Enfield moved out of the relegation zone after a well-deserved victory at Meadow Park, their first league win in 12 attempts.

The E's started the match with plenty of vigour and their quick passing soon brought about the first chance when Matt Waldron almost embarrassed Basingstoke keeper Scott Tarr with a fine 20-yard effort.

Tarr was not so lucky on 22 minutes as he totally misjudged an Ian Dickens back-header, which dribbled agonisingly into the net for Enfield's opening goal.

Minutes later, the visitors' Neville Stamp sent a curling effort flashing wide of the post.

The E's started the second half as they began the first, with Demba Traore and Paul Armstrong both spurning good opportunities before the latter heaped more misery on the visiting goalkeeper.

On 59 minutes Tarr's attempted clearance fell straight to Armstrong who had time to control the ball, move to the edge of the area and fire past the hapless goalkeeper.

With tempers fraying, Basingstoke pulled a goal back through Stamp's beautiful curled free kick.

But with seconds remaining Tarr's dismal afternoon was capped when he was sent-off for a professional foul inside the box on Traore.

Substitute goalkeeper Grant Frost could do little about the penalty as Traore calmly placed the ball into the net to put the seal on a vital win.

Two E's players moved on to pastures new last week when the club released both Lee Endersby and Dean Coppard.

Endersby has joined Premier Division high-flyers Hendon, while Coppard has joined Maidenhead United.

January 29, 2003 19:30