Saturday 31 January
Woking: 3
Epsom: 1 (Midmer)
Epsom travelled to Goldsworth Park for an entertaining local derby against second-placed Woking on Saturday. Woking started much faster, scoring a swift early counterattacking goal for 1-0 and taking a 2-0 lead from a low short corner drag-flick on 20 minutes. The second goal finally woke Epsom up and they struck back almost immediately; Sean Hebden breaking down the right and crossing for James Midmer to make it 2-1. Epsom started to play better in the run up to half-time, Oli Hildrey twice drawing good saves from short-corner flicks, but it stayed 2-1 at half time.
The second half was fairly tight; both sides sharing possession without creating many chances. Epsom knocked it around nicely without really looking like unlocking Woking’s solid defence. Woking then had a decent spell with Epsom’s defence of Hildrey, Ali Murrell and Ed Burton-Brown working well to limit chances. The game was finally settled when the otherwise excellent Murrell conceded a late short corner; Woking smashed home a decent rebound finish for 3-1 and saw the game out professionally. Epsom played nicely in the second half but need to add some goals and will hope to bounce back at home to Southampton next week.
Sunday 1 February
Woking 2s: 2
Epsom: 9 (Midmer 2, Culff 3, P.Atkinson, McNamee, M.Atkinson 2)
Sunday saw Epsom return to Goldsworth Park for the Quarter-Final of the Surrey Cup against Woking 2s. This time they ran out 9-2 winners led by a hat-trick from Alex Culff, including two bullet short corner flicks, and further goals for Mike Atkinson (2), James Midmer (2), Paul Atkinson and Andrew McNamee. Paul Atkinson’s champagne solo-run and strike from left-back was the game’s undoubted highlight. Epsom now await the results of the other quarter-finals, which are all being played on Sunday 15 February.
Fundraiser alert – Race Night this Saturday!
Next Saturday is the team’s fundraiser, the traditional Race Night, at the club, starting at 7:30. The 6 Nations Rugby is on beforehand and some of the races are fairly decent; the Pig race is back by popular demand and one race involves a fairly innovative use of the Go-Kart track at Bockett’s Farm. Five horses are still available from James Harris, otherwise just show up on the night for some beers and betting*
*(please bet responsibly)