Pitching In Isthmian League- supporters predictions 2021-22: Enfield Town

By Ian Townsend

We’re off down Donkey Lane, where Enfield Town are celebrating a big birthday. Gabriel Meytanis is our guide.

We asked supporters of our Pitching In Isthmian League clubs to preview the new season, reflect on the old and predict the final outcome. Their predicted 1-20 (or 22) will be worked into a final table which you will see just before the big kick off. Gabriel Meytanis is optimistic that this will be a good year to be a Towner.

1. Thinking about last season- what there was of it- were there any highlights for you?

When I wrote my piece for this page last year, I mentioned how I hoped that the opening game against Lewes would be a special occasion and it really proved that way, to the extent that even the weather played its role. We won 4-1 in front of a great crowd, playing some fantastic football in glorious sunshine, and facing a Rooks side who we'd met in our last home match pre-pandemic - where we laboured to a draw. While it proved inconsequential in terms of statistics as the season was expunged again, there's absolutely no taking that game away as a highlight.

2. Moving on to your current squad- which players do you think will make a big impact during the 2021-22 campaign?

It's been another summer of change as a number of last year's first-teamers have been unable to commit for various reasons, or have taken deserved opportunities higher up the pyramid. However, there are a few who I think, and hope, will be key players in our squad this term.

One is forward Muhammadu Faal, who needs practically no introduction. He's back for a second spell in blue & white, having earned a move to Bolton after netting 24 times in 25 appearances in 2019/20. He has such finesse and such noticeable ability when he's in full flow, and his performances of increasing influence thus far in pre-season hint at another potentially impactful campaign.

The midfield has gradually taken shape too, and newly-appointed skipper Scott Thomas can hopefully have another solid season screening the defence. Playmaker Emmanuel Maja has joined us from Welling and looks an astute addition in the centre of the park, already demonstrating glimpses of his vision and passing range in pre-season. Likewise, Percy Kiangebeni is a magnificent player for us on his day. His continuous pressing in midfield, timing in the tackle and ability to pick a pass will no doubt come in very handy once the season is in full swing.

3. Realistically, how do you think you’ll do this season?

As is usually the case, reaching the playoffs would be the aim. Realistically, though, I think we have to glance at the sides - and the number of sides too - who will likely be competing for a place and acknowledge that it will be the toughest task for many, many a season. It's a tough job, likewise, making a prediction! Last season was far too short before its curtailment to read a great deal into, and already seems a world away. Squads have changed; clubs' financial standings have changed; some are under new management. In our case, we've lost another sizeable chunk of our first-team cohort from last campaign and have had a real mixed bag of a pre-season. However, we've retained several important players and I'm confident that our summer arrivals seem to be very shrewd additions. I'll put my head above the parapet again and say we'll reach the playoffs.

4. Which matches are you most looking forward to going to- and why?

Quite honestly, any and every match. It's been another long wait for the league to recommence and I imagine I'm certainly not alone in counting down the days. I only hope I'm just as enthusiastic once we're well into the season. In terms of individual matches, opening day at Carshalton - an away trip that has not been kind to us in recent times - promises to be a good game, as do local derbies with Cheshunt and Potters Bar around the festive period. The Trophy and Cup runs always provide excitement too - we'll hope to avoid falling at the first hurdle in the latter this time around, though!

5. What is your favourite away ground?

Lewes away is always a highlight. The Dripping Pan is such a wonderfully unique, characterful ground and is usually complemented by a good set of fans and a decent team too.

6. Who do you consider your biggest rivals- and why?

Historically speaking, Billericay and especially Barnet have been considered foes, but - this season at least - we'd have to face them in the FA Cup or Trophy so we'll have to see if we're drawn against either of them. We do have a number of league clubs near our neck of the woods: Cheshunt, Potters Bar, Wingate & Finchley, Haringey. While matches with those sides are local derbies, and probably have a little more to them, there certainly isn't any level of real animosity for them to be considered genuine rivalries.

7. What advice would you give to any away supporter visiting you for the first time?

First and foremost, that you're helping to support the country's original fan-owned football club, which as ever is hugely appreciated - not least after the impact of the last two seasons. If you approach the stadium from Southbury or Enfield Town stations, you can walk through the park connecting the former Enfield FC's ground at Southbury Road to where we play.

The Art Deco design of the main stand (the one with the big 'CAFE' plastered across the turret!) means our home is among the very few English football stadia to be Grade II listed. Grab a pint from the new marquee nearby, or from the bar inside the stand, if restrictions allow.

While our ground does have a running track, you can still get pretty close to the action. The two stands behind each goal make for a great atmosphere, especially in the one occupied by Town supporters.

8. Who is your favourite player of all time (for your club)- and why?

I have to stretch it to player(s) since choosing just one is impossible. Our former skipper Mark Kirby is one - and it was great to see him in action in a recent pre-season friendly at Chesham, though he was in an opponent's shirt. One of the most committed players to ever play for us in the 300 or so appearances that he notched at the heart of our defence, and a player with whom our fans share a real sense of appreciation.

Likewise, I can't fail to mention Liam Hope. Our record goalscorer, he's another player loved by the Town faithful and who, along with his haul of 118, occupies a very significant slice of Towners history.

9. Who will be in the top five at the end of the season?

Worthing, Lewes, Hornchurch, Folkestone Invicta, Enfield Town

Look out for the final predicted tables on Saturday!

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Where next?

New shirt, new sponsor, new players, new season for Merstham Sponsorship on the front, charity sponsorship on the back, and a set of new players to wear it
Pitching In Isthmian League- supporters predictions 2021-22: Hanwell Town Time to head to Hanwell Town, home of an impressive green carpet, a large number of Geordie souvenirs, a cup-winning side and the irrepressible Elsa Jones.

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