Enfield came from two goals down to keep their championship hopes on track in an eventful match that saw three penalties and a sending off.

The league leaders went behind after 18 minutes when Town keeper Andy Hall was adjudged to have pushed one of Saffron Walden's forwards.

Michael Barker coolly slotted home the spot kick.

The home side doubled their advantage five minutes later when Ben Riches rounded off a fine individual goal.

Battling hard to get back into the game, Mathew Negus and David Allen both provided good service to Enfield's front pairing of Daniel Clarke and Martin St Hilaire, with Clarke being denied twice by Saffron defenders on 34 minutes.

Four minutes into stoppage time at the end of the first half the visitors pulled one back with a penalty of their own.

Saffron keeper Dave Pledger fouled Clarke in the box and Stuart Snowdon smashed in the penalty.

Enfield manager Jim Chandler made two changes at the break and both substitutes, Tommy Morgan and Brad Quinn, instantly terrorised the home side.

Snowden then powered a header goalwards only for it to be blocked illegally on the line by Saffron's Danny Lynn, who was promptly given his marching orders. Snowden made no mistake from the spot for his second of the match.

Tommy Morgan teased the home defence with a succession of mazy runs and St Hillaire hit the bar with seven minutes remaining.

Just reward for Enfield's efforts came with a minute to go when David Allen fired home from Morgan's cross, sparking a cartwheel celebration as Enfield moved six points clear at the top of the table.

Enfield next host Minerva Spartan South Midlands Premier side Ruislip Manor in the quarter final of the Middlesex Senior Cup.

January 29, 2003 19:30