Enfield Town kept pace with the play-off places in the Bostik League Premier Division with a 2-0 win at home to Folkestone Invicta.

After a goalless first half, Matt Johnson and Billy Bricknell converted following the interval to seal a win that takes them above their opponents in the league.

There were very few opportunities for either side in the opening exchanges of the game, but it was Invicta that had arguably the best sights of goal when Kieron McCann had a shot charged down and Ian Draycott headed over from Adam Yusuff’s cross.

Alfie Paxman then sprung the home defence but saw his effort saved by the legs of Matt Nolan, who was in goal for the injured Joe Wright after he failed a late fitness test.

Chances remained at a premium for the rest of the half, with Paxman once again coming the closest when he dragged a shot just wide of the post.

Enfield’s first real opportunity didn’t come until six minutes into the second half when Karl Oliyide got his head to a free-kick at the back post, but he couldn’t connect properly and the effort flew over the bar.

Just shy of the hour mark, and slightly against the run of play, Town took the lead when a long ball forward to the left side of the box was met by Johnson’s head and the ball sailed over Tim Roberts in the Invicta goal to mark the first score of the game.

Town were finally beginning to find some rhythm and their hunt for a second took far more purpose, with Oliyide having a bigger impact down the right, but he blazed an effort high and wide after beating Nat Blanks for pace.

Enfield then suffered a potential set-back when Yussuf was shown his second yellow card for a late tackle on Jay Porter, but it did little to disrupt their flow and substitute pairing Kezie Ibe and Sam Youngs combined well soon afterward before Youngs shot over.

More chances came their way, with Invicta struggling to make the most of their numerical advantage, firstly as Mickey Parcell’s effort was turned behind and then a 35-yard effort from Youngs was held by Roberts.

The second goal did finally arrive, however, after some excellent persistence from Billy Bricknell allowed him to latch onto a long ball before he took it past two defenders and slotted the ball into the corner from the edge of the box.

Town will know that they can play better than they did in this game, but the win means they are now just two points behind Worthing and Tonbridge Angels, who hold the two lower play-off spots.

They are now presented with an excellent opportunity to move into those places when they host Tonbridge this coming Saturday (March 2) with kick-off at 3pm.