Waltham Forest 4-0 Enfield 1893

Forest turned in an impressive second half performance to pick up a tenth point in five games against fellow strugglers Enfield.

The first half was a tepid affair, with both sides struggling with the strong wind. Jose Agua and Kubilay Akbayrak both had half-chances for Forest while Enfield keeper Josh Knight surprisingly went closest for the away side, thanks to a wind-assisted kick.

With the wind in their favour, Forest dominated the second half. They took the lead on 57 as Miguel Lopes de Matos’ corner flew into the top corner of the near post thanks to a flick from Enfield defender Troy Ricketts on the post. Knight felt he should have done better, but allowed himself to get distracted by a supporter questioning the bulky keeper’s athleticism.

Charlie Gregory then hit the outside of the post after some good work from Said Ahmed-Mohammed, though he should have done better in truth.

Enfield did look dangerous on the break though, and almost levelled when a cross seemed to run across the face of goal before eventually being cleared.

From that clearances, Lopes de Matos knocked over a swerving through-ball to Agua who controlled and rifled a low and hard shot past the stranded keeper.

Forest soon had a third, as Rickett’s nightmare continued, deflecting an Agua cross into his own goal.

Alan Callaghan made it four – and three in seven minutes. Receiving the ball in the penalty area, he cut back, putting two Enfield defenders and the goalkeeper on the floor, before falling over himself and eventually rolling the ball home.

Agua had a chance to make it five with the last kick of the game, but Knight saved well.

Forest remain second bottom, but are now only five points behind Eton Manor in 15th, and three behind Takeley in 17th.

The Stags host Bowers and Pitsea on Easter Monday – kick off for this fixture has been moved to 7.45PM.

It was a good day all-round for Forest, as the reserves beat Sawbridgeworth 1-0.