Five-star Epsom and Ewell FC bounce back in style
Godalming Town 1–5 Epsom & Ewell FC. 29th August – Bill Kyte Stadium – Combined Counties League
Epsom & Ewell produced the perfect response to last week’s FA Cup disappointment with an emphatic 5–1 victory over Godalming Town at the Bill Kyte Stadium.
The Salts delivered an excellent all-round performance, combining defensive resilience with confident attacking football. Five different goalscorers underlined the strength of the team display.
There were several changes following the FA Cup defeat, with Alex Foord starting in midfield and new signing Aiden Siegel named among the substitutes.
Epsom began brightly, with Stefan Aiwone setting the tone through a superb driving run from the back. He surged almost the length of the pitch before seeing his effort saved.
Luke Miller then fired narrowly over, while Callum O’Keefe also went close in the 40th minute.
Godalming remained dangerous at the other end and Will Davis was called upon to make several strong saves, supported by some committed last-ditch defending.
Just when it appeared that the teams would go into the interval level, the Salts found the breakthrough. Two minutes into added time, Aiwone reacted quickest inside the box and fired home to give Epsom a deserved 1–0 half-time lead.
The Salts came flying out after the restart and produced their best attacking spell of the match. Luis Oliveira was booked in the 55th minute before Foord doubled the advantage five minutes later with the goal of the game, unleashing a dipping long-range strike that left the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
Epsom’s confidence continued to grow and Oliveira, playing unusually high up the pitch, calmly finished in the 68th minute to make it 3–0.
The substitutes then made an immediate impact. Blessing Hombessa replaced Miller in the 70th minute and, just three minutes later, found the net to make it 4–0.
Jason Bloor replaced Oliveira before Ayran Kugathas came on for Prince Aderogba. Siegel then made his Epsom debut, replacing Foord in the 76th minute.
Courtney Levi Swaby had an opportunity to add another from the penalty spot two minutes later, but his effort was saved by the Godalming goalkeeper.
There was still time for a fifth. Obasanjo Akinniranye replaced Jason Vincent in the 82nd minute and scored with virtually his first involvement just a minute later, a genuine super-sub moment.
Godalming grabbed a late consolation through Elliot Creeley following a free-kick awarded after Harry Murphy had been booked, but it did little to take the shine off an impressive afternoon.
Five goals, five different scorers and a superb team performance send the Salts into Monday’s Bank Holiday local derby against Tooting & Mitcham United with momentum and confidence.
Attendance: 129
Next up: Epsom & Ewell v Tooting & Mitcham United – Bank Holiday Monday – Kick-off 3pm
