Hornchurch 3 Enfield Town 2

Isthmian League Premier, Tuesday 16th August

Tuesday saw me over in Upminster, and saw an 84th minute header from Tom Wraight seal a pulsating Isthmian League Premier contest as his Hornchurch came from behind to beat Enfield Town in front of almost 500 at Bridge Avenue.

These two played out a dramatic contest the last time they met, the Premier Division play off semi final at Donkey Lane, and The Urchins left it very late to win that one, before going on to lose the final at home to Cheshunt, meaning another at this level, Hornchurch began this campaign with a narrow defeat at Bognor Regis Town, whereas Enfield managed to grab a point at home to Folkstone Invicta.

And just like that semi final last season these two were to play out another dramatic and pulsating contest, and saw the visitors almost lead inside a minute when they saw an effort come back off the bar, but just before the midway point of the half they did lead when after Sam Youngs had been fouled inside the box by Wraight, Jake Cass stepped up to thump home the spot kick.

It took Hornchurch only four minutes to respond though as lovely play from the hosts saw a one two on the edge of the area see Liam Nash get in on goal, and the striker lifted a neat finish over keeper Nathan McDonald for the equaliser, and if it had not been for McDonald thereafter in the half, The Urchins would have been ahead, the visiting keeper making three superb stops to keep them out.

And then seven minutes before the break the hosts were stunned when substitute Lyle Della-Verde, who replaced the stricken Scott Thomas after just 14 minutes, fired home a wonderful free kick from twenty yards out to restore the visitors lead and see them go into the break a goal ahead, which was harsh on the hosts who had created the better openings so far. It was a superb strike though and one worthy of winning this contest, although with a whole half to play out, surely this would not be the end of the goals. It had been a cracking game so far.

The tempo didn't really let up in the second period either, and with both sets of fans creating a superb atmosphere it was certainly adding to the occasion, both sides had goals chalked off, Enfield for offside whilst Hornchurch had one chalked off for handball, both were correct decisions as well.

Hornchurch continued to edge the contest despite the score line although Enfield did have their chances too, Joe Wright having to be smart to stop a flick on towards the near post finding the net in one such moment, but the visitors had to do a lot of defending as they looked to hold onto their lead and get a very hard earned win, McDonald again frustrated the hosts with another wonderful save to deny Ola Ogunwamide.

However, The Urchins were to finally make their pressure tell with thirteen minutes remaining as a ball in was flicked across goal to the far post where Nash was waiting to head home, and the home support believed their side could now go on and win the game, and they did just that as with six minutes of the ninety remaining, Wraight stooped to glance home a cross into the far corner and send the hosts wild, the atmosphere had reached fever pitch by this point,

Enfield tried all they could to find a leveller in the remaining time left, their best moment came when they sent a header just over the bar, but The Urchins managed to see out the game and win what had been an absolutely cracking game of football, such an entertaining watch, and well worth the £12 entrance fee. Well done to both sides for creating such a superb contest, it certainly left me with a bounce in my step afterwards, these are the games you certainly crave as a football fan that's for sure.

Full time Hornchurch 3 Enfield Town 2