ES FAIL TO BUILD ON BRICKNELL
Angels force second nil-nil
TONBRIDGE earned their second goalless draw in three days to keep themselves and their North London hosts right in the promotion play-off race.
Enfield had the better of the first half, twice hitting the frame of the goal. But the wind-assisted Angels had a far better second period.
On eight minutes, Billy Bricknell headed wide and, three minutes later, Sam Youngs’ drive hit the underside of the bar with Angels keeper Jon Henly saving Bricknell's follow-up.
In the 25th minute, Enfield’s Mickey Parcell was set up by a fine three-man move but his carefully-placed low shot drifted wide of Henly's right hand post.
Town centre-back Dan Rumens then thundered a header from a corner against the bar.
Angels’ Joe Turner fired a free-kick straight at Town keeper Matt Nolan
And after half-time, Town had a let off when a mix-up
between Nolan and Rumens let in Tom Derry for a glorious opportunity, but he contrived to miss the target with the goal at his mercy.
Moments later, Arthur Lee’s header from Turner’s corner was cleared off the line.
With 15 minutes left, Nolan denied Alex Read with a fine save as the Angels went for the jugular.
Then Town sub Karl Oliyide cutback found Bricknell, but his shot was blocked by a sea of Tonbridge bodies.
Town Assistant Manager Mario Noto told The NLP:
“I'm fairly happy with a point. It was a very tight game against a good side, with plenty of commitment.
“Chances were at a premium, and it was a shame we couldn't capitalise in the first half, when I felt we dominated for long spells.
“At half time we told the lads it would be a totally different game after the breakand it certainly was, with Tonbridge coming at us more. It was a feisty game at times, and I was pleased with the effort and attitude we showed.
“At this stage of the season every point counts, and I fully expect both sides to be forcing their way into the play-off spots with only nine games to go.
“We’ve taken four points off a team we anticipated would be a main rival and we've got to be happy with that" STAR MAN: Mickey Parcell (Enfield Town ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★