Purfleetf4

Enfieldf2

(Ryman League

premier division)

ENFIELD are still not certain of their place in the Ryman League premier division for next season after a 4-2 defeat against Purfleet on Friday night.

The E's lie in 16th place on 47 points and still need another point to ensure their safety.

Jim Chandler's side started brightly against Fleet with Jamie Southam heading inches wide. But the home side struck first through George Georgiou.

Enfield were back on level terms after half-an-hour. Kevin Rattray was sent tumbling inside the box and Danny Jones powered home the resulting penalty.

Both sides battled well but as the weather deteriorated in the second half, the E's began to struggle.

Purfleet's second goal came in the 55th minute when Coombs headed in a long cross and worse was to come when Simon Webb made it 3-1.

James Bunn pulled a goal back on 69 minutes with a wickedly curling shot which dipped under the crossbar but the home side restored their two goal lead soon after.

The ball appeared to be cleared off Jerome John's line but the linesman signalled a goal and the referee pointed to the centre circle.

Enfield did get the ball into the Purfleet net again after 85 minutes but it was ruled out for off-side.

Chandler said: 'Purfleet asked me to switch the game to Friday night a while ago but if I'd known what the weather would be like I wouldn't have done.

'It started raining before the game and it was like a monsoon after half-time.

'They are a big, fit, strong side and it was always going to be difficult for our youngsters once they went ahead again.

'Now were need a point from our last two games and I won't relax until we are safe.

'If we get nothing at all then we could be down on Saturday if our rivals all win and that is not a nice feeling.'

Enfield played St. Albans City at Boreham Wood on Tuesday night and then entertain Hampton and Richmond at Hendon on Saturday.

ENFIELD: John, Annon, Southgate, Southam (sub: Morris, 60min), Protheroe, Morgan, Jones, Rattray (Cox, 83), Bunn, Livett, Alleyne (Clarke, 64).