Epsom Mens 2s Vs Adddiscombe 1s (2-1)
After a disappointing draw in the previous week, Epsom Mens 2s knew that they needed to bounce back with a strong performance against a team that had drilled Epsom 4-1 at the start of the season in a match that had also seen Captain Alex Harris ruled out till Christmas with a shattered finger. Knowing that they used a half court press Torben was relieved that there wasn’t going to be much space behind their defence to launch aerials after his previous weeks attempt that had recorded zero hang-time.
The game started well for Epsom with fast movement and passing through midfield and the attack that had Addiscombe chasing shadows. With the welcome return of Earl as mascot/ball boy and Jonny on the sidelines masterminding things Epsom were looking good. However a combination of good keeping and average finishing ensured Addiscombe stayed level for the first 20 minutes in a game that could have been put to bed early. Totally against the run of play a breakdown in the Addiscombe half saw a quick break and an early shot at the top of the D by Addiscombe’s No.32 that caught the ever reliable George on his heels to take an early lead that they hung on till halftime.
With confidence high at halftime Epsom continued much the same creating opportunities up front with Sean, Myron and Fletch combining well up front to create chances that kept going begging. Eventually Fletch who had been copping some Flack from Macca and Colin in recent weeks pulled away from his defender into space and slapped the ball hard and fast into the top corner from 22 feet out adding a goal to last week’s two assists.
With Kai and Syds bossing the middle of the park and Ant, Torbs and Macattack also providing some good outlets and composure at the flanks it was surely only a matter of time. That time occurred when the Addiscombe #32 lost his cool and was shown a well deserved yellow. This freed Howard from the job of marking him and he soon found himself dribbling down the sideline and past three defenders into the D, a sudden nose bleed meant he knew he had to pass and get back to defending SAP, Sean presented himself in the D and with a pivot and shot saw Epsom take the lead.
Epsom held on to their 2-1 lead with the aid of the #32 receiving another yellow card to ease the pressure on the immovable central defence of Troy and Al which was backed up with a good last minute save from George. Good discipline and an impressive work rate ensured a victory that puts the 2s two points off 4th with a trip to the bottom of the league side this Saturday
MOM:Howie
TFC:Macca
Goals: Fletch, Sean