Hitchin Townf2

Enfieldf1

(Ryman League

division one)

ENFIELD slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Hitchin Town on Saturday and are now just five points above the relegation zone in the Ryman League premier division.

Hitchin's win lifted them to within two points of the E's and Jim Chandler's side are still in danger of the drop.

Despite some good attacking play, Enfield lacked cohesion in midfield and were fragile at times at the back.

The home side took the lead after seven minutes when Fenton curled a spectacular 30-yard free-kick past Andy Hall.

Enfield came back strongly and were unlucky not to level when Jean-Marie Okita saw his shot cleared off the line.

After 25 minutes Richard Protheroe crossed and Okita sent a header crashing against the crossbar.

The second half saw the game decided by three penalties ? two given and one not.

On the hour the E's were denied a penalty when a Hitchin player handled the ball inside the box but a free-kick just outside the area was awarded instead.

Soon afterwards the ref did point to the spot when a Hitchin cross at the other end struck Darren Annon on the hand, Fenton stepping up to fire past Hall.

Finally Enfield were awarded a penalty when Danny Clarke was brought down and Danny Jones reduced the deficit in the 77th minute.

Both sides had chances in the closing minutes with Hall making some good saves and Protheroe and Clarke going close for the E's without levelling the game.

Chandler said: 'The referee had a nightmare, some of the decisions he gave were disgraceful and it has cost us points. I tired to speak to him afterwards but he didn't want to know.

'The trap door is below us but it hasn't opened yet. Four more points should be enough for safety and I'm confident we can get those from our last five games.'

On Saturday Enfield are at home to Slough Town, this game will be played at Claremont Road, Hendon.

ENFIELD: Hall, Annon, Protheroe (sub: Southgate, 82min), Cooper, Morgan, Brown, Morris (sub: Clarke, 68), Rattray (sub: Southam, 82), Okita, Livett, Jones.