Fareham 2s: 2
Epsom: 2 (Hildrey, Midmer)
Epsom battled hard to record a 2-2 draw away at a strong Fareham 2s side.
Fareham controlled possession throughout much of the first half, but Epsom were well organised in defence and got to 0-0 at half time.
The second half saw a lot more action. First Epsom, who had emerged with more intent, saw Oli Hildrey fire home a short-corner to make it 1-0. Then Fareham put together a swift counterattack which won a penalty stroke, converted for 1-1. Just seconds after Fareham attacked again and a cross-shot from the right went in off emergency centre-back Joe Lazell for 2-1. Epsom levelled almost immediately as James Midmer converted a short corner routine for 2-2. Fareham took control again in the run-in, but a heroic effort from Epsom’s injury-hit defence kept them out. Steve Turnbull then had two almost identical chances at short-corners in the closing stages, but a winner would in all honesty have flattered Epsom who were happy to escape with a point.
Epsom next week travel to Wanderers, level on points in third, for another important game.