HALSTEAD Town started 2023 with a defeat after they were beaten 3-0 at Essex Senior League leaders Enfield, on Tuesday night.

The Humbugs, playing for the first time in a month, handed a first start to new signing Edwin Plackett, while Jake Brown returned to the squad after time out with an injury.

Grosvenor dragged an effort wide for Enfield early on, while at the other end, Alfie Cleal saw his strike go just wide of the post.

Michael Brothers almost tucked home the game’s opening goal following a scramble in the hosts’ box after a free-kick.

And Brothers had an effort saved soon after, after a good move by the visitors.

However, Enfield took a 21st-minute lead when Gebrai tucked home, after great work from Ofori who played the ball back across the box.

Halstead looked for an immediate response and Joel Older fizzed a ball across the box which somehow wasn’t turned home, after some excellent football from Tom White.

Enfield were awarded a penalty just after the half hour mark.

But Jack Cherry made a fine save from the spot, before Gebari cut in down the left and fired an effort just wide as the hosts pressed.

Cleal’s free-kick went over the bar but at the other end, Bennett made a block on the line to prevent Enfield from going further ahead before half-time.

Halstead had the better chances in the first half but the hosts doubled their lead, five minutes after the break.

A great near post header by Gavin Cockman wrong-footed Cherry and flew in.

And it was 3-0 on the hour mark when Gebrai cut in and curled a fine shot into the top right corner.

Johnson put his effort wide, as the hosts looked for a fourth.

But Halstead were unlucky not to pull a goal back when Tom White beat past two players and fired in a shot from distance which Monk did well to save.

Substitute Joe Jones was twice denied by Monk late on but Halstead were beaten.