Saturday 14 March 2020: Old Schools Lane, Ewell
Epsom: 4 (Midmer, J.Hunt, Davies 2)
London Academicals: 3
Some nerves of steel from Jake Davies saw Epsom record a crucial win against London Academicals at a lively Old Schools Lane. Epsom had started the game well, with James Midmer putting them ahead early, but Academicals were slightly gifted a way back into the game on 15 minutes and then took control. The visitors soon made it 2-1 through dangerman Simon Coles and put together some attractive play in the run-in to half time with Epsom holding on. Academicals continued to play well in the second half but seemed reluctant to go for the jugular and, with Epsom still lacking fluency, nothing really happened for around 20 minutes. Out of the blue Epsom then won a short corner; the attempted routine was saved but the rebound broke to James Hunt who finished calmly for 2-2. Soon after, a quick free-hit on the halfway line saw Midmer play in Will Hunt who powered clear on goal before being hacked down by a covering defender; a penalty stroke and yellow card. With no obvious taker on the field, Jake Davies showed extreme bottle to step up and slot the penalty stroke for 3-2. Soon after, Steve Turnbull won a short corner and Davies stepped up to slot a low dragflick for 4-2. There was still 5 minutes left and Academicals threw the kitchen sink at Epsom; the visitors won a corner which was converted with a dragflick for 4-3 but Epsom held out in the closing seconds for a big win.
Thanks to everyone who came to support at Old Schools Lane, it was a really good atmosphere and really showed the value of the new pitch in getting the club out in force. The result was useful for Epsom, but (as below) they are still not safe from 11th so will need another strong performance away at Blackheath next week. A win or draw could see them finish higher.
