An excellent defensive and overall performance by Enfield wasn’t enough to stop a frustrating 10-8 (2-2, 1-2, 3-4, 2-2) loss in the Middlesex League to Otter on Wednesday at Southgate.

While the hosts rested four of its national league stars, favourites for the title Otter fielded five of theirs and they ultimately made the difference.

After Otter stormed into a 2-0 lead, Enfield marksman Rob Lucas scored twice from distance to make it 2-2 at the end of the first.

In the second, Christian Pulido provided the fire power for Enfield with an elegant finish, but Otter edged in front 4-3.

An entertaining third quarter was again narrowly won by the visitors, but Pulido (2) and Lucas (1) kept Enfield in touching distance at 8-6.

Otter were the first to score in the fourth, but Enfield threw everything into attack and responded with two quick goals through Lucas and Pulido to make it 9-8 with a minute remaining.

In a frantic finale, Pulido slammed a spectacular backshot against the inside of the post from 2m, before Lucas saw two efforts fly off the woodwork.

It was only in the dying seconds that Otter managed to break away and seal a 10-8 victory.

Enfield goalkeeper Andy Boorman was unfortunate to end up on the losing side after a number of fine saves, while newcomer Pulido proved a constant menace as he tormented the visitors for the entire game.

Enfield’s team in full was Andy Boorman, Andy Rollé, Rob Threadgold, Johannes Hesketh, John Jackson, Martin Ilievski, Craig Snowdon, Rob Lucas, Christian Pulido, Costas Chamalidis, Nikos Chamalidis, Sina Dehnadi and Adrian Lo.