As Jordon Frederick put it in the warm down at the end of the game, “it’s three points - at the end of the season, no-one will be saying ‘you didn’t play very well against Enfield’” - wise words as ever. The Comrades were in truth somewhat fortunate, but there’s a saying in football about that: it’s the sign of a good team that they still find a way to win even when they’re not playing well.

A heavy pitch and a resolute and physical Enfield side made this a tough battle in the sunshine at the Glencar. Berko were very much second-best in the first half, but some solid defending and a bit of good fortune meant that the match was still goalless when, just before half time, Dan Newton looped home a header from a right wing cross to give the Comrades the lead. 1-0 at half time, and hard not to see that as against the run of play.

Second half was livelier from both teams, but on the hour it was Enfield back in the game, as a sweeping move down the right left Kieran Southgate free to head firmly past an exposed Bowler. Manager Devane had seen enough, and a couple of minutes later made a quadruple susbtitution - Newman, Tomlinson, Clarke and Rosner coming on for the home team. And, within less than ten minutes, the change did the trick - Tomlinson was tripped in the box, and Berko had a penalty. JJ Lacey’s kick was well saved down to his left by the Enfield keeper, but Charlie Johnson was quick on the follow up to smash home the rebound to make it 2-1.

Enfield kept pressing and had a couple of half chances, including a long range hit from their captain Hurley, impressive all afternoon. Berko had the best chance to wrap it up, with Newman taking it past the keeper and teeing up Bateman, only for the captain to hit the bar with his shot. Berko’s game management in the extended period of stoppage time was pretty good, with BJ Christie brought on to use his strength to hold the ball in the corner. One last corner from Enfield was well-defended, and the three points were secured.

Not the best spectacle, but an important result to stay one point behind Real Bedford at the top of the table, and a good lead into Tuesday night’s home game against fourth placed Hadley. It’ll be another tough one and we hope to see you all at the Glencar to support the Comrades.

Team: Bowler, Tompkins, Perry, Frederick, Newton, Johnson, Lacey, Barker, Bateman, Andrews, Collier

Subs - all used: Clarke, Newman, Tomlinson, Rosner, Christie

Scorers - Newton and Johnson

Attendance - 283