Enfield FC 0–0 Wormley Rovers
Emirates FA Cup – Extra Preliminary Round
Friday 1 August 2025 | Hertingfordbury Park
Wormley Rovers earned a deserved replay in the Emirates FA Cup following a competitive 0–0 draw away to Enfield FC. A match full of chances at both ends, outstanding goalkeeping, and high intensity was overshadowed slightly by unsavoury scenes at full-time — but on the pitch, the performance from the Worms was a resolute and encouraging one.
The tie began at a high tempo, with Enfield going close inside the opening minutes as Arioglu rolled an effort narrowly wide. Wormley responded through Darcheville, who consistently caused problems with his direct running, though he was unable to find a telling final ball in the early stages.
Kabia struck the post from distance in the 13th minute in what was the home side’s best early opportunity, before Brathwaite forced a superb diving save from Hammond, who would go on to play a key role throughout.
Wormley began to settle and threaten in the final third. Tolley met a well-delivered free-kick from Empson, but his header was comfortably held by Edgeworth. At the other end, Hammond denied Penn from close range and later made a crucial stop to keep out Clarke, who had broken through one-on-one.
Wormley nearly took the lead in spectacular fashion just before the break — Mosanya’s cross found Walsh, whose scorpion-kick effort looped narrowly over Edgeworth and was cleared off the line.
The second half continued in much the same fashion: energetic, open, and fiercely contested. Enfield’s Sykes missed a golden chance just after the restart, firing over from close range, while Mosanya nearly latched onto a flick from Stevenson but Edgeworth was quick to react.
Arguably Wormley’s best chance of the afternoon came in the 56th minute. Michael won the ball high up the pitch and threaded a pass through to Darcheville, who fired a low effort across goal — the ball flashed just wide of the far post.
As legs began to tire, manager Ryan Wade made several changes to maintain attacking pressure. Andic, Philippou and Tyler-Cowlin were all introduced, the latter making an instant impact with a strong run through midfield and a well-struck effort that was blocked at the edge of the box.
Wormley’s set pieces continued to pose a threat, with Offer heading over from a corner, before Philippou came agonisingly close twice in the final minutes — first cutting inside and dragging an effort just wide, then seeing another drive whistle past the post.
In added time, Enfield nearly stole the win, but Offer was alert to clear off the line and ensure the tie would go to a replay.
Following the final whistle, an incident occurred involving Enfield FC goalkeeper George Edgeworth. After crossing the barrier separating the pitch and the crowd, Edgeworth appeared to become involved in a physical altercation with spectators. A wider confrontation followed, involving fans, players, staff, and members of both camps.
The situation was brought under control quickly by officials and stewards. The matter may be subject to investigation by the relevant authorities, and the club will offer full cooperation if requested.
Wormley return home for the replay, confident that their performance warrants belief in progression to the next round.
Starting XI: Edgeworth, Valentine, Clark, Hurley (C), Brathwaite (87’ Eden), Kabia (88’ Yilmaz), Sykes, Moncur, Penn (67’ Hansson), Arioglu, McClenaghan (76’ Croucher)
Substitutes (Unused): G. Jessey, A. Jessey, Spillane
Starting XI: Hammond, Wappett (64’ Andic), Tolley, Stevenson, Haigh, Offer (C), Darcheville, Empson (26’ Silva), Walsh (69’ Tyler-Cowlin), Michael (69’ Philippou), Mosanya (80’ Lepley)
Substitutes (Unused): Grant, Oakley
