London Edwardians 2s: 1
Epsom: 4 (Midmer, W.Hunt 2, Marfleet)
Epsom travelled to Honor Oak on Saturday to take on London Edwardians 2s in Round 9 of the Hampshire / Surrey League 1. Both sides made a fast start and after 10 minutes James Midmer put Epsom ahead following a great pass from Steve Turnbull. Soon after, some confusion in the Edwardians defence saw Turnbull jink to the right byline and pull back for Will Hunt to fire home for 2-0. The stage looked set for Epsom to go on but Edwardians rallied and a slick move resulted in a short corner which was converted on the rebound for 2-1. This goal completely changed the momentum of the half with Edwardians increasingly dominating and winning several more short corners, which Epsom defended well. Half time arrived at a good time for Epsom who had lost the thread a bit.
Epsom emerged far stronger in the second half, showing more patience in possession and better discipline in their defensive press. The game remained tight but midway through some strong running from Will Hunt played in Aussie signing Gus Wolfgang whose shot was blocked illegally on the line. Jack Marfleet just about converted the penalty stroke for 3-1. Epsom continued to play well with Will Hunt putting in a massive shift at centre-forward with countless turnovers and counterattacking runs. Entering the last 10 minutes Epsom poured forward in search of the killer goal; the ever-present Hunt drew a great save from the ‘keeper with a fierce drive, and Epsom then went close at two short corners. With time running out Epsom eventually closed it out with a slick fourth goal; James Harris, James Midmer and Jack Marfleet combined strongly down the inside left channel to find that man Will Hunt to deflect home for 4-1. Epsom stayed top of the Hampshire / Surrey League 1 with two games remaining until the Christmas break. Their next fixture is at home to second-place Purley and they will be hoping to improve again.