Playing their 50th game of the season so far, Staines turned their attention to the County Cup on a chilly Tuesday, making their first ever visit to the Goldsdown Road ground that Enfield Town (one of two successors to the famous Enfield FC) now share as equal partners with Brimsdown Rovers.

Several Swans players were late arriving, causing a 10 minute delay in kick-off, and the last minute elevation of Taylor and Lee to the starting side, in place of Ahmad and Thomas.

Enfield Town were embroiled in a very busy Ryman League (Div 1 North) schedule, and made numerous changes to their side;

Steve Cordery recalled Kamara and Ifura to the defence, in place of Jackson and Mambo, in a bid to reach their first Senior Cup Final for 12 years, with the added bonus that it will be played at Wheatsheaf Park on Easter Monday.

Staines attacked the covered end in the first half.

Staines generally held sway throughout the first half, but considering the two league gap between the clubs, were largely unable to test young Enfield ‘keeper Holmes to any extent.

A great run by Risbridger ended with Taylor firing just over, and a nippy run by Scarlett led to an Ifura header which was deflected for a corner were the most exciting moments of the first 40 minutes.

Then Enfield forced Wells into a fine save, with a close range shot from Hope, before Holmes was finally called into action in the 43rd min, parrying a low Scarlett drive following a teasing cross from Newton, who had confused the defence by switching to the right.

After what seemed an extended interval, Staines introduced Ahmad for Lee, who had performed well enough in his first senior start, despite being pressed into service out of his accustomed central midfield position.

The visitors made a positive start, with Griffiths shooting just wide, and then, on 49 minutes, Newton firing a low shot against the foot of the post before sending the rebound over the top.

Two minutes later, the Enfield goal seemed to lead a charmed life when, following a Griffiths corner, both Sterling’s header and Risbridger’s follow-up shot were cleared off the line, and Ahmad hit the post direct from the resultant corner.

Wells came into the game at the other end, in dealing well with Maharjan’s low drive, and then regaining his position to claim Hall’s cheeky free-kick.

Whether it was the home side’s three quick substitutions, or Staines’s increased determination to avoid an extra 30 minutes, or simply a change of luck, but the tie was settled by three Swans’ goals in the last 11 minutes, beginning with a weak clearance by keeper Holmes.

Kamara cut it out and slipped the ball forward to Mazin Ahmad, whose super first touch took him past the defender before shooting into the bottom corner of the net.

In the 85th minute, Taylor played a great ball out wide to Howard Newton, who beat the offside trap, rounded Holmed, and slotted the ball into the gaping net.

And, immediately after Newton was withdrawn, Leroy Griffiths’ unstoppable volley made it 3-0 in the 86th, this after a crossfield pass by Scarlett.

The final minutes saw a cameo appearance from Academy skipper Arthur, who replaced his senior counterpart, Gordon.

News later filtered through that Uxbridge had defeated Northwood 2-0 in the other semi.

Enfield gave their Man of the Match award to defender Rory Smith.

Staines: Wells, Kamara, Sterling, Gordon © (Arthur 87), Ifura, Scarlett, Newton (Thomas 86-), Risbridger, Taylor, Lee (Ahmad HT), Griffiths; unused: Jackson, Courtnage (g).

Enfield T: Holmes, Moore, Lockie (Morton 75), Smith, Blower, Forward, Marks, Hall, Maharjan (Hammond 71), Hope (Ellams 75), Valenti; unused: McKay, R Blackburne (g).

Ref: Tony Power (Harrow); ARs: Mark Engelbretson (Harefield), Graeme Thorley (Harrow); MCFA Rep: Stephen Reuter (Enfield).

Att 117 (off: 101).