Chips down and Epsom up
Epsom and Ewell FC 1 – 0 Chipstead. 8th August – Chalky Lane – The Emirates F.A. Cup Extra Preliminary Round
A much-changed Epsom & Ewell side showed grit, discipline and real defensive character to secure a hard-earned FA Cup victory, with Jason Bloor’s first-half strike proving decisive against ten-man Chipstead.
The Salts made several changes, including the return of Dylan Marchant-Simmonds for his first game of the season and a debut for goalkeeper William Davis, who impressed throughout and kept a clean sheet. Prince Aderogba also came into the back line.
Both sides looked to attack from the outset, with former Salts player Carl Oblitey booked in the 33rd minute as the game’s physical edge began to show. The Salts continued to press for the opener, playing positive, forward-thinking football, and the breakthrough arrived on 40 minutes. A superb free-kick delivery from skipper Brendan Murphy-McVey found Jason Bloor, who applied a composed finish to put the Salts 1–0 ahead.
Just before the interval, Chipstead were reduced to ten men. Oblitey, already on a yellow card, elbowed goalkeeper William Davis, earning a second booking and his marching orders.
The Salts went into half-time with a deserved lead.
The game tightened after the restart, with a flurry of cautions. Ayran Kugathas was booked in the 52nd minute, while Jason Vincent and Brendan Murphy-McVey both received yellow cards on 60 minutes.
Manager Max Johnson then used all five substitutions:
- 67 mins: LJ Walker and Blessing Hombessa replaced Jason Bloor and Luke Miller.
- 73 mins: Ryley Merrett and Callum O’Keeffe came on for Ayran Kugathas and Ore Allen.
- 78 mins: Oba Akinniranye replaced Jason Vincent.
Despite sustained pressure from Chipstead, the Salts defended with courage, organisation and determination. Davis remained assured in goal, while the back line held firm to protect their slender advantage.
A disciplined and resilient performance saw the Salts safely through to the next round, where they will host Crowborough Athletic in two weeks’ time.
