Reigate Priory: 1
Epsom: 7 (Midmer 3, Pizzey 2, B.Hildrey, Turnbull)
Some clinical attacking hockey saw Epsom record a 7-1 away win at Reigate on Saturday. Epsom started strongly at Reigate Grammar School with James Midmer firing home after 3 minutes following good work from Alex Pizzey. Soon after, the deceptively nimble 6ft2 centre forward Pizzey spun neatly in midfield, powered clear and fired home a bullet reverse stick strike for 2-0. Epsom subsequently had several short corners but didn’t convert. Reigate fought back and forced several short corners between the 10 and 25 minute mark; Ed Burton-Brown making some sharp stops. Reigate engineered more pressure and made it 2-1 on 33 minutes when a strong run created space for a forward at the far post to convert. Just seconds remained but Epsom attacked straight down the other end and Joe Lazell found Ben Hildrey stealing in at the far post to deflect home for 3-1. There was barely time to restart.
Epsom came out firing in the second half with a slick counterattack soon playing in Pizzey whose shot was half-saved but followed up by Midmer for 4-1. Soon after, an attack down the left saw Midmer exchange passes with Scott Barton and square for Pizzey to deflect home for 5-1. Epsom were flying at this point and a superb counterattack saw Barton sling a ball into the path of the Embers’ new star Steve Turnbull whose neat deflection found the corner for 6-1. Barton’s languid style was everywhere at this point although he soon blotted his copybook with an attempted reverse stick shot clearing the 60ft netting by some distance. With 10 minutes remaining, sweeper James Harris strode up from the back and fired a long range pass to Midmer who deflected home through a crowded circle for 7-1. Reigate pushed forward in the closing stages with only a miracle goal-line clearance from Ali Murrell, and several short corner saves from Burton-Brown, keeping them from scoring again and seeing out a 7-1 win. The final scoreline did not reflect the balance of play but Epsom were clinical at good times and will hope to continue to improve away to Havant 2s next week.