Enfield Town boss Bradley Quinton believes his side’s recent struggles have afforded him the chance to see the character in the group after a fifth defeat in six.

The Towners were beaten 1-0 by Wingate & Finchley in the Isthmian Premier Division on New Year’s Day, leaving them in 12th position, seven points adrift of the play-off places.

Saturday’s clash at home to Canvey Island was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Reflecting on defeat against the Blues, Quinton revealed two members of his squad have played despite enduring personal issues away from the pitch.

He said: “We have had a few personal things with family members and Corey Whitely was sick on the day of the game so we sent him home in a taxi to avoid it spreading. Ryan Doyle had it just before the Billericay game and he felt he could play but it was not right.

“I am starting to see a lot of character in these players which you appreciate more when you are manager. These are the internal things people do not see and everyone gets hit with bad news in their personal lives.

“People see football as their get out and want to put these things behind them for 90 minutes and go out and play. If you stop them doing something they love you think it is best for them even if it might not be, so I let them play.”

Scott Shulton got the decisive goal on the hour for Wingate & Finchley, but despite the defeat, Quinton has refused to be disheartened by the Towners’ recent run.

He said: “To be honest there was probably only one effort on target but looking back at the game it was a scrappy affair. I expected a lot better from both teams.

“We have had probably four bad results on the bounce points-wise but probably Billericay was the only one where I was cheesed off with my players. We switched off when we had possession in their half from a throw in and allowed them to score.”

He added: “It was bound to happen – everyone has these periods. The boys have been honest with each other and worked hard in training on Saturday. The games are gone now. There are one or two I have had to put my arm around.

“We go again and I expect an improved performance at Hendon.”

The Towners have added defender-cum-forward Claudiu Vilcu, bringing to an end Quinton's search for an experienced defender.

Vilcu, 27, is a Romanian centre-back who had been expected to sign for Conference side Barnet in September 2013 but work permit issues prevented the deal.

“He is about six foot six, six foot seven and he can also play up front too,” Quinton said. “He will push a few players for their shirts over the next couple of weeks. We had four trialists with us on Saturday and I expect there are a few more things to be confirmed within the next 24 hours.”

There are also expected to be three departures – albeit temporary ones. Quinton stated: “I gave them the chance to show what they can do and over the next few weeks I will be doing it my way. And if that does not work then a few will be going out on loan.

“Adie Cole and Stephan Hamilton-Forbes are going out on loan and Leon Antoine has been allowed to join Harlow Town.”

Vilcu scored a 35-yard effort on his debut for the Towners, who beat Ashford Town 3-1 in Middlesex Charity Cup quarter final. Jon Constant and Tyler Campbell also netted for Quinton's side, who included another new face in midfielder Aryan Tajbakhsh.

Enfield's reward is a semi-final clash with Cockfosters at the Queen Elizabeth II Stadium.