E's Forced To Battle By Hastings

9:30am Thursday 8th November 2001

Enfield...2

Hastings Town...1

ENFIELD did not have the best of run-ups to this game against a well organised, high flying Hastings Town.

But despite an unfit Glen Wilkie and suspensions for Gary Hoy, Grant Cooper and Lee Allen, Enfield did progress to the next round and will entertain Histon in December.

The victory saw the welcome return from injury of Kenny Addai and Nicky Gyoury (his competitive debut after sustaining an injury against Arlesley Town in August).

Enfield started the livelier of the two sides as they tried to kick-start their season following a run of disappointing reversals.

They took the initiative in the eighth minute with a somewhat fortuitous George Georgiou goal. Receiving the ball on the edge of the area, he shrugged off the covering defender and tried his luck from 15 yards. Hastings keeper David King dived only to have the ball bobble over his outstretched frame and into the back of the net.

Moments later, Oliver Petersen went close to doubling the lead for the E's.

Hastings then sparked into life and dominated possession through to the break, during which the Enfield goal came under siege.

Addai saved Duncan McArthur's long-range effort, a last-ditch tackle from James Ayres stopped Lee McRobert, and McArthur struck free kicks both into the side netting and Addai's hands.

However, Enfield rode out the onslaught and restricted Hastings to further long-range efforts. In the dying moments of the half, Petersen found himself in a one-on-one with King and neatly put the ball away from an acute angle.

The second half was a dour affair in comparison, though Enfield were kept busy. Hastings' McArthur caused Addai more problems but nothing he could not handle.

A superb save frustrated a long range effort from Simon Peddie and the ubiquitous McArthur had another go before losing the attentions of James Ayres two minutes later to try a crafty lob.

Marvin Walker, on his debut, nearly put the result beyond doubt as time ebbed away but Hastings stepped up the pressure for Steve Yates to score a consolation goal deep into injury time.

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