Ten-man Enfield Town were left to rue a number of missed chances as they were beaten 2-0 by Northwood in the Middlesex Senior Cup final on Saturday.

Town played the entire second half a man light after striker Corey Whitely was shown a straight red card for an uncharacteristic late challenge on Andy Lomas which gave referee Daniel Richardson little option but to send him off.

His dismissal came four minutes before half-time and the Woods, who finished seventh in the Evo-Stik Southern Central Division this term, soon made their numerical advantage count in the final at Uxbridge as the Towners came up short in their final game of a long season.

Their response was almost instant, with George Nicholas’ header at the far post opening the scoring before Enfield had time to adjust to their reduction in numbers following the sending off.

And Northwood twice went close to extending their lead before the break as Enfield looked rattled.

But Bradley Quinton’s side reshuffled during the interval. Samir Bihmoutine replaced Stan Muguo and player-boss Quinton dropped into the backline as Tyler Campbell was released from his wing back duties to midfield, where he prospered.

The ten men remained more than competitive throughout and they were very much still in the contest and in with a shout until Northwood doubled their lead two minutes from time when Niko Muir breached their backline again, firing in from just outside the penalty area to put the outcome beyond doubt.

It was tough on Enfield who had scored 18 goals in their three previous rounds of the Senior Cup, but their shooting boots deserted them when it mattered in the final as they made most of the early running while it was still 11-a-side.

It was always going to be tough for them though as four of their players – Mark Kirby, Billy Crook, Alfred Mugabo and Imedd Kartita, were all ineligible for Saturday’s final.

But Towners had their chances.

Bobby Devyne and Claudiu Vilcu shot over when well placed, while Tyler Campbell shot into the side netting and Harry Ottaway’s deflected effort landed on the roof of the net as they went close.

Mickey Parcell then had a good header just over before Campbell had a low drive saved and then Vilcu fired wide when well placed.

But it was not to be their day and Town had to look on while Northwood enjoyed their celebrations as their campaign finished on a high.

It means Quinton’s side will regroup after the summer break as they look to push for promotion again next season in the Ryman Premier Division after narrowly missing out on the play-offs.