The Epitomy of a Derby!

The tension could be felt around the whole of north London for the return derby match that TP had narrowly lost 1-0 only a few weeks previously.

With the links between the 2 teams becoming even more prominent in this game (most notably an EEFC church member facing up against his home church wearing the orange of TP), the message was to simply not lose and avenge the previous defeat!

However, a 19 man squad the evening before the match became a 10 man starting team, with several being knocked down by illness and a few late arrivals.

The most notable absence was that of Steve, suffering from a head injury received the night before in a freak accident. That couldn't stop him though, and he made his way to the Flats to take his place between the sticks about 20mins into the game.

But to back track, EEFC were sitting 2nd in the league and their quality was showing against a valiant 10man defence. And just when confidence was starting to grow in the TP ranks, injury struck once again to an unfortunate Gareth. But, not wanting to let the team down, a tactical shuffle moved Colin to centre forward and Gareth to centre back.

And although it was backs to the wall, 'passes' (for the more cynical readers this could read clearances!) were finding their way to the Enfield half where there was a confidence in the oranges that problems could be caused.

However, whilst still with 10men Enfield made the most of a set piece and their dominance of the aerial battle saw them put a ball into the box for a back post header to come back across the goal and find the smallest of gaps between Nick's head and the cross bar.

TP did end the half with 11 men of the pitch - Dan Spinola coming on (Steve replaced the injured Gareth, bring David out into his more comfortable centre back position). And 11 v 11 was a lot closer.

The game - as any good derby should be - was full of full bloodied tackles, chasing lost causes and
honest 'hustling' of the opposition at every opportunity.

TP went in 1-0 down at half time but with more than enough confidence the game was theirs for the taking.

The second half more of exactly the same, but a more direct approach towards the Enfield goal was taken and problems caused. And in spite of TP going 2-0 down from an attack from Enfields less dangerous left hand side when there had been minimal threat all half, the drive of TP to get something from the game grew stronger.

This eventually resulted in a prolonged period of TP pressure which - with hassling from Ferris - led to an Enfield defender putting past his own goal keeper.

Confidence grew further and a more creative, 'TP' style of play emerged and a great spell of football saw Dan Spinola past the Enfield defence with the ball at his feet, one on one with the goal-keeper and Calvin to his right for support. The support was taken and Calvin buried into an empty net only for the goal to be disallowed for offside. No derby is complete without an item of controversy!

The rest of the game belonged to TP but the pressure from corners and throws didn't pay off and the result was again another narrow defeat.


Team:

D. Hambridge;
S. Ranthe, C. Agbabiaka, N. Speroni (c), J. Middleweek;
M. Okolie (N. Field), A. Aryanpour, C. Lindsay, D. Spinola;
F. Lindsay, G. Goodhew (S. Speroni)

Blog Writers Man of the Match:

Arsan Aryanpour - full of drive and covered every blade of grass (that could be found under the mud!)