difference, and potentially will be 3 points of the top, once all games in hand have been played. Only half way through the season, nothing is certain, and there is still a lot of work to do. AC Enfield have big games still to come and will require many more big performances to ensure promotion, but, for the time being they can enjoy an fantastic result and an excellent performance.

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6 January 2008
MWFL 3rd Division Game
Upshire Reserves 1 - AC ENFIELD 1 (T. Collier)

Scrappy New Year!

It was a bad start to 2008 for AC Enfield as a scrappy performance led to them dropping 2 points in a game they should have won. After 5 weeks without a game and not even a training session in the last 3 weeks, it would have been foolish to expect AC Enfield to be at their best, but against an Upshire Reserves team in mid-table, the anticipation was that AC Enfield would leave with the 3 points. Especially, when you consider the fact that Devizio had a complete squad of outfield players to pick from, for the 1st time this season. However he did have to deal with the problem of having both his goalkeepers unavailable for the game!

So a very strong looking team took to the field. Except for Marco...Polo, who found himself unusually close to the goal, El Bearday, Terminator, El Capitan and the Fridge made up the usual defence. The midfield comprised of Tommy, Hansel, Manos de Bebe and Matt Damon were supporting a front 2 of Babyface and Blue and there was plenty more quality on the bench to come on.

From the kick off, it was clear the game was not going to be of great quality, as both teams struggled to maintain possession and really get the game going. Neither team created any real chances with just the occasional free kicks bringing the ball remotely near goal. Loose touches, wrong decisions and over hit passes meaning possession swapped sides more times than Italy during a war! It was disappointing viewing, as the strikers, starved of possession, resorted to joining the midfield line, just to touch the ball.

This, clearly, was not good enough and it was made clear to the boys that things had to improve or changes would be made. Jesus was sent on in the place of Blue in the hope that he could perform one of those miracles he is so renowned for. The manager’s words seemed to have the desired effect as AC Enfield started the second half in a more promising manner. The ACE players still struggled to put together a string of passes that could be considered build-up play, but individual surges, from Tommy and Matt Damon, started forcing openings in the Upshire defence, and a few minutes into the 2nd half, AC Enfield won their first corner of the game. The delivery was poor and nothing came of it but that little result gave the boys the belief that the points were there for the taking. What ensued was a fractious period of play where solo efforts were all that had any effect, as Tommy made in-roads, and found his strikers who failed to convert their chances, particularly Jesus, who was guilty of making the wrong decisions on a few occasions when he shot from ridiculously tight angles when a pass inside would have surely led to a goal. Tommy too, was guilty of missing opportunities as he rushed his finishes, when a cool head was required. These missed opportunities led to AC Enfield's frustration, and, as they pushed for the result, they resorted to uncharacteristic methods, but their woeful strikes from outside the penalty area failed to trouble the Upshire goalkeeper at all. In their frustration, AC Enfield threw more people forward, leaving themselves exposed at the back. But for some excellent interventions by Terminator and a goal saving tackle by The Fridge, they could have found themselves a goal down. Marco...Polo was also decisive between the sticks. The makeshift goalkeeper looked like a regular as he produced a couple of decisive stops, before producing a miraculous save as the Upshire striker found himself all alone in the box. The striker went to place the ball at the far post, but Marco...Polo's outstretched hand denied him. He was then fortunate that the Upshire player managed to hit the post with his follow up, and the defence were given the opportunity to clear. It was a close call, a warning shot, and AC Enfield should have taken heed of this warning, as minutes later they fell behind. Hansel lost possession in midfield, and the ball was played into Upshire's pacey striker who just about managed to get a shot away before El Capitan could close him. The shot hit the post and the other Upshire striker just beat El Bearday to the rebound, to put the ball in the back of the net. So AC Enfield found themselves behind, not for the first time this season. Pow Wow came on to replace Manos de Bebe to give AC Enfield more attacking options, and he instantly made an impact. As soon as he received the ball, on the right wing, a little injection of pace took him past the Upshire full back, and his excellent ball into the area threatened, but yet again, was not converted. It looked like AC Enfield were going to leave with no points, but then, up stepped Tommy to save the day. Hansel received possession in midfield and played the ball to Tommy, wide on the left, a clever turn and burst of pace took him away from the full back and he advanced towards goal, he was forced wide but he was too rapid for the centre back to close him in time and he squeezed his finish in from the tightest of angles to rescue a point for AC Enfield. The Mouth of the South was sent on to replace El Bearday, who was struggling for fitness, as the Turkey and alcohol over the Christmas period took its toll. The last 10 minutes involved a flurry of chances for AC Enfield as they went in search of the victory, but the Upshire defence was happy to concede corners in their bid to keep them at bay, content that their superior average height could deal with the AC Enfield aerial threat.

The game ended 1-1, so it was yet another disappointing result for AC Enfield, who have dropped far too many points this season already. With only 19 goals scored in 10 games this season, it is clear to see why this is the case. Although they have the best defensive record in the league, the “goals for” column sees them ranked in the bottom half of the table, a worrying statistic. It is true to say that a number of injuries have forced the manager to keep changing the personnel in the attack, meaning the same 2 haven’t started up front in consecutive games so far this season, but this record needs to improve if AC Enfield are to achieve promotion to Division 2 and continue their ascent towards the Premiership. Another season in Division 3 would be a disaster for AC Enfield as the players and fans alike know they are capable of competing at a higher level but currently they lack the consistency required to turn that ability and potential into success!

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25 November 2007
MWFL 3rd Division Game
AC ENFIELD 1 (R. Teppett) – Hadley Green 1

AC Enfield losing sight of the leaders??

It was another disappointing result this week for AC Enfield as the injury stricken side dropped 2 points to lowly Hadley Green in a game they should have clearly won.

Manager Devizio welcomed back The Assist Machine and Manos de Bebe from their absences but had Pow Wow added to the injury list through illness. Following last week's excellent performance, he decided to continue with the same 11 except for the 1 enforced change as The Assist Machine returned to his usual left wing position to replace Pow Wow, meaning Manos de Bebe had to settle for a place on the bench.

AC Enfield started the game very strongly and quickly seized control of the game. The dominant force that is the partnership of Babyface and Hansel in the centre of the park controlling possession and feeding the likes of The Assist Machine and Marco...Polo on the flanks and the impressive partnership of Coach Noto and Blue in attack. It was only a matter of minutes before AC Enfield had the first attempt at goal, the ball got to Blue at the edge of the box, who got the ball out of his feet and fired a shot at goal with his left boot, only to see it go just wide of the post. This was merely the beginning of what was to be a very one sided affair. AC Enfield's supremacy was evident as Hadley Green struggled to create any kind of chance as AC Enfield mounted attack after attack, and about 20 minutes in, the breakthrough came. An excellent run by Coach Noto down the right wing, took him past the left back and saw him advance into the box. Having skipped the centre back too he left himself a very tight angle to score, so he played it back into the centre of the box, where Babyface was waiting to slot the ball home. Excellent play by Coach Noto, whose unselfish play ensured Babyface's rich vein of goalscoring form continued. After some stunning strikes of late, it was expected that Babyface would finish and he didn't disappoint. The game continued with ACE on top, and their dominance was rewarded with a number of corners, but with Manos de Bebe, Terminator and El Bearday missing, The Assist Machine and Marco...Polo's excellent deliveries were wasted by AC Enfield's lack of aerial threat. This was to prove costly, as AC Enfield failed to convert their chances from open play too, mainly due to the excellent Hadley Green goalkeeper, who kept out shots from Blue, Coach Noto and Babyface, but also down to luck as Coach Noto rounded the goalkeeper only to see his finish come off the post, and the rebound fell agonisingly behind Blue, who was following in. AC Enfield were punished when Hadley Green won a corner and, although the initial cross was headed clear by El Capitan, it fell to a Hadley Green player at the edge of the box who wasn't closed down, and his excellent finish came off the post and made the score 1-1. Things got even worse just before half time, as Hadley Green were awarded a free kick wide on the left. The ball was lofted into the box over everybody and Beckenbauer called to claim it, but somehow, he lost control of the ball and the Hadley Green striker was alert enough to pounce and tap the ball into the net to put them 2-1 ahead, having only had 2 real opportunities. A devastating blow for AC Enfield, especially since they had played so well and were somehow losing this game.

Manager Devizio was fuming. He couldn't comprehend what just happened, even more frustrating was the fact that there was nothing he could do. Nobody was playing badly and the tactics were spot on! So out went the same team for the second half determined to overcome this bad luck that had marred their excellent 1st half performance.

The AC Enfield boys had 45 minutes to turn this game around, and with Coach Noto spear-heading the onslaught, it looked as though it wouldn't be long before that happened. He was all over the opposition half, no matter where the ball was played, there was Coach Noto, chasing down the ball, skipping players and playing in his supporting players. Seeing this, the others followed suit, with Babyface, Hansel, The Assist Machine and Blue cranking up the intensity. But still there was no equaliser as a few chances were squandered, the biggest culprit being The Assist Machine, who really had left his shooting boots at home. Top goalscorer, Manos de Bebe was introduced into the game to replace Marco...Polo, as Devizio looked to change things tactically, with Babyface moving to the wing. This seemed to add another dimension to the AC Enfield team, as the cultured midfield colossus dominated the midfield, and AC Enfield moved up another gear. The chances came thick and fast, but still AC Enfield couldn't break down the Hadley Green resistance, the Hadley Green goalkeeper coming to the rescue on numerous occasions, most notably in response to a clever header by Blue, from 6 yards out which he tipped around the post. Devizio sent El Nino onto the pitch to replace Emu, but kept the formation the same. Tempers began to flare as tension rose, and following a miss from 6 yards out with an open goal by The Assist Machine, Devizio reprimanded his player viciously, and the player reacted angrily, squaring up to his manager, as they vented their anger and frustration in completely the wrong way. Once they had both calmed down, play resumed, and AC Enfield were risking conceding a 3rd and decisive goal as they hurled men forward, including the Fridge and El Nino, who had abandoned their defensive duties to try and find the equaliser. But for excellent defending by the solid partnership of Mouth of the South and El Capitan, with Beckenbauer clearing up everything that ran through, it would have been game over. There were a couple of penalty appeals by the AC Enfield players as a hand ball in the box, following another uncharacteristic header by Blue, went unnoticed by the referee, and Blue was at the centre of the next appeal, when his clever feet helped him find a way between the 2 centre backs and, as he entered the box, he became the filling of a Hadley Green sandwich, but the referee waved play on, much to the despair of the ACE players. Things got worse as Mouth of the South pulled up with a hamstring injury, and was replaced by Roadrunner, as AC Enfield changed to a 3 man defence. They will be hoping Mouth of the South's injury isn't as bad as first thought, his excellent performances of late have made it seem as if Terminator wasn't missing at all. It looked as though all their efforts would be in vain as the final whistle approached, and the fatigue of their efforts was starting to show. Then came their salvation. The referee awarded AC Enfield a corner following yet another excellent save from the Hadley Green goalkeeper. The responsibility of delivering into the danger zone was handed to Babyface, who duly obliged and swung his cross into the heart of the Hadley Green penalty area. Following a defelection towards goal, a Hadley Green player threw out his hand to stop the ball going into the net. Or at least he thought he did, as replays show the ball was actually going wide of the post. The penalty was awarded and up stepped Babyface confidently, despite his miss in the penalty shoot out in the cup a few weeks ago. There was to be no repeat of that miss as he found the bottom corner with his penalty, giving the goalkeeper no chance, becoming joint top goalscorer, and most importantly salvaging a point from a game ACE looked destined to lose!

The game finished shortly after, and a disappointed AC Enfield team left the Goffs Lane pitch. Never had they dominated a game so much and failed to take home the 3 points. There was no doubt for the Man of the Match, as Babyface's 2 goals and excellent performance earnt him the accolade. So AC Enfield find themselves losing sight of the league leaders, Shadwell. Now needing to beat them twice. It is not an easy task, but more incredible things have happened!

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18 November 2007
MWFL 3rd Division Game
TOLMERS 1 – AC ENFIELD 4 (M. Noto x 2, F. Mingoia, R. Teppett)

Pain heals, chicks dig scars, glory lasts forever!

It was a real life version of the film "The Replacements" this week as AC Enfield played Tolmers FC away in Division 3 of the Mercury Waltham League. With an injury list as long as his arm, Devizio was forced into fielding a much weakened team, and coming off the back of 3 consecutive disappointing results, this was a must-win game for ACE. With the likes of Terminator and El Bearday out injured, Devizio was forced into fielding a back 4 with 2 players who had played hardly any football so far this season in The Mouth of the South and Emu, and his midfield had a complete makeover, with only Hansel remaining from the regular midfield comprising of The Assist Machine, Matt Damon, Hansel and Manos de Bebe. Pow Wow took over from Matt Damon on the right, utility man, Babyface slotted into Manos de Bebe's position next to Hansel and Marco....Polo made his first start in months in the Assist Machine's place on the left wing. With Jesus out injured also, Coach Noto swapped his tacksuit for an AC Enfield kit to partner Blue, who played despite breaking his nose last week!

Despite the depleted squad, Devizio had confidence in the strength and depth of his squad and sent the team out to take home all 3 points. Straight from the kick off, it was clear that the players on the pitch realised this was their chance to shine and stake a claim for a regular place in the first team. The AC Enfield players were first to every ball and were playing the kind of flowing football we hadn't seen for quite a few weeks now. Tolmers struggled to win the ball, let alone establish any kind of possession, as AC Enfield lay siege to their penalty area. Coach Noto and Blue's clever movement up front, creating the space for Pow Wow and Babyface to run into,
or allowing Marco....Polo and Hansel the time to pick out that killer pass. Supported by Emu and The Fridge's powerful overlapping runs down the flanks, the Tolmers defence didn't know what hit them. In fact, it wasn't long before the pressure told, and AC Enfield took the lead. Excellent play between Babyface and Coach Noto, found Pow Wow out on the wing, who then produced an excellent piece of skill to skip past the Tolmers full back and advanced into the box, his pass then found Coach Noto in the front of goal to slot the ball home. 1-0! The game continued in the same fashion, with the defence holding strong and sustained pressure by the AC Enfield attack, creating a few chances that were not converted. Then came the shock! A huge boot upfield by the Tolmers goalkeeper, caught out the AC Enfield defence, who had not compensated for the blustery conditions, and as the ball flew over their heads, a Tolmers striker ran onto it and got there just before Beckenbauer to pass the ball into the net. And thus, without having any sort of input to the game, Tolmers had drawn level. But AC Enfield were not about to let their heads drop, they were clearly the better side and they were determined to regain the lead before half time. Excellent inter-play between the midfield and attack, had Tolmers chasing shadows,
and committing many fouls. Then a burst up the left flank, by The Fridge, caught Tolmers on the back foot, he cut the ball inside to Blue whose clever turn on the ball forced Tolmers to commit yet another foul, giving away a free kick out on the left. The responsibility of delivering the free kick was given to Babyface, as ACE packed the area, desperate to take the lead before half time. A wonderful cross, through the "corridor of uncertainty" gave neither the goalkeeper nor the Tolmers defenders any chance as Coach Noto latched onto it and made it 2-1. AC Enfield played out the rest of the 1st half and left the field leading, and happy with their 1st half performance.
They were playing some of the best football this season, with a team of "replacements".

Many expected the pace and work rate of the ACE boys to drop in the 2nd half as the players who hadn't played much this season were sure to start feeling a little tired. I'm not sure what Fran put in those oranges at half time, but this was certainly not the case, as the boys seemed to up the pace yet again. Pow Wow's incisive runs became more frequent and Coach Noto and Blue were fed more and more balls as Hansel and Babyface dictated play. The whole midfield worked extremely hard to defend high up the pitch and play in the opposition half, none moreso than Marco...Polo, who covered an immense amount of ground, in his work for the team. This hard work, combined with his lack of matchplay recently, led to him needing a substitution, and El Nino came on to replace him. Nothing changed tactically, and it wasn't long before Coach Noto was given a golden opportunity to seal his hattrick. A delightful reverse ball by Pow Wow sliced open the Tolmers defence and left Coach Noto one on one with the goalkeeper, you would have bet your house on him making it 3-1, since he seemed to have an age to pick his spot, but he blazed his shot high over the crossbar, into row Z. Many didn't think it was even possible to miss by so much from so close, it surely will be a contender for miss of the season. But what was to follow would surely be 2 contenders for goal of the season. Desperate to make up for his shocking miss, Coach Noto picked up the ball from deep and ran at the Tolmers defence, as he took the ball wide to the left, he cut the ball back inside to Babyface, who saw space to shoot, even though he was 30 yards out, and unleashed a thunderbolt which flew into the Tolmers goal, just under the crossbar, giving the goalkeeper no chance. Following his and Blue's goals last week, this was another stunning strike to add to the collection. And it seems the 2 just love to out-do each other as Blue scored another excellent goal to make the score 4-1. This, however, was another species of goal. The product of excellent passing and movement, it had the aura of Argentina's goal at the last world cup against Serbia and Montenegro. Following an excellent string of 11 or 12 passes, involving over half the team, Coach Noto's final killer pass found Blue, who had timed his run to perfection, one on one with the Tolmers goalkeeper. He gave the goalkeeper "the eyes" and slotted the ball into the bottom corner, showing his coach how to finish in those situations, and finishing of an outstanding passage of play. At 4-1, the job was done, and AC Enfield eased off a little, allowing Tolmers to have a little period of possession. But they failed to make anything of this, as the AC Enfield defence quashed any attacking threat with a series of excellent interventions. Particular praise has to go to Emu and Mouth of the South, who both put in superlative displays, stopping anything coming through either in the air or on the ground, you would never have thought they hadn't played pretty much all season. Beckenbauer welcomed the return to one of his games where he played almost as sweeper, but his recent busy Sundays made sure he was ready when he was called upon, to make a fantastic stop from a header, from a corner, flying to his left hand side, he tipped the ball around the post with a strong hand. At this point AC Enfield were playing on the break, Roadrunner came on for Coach Noto and Lo Zio came on for Blue. There was still time for AC Enfield to create a few more chances, but Roadrunner's Inzaghi impression, meant he was caught offside more than a few times and Pow Wow, although one of the performances of the day, also missed an excellent chance to add his
name to the scoresheet.

The game finished 4-1 to AC Enfield, and although it could have been more, Devizio had to be happy with the way his team of "replacements" had played. They battled hard and played brilliantly as a team. This made the decision for Man of the Match so difficult, it could have gone to a number of players, but with 2 goals and 2 assists, Coach Noto swooped the award, his excellent array of passing, movement and his 2 excellent finishes was the catalyst for the impressive display. AC Enfield are back on the right track and will be looking to maintain this form into the next game against Hadley Green. Devizio is sure to have a selection headache after this performance, with many of those out, due to return. This must surely be a good thing though as competition for places will hopefully bring out the best in everyone!

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11 November 2007
Herts Junior Cup
AC ENFIELD 2 (R. Teppett, F. Mingoia) – NIRANKARI SPORTS SABHA RESERVES 3 (after extra time)

Up for the Cup! Apparently not.

It was another disappointing week for AC Enfield as they were sent crashing out of the Hertfordshire Cup by an impressive Nirankari Sabha team in a thrilling match at Goffs Lane.

Coming off the back of two disappointing results, AC Enfield were looking to the Hertfordshire Cup to be their saving grace this season. Having done so well last season, in the same competition, Manager DeVizio was hoping a good result and run in the cup would give his players the boost they needed, to turn this season around.

It was a similar team to the one that lost so dramatically the week before to East Herts, on penalties, in the Roy Bailey Cup, with only one change, Pow Wow starting in place of The Assist Machine, who was in Manchester for a trial with Man City, it seems Sven is looking to secure his services before the transfer window even opens!

The game started very badly for AC Enfield, with them struggling to settle into the game and losing possession far too easily all over the park. There was no fluency to their play and they did not look up for this game at all, with the Nirankari players winning every first and second ball. AC Enfield really had not turned up to the races and were being completely outplayed for the first time this season. The defence struggled against Nirankari's gangly forward, who seemed to be Sunday League's Peter Crouch, winning every aerial battle and yet surprisingly apt with his feet. Supported by the pacy wingers and strong midfield, they were completely over running AC Enfield and dominated the game. The defence held out for a long time despite wave after wave of attack, but it was only a matter of time before Beckenbauer's heroics and the last ditch defending would succumb to the constant pressure. This proved to be the case as a ball through the AC Enfield defence was latched onto by Peter Crouch, who produced a fine left-footed finish into the bottom corner to Beckenbauer's left, before either Terminator or El Capitan could get a challenge in. The goal came a little before half time, but the AC Enfield players knew they were playing badly, and their sporadic, individual attempts to produce a goal didn't inspire much confidence. The half finished 1-0, but it could have been much worse for ACE.

Manager DeVizio and Coach Noto were furious with their players, an awful performance saw them trailing, deservedly, in a game they really wanted to win. DeVizio decided to send out the same team but demanded an improved performance or changes would be made.

So the boys took to the field again, looking to turn this game around. There was a slight improvement as they managed to retain a bit of possession but still not much creative play, frustrating the attacking pair of Babyface and Jesus who had been starved of possession all game. This was not the case for the opposition, who were still winning possession and causing problems for the AC Enfield defence on the counter attack. And it wasn't long before they found themselves 2-0 down, Peter Crouch finding a way past the defence and finishing clinically again, giving Beckenbauer no chance to stop the ball crossing the line for the second time in the match. AC Enfield had given themselves a mountain to climb!

At this point, DeVizio had seen enough. Sending on Blue for Matt Damon, he switched to a 3-4-1-2 formation hoping to win more in the midfield and have more attacking options, even if he did leave his defensive trio of Terminator, El Capitan and The Fridge exposed to the pace and skill of the Nirankari attack. The change seemed to work as AC Enfield started retaining possession and stopping their opposition's attacks much further up the field, with their pressing all over the pitch. They started winning many more corners and free kicks from the tiring opposition, who picked up many yellow cards as they fouled the ACE players in their bid to stop AC Enfield getting back into the game. Unfortunately, the deliveries from these set pieces let the team down as they failed to make it into the danger areas. It took a bit of brilliance from cultured forward, Babyface, to bring AC Enfield back into the game. Picking the ball up just inside the opposition half, he ran at the opposition who backed off him, troubled by blistering pace and skill, this was abig mistake as Babyface was given enough room to let fly with his right boot and his shot dipped just under the crossbar, giving the Nirankari goalkeeper no hope! At 2-1 AC Enfield were right back in it, and DeVizio sensed a Rocky style comeback after taking such a pounding earlier in the game, so he put on Ole Gunnar Genco in place of Pow Wow, and moved Babyface into midfield. The players could sense the comeback was a real possibility, so they pushed for the equaliser and victory. The defence suddenly had new belief and was dealing with the Nirankari attack with ease, only allowing one shot since the 2nd goal and AC Enfield were clearly on top. There was still quality lacking in the final ball but there were many more chances being created. The equaliser was inevitable and it came out of the Blue! Blue came short to receive the ball outside the Nirankari penalty box, he turned sharply and unleashed a fearsome strike which flew into the top right corner. An absolute belter and it sparked celebrations as they had completed the comeback from 2 behind. With 10 minutes to go, AC Enfield had the bit between their teeth and refused to settle for the draw, not keen to go to extra time and penalties for the 2nd time in 2 weeks. Even when Ole Gunnar Genco got injured, Devizio sent on Roadrunner to keep the pressure on. But there was to be no victor within normal time, and the game went to extra time, yet again.

The break between the end of the game seemed to take the wind out of AC Enfield's sail as they started slowly yet again. There were a couple of let-offs as mistakes were made that allowed Nirankari through on goal but they went unpunished. This seemed to instill a little doubt in the AC Enfield players, as they sat a little deeper and allowed Nirankari to play. The dip in tempo may also have been due to the niggling injuries picked up by a few players, namely Terminator, El Bearday, Babyface and Blue, who took a blow to the naso that seemed to break it! Ouch! But with no substitutions left, they had to battle on. It was a very tense period of extra time and the first period passed with the scores still level. The second period also looked to be ending in parity until Peter Crouch was upended just outside the ACE penalty area by Hansel, whose foul the referee judged to by worthy of his second yellow and so, sent him from the field of play. It was from the resulting free kick that the game was decided. Believing the Nirankari player would shoot, the AC Enfield players set themselves up to block, therefore were caught out when the freekick was chipped into the box and found Peter Crouch all alone in front of Beckenbauer to complete his hattrick and effectively win the game.

It was devastating, to lose with only 4 minutes longer to hold out to go to the lottery of penalties, when it would be anyone's game. But this was it. AC Enfield would not experience any joy from their excellent fightback, as they left the field, tired, battered and bruised but, most importantly, as losers once more! It was not the occasion to nominate a MOM as the disappointment outweighed any joy this award would bring. The ACE players will have to take a long, hard look at themselves to look to solve their problems, as they prepare for a tough promotion battle, and frankly, with performances like for the majority of this game, that too looks to be an unlikely goal.

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4 November 2007
Roy Bailey Challenge Cup
AC ENFIELD 1 (V. Rodia) – EAST HERTS 1 (AC ENFIELD lose on penalties)

AC Enfield pay the penalty for missed chances!

It was devastating this week at Goffs Lane as AC Enfield suffered penalty heartache as they went out in the first round of yet another cup at the hands of another Division 2 side, East Herts. After their last defeat to bitter rivals, Turnford Geese, in the league intermediate cup, manager Devizio made it clear this was a must-win game in the Roy Bailey Cup, the Mercury Waltham League's equivalent of the Carling Cup. With a mouth watering prospect of playing Premier Division opposition in the next round, the ACE boys were determined to make it through. Devizio was boosted by the return of his 2 lynchpins, El Capitan in defence and Hansel in the middle of the park, allowing Jesus to return to his natural position up front, to join Babyface, who has been in outstanding form of late. AC Enfield's desire to be in the next round was apparent straight from the kick-off as they got off to an unusually bright start. Babyface and Jesus' movement up front giving The Assist Machine and Matt Damon options and space to cause real damage, like we know they can. This, in turn, allowing goal-scoring midfielder, Manos de Bebe, the space to advance up the pitch and Hansel the time to pick out the passes to unlock the East Herts defence. After a sustained period of pressure from AC Enfield, it was, surprisingly, a route one ball from Beckenbauer that was flicked on by Babyface into Jesus' path, who went on to round the East Hert's Goalkeeper and finish from a tight angle, to put AC Enfield ahead. A finish reminiscent of Roberto Baggio from the 1994 World Cup against Nigeria. But only a little into the first half, the AC Enfield boys knew there was still a long way to go, so they continued to keep up the tempo of the game and play in East Hert's half of the pitch, forcing them to attack from deep, a tactic not likely to work against the formidable barrier that is the AC Enfield backline! The domination in the air and on the ground of the commanding centre back pairing of Terminator and El Capitan supported by their strong full backs The Fridge and El Bearday easily eradicating any threat. The attacking pressure continued and top goalscorer, Manos de Bebe, came close to making it 2-0 with a powerful shot from outside the box which took a deflection off the East Herts defender and cannoned off the crossbar. There was then an enforced substitution for The Fridge as he pulled up with an injury to his achilles. It remains to be seen how long he will be out for. He was replaced by The Mouth of the South with a couple of minutes to go in the first half. So far so good. AC Enfield were ahead and playing excellent football. Keeping possession and dominating their opposition. The advice from the manager was "Same again!" So out the boys went to go on and finish off their opponents.

It was a tentative start to the second half as the ACE boys, wary of what happened last week, were afraid of really pushing to kill the game off. Content with protecting their lead and looking to play East Herts on the break, they sat deep and looked to the pace and skill of the attacking four to reap the benefit from the space that would open up. Unfortunately, East Herts showed why they conceded so few goals, in their approach to obtaining their equaliser. Not risking conceding another goal, they maintained their organisation and structure and probed the AC Enfield defence, cautiously. Their main threats coming from set pieces. Devizio introduced Pow Wow into the game for Manos de Bebe, hoping Pow Wow's extra pace and trickery will create some chances to finish off East Herts. This certainly seemed to be an excellent move by Devizio as Pow Wow regularly skipped past his opposite numer and drove at the East Herts goal on numerous occasions but the AC Enfield attack failed to make the most of this, the East Herts goalkeeper making a string of excellent saves from Pow Wow and Babyface. Devizio then was forced to take talismanic midfielder Hansel off the pitch, as a vicious elbow thrown by the East Herts Captain gave him an instant bump the size of golf ball on his head. He did well not to react but Devizio decided to introduce Blue into the game to maybe give that extra threat up front and moved Babyface into midfield. Next it was Jesus to be denied a goal. Excellent build up play by Babyface and Blue gave Jesus an excellent chance to make it 2-0 but Jesus' composure abandoned him and the goalkeeper blocked his shot on goal. It looked like AC Enfield, if anybody would score the next goal, but football is a funny game and things took a turn for the worse when Matt Damon went down injured. With Devizio having been forced into using all 3 substitutes, it looked ominous for the Division 3 side. Matt Damon soldiered on through the pain and it looked as if AC Enfield had done enough, until a freekick was conceded out wide on the left penalty box. East Herts packed the area since it was the last minute of the game. The ball was swung in, and even though Pow Wow made a heroic clearance off the line, the ball fell to another East Herts player who bundled the ball into the goal, with literally the last kick of the game.

It was heartbreak for the ACE boys who had fought so diligently to obtain the result. But there was still extra time to play, so they took to the field again to carry on the battle. Extra time was a much less eventful affair as neither team wanted to lose the game. Matt Damon's injury started to get the better of him, even though he still fought through the pain. The 30 minutes passed and the score was still 1-1 so it was down to penalties to decide whose adventure in the cup would continue and who would fall at the first hurdle. The penalty takers were named by Devizio but it would be East Herts to go first. AC Enfield were hoping Beckenbauer, who has been on excellent form recently and has history of saving penalties, would be the hero as he was last week.

The first penalty was scored by East Herts, and Pow Wow replicated with an unstoppable penalty, reminiscent of Mazzola. East Herts scored their second which only just got past Beckenbauer, who guessed right but couldn't get enough on it to keep it out. Next up was El Capitan, who stepped up confidently, but his usually trusty left boot let him down as he struck a week shot to the goalkeeper's left, and the ball was parried around the post. The next penalty just got past Beckenbauer who guessed correctly again, and it was down to Babyface to keep AC Enfield in the shootout. He struck his penalty sweetly and seemed to have taken the perfect penalty as the ball struck the inside of the righthand post, but luck was not favouring AC Enfield as the ball flew across goal and stayed out. The game was all but over and when the East Herts player fired in the 4th penalty, it was joy for East Herts and heartbreak for AC Enfield.

It was a fantastic spectacle for the neutrals and they could have been forgiven for thinking it was the higher division team that went out. Manager Devizio can take heart from the excellent display and fighting spirit from his players, but that will be little consolation as AC Enfield find themselves out of 2 of the 3 cups in the 1st round and 3rd in their division. It will be the last chance saloon for any kind of cup run next week as they play in the Hertfordshire cup (the equivalent of the FA Cup). Surely a must win game if there is to be any joy taken from this season! MOM was masterful defender Terminator but Devizio's comments after the game were very accurate "I'm very proud of them all! The 14 who played, the subs who didn't, the supporters, they were all fantastic and if we keep playing like that, things are sure to turn around for us! There were lots of excellent performances out there today, they all deserve the award!"

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28 October 2007
MWFL 3rd Division Game
AC ENFIELD 1 (D. Dafonte) – NORTHAW 1

AC Enfield drop 2 points at home!

There were some disappointed faces leaving Goffs Lane this Sunday as AC Enfield failed to close the gap on the league leaders with their game in hand, gaining only 1 point from a game where Manager Devizio was expecting all 3.

It was a miserable,wet morning when the teams turned up, but the ACE boys looked confident walking out onto the Goffs Lane pitch, where, only last week, they produced such a scintillating performance to brush aside Tolmers. But the opposition this week were to be a completely different prospect. It was Northaw this week, a team with the same record as AC Enfield, going into the game, so it was sure to be interesting! Devizio was still without El Capitan, so Jesus continued at centreback, and with Hansel out because of work, Blue was given his first start in 2 months.

The game started very lively, as both teams looked to stamp their authority on the game early on, but the slippery conditions and strong wind made things difficult and plenty of mistakes were made as a result. After a little period of broken play, it was AC Enfield who began to get the upper hand, with Babyface looking particularly dangerous. His excellent control, pace and clever link-up play with Blue, up front, putting the Northaw backline in all sorts of trouble. Although AC Enfield were on top, they failed to create any real clear cut chances, but the dominance was demonstrated but he number of corners that Northaw were conceding as they weathered the AC Enfield storm! It was from one of these corners that the first real chance of the game arrived. A well worked corner by The Assist Machine and Babyface came to El Bearday out on the right wing, who cut in and swung his cross deep into the penalty box, catching the Northaw goalkeeper out, who could only watch as the ball went over his head and hit the crossbar. Only minutes later, another well-worked corner by the same 2 players, was taken on by The Assist Machine who whipped in his cross/shot (you can never tell what he is thinking!) which also astonishingly hit the crossbar! It didn't look like luck was on AC Enfield's side, but they continued to turn the screw as they could feel themselves getting on top of their opposition, and, like a predator who could sense a weakened prey, went in for the kill. Just before halftime, excellent link up play between Babyface and Blue , once again, gave Blue a golden chance to put ACE ahead, as he found himself one-on-one with the Northaw goalkeeper, he fired his shot past the outrushing goalkeeper, who could only look back in despair, but once again the frame of the goal came to his rescue as the ball cannoned off the crossbar for the 3rd time in the half. It was a good half of football for the ACE boys, as they simplified their game to adapt to the conditions and created a few chances, but once again failed to convert them, leaving the game in the balance
at 0-0.

The halftime teamtalk by Manager Devizio was simple, more of the same, but let's put the ball in the back of the net. So the boys walked out for the 2nd half looking to do just that. Unfortunately Northaw had plans of their own, as the Northaw manager introduced a 2nd striker, looking to take advantage of the space that would open up as AC Enfield went in search of the win. A frustrated AC Enfield looked for goal far too often rather than building up the play , causing them to lose possession and allow Northaw to counter attack, putting the AC Enfield backline in trouble. The usually solid defense struggled to deal with the pace and skill of the Northaw attackers, so dangerous on the break, conceding freekicks in dangerous areas and being cut open, allowing the strikers through on goal. But for some superb goalkeeping by Beckenbauer (something he is not used to doing, playing more as a sweeper usually) AC Enfield would have been down by a few. An excellent save low to his left from a freekick, stopping the ball going in at the bottom corner and a phenomenal save from a header from point blank range kept AC Enfield in the game! The boys took heart from this and went in search of the winner once again. Manager Devizio introduced Player/Coach Noto into the game for Babyface, and The Mouth of the South for Blue as he looked to mix things up and confuse the opposition. A flurry of attacking corners followed for AC Enfield and from one of those, the deadlock was finally broken. It was that man once again, Manos de Bebe! The powerful midfielder has been in fine scoring form this season
and is AC Enfield's top goalscorer. He met The Assist Machine's corner with a thumping header which flew past the Northaw goalkeeper, and this time, into the back of the net. AC Enfield only had to hold out for 10 minutes to leave with the 3 points, but it was not to be, as a mix-up between Manos de Bebe and The Fridge, out on the left wing, gave possession to a Northaw midfielder to run at the exposed defence. He slipped an excellent pass between the 2 centrebacks, and The Mouth of the South's sliding attempt to cut out the pass just missed as the Northaw striker latched onto the pass and fired the ball past Beckenbauer. A rela shot to the
heart for AC Enfield, who had worked so hard to go ahead, only to lose that lead so cheaply. Devizio introduced Roadrunner in place of The Fridge, in a desperate bid to increase the attacking options but it was no use, the game ended 1-1 and AC Enfield only took 1 point from their game in hand over the league leaders.

It was disappointing for the boys this week, but they must put this out of their minds and focus on next weekend's game, a very difficult game in the Roy Bailey Cup, the Mercury Waltham League's equivalent ofthe FA Cup. The opposition will be Division 2's East Herts, a team with a very good record, so it is sure to be an excellent game, between 2 good, well organised sides. AC Enfield will be hoping Beckenbauer turns out another performance like this week's which earnt him the MOM, his fantastic stops and command of his area, ensuring AC Enfield got a point from this week's game, but it is clear a much improved performance will be needed against a higher quality side, as the "Magic of the Cup" alone, will not suffice.

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21 October 2007
MWFL 3rd Division Game
AC ENFIELD 3 (P. Marenghi, D. Dafonte, F. Mingoia) - TOLMERS 0

AC Enfield cruise to victory!

AC Enfield produced their finest footballing display of the season, this week, brushing aside a potentially dangerous opposition, in the form of Tolmers FC, with a comfortable 3-0 victory. Yet again, a much changed side from the week before, took the field to start the match, as manager Marcello looks to have adopted the Rafa Benitez mentality of squad rotation, to keep all his stars happy, fresh and fighting for their places. An injury to El Capitan meant Jesus had to switch from striker to centre-back, joining Terminator, The Fridge and a bleary eyed El Bearday in the back line, in front of Beckenbauer who had recovered from his chipped toenail. The midfield consisted of Manos de Bebe and Hansel, with The Assist Machine and Matt Damon on the wings and a new look strike force of Babyface and Pow-Wow. The game started very well for ACE, with the boys dominating possession and dictating play. Manos de Bebe and Hansel taking control of everything that came their way, both in the air and on the floor, allowing the front 4 to run at the opposition defence with wave after wave of attack. But the Tolmers defence stood strong, not allowing AC Enfield to get in behind them and forcing the attacking players to attempt shots from outside the box, which the goalkeeper dealt with very well, or conceding corners, which were subsequently cleared by the much taller Tolmers team. The AC Enfield defence wasn’t troubled much, with the usual impeccable marshalling of the defence by Terminator, and Jesus’ Cannavaro style (Divine) interventions, any attempts by the Tolmers attack were stopped in their tracks. The Fridge and El Bearday ensured nothing came down the wings and launched AC Enfield counter attacks, in a bid to break the deadlock. With ACE knocking the ball around like Arsenal on a good day, it was only a matter of time until that goal came, and it was from an unlikely source! An excellent delivery from a free-kick, wide on the left wing, by Babyface, was met by Pow-Wow who glanced his header into the far corner of the goal. It wasn’t so much the person who scored but the way Pow-Wow rose above everyone to meet the header was truly impressive. Who said white man can’t jump?

The first half ended with the score at only 1-0 and the AC Enfield players had mixed feelings as they were happy with the way they were playing, but manager Marcello stressed the need to turn the possession into goals and kill the game off. The same team took the field for the second half, but with a much more attacking mentality. Manos de Bebe and Hansel kept spreading the ball left and right where both The Assist Machine and The Fridge down the left and Matt Damon and El Bearday down the right, started making real in-roads, and putting balls into the danger areas. But a string of saves from the Tolmers goalkeeper and excellent work by the Tolmers defence seemed to scupper the threat. Then Terminator took everybody by surprise as he decided to take the ball out of defence and advance up the middle of the pitch. Just like the Brazilian defender, Lucio, he powered towards the opposition penalty area, leaving everybody in his wake, it looked like he was going to go all the way, but unfortunately his shot went over the bar. At this point, Marcello decided to change things up a little. Seeing the Tolmers defence starting to tire, he thought maybe a bit of pace from Roadrunner and the sharpness of Blue could nick a goal to secure the result, so the front 2 were replaced after working very hard for the team, and linking for the opening goal. The Emu was also brought on for The Fridge to sure things up at the back. The pace of the game dropped slightly at this point, as Tolmers looked tired and were not contesting the ball as vigorously, and the ACE players were passing the ball around them with ease. The lead was doubled when a corner was cleared by the Tolmers defence, only as far as Hansel who put the ball back into the penalty box, through the “Corridor of Uncertainty” to find Manos de Bebe sliding in to make it 2-0! And it wasn’t long before the score was 3-0. Excellent pressure on the Tolmers defence by the fresh front 2, forced the opposition to lose the ball, and once the ball got to The Assist Machine, wide on the left, there was only ever going to be one result. He jinked past the rightback to get to the by line and had 2 targets to aim at in the box as Roadrunner ran to the front post and Blue to back post. His pass found Blue, who rifled the ball into the top of the net, making it 3-0! The young striker staking his claim for a place in the first team, after coming off the bench to score in 2 consecutive games. The game finished soon after. And this victory brought AC Enfield back into contention for promotion as they have gone to 3^rd with a game in hand over the top 2. Following the problems with discipline over the past few months, it was excellent to see an incident free game, with no yellow cards and excellent self-control by the ACE players. None more so than from controversial central midfielder Hansel. The fiery midfielder showed excellent control, not reacting to many fouls he received and decisions that went against him, although, at one point, he did look like he was going to explode as he muffled a scream of frustration. It was an excellent day all round for AC Enfield, who ran out comfortable winners and produced an exhilarating display of passing football, orchestrated by Manos de Bebe, who had a Xabi Alonso style performance, continuously being a point of reference all over the pitch, keeping possession at all times, and distributing the ball with class. A masterful display by the cultured midfielder and worthy of his Man of the Match award.

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14 October 2007
Friendly (Supposidly!)
AC ENFIELD 3 (S. Mingoia, D. O'Meachair, F. Mingoa) - CHESHUNT TOWN 0

Due to the MET Police Bushy pulling out of a Herts Cup fixture late on Friday we organised the above friendly - having gone 3 - 0 up the opposition and their supporters did not like the fact that ACE were playing them off the field and thus decieded to get the game called off by physically and verbally attacking our players - the Herts FA are now dealing with this.

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7 October 2007
MWFL 3rd Division Game
TURNFORD RANGERS 1 - AC ENFIELD 3 (T. Collier x 3)

Tommy gun shoots down Turnford!

AC Enfield narrowly escaped defeat at the hands of lowly Turnford Rangers, this week, as Tommy "the assist machine" Collier came off the bench to spare AC Enfield's blushes.

Coming off the back of 2 consecutive defeats and not playing anywhere near the level we now expect from the ACE boys, Manager Marcello and Coach Noto decided to change the formation from the traditional 4-4-2 to a 4-2-3-1 in a bid to reduce the number of goals being conceded and get the boys playing that flowing football once again. Unfortunately Beckenbauer picked up an ankle injury last week and was out for this game, but chairman Giuseppe "Galliani" Virciglio was quick to act midweek and signed a stand-in goalkeeper. Better news for Marcello was the return from long term suspension of his 2 midfield lynch-pins Matt Damon and Hansel who were immediately brought back into the starting line-up with Marcello hoping they would give the team the boost they needed. However, the absence of Babyface, The assist machine, Blue and The mouth of the south from the starting team was noticeable as AC Enfield got off to a terrible start; conceding early on, as the Fridge and El Capitan were caught out by the goalkeeper's short clearance and left the opposition striker all alone to bear down on goal and finish past the stand-in ACE goalkeeper. The AC Enfield players refused to let this goal get their heads down and took control of the game, straight from the restart, dictating play and keeping possession. Manos de bebe, Hansel and Matt Damon running the midfield, allowing El Bearday and Pow wow to take on their full backs and attack the opposition goal. Some attempts from distance from the venomous right foot of Pow wow came close but AC Enfield failed to convert their possession into goals, and the 1st half finished 1-0 to the home side.

At half time Marcello brought Marco...Polo on for the Emu, in an attempt to increase the number of attacking options with Marco...Polo's advances and deliveries from the right wing hopefully causing problems. The second half began very much like the first ended. AC Enfield dominating but failing to create many clear-cut chances. So Marcello brought on Blue, hoping that his trickery and poaching instincts would provide him with the equalising goal. But the hour mark came and went, and ACE were still behind. The game was crying out for an injection of pace and trickery to take advantage of the tiring opposition, this came in the form of The assist machine. Punished this week for his antics with his teammate on the pitch last week, Marcello was forced to put him on as an impact sub, and what an impact! Within minutes of being on the pitch The assist machine ran at the opposition right back, leaving him in his wake, he took on the centreback and cut the ball into the box for Jesus, who skied his shot over the bar. But already there was more penetration! This was soon followed by the breakthrough. A beautifully weighted ball by Matt Damon put The assist machine through on goal and he delicately chipped the out-rushing goalkeeper, leaving him stranded and looking in vain as the ball dropped into the net behind him. Not content with the 1 point, ACE began to really turn the screw, peppering the Turnford goal with shots. But it took another bit of brilliance from the man of the hour to put the boys ahead. Another ball through the Turnford defence found The assist machine who produced another delightful lob (the likes Raul in his prime would have been proud of) over the Turnford goalkeeper making it 2-1 to ACE, sparking celebrations amongst players and fans alike! A superb hattrick was completed by the little man, when a powerful run up the middle of the pitch by Matt Damon, could only be stopped by a foul at the edge of the box. At this point there was only ever going to be one person taking this free kick (even though the right foot of pow wow does have more whip than a lion tamer!) The assist machine's clever free kick under the jumping wall found the bottom corner and killed off the game.

A truely wonderful hattrick and masterful display of finishing by the substitute got ACE back to winning ways. It was crucial that ACE left with the 3 points and this they did. There was no doubt who would get man of the match, as Tommy was awarded the accolade, and hopefully he and the team will carry this form into the next league game as they strive for promotion once again! And maybe win a cup this time????

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30 September 2007
MWFL Intermediate Cup Game
TURNFORD GEESE 3 - AC ENFIELD 2 (V. Rodia, P. Marenghi)

After going 2-0 up ACE let in a late sucker-punch goal at end on 1st half and early in second half the keeper Chris was injured and thus let Turnford in to take the victory - a great game played with good spirit between the 2 sides (except for when two "unnamed" players from ACE started arguing amongst themselves!) - good luck to the Geese for the rest of the cup.

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16 September 2007
MWFL Division 3 Game
WHITE BEAR 2 - AC ENFIELD 1 (M. Noto)

Not much to report on this disappointing result - 2 goals were gifted to White Bear by defesive errors and the team never really recovered from that.

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9 September 2007
MWFL Division 3 Game
AC ENFIED 2 (G. Vullo, D. Dafonte)- WHITE HART RESERVES 0

AC CONTINUE THEIR WINNING FORM!

Due to the departure of Salv "The Fridge" Mingoia on holiday; I (Giuseppe) shall be doing the match report!

Marcelo "Lippi" Devizio once again had a difficult task today due to the continuing absence of Jim "Hansel" Philpott and Dannan "Matt Damon" O'Meachair on their month long suspensions and due to the fact that 4(!!) players selfishly booked their holidays during the season - name and shame time as Salv "The Fridge" Mingoia, Fab "Blue" Mingoia, Marco "...Polo" Viglione and Vince "Jesus" Rodia all had time off leaving the manager and his coach Mario "The Coach" Noto down to the bear bones of a squad; especially with the loss due to injury of Tom "The Assist Machine" Collier.

The team did look different with much tinkering needed with Chris "Beckenbauer" Gillman between the sticks and a back four off (from left to right) Noff "Fat Bastard" Nicastro, Adam "Terminator" Agius, Chris "El Capitan" King, and Simon "The Mouth of the South" Taitt. The midfield was also tinkered with Alan "GBH" Taitt and Diego "Manos de Bebe" Dafonte patrolling the middle of the park and Colin "El Bearday" Taitt in his usual position on the right and Rob "Babyface" Teppett being switched from his central role last week onto the left wing. The forward line then consisted on Paolo "Pow-wow" Marenghi and Gen "Roadrunner" Vullo; Marcelo named a rather talented bench of Mario "The coach" Noto, Rob "The Rocket" Marenghi, Mario "Old Man" Colora and myself the "Emu".

The game started slowly and got into the same pattern of last season where AC let the opposition attack and soaked up much pressure with Terminator and El Capitan clearing up the rare times that White Hart attacked and Beckenbauer patrolling his area well. After the first 10 minutes AC turned it up a gear and started to play the football The Coach had been knocking into us every Wednesday night with some flowing football between the midfield and attack - then Babyface cut in from his left midfield position and let out a blistering shot from outside the area - the White Hart keeper could only parry it into the path of the on rushing Roadrunner who scored an easy first goal for AC - the rest of the half was all AC with Manos de Bebe unleashing a stinging drive from a cleared corner that smashed into the crossbar and Roadrunner missing an open goal from a Pow-wow cross; Babyface thought he had scored with a free kick but this was strangely ruled out for offside even though he had curved his shot directly into the goal with the keeper only managing to parry it into the roof of the net with no touch/interference by any AC player - the first half finished 1-0 to AC.

At halftime Lippi again mixed things up by substituting Fat Bastard for The Coach, moving Roadrunner to right back and pushing The Coach into the forward line-up to join his good friend Pow-wow; this instantly caused White Hart trouble with both The Coach and Pow-wow hitting the woodwork for AC and a goal looked a certainty. Babyface's corners were again causing the opposition lots of trouble with one curving onto the crossbar! Then again Lippi made a change bringing on The Rocket for Roadrunner and dropping El Bearday into right back and using the Rocket in right midfield - almost instantly the Rocket fired a shot at the keeper which again hit the woodwork - Mario will have to work on our shooting this week as we seemed to be missing the target a lot today - a final change was made by Lippi to sure things up as he brought on The Old Man for GBH - 10 minutes later an attack on the right hand side and some good work between the brothers Pow-wow and The Rocket lead to a great cross by the Rocket that Manos de Bebe scissor-kicked into the back of the net (Blue would be proud of that one) leading to much celebration as we finally put the game beyond doubt. The referee blew up several minutes later and AC had chalked up another 3 points on the board. Next for AC is a difficult away game to White Bear United at Wormley Playing Fields - White Bear being the current Herts Junior Cup holders after beating AC Finchley (who knocked AC out last season) in the final.

FORZA AC!!!

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26 August 2007
MWFL Division 3 Game
BBFC 1 - AC ENFIELD 2 (D. Dafonte, A. Agius)

ACE OFF TO A WINNING START!

AC Enfield began there Division 3 adventure with 3 points thanks to a 2-1 win away from home against BBFC. It was never going to be easy, going into the first game missing a number of key players but Manager Marcello "Lippi" Devizio, was confident of the strength and depth of his squad and still believed in coming back with the 3 points from the first game. The team looked very different to the one many of the fans were used to seeing in pre-season. The dynamic duo in central midfield of "Matt Damon" and "Hansel" were out through suspension, and injuries to "El Capitan" (Wife pulling the chain too hard) and "Jesus" (Hamstring) meant that "The Mouth of the South" moved to centre back and "Roadrunner" filled in at right-back to join "The Fridge" and "Terminator" in the back 4, "Manos de Bebe" and "Babyface" filled the void in the centre of the park with "The Assist Machine" in his usual role on the left wing (following a late fitness test) and the return of "El Bearday" from his broken ankle back in february last year, on the right wing. Up front, "Blue" and "Pow-wow" were designated with the role of firing in the goals, in the absence of "Jesus". Obviously "Beckenbauer" kept goal for the newly promoted side.

The game started at a surprisingly high tempo, by the AC Enfield players, with the ball being spread wide and played forward very quickly rather than their usual slow start to games. It looked like a more intense team as the AC Enfield players looked to exploit the pace of Blue and Pow-wow and get some early goals to settle themselves on their first game in the new Division. Dominating possession from the off, it was only a matter of time that chances came. The BBFC players didn't know how to deal with the attacking flair of AC Enfield as shots rained down on the BBFC goal. Blue came close with a scissor kick that went over the cross-bar and looked to have scored a wonderful goal when he controlled well in the box, flicked the ball over the centre-back in Gazza-esque fashion, only to mis-hit the finish straight to the BBFC goalkeeper. Pow-wow constantly terrorised the backline with his pace and trickery, but couldn't find the back of the net. So it was down to Manos de Bebe to break the deadlock, when, from one of the many corners AC Enfield had in the 1st half (Babyface's delivery ensuring every one of them had BBFC in trouble), the ball was headed out of the box by the BBFC defence, only to fall to Manos de Bebe who fired the ball back towards goal with a vicious drive, which deflected of one of the BBFC defenders and flew past the diving BBFC goalkeeper, making it 1-0! A second was added just before half time, when, from another corner, the ball was cleared again, but played back into the box, brilliantly controlled by Terminator who then placed his shot just inside the post, with the accuracy of a cyborg assassin from the future! 2-0 and AC Enfield were flying! The rest of the first half continued in similar fashion and ACE were unlikely to not be up by more as The Assist Machine showed why he is not called "The goal machine" by not firing home when the defence split wide open in front of him and other opportunities were missed, but ACE were cruising!

The 2nd half saw the introduction of Marco......Polo in the place of Roadrunner, in a bid to increase the number of balls being played forward early and to improve the attacking threat altogether. But the 2nd half began at a much lower intensity than Marcello was expecting and the AC Enfield players looked to have taken their foot of the accelerator, allowing BBFC to come at them rather than dictating the play as they had done for the whole of the first half. The knocks Manos de Bebe and The Assist Machine managed to shake off before the game came back and forced Marcello into making 2 more substitutions early in the 2nd half and disrupted the teams flow, as 2 of the main playmakers left the field. They were replaced by The Emu and GBH Taitt as Marcello moved some players around. From this point onwards, ACE struggled as their attacking play seemd to break down quite easily and invited pressure onto themselves. This pressure was comfortably dealt with by the ACE defence, with The Mouth of the South's excellent display complementing the dominance everybody has come to expect from Terminator, all commanded by goalkeeper/sweeper Beckenbauer in the ACE goal, who dominated his whole penalty area, dealing with every ball that went past the AC Enfield defence. Only a slight lapse in concentration and excellent play by one of the BBFC midfielders undid this, as he beat 2 players, and slipped an excellent ball between the 2 centre-backs, which Beckenbauer came out to claim but the BBFC striker just beat him to it, touching it past him, making it 2-1. The AC Enfield players regrouped after this goal to see the game out, and take the 3 points.

It wasn't the best performance we've seen from AC Enfield, but a good one nonetheless. The job was done, the three points went in AC Enfield's points column and now onto next week's game where ACE will look to continue their winning ways. Man of the Match went to Pow-wow Marenghi who terrorised the opposition with his dazzling skills and frightening pace, with performances like that, we are sure to see quite a few goals from the lad. Marcello "Lippi" Devizio and Coach Mario "Ancelotti" Noto commented they were very happy with the result and content with the performance, and are looking forward to a Division they feel will be very open this year. They believe there are many good teams in this division and a number of potential winners, of which they believe AC Enfield to be one of them. Let's hope so!

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26 August 2007
Friendly
AC ENFIELD 0 - LEA VALLEY ROYALS 1

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12 August 2007
Friendly
CHESHUNT SUNDAY 3 - AC ENFIELD 2 (V. Rodia x 2, P. Marenghi)

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05 August 2007
Friendly
AC ENFIELD 2 (V. Rodia, P. Marenghi) - APOLLO 0

Following a gruelling pre-season fitness regime for the last few weeks, and a friendly against Edmonton 3rd division opposition on astro-turf (won comfortably by AC Enfield 7-1), the AC Enfield boys were back on grass in a pre-season friendly against another Edmonton 3rd division opposition, Apollo FC, at the Brimsdown Downs pitch.

Not much was known about the opposition prior to kick-off, except for the fact that they looked physical and turned up with a squad of 17 players which seemed to indicate they were a well organised side and AC Enfield would probably be involved in quite a tough test to get their proper pre-season games under way. The blistering heat also meant that conditions were going to be tough and it remained to be seen if Coach Noto's fitness training has had the desired effects.

The game got under way nearly an hour later than planned, due to the pitch being double booked, and it looked as if the delay had gotten to the AC Enfield players as they started slowly, struggling to settle into their rhythms and allowed Apollo to attack them. The pressure from the opposition, however, was absorbed by the AC Enfield defence and dealt with quite easily, mainly thanks to a masterful display by Chris "El Capitan" King and last year's Player's Player of the Season, the dominant, commanding Adam "Terminator" Agius. Only once did Apollo get a shot away at goal and that was saved in excellent fashion by stand-in goalkeeper Danny "The Cat" Leeds, who used his feet to stop the ball going into the bottom left-hand corner.

After the first 15-20 minutes, AC Enfield started to settle into their stride, with Dannon "Matt Damon" O'Meachair and last year's Manager's player of the season Jim "Stevie Gerard" Philpott doing what they did for most of last season and started controlling the game from central midfield, winning possession and distributing the ball to the attacking foursome of Tom "The Assist Machine" Collier, Paolo "Pow Wow" Marenghi, Fabio "Blue" Mingoia and new signing Vince "Jesus" Rodia, who then proceeded to run riot in the Apollo FC half. The chances started to come thick and fast as AC Enfield got some shots away at goal, some being saved by the goalkeeper, some missing the mark, but it wasn't much longer until the deadlock was broken by none other than new signing Jesus! Following the delivery into the Apollo penalty area, the headed clearance by the Apollo defender was met by Jesus just inside the box, who hit it first time towards goal with his left foot, and the shot squirmed under the Apollo goalkeeper to give the striker a goal on his AC Enfield debut!

This goal marked the end of the Apollo pressure definitively and turned the tide in AC Enfield's favour, as AC Enfield took control of the game, completely, the back four continued to quash any attacking threat from the opposition, the midfield duo pulled the strings and the attacking four kept turning the screw on the opposition. The continued pressure paid off again as The Assist Machine kicked into action, picking up the ball on the left wing he cut inside and found Pow Wow coming in at an angle from the right wing, as Pow Wow's angle closed he fired a shot towards goal that flashed past the Apollo goalkeeper and into the back of the net to make it 2-0!

The tempo of the game slowed down towards the end of the 1st half as the heat began to take its toll and the half finished with AC Enfield 2-0 to the good! Coach Noto, standing in for Manager Devizio as he is away on holiday, made a few changes, making sure everybody got a good run out. Simon "Mouth of the South" Taitt came on to replace Marco "Polo" Viglione, Giuseppe "Emu" Virciglio replaced Salv "The Fridge" Mingoia and Rob "Babyface" Teppett came on for Matt Damon.

The 2nd half started at quite a high pace as Apollo looked to get back into the game, but there was just no getting through the impenetrable AC Enfield defence. There were, however, a few chances that came AC Enfield's way. Babyface's strikes from distance and his and Tommy's deliverys into the penalty area from set pieces continued to trouble the Apollo goalkeeper, Jesus managing to head an excellent cross by the Assist Machine over the crossbar from close range. Noto introduced Rich "El Niño" Ferro and Gennaro "Roadrunner" Vullo for Blue and Tommy as Apollo threw more men in attack in a bid to get a goal and AC Enfield looked to profit from the extra space at the back. Apollo did get one or two shots on target on the rare occasions that they got past the backline, but two excellent stops from The Cat ensured AC's excellent defensive work was not in vain, and maintained the clean sheet. Tommy and Blue were re-introduced into the game in the last 5-10 minutes and the latter was guilty of missing an excellent chance to make it 3-0. An inspired ball by El Niño, cut open the Apollo defence and Blue, timing his run perfectly, was through one-on-one with the goalkeeper. In true Blue style, the flamboyant striker looked to chip the out-rushing goalkeeper who got a hand to the ball and stopped it from dropping into the net. Minutes later, Pow Wow was also guilty of missing an opportunity that should have made the game 3-0. A ball played through the defence by Babyface was chased by Pow Wow, who the opposition believed to be offside, not seeing any flag, the AC Enfield Winger/Striker had what seemed to be an eternity as no defender chased back, but it was too much time as Pow Wow thought about what he was going to do with ball and, in the end, decided to do nothing as the goalkeeper scrambled at his feet and gathered the ball.

Fortunately for Pow Wow, it was the end of the game, and AC Enfield ran out worthy winners 2-0. It could have been more, had it not been for missed opportunities, but what mattered was the win. Two Edmonton Division 3 teams on two different surfaces have already been swept aside by the new boys in Mercury Waltham league Division 3, and next week the boys will come up against Mercury Waltham League opposition as they come up against Cheshunt Sunday (Division 1), no doubt it will be a tough test, but one that will undoubtedly be excellent preparation for the tests ahead in the coming season!

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22 July 2007
Frendly
AC ENFIELD 7 (A. Agius, G. Vullo, C. Mingoia, F. Mingoia x 2, P. Marenghi x 2) - FC PAINTERS 1

First pre-season game on the astro at Southbury - and easy outing for ACE.

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22 April 2007
MWFL Division 5 Game
DYNAMO CROSS 2 - AC ENFIELD 0

This was a crap game - hardly worth a report - having won the league some weeks before most of us were worst for wear after to much drink the night before - but well done to Dynamo.........

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15 April 2007
MWFL Division 5 Game
AC ENFIELD 4 (R. Teppett x 3, D. Dafonte) - AS HODDESDON 1

BABYFACE ASSASSIN GUNS DOWN HODDESDON IN GOFFS LANE THRILLER!!!

It was a thrilling match today at Goffs Lane as newly crowned Division 5 Champions, AC Enfield, faced perennial Division 5 whipping-boys, AS Hoddesdon. There were smiles all round, before the game, as the boys looked to enjoy their first match as Champions in the summer-like conditions, and win the game in style, but it was nothing of the sort, as AC Enfield ran-out 4-1 winners, in a battle that saw AC finish the game with 8 men and Hoddesdon with 9 men!

Straight from the start, one could see it wasn't going to be a regular AC Enfield performance, as everyone seemed stunned by manager Devizio's decision to leave out ever-present, vital, dominant central defender Adam "Terminator" Agius, from the regular back-four that has had such an impressive season. The regular right-back, Simon "Mouth of the South" Taitt was shifted inside to fill Terminator's huge boots (Both metaphorical and literal) and he was in turn replaced by Onofrio "Who ate all the pizza?" Nicastro, who has had some extremely impressive performances of late. But this was not going to phase the Champions, who were looking to put on a bit of a display, especially with the flair pairing of Darren "Spinksy" Spinks and Fabio "Blue" Mingoia up front. The game started in a fairly relaxed fashion, with both teams passing the ball around, feeling each other out. But neither side was particularly incisive. The first major opportunity coming to the opposition (if you can call it that). Winning a free kick about 25 yards out to the right of the penalty area, AS Hoddesdon put men in the box to attack the cross, only the cross never came as the AS Hoddesdon midfielder sliced the cross, which looped in the air, was lost in the sun by AC Goalkeeper, Chris "Beckenbauer" Gillman, and fell into the net. It was a soft goal to concede, but it was still 1-0, and AC found themselves trailing, in a game they expected to be a walk in the park. Beckenbauer's claim that "we shouldn't be playing with a yellow ball on a sunny day" was a weak excuse and he had a lot of making up to do.

AC began to dominate the game from this point, as AS Hoddesdon tried to sit back on the fortunate lead. Their constant fouls, breaking AC's rhythm and frustrating the Champions. This frustration climaxed in a brawl that took place in the Hoddesdon penalty area, after a foul from Dannan "Matt Damon" O'Meachair sparked a violent reaction from the Hoddesdon defender and both teams proceded to flood the area to try and break things up, leading to further shoving and groping. The result of this brawl was the sending off of 5 men. Matt Damon, Spinksy and Jim "Stevie Gerrard" Philpott left the field for AC and 2 Hoddesdon players went for their part in the brawl. This left AC with 8 men in a 3-3-1 formation to chase the game against 9-man Hoddesdon, a big ask, but Manager Devizio had faith in the boys, that their fitness, pace and class will tell as the fewer men on the pitch meant more ground needing to be covered by each man and more importantly more spaces for the AC players to take advantage of. The last 10 minutes of the half ran out with Hoddesdon still leading but there was still plenty of time to go.

AC took the field for the 2nd half looking hungry to still win the game. They were not interested in a draw, and the 8 warriors still on the pitch were going to do everything in there power to get the job done. Marcello introduced Robert "Babyface" Teppett and Terminator to replace Blue and Onof, who had worked very hard in the first half, to give the team a new dimension and it seemed to work. 8 man AC Enfield ran the opposition ragged with their fluid passing and mazy runs, AC's fitness really starting to tell as it seemed that they were the team with the man extra, covering all spaces in defence and causing Hoddesdon all sorts of problems at the back. A combination of Babyface and Tom "Please Sir!" Collier's running and trickery and Diego "Manos de Bebé" Dafonte's incisive passing, supported by the constant insertions from deep by Terminator, Chris "El Capitan" King, Mouth of the South and Salv "The Fridge" Mingoia, pounded at the Hoddesdon door and it wasn't going to be long before there was a breakthrough. That breakthrough came from the substitute, Babyface, who had an incredible impact on the game! Latching onto a ball played through the defence by El Capitan, he got it under control and used his trickery and close control on the ball to take the ball around three defenders before placing the ball past the AS Hoddesdon goalkeeper to draw the game level. The celebration by the youngster showed his passion and delight at the goal, much like that of Fabregas at the weekend, after scoring the winner against Bolton. But his hunger was still not satisfied! As Hoddesdon took the restart, Babyface was hunted down the ball carrier and pounced like a cheetah, gaining possession of the ball, he proceded to jink his way through the Hoddesdon defence, who couldn't handle the speed of his dancing feet, as he got closer to the opposition goal and saw the out-rushing goalkeeper, he chipped the ball delightfully over him and watched as the ball nestled in the Hoddesdon net. This sparked celebrations all over the pitch as AC took the lead and knew they had Hoddesdon against the ropes.

Everyone dug in deep as AC attacked with 8 men and defended with 8 men. Beckenbauer also getting involved, his accurate kicking and fantastic ability with ball at feet causing Hoddesdon all sorts of problems, as the outfield players benefitted by his balls over the back line or into the corners. A moment that displayed this most clearly being the assist for the third goal. An almighty boot by the AC goalkeeper putting the AS Hoddesdon in all sorts of problems, and setting Babyface on his way towards goal for his 20 minute hat-trick. A clinical finish by the AC utility man, showing all the class and coolness of a seasoned pro. AS Hoddesdon were rattled now, good and proper, and AC continued to turn the screw, never mind the inferiority of numbers, the boys still wanted to get the scoreline expected by them, and just a few minutes later, it was 4-1. The ball spread from left to right across the pitch found its way to Manos de Bebé who, not seeing any options for a pass, took the defence on himself. The big man's surprisingly good body movement and subtle touch helped him skip past 2 defenders before placing the ball past the Hoddesdon goalkeeper, a superb goal, showing the midfielder's class.

Many more opportunites followed, as Devizio replaced Tommy with Salv "Ole Gunnar" Genco, the winger having run himself into the ground, covering a huge amount of ground. The 8 Bravehearts on the pitch continued to dominate the game, led by El Capitan, who blocked everything that tried to make its way towards his goal. Devizio commented "It may as well have been 8 on 8 since Chris played like there were 2 of him out there" and awarded him the man-of-the-match award. AC continued to pummel Hoddesdon, who had given up by this point, due to both the fact that they were tired and that they were beaten, but the AC players failed to add to the scoreline, with chances missed by the hat-trick hero, Babyface and Ole Gunnar Genco. But the ball did end up in the Hoddesdon net once more before full-time, an excellent break by Manos de Bebé saw him take the ball past everone, including the goalkeeper (who had come forward for a corner), and pass the ball unselfishly to Mouth of the South for his first goal for the club, only to have his dream of leaving the "Still to score" Club shattered by the waving flag of the referee's assistant.

It was an incredible battling performance by AC Enfield, a true delight to watch. The 8 players left the pitch incredibly tired and hurting, but delighted with the victory. There was spraying of champagne and other scenes of celebration as Manager Devizio and his men celebrated the clinching of the Division 5 Title, and they will be looking to end the season on a high note, with yet another victory against, once upon a time title contenders, Dynamo Cross next week.

Well done lads! OOO-RAH!!!

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8 April 2007
MWFL Division 5 Game
LEA VALLEY ROYAL RESERVES - AC ENFIELD

AC Enfield win the league without kicking a ball. Lea Valley could not get 11 players for this game and thus AC Enfield were handed the 3 points as the fixture was deemed a "Non-Fulfilment".

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1 April 2007
MWFL Division 5 Game
SPREAD EAGLE 1 - AC ENFIELD 6 (D. O'Meachair x 2, T. Collier x 2, G. Vullo, S. Genco)

It has been said by many a football pundit that getting over the finishing line when it is in sight, is one of the hardest parts of winning a league. This proved to be the case with AC Enfield, as they struggled a little against a weak opposition, in a game that they knew would ensure the league title (due to AC's immense goal difference). The scoreline was not realy a good reflection of how the match went, since it was a fairly even game and 4 goals were scored by AC in the final 11 minutes!

It was, yet again, an abysmal start by the "Rossoneri", who couldn't string 3 passes together and suffered due to Spread Eagle's pressing all over the pitch. Manager Marcello DeVizio's change in formation and personnel looked to disrupt the league leaders mainly, with a change to a 3 man defence and 5 man midfield, the players didnt seem to know who to mark and were leaving themselves spread eagle to the Spread Eagle attack! This terrible start culminated in a free-kick after 8 minutes, 6 yards out because of a back-pass that was picked up by AC goalkeeper, Chris "Beckenbauer" Gillman, not used to using his hands in a match, this was bound to happen sooner or later. But AC were not about to fall behind because of this, they packed the goal line with all 11 players determined not to concede such a weak goal, and it was in fact Beckenbauer who made amends for his mistake parrying the vicious drive towards goal by the Spread Eagle striker, to safety. But this instance was a sign for the AC manager who rearranged his players on the pitch back to the traditional 4-4-2 they were accustomed to. Suddenly things were back to normal, the players starting finding their feet and spreading the ball all over the pitch, creating chances and the defence quashing any Spread Eagle attack with ease.

AC's methodical approach towards the Spread Eagle goal didn't seem to be working, as the defence seemed to block any shots from outside the box, cut out any crosses from the wings by Tom "Please Sir!" Collier and Onofrio "Who ate all the pizza?" Nicastro, and dealt easily with Gennaro "Road-runner" Vullo's pace and Darren "Spinksy" Spinks' skill. Spinks did hit the cross bar with an excellent strike from outside the box and came close with another well worked move from a free-kick with Tommy, but it didn't seem to be his day. It would take something rather special to break down the defence today, and that something special came from the man of the moment, the midfiled dynamo, the king of sting, the master of disaster, the count of monte-cristo, Dannan "Matt Damon" O'Meachair. The flamboyant yet tenacious midfielder, on a rich vein of scoring form, having already scored 2 in his previous 2 games, burst through the Spread Eagle backline, onto a delightful through-ball by Diego "manos de bebé" Dafonte, to power his shot past the despairing goalkeeper, leaving him no chance, and putting AC Enfield 1-0 up! Just a few minutes later, it was 2-0, as Matt Damon went on a fantastic solo effort from centre-mid, out to the wing, between the centre-back and left-back, got to the by-line, and cut the ball back into the 6-yard box, where Roadrunner was ready to pounce and lay the ball into the empty net, to score his first goal of the season, the AC striker has been struggling with injuries all season and it was an excellent moment for the lad, thanks to Matt Damon's brilliance!

AC seemed to be in cruise-control, until, that is, Spread Eagle won a corner and packed bodies into the box. Poor marking at the back post left one of the Spread Eagle attackers with a free header that was blocked on the post by Salvatore "The Fridge" Mingoia but the ball ran across the face of goal and was poked in by the Spread eagle striker. The lads went into the half-time break only 2-1 up, and they knew that was only just about deserved, since they were not playing partcularly well.

They came out for the 2nd half looking more focussed and ready for action, except for Chris "El Capitan" King, that is, who delayed the restart as he was draining the snake in the surrounding trees. But the second half was a much better performance. Suddenly AC were winning 50/50 balls, creating many more chances, but as has been the case for alot of the season, the chances were not being put away, so Spread Eagle were always in with a chance to maybe snatch a draw. But the AC defence held strong. Marshalled by the phenomenal Adam "Terminator" Agius, El Capitan, The Fridge and Giuseppe "Emu" Virciglio, tackled, blocked and cut out everything that approached the AC goal. Beckenbauer had resorted back to his usual role as sweeper, and was spraying balls left and right, trying to launch counter-attacks. Manager DeVizio introduced Jim "Stevie Gerrard" Philpott in a strange role on the right wing, in the hope that his creativity and flair may create something to kill off the game and Rob "Babyface" Teppett and Salvatore "Supersub" Genco (Or Ole Gunnar Genco, as some have started calling him) in the hope that they may grab the goals to finish off the opposition.

It was, in fact, the Emu that nearly grabbed that goal! The cross from the corner by Tommy, found the Emu all by himself in the centre of the penalty area. Arriving at a difficult height he tried to steer the ball into the goal, but the ball flew narrowly over the bar. With 15 minutes to go, the Spread Eagle team threw more men forward, leaving more spaces at the back and AC took complete control. Bursting from the back with powerful and incisive counter-attacks, AC destroyed Spread Eagle with a 4 goal flurry in the final 11 minutes. It was that man again that sparked the goal spree, Matt Damon battering through the defence yet again, flying solo, finished past the goalkeeper to make it 4 goals in 3 games, truely amazing goalscoring form by the central midfielder, who was also awarded the man-of-the-match award by manager Marcello DeVizio. The next came from Supersub, true to form, the striker was played through by Spinksy, accelerated past the defenders with his wicked change of pace, and finished cleverly past the goalkeeper, who was thrown by the scuffed finished (intentional of course)! At 4-1 the game was over but Tommy got in on the act too. The explosive winger showed he can also score goals aswell as assist, with two excellent finishes past the Spread Eagle goalkeeper. the first was placed into the bottom corner, but with second he showed his class, with a cheeky lob over the outrushing goalkeeper, simply class by the talented winger. 6-1 and the job was done.

The scoreline has improved an already impressive goal difference and now, with the chasing teams only able to equal the points tally, they have a huge task ahead of them to equal the goal difference to take the league away from AC Enfield. Any points from the next game against local rivals, Lea Valley Royals reserves will mathematically ensure that AC Enfield are indeed champions of Division 5, and it will be party time! Although a Mourinho-like demand by DeVizio for the lads to win all the rest of their games for the rest of the season means there will be no easy ride for anyone still to come.

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25 March 2007
MWFL Division 5 Game
AC ENFIELD 1 (D. O'Meachair) - HIGHGATE REDWING 0

AC Enfield manager, Marcello Devizio, left the Broxbourne Recreation Ground today looking particularly satisfied after seeing his team pretty much wrap up the Division 5 title by beating their closest rivals for the title, Highgate Redwing, 1-0, thanks to an excellent goal by midfield dynamo, Dannan "Matt Damon" O'Meachair!

A particularly confident looking AC Enfield team took the field today, after beating Highgate comfortably 4-1 in their previous encounter, when Highgate had one of their players dismissed in the first half. But today was to be a completely different story. A Highgate team eager for revenge presented themselves before AC Enfield, and gave them one hell of a battle! Boasting one of the top goalscorers in the league, in Dent, and a pretty solid backline, Highgate knew they were in with a chance of maybe getting a result out of today's game, but they would have to catch AC Enfield on a bad day!

This seemed to be the case right from the start, as AC Enfield took a while to get going and Highgate seemed to be switched on right away. AC took the centre to start the game and passed the ball back to centre back, Adam "Terminator" Agius, who seemed to have some kind of malfunction and gave away possession in front of goal to the Highgate striker, but luckily managed to get back and win the ball back before any real damage was done. An unusual error from the usually efficient machine of a defender (who was infallible as usual for the rest of the game and earned the man-of-the-match plaudit from the manager) but it gave AC somewhat of a wake-up call. The first half was scrappy, with many full-blooded challenges and stoppages due to injuries. Both teams struggled to create any real chances, as both defences seemed to contain the opposition threat in their own ways. The opposition's long-ball approach looking to get the ball to their dangerman, Dent, by-passing the talented AC Enfield midfield, didn't reap much reward as the Terminator and "El Capitan" Chris King neutralised the threat well, cutting off any supply, and anything that did get through was eaten up by the goalkeeper/sweeper Chris "Beckenbauer" Gillman, who ventured as far as left-back on some occasions! And a new look AC Enfield attack (following last week's antics, by Blue and Spinksy) consisting of Rob "Babyface" Teppett and Diego "Manos de Bebé" Dafonte struggled to find any space to get any shots on target.

The first half ended 0-0, and AC Enfield seemed to be heading towards their 2nd draw of the season. Marcello had attacking options on the bench, including the club's top 2 goalscorers, Darren "Spinksy" Spinks and Paolo "Pow wow" Marenghi, who had just returned from a lengthy suspension, and he chose to use them to spice up his attack for the second half. The two strikers replaced Babyface, who picked up an injury to his calf, and Marco "Polo" Viglione, who is working his way back to match fitness after a lengthy spell out through injury.

The changes seemed to have the desired effect as AC Enfield upped the pace of the game, creating more chances and keeping possession well, especially through the midfield where Manos de Bebé joined Jim "Stevey Gerrard" Philpott, and the two took control of the game, pulling the strings and setting Tommy and Dannan loose down the wings. The chances had to lead to goals soon and it seemed that Jimmy had put AC ahead, showing everyone why his nickname is Stevey Gerrard, with a beautiful volley from the edge of the box, straight out of page 37 of the footballing textbook, only to be denied by an excellent intervention from the Highgate Redwing goalkeeper, who tipped it around the post at full stretch. Instead, it was to be his regular centre-mid partner, Matt Damon who was to give AC the lead, only minutes later. A quick throw-in down the left wing by Salvatore "The Fridge" Mingoia, released Spinksy who proceeded to turn the Highgate right-back inside-out with some fancy footwork and deliver an excellent cross into the box, which was met on the volley by Matt Damon, steering the ball beyond the flailing arms of the Highgate goalkeeper...1-0!
This goal seemed to take the wind out of the Highgate sails, as their work rate seemed to drop and AC started to have fun. Tom "Please Sir!" Collier particularly revelled in it, as he proceeded to dip into his bag of tricks, frustrating the opposition players, especially making a certain number 12 look ridiculous as he just couldn't handle him, and had to foul Tommy on a number of occasions! The team didn't manage to add to their one goal advantage, even with the introduction of Salv "Super sub" Genco, but it was enough to get all 3 points, and move even closer towards the title!

It was a difficult game for the boys, perhaps the most difficult so far, but another clean sheet by the AC Enfield back-five, and some creative flair in attack, was enough to win the game. It wasn't their best performance and the lack of goals today may have destroyed their chance of reaching their target of 100 goals scored in the league.

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18 March 2007
MWFL Division 5 Game
AC ENFIELD 5 (T. Collier, C. King, S. Genco, D. Spinks, R. Teppett) - SPREAD EAGLE 0

It has been said by many football experts, that a League winning team is one that can win even when they don't play well! If that is the case, then AC Enfield can expect to win this league, since they managed to win 5-0 today against a fairly weak Spread Eagle side, with somewhat of a poor performance. But I am sure manager, Marcello Devizio, will be happy with the 3 points today, and not too bothered by the performance, taking into consideration the circumstances.

Marcello had an injury list longer than his arm for the game today, so was forced to reshuffle his pack and put out a very new-look eleven. The missing centre-mid pair of Diego "manos de bebé" Dafonte and Dannan "Matt Damon" O'Meachair forced Marcello to move Chris "El capitan" King forward into midfield to partner his good friend and lover Jim "Stevey Gerrard" Philpott, this, of course, was very welcome by the centre-back who was desperately in search of his first goal for the club and knew he would get more of a chance in midfield. The gap left by "El capitan" was filled by Salv "The Fridge" Mingoia, whose position at left back was filled, in turn, by Giuseppe "Emu" Virciglio. An injury to "Rockit" Rob Marenghi, at training, meant Marcello needed to find another right-winger to replace Colin "The Beard" Taitt's replacement, the man chosen for the job was Rob "Babyface" Teppett, the new signing being used as somewhat of a utility man by manager Marcello Devizio, having played 4 different positions in 3 games. Up front, the controversial pairing of Darren "Spinksy" Spinks and Fabio "Blue" Mingoia, were chosen.

The Goffs lane pitch was in its usual, shocking state, and a strong cross-pitch wind didnt help matters. With already a weakened team, the late arrivals of "El Capitan" and "Stevey Gerrard" (who couldn't resist a bit of morning fun) meant that things started very badly for AC Enfield. The first half was very scrappy, with very little football being played and balls constantly being hit long, in the hope that defenders will make a mistake and a chance may come of it. This meant more work than usual for AC Enfield goalkeeper, Chris "Beckenbauer" Gillman, who played more as sweeper today running along the backline, claiming everything that came over the top. The culmination of playing this role was in his assist for Tommy "Please Sir!" Collier, who latched onto Chris' long ball from deep, missed by the Spread Eagle right-back, and finished neatly past the out-rushing Spread Eagle goalkeeper. The goal relieved a bit of tension but, the conditions meant AC were constantly on edge. Adam "The Terminator" Agius put in his usual excellent, 100% efficient display at the back, trying to ease this tension but the AC players knew, that all it would take was 1 mistake to make things level, so they continued to press, in search of that 2nd goal. Good work rates in attack by the front four of Tommy, Spinksy, Blue and Babyface, gave Spread Eagle very little time to hit accurate balls long and forced mistakes. One of these mistakes, a foul in the attacking third of the pitch, led to the second goal. A beautifully floated free-kick, by Babyface, found El Capitan in the box, who brought the ball down well and smashed the ball into the net from close range, making sure of his first goal for the club, and relinquishing his membership of the "Still to score" club (Members still include Marco "Polo" Viglione and Simon "The mouth of the south" Taitt). The doubling of the lead made things a bit easier at half time. Although the lads hadn't been playing well they were still confident of getting the points.

They were perhaps a little too confident, as they stepped onto the field for the 2nd half. Many little tricks all over the field (None as impressive as "The Terminator"'s 4 headers in succession just outside his box, trying to out-do his regular partner at the back's ball-juggling skills in the opposition box a few games ago) leading to lost possession. Marcello changed things a little, 10 minutes in, by bringing on Salv "Super-Sub" Genco for Blue (who clearly displayed his disappointment by removing the shirt as he left the pitch and sat down quietly, the player hasnt been allowed to finish a game for quite a while and was obviously unhappy with the decision), but surely the Super-Sub would get a goal to sure things up! AC went in search of that third goal. Tommy and Rob constantly changing wings, and delivering dangerous balls into the box, and Philpott, yet again, orchestrating things and creating chances with his clever balls through the Spread Eagle defence. But still that third goal wouldn't come. So Marcello changed things again, El Capitan coming off for Gennaro "Road-runner" Vullo, adding more pace to the AC Enfield midfield, maybe getting in behind the Spread Eagle defence. The idea was right, but it was yet another set-piece that led to AC getting their third goal. Another excellent delivery from Teppett (now playing centre-mid) was nodded down by the towering Terminator, and Super-Sub pounced on it to make it 3-0. AC knew they weren't playing well but knew that the game was fairly safe. It seemed even more so, as Spinksy turned cleverly in the box and was fouled, winning a penalty, but it just didn't seem to be his day as he ruined his 100% record from penalties, by hitting his penalty over the cross-bar. This didn't seem to dent his confidence, as minutes later he put AC 4-0 up, a beautiful pass on the volley, by Tommy into Spinksy's path was finished neatly, giving the Spread Eagle goalkeeper no chance, just the type of finish we have come to expect from the AC hitman, who added to his already impressive goalscoring record of 21 goals confirming his status of Top Goalscorer. This seemed to be all Marcello was waiting for before he substituted Spinksy (he too made an obvious statement of disagreement as he left the pitch, and went straight home, this may have also been due to his performance which was under par for his usual high standards, it remains to be seen what the manager does in response to the 2 players' actions), for the return of Marco "Polo" Viglione, an ankle injury having kept him out of action for about a month. This meant that Teppett was moved to his third position of the game as he went up-front for the last 15 minutes. Having already put in an excellent display on the wing and in centre-mid, also getting an assist, a goal would cap off an excellent performance. It seemed to have been his day when he did a mazy run into the Spread Eagle box, past the backline and let loose a thunderbolt of a shot at goal from a tight angle, only to be denied by the post, the ball ricocheting off the post and off the pitch for a throw-on! But never one to disappoint, Teppett got his goal, a tap-in after some good work by Marco "Polo", his second in only two and a half games! That made it 5-0 and this was all Marcello needed to see, to confirm that Babyface was indeed his Man of the Match, this week. The game finished 5-0 to AC Enfield.

The boys made hard work of quite a simple task today. It's true, they did have a lot of players missing, but the players that came in did a good job in terms of getting the 3 points. Next week, the team will most probably change yet again, the return from suspension of Paolo "Pow-Wow" Marenghi and the returns from injury of Matt Damon, Rockit Rob and Manos de Bebé will clearly give manager Devizio something to think about. A difficult game away to Highgate Redwing is sure to be an entertaining one, and from the previous encounter, earlier this season it is set to be a fiery one. AC are indeed that one step closer to winning the title, especially with Dynamo Cross' loss today, but Devizio demands wins until the end of the season, let's see if the boys can deliver!

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11 March 2007
MWFL Division 5 Game
ACCIES 1 - AC ENFIELD 3 (D. Spinks, D. O'Meachair, R. Teppett)

AC Enfield exacted revenge on the only team to beat them in the league this season, with a 3-1 win away to Accies. It was a scrappy, physical affair, in which AC Enfield struggled to get the result they really wanted, but managed it in the end, with an excellent 2nd half performance. The game had been highlighted by AC Enfield President, Giuseppe Virciglio, as the most dangerous game for his team, earlier in the season, since he believed Accies were stronger than even league contenders, Dynamo Cross. And he was proved right! Accies proved a very tough test and Manager Marcello Devizio, looked very relieved when AC went home with all 3 points.

AC Enfield started the game very slowly, and a very motivated Accies team caused problems for the AC backline, won a lot of possession in midfield and didn't give away much to the AC frontline. The main reason for this being the higher energy levels shown by the opposition, winning first and second balls, and winning most of the 50-50 challenges. AC Enfield looked like they hadn't even gotten out of bed! The first half was very scrappy, there were not many good passages of play, and only some individual efforts created any attempts on goal. Individual being the operative word as Darren Spinks kept going for goal, everytime he received the ball, instead of looking for the insertions of his team-mates, Fabio Mingoia, Tom Collier and Diego Dafonte. The frustration was mounting as AC struggled to play their flowing football and resorted to long balls, that were being eaten up by the Accies defensive line. AC Enfield had expected to struggle a little with Colin "The Beard" Taitt sidelined with his terrible injury from last week, and Chris "El Capitan" King only at 70% with an ankle injury that he was carrying from last week, added to the absences of Paolo "Pow wow" Marenghi due to suspension, his brother "Rockit" Rob Marenghi and Marco "Polo" Viglione due to injuries. But this was no excuse, with AC Enfield's vast and talented squad. The boys looked sluggish and Tommy "Please Sir!" Collier's corners that struggled to reach the box were a sign of this.

A very disappointed team walked off the pitch at half time, and an inspiring half time team talk was needed to raise the spirits of the players, and that is just what they got from manager Marcello Devizio, who simply told his team "We need 3 points from this! You have the quality, but you seem to have lost the eye of the tiger! You gotta get that look back! You gotta get that hunger back!" (Or something along those lines) then sent his side back onto the pitch, before the Accies side returned.

The half time talk seemed to have worked, as AC took to the pitch looking hungry for the ball. All over the pitch, it looked like a completely different side, as the AC players were winning 50-50 challenges and starting the play the type of football that is expected by them, nowadays, especially by the midfield trio, of the destructive Dannan "Matt Damon" O'Meachair and Jim "Hansel" Philpott and the elegant Diego "Manos de Bebé" Dafonte. The boys created a few opportunities but poor finishing by Spinksy meant they led to nothing and the match remained 0-0. Despite the poor finishes, it was Fabio "Blue" Mingoia that was substituted for the new-signing, Rob Teppett, as manager Devizio chose to stick with his in-form, flamboyant striker, but knew that, maybe a bit more of a presence was required up-front. This faith in his striker paid off, minutes later, as a flick-on by Teppett found Spinksy who finished coolly when one-on-one with the Accies goalkeeper. 1-0! AC continued to play well and created some excellent chances, that the forward pairing of Teppett and Spinks spurned. AC were to pay for this later on, as Accies found an equaliser, from a free-kick that found its way into the net after a scramble in front of goal, in which the AC Enfield players claimed, not one, but two handballs by the Accies players. Nevertheless, the goal was given, and it was 1-1. But AC Enfield refused to let this finish in a draw, they wanted revenge for the defeat earlier in the season and pushed to achieve this, Devizio chucking on Salvatore "Super-sub" Genco in an attempt to get the win. Tommy continued to probe down the left wing, becoming the right-back's nightmare, and in fact, a passage of play down the left wing, found Dafonte in the box who cleverly laid it back to O'Meachair, at the edge of the box, who then pulled out the Black and Decker as he drilled the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the goal. But the game was still not over! The Accies team tried to draw level again, but their high energy levels at the start of the game were starting to tell as AC stopped their attacks with big challenges by the defensive line of Salvatore "The fridge" Mingoia, Simon "Mouth of the South" Taitt, Chris "El Capitan" King and Man of the Match, Adam "The Terminator" Agius, launching counter-attacks, creating many more chances, as the players struggled to get back and defend. These chances were being wasted once more by the front men, but a one-on-one that Spinks hit straight at the keeper was picked up by Rob Teppett, who slotted it into the net, to score his first goal for the club, and I'm sure it wont be his last! This sparked celebrations by the players and fans alike, as the victory was in the bag! Giuseppe "Emu" Virciglio was brought on for Tom Collier to sure things up, and that he did as the game ended 3-1 to AC Enfield.

It was an excellent 2nd half display by the AC Enfield players, and a fully deserved victory. Special thanks goes out to the travelling fans who turned up to show their support and lift the teams spirits, they act as a 12th man out there and are very much appreciated by the players and manager. AC look well on their way to winning the title now, but still have some difficult games ahead, let's hope they can keep this run of victories going until the end of the season. OO-RAH!

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4 March 2007
MWFL Division 5 Game
AC ENFIELD 3 (D. Spinks x2, D. Dafonte) - DYNAMO CROSS 1

AC Enfield moved clear at the top of the league and took one step closer to reaching their goal of Mercury Waltham League Division 5 Champions with a victory over their closest rivals, Dynamo Cross, by 3 goals to 1. Dynamo Cross were unbeaten before today, and a very focussed AC Enfield team turned up, intent on changing that.

The conditions and state of the pitch looked to favour the more physical Dynamo Cross team, since it hindered ACE''s flowing style of play, in the first 15/20 minutes, as AC struggled to really get going. The defence, intent on maintaining the run of clean sheets, held strong, stopping anything that came at them, coping well with the muddy, heavy pitch and slippery ball, but AC didn''t really create much in attack. It was a messy affair, with very few chances, except for some balls played forward, but Spinksy was getting caught regularly offside! But then, an inspired ball by Simon Taitt, carved through the Cross backline and ran into the path of Tommy Collier, who sped towards goal, and then unselfishly played it square to Spinksy, to fire it into an empty net. 1-0!

AC really began to start firing after this! The ball started zipping around the pitch as the midfield started playing their game and using the width, provided by the excellent Colin Taitt and Tommy Collier. And shortly before half time, Colin found an opening and powered through towards goal, leaving the Cross defenders in his wake, only to then be pole-axed by the Cross keeper, which led to Colin having to come off, with what was later found out to be a broken ankle. This injury will probably lead to Colin missing the rest of the season, if not worse! He will be sorely missed! He deserves much praise for staying until the end, what a warrior!

The 1st half ended 1-0, with AC knowing they had to do much more. Manager, Marcello Devizio, and his players knew they were in for a battle, in the 2nd half, and they were right!

The 2nd half started well, with AC dominating possession. And it wasnt long before Spinksy showed his class by scoring a magnificent lob, leaving the Cross keeper stranded in no man''s land, after good work by Colin''s replacement, "Rockit" Rob Marenghi, on the right wing. This made the game 2-0, but the game was by no means over! This was underlined when the opposition brought one back, against the run of play. A scrappy goal, from a set-piece, put Cross right back in it, and ruined the back five''s run of clean sheets. This may have had something to do with Salv "the fridge" Mingoia coming off, but we wont go into that!

Things looked to get even worse when the ball was in the back of Chris Gillman''s net again, minutes later, but an obvious foul on the AC goalkeeper meant the goal was ruled out. AC knew they couldn''t sit back on this one-goal lead, and implemented their "best form of defence is attack" motto, as Marcello brought on the hat-trick hero from last game, Fabio "Blue" Mingoia for midfield enforcer Dannan O''Meachair. This proved an intelligent strategical manoeuvre, as AC completely dominated the last 20 minutes, winning at least 10 corners, due to the attacking insertions, of Tommy, Spinksy, Fabio, and the 2 Robs orchestrated by the brilliant midfield pairing of Jim Philpott and Diego Dafonte, only for the chances to be squandered by the attacking players. The biggest culprit being Darren Spinks, missing two 1-on-1s with the Cross goalkeeper, due to his show-boating, trying to walk the ball into the net. But no less than they deserved, AC scored a 3rd finally, an excellent cross by "Rockit" Rob found Diego in the box, who changed the direction of the ball, with his header, giving the Cross goalkeeper no chance. This sparked celebrations by the AC Enfield players and fans alike, as they knew the game was over, and the league title that bit closer!

Overall, it was an excellent performance, by AC Enfield, in very difficult conditions. The victory was marred by the injury to Colin Taitt, which will prove to be a huge loss to the team. Next week, the boys face a crucial game at home to the only team to inflict a defeat on them in the league so far. I''m sure the boys will want revenge, against a good Accies team, so it proves to be an excellent game!

AC Enfield went top of Mercury Waltham League Division 5 today with a 9-0 demolition of bottom of the table, Northmet (Riverside) 'A'. A new-look side, with a different 3-5-2 formation and star-studded bench, presented itself at Enfield Playing Fields. The starting side was missing a few familiar faces, as Paolo 'POW' Marenghi began his lengthy suspension, and Salvatore 'the Fridge' Mingoia, Diego '2KO' Dafonte, Darrren 'Look at my abs' Spinks, Dannan 'Matt Damon' O'Meachair and Giuseppe 'Emu' Virciglio were all on the bench. But it did see the return from injury of Marco 'Polo' Viglione in a new, Makalele style role, the inclusion of 'Rockit' Rob Marenghi in an attacking midfield role, a debut for new signing Rob 'no nickname yet' Teppett up front and, most importantly, the return of a sight many believed they would never see again, Fabio 'Blue' Mingoia hitting the back of the net!

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18 February 2007
MWFL Division 5 Game
NORTHMET (RIVERSIDE) 'A' 0 - AC ENFIELD 9 (F. Mingoia x3, J. Philpott, D. Dafonte, D. O'Meachair, C. Taitt, D. Spinks, R. Marenghi)

The match started just as manager, Marcello Devizio, wanted, with AC dominating possesion and creating loads of chances as the forwards and wingers regularly got in behind Northmet's ridiculously high defensive line, considering their defenders had and average weight of 15/16 stone and AC's attacking threat was brimming with pace! But it took a while before AC actually made the chances count, especially Colin 'the beard' Taitt who spurned a hat-trick of excellent chances, making the Goalkeeper actually look quite good! But chances were missed by many, and 'Rockit' Rob also hit the cross bar. But the breakthrough came when Fabio latched onto the ball from a Tom 'Please sir!' Collier corner at the edge of the 6 yard box and smashed the ball past the goalkeeper. Fabio then showed Colin how to finish a 1 on 1 with his 2nd goal (even though it was 'the beard's excellent through-ball which presented Fabio the opportunity).

AC went into half time with only a 2-0 lead and the people on the sidelines were expecting much more to come, especially since Marcello had so many options on the bench. The team duely obbliged as Jim 'Hansel' Philpott started pulling the strings in midfield. 'Blue' grabbed his hat-trick about 5 minutes into the 2nd half, and the flood-gates opened. A wunder-strike by 'Hansel' from about 25 yards put the result beyond doubt, and then it was party time! Diego '2 KO' Dafonte, scored with pretty much his first touch as he came on to replace hat-trick hero Fabio, after excellent unselfish play by Tom put the goal on a plate for him, (1 of 5 assists today).
Another of the 'super-subs', Dannan 'Matt Damon' O'Meachair also scored with a Frank Lampard style free-kick from wide on the left side (it may have been a cross, but they all count, don't they?). And all 3 subs were on the scoresheet, when Darren 'look at my abs' Spinks also scored, turning sharply in the box and leaving 2 defenders before placing it beyond the goalkeeper, to celebrate his birthday with a goal! The beard finally got onto the scoresheet when he smashed in from close range after an excellent delivery from Spinksy. And the rout was completed by 'Rockit' Rob as he scored his trademark goal at the end of demolitions!

The defence kept their run of clean-sheets going as Captain Chris 'Don't look back in anger' King, Adam 'The Terminator' Agius and Simon 'The mouth of the South' Taitt did well to cope with the boredom and stay alert, unlike Chris in goal, who nearly let in their only shot from a freekick (which wasn't even good by the way) but we'll let that one go. In fact, Captain Chris was so bored, he even went into the opposition box and started doing loads of kick-ups over their players, it was impressive but he still looks like he wont ever score!!!

AC Enfield evidently deserve their current league position and will hopefully continue to provide these excellent performances. No opposition was mentioned because frankly it was all AC Enfield today! It was a masterful performance, fitting to place AC at the op of the table, as it took their already incredible goal difference to new heights (Now at plus 50)! It seemed only a matter of time that AC would go top of the league, but there are still 8 games to go, in which the whole season can change!

Written by Salvatore Mingoia

AC Enfield 2009/2010
Mercury Waltham Forest Sunday League, , , Cheshunt, England

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AC Enfield 2009/2010 Mercury Waltham Forest Sunday League, , , Cheshunt, England

Team Menu

Links

Match Reports 2005-2007

Stats at a Glance

Video Clips

Featured Team Member

AC Enfield 2009/2010
Mercury Waltham Forest Sunday League, , , Cheshunt, England