Epsom & Ewell 0 Corinthian-Casuals 2. Saturday 3 October 2026 – Combined Counties Premier League South

Epsom & Ewell’s difficult home form continued as Corinthian-Casuals left Chalky Lane with all three points following a 2–0 victory in front of a healthy crowd of 322.

The first team news of the afternoon was that skipper Brendan Murphy-McVey had failed a fitness test and was therefore unavailable.

Before kick-off, a minute’s applause was impeccably observed in memory of former Salt Mick Stratford, who recently passed away. Mick made 325 appearances for the club, scoring 18 goals, and was warmly remembered before the action began.

The Salts made a bright start and thought they had taken the lead after just five minutes when the ball found the back of the net. However, the celebrations were cut short as the referee ruled the effort out for a foul.

On 17 minutes Blessing Hombessa broke forward, beat his defender and delivered a dangerous cross into the area, but nobody was able to get on the end of it.

Just a minute later the visitors struck. Lee Quincey found the net to give Corinthian-Casuals an 18th-minute lead.

There was further frustration for Epsom & Ewell shortly before the interval. On 42 minutes they again had the ball in the net, only for the referee to rule the effort out. The decision was that the goalkeeper had one hand on the ball while it was on the ground and had therefore been fouled.

It ensured Corinthian-Casuals took their 1–0 advantage into the half-time break.

After Epsom & Ewell’s improved second-half performance the previous week, there was hope that the Salts could once again raise their game after the interval. Unfortunately, that did not materialise.

One player who certainly continued to battle was Alex Foord, who worked tirelessly in midfield and covered seemingly every inch of the pitch.

Epsom & Ewell’s task became even more difficult in the 52nd minute when Balde Dansoko doubled the visitors’ advantage. Some poor defending gave Casuals the opportunity, while goalkeeper Ben Grummitt was unable to reach the ball before Dansoko made it 2–0.

A minute later Luis Oliveira picked up a yellow card.

Changes followed as Epsom & Ewell attempted to find a route back into the contest. On 73 minutes Jason Bloor replaced Charlie Miller and Toby Young came on for Courtney Levi.

Four minutes later Kionte Waul replaced Harry Murphy, while Luke Miller came on for Oba.

The final change arrived in the 82nd minute when skipper Callum O’Keeffe made way for joint-manager Craig Dundas.

There was to be no late recovery, however, and Corinthian-Casuals saw out the remaining minutes to secure a 2–0 victory.

It was another disappointing performance on home soil, leaving the Salts still searching for their first home points of the campaign despite another excellent attendance.

Epsom & Ewell are back at Chalky Lane next week when Yateley United are the visitors.

Epsom and Ewell FC Media

An Ewell football coach has combined his experience on the touchline with his skills as a web developer to create a free tool designed to make matchdays easier for grassroots managers.

Davide Domenghini, who manages Ayat FC’s under-15s in the Tandridge League, has developed Gafferboard to help coaches select their teams, manage substitutions and keep track of each player’s time on the pitch.

He says the idea grew from the familiar weekend challenge of working out who is available, who is injured, who missed training and who has had the fewest minutes — before typing the team out for the parents’ WhatsApp group, often in the rain.

Gafferboard allows a coach to select available players, choose a formation and manage substitutions during the game. According to its creator, it also records every player’s minutes, helping coaches give younger players a fair share of the action.

“At the younger ages that matters, because the aim is that everyone gets a fair go,” Davide told the Epsom & Ewell Times.

The tool is free, with no advertisements or sign-up required. It currently works through a web browser on a phone, tablet or laptop, with nothing to install. Davide says an installable app will follow.

“I’ve kept it free because the people running these teams are volunteers already giving up their weekends,” he said.

Davide has coached grassroots football for more than seven years. He began when his son was playing for the under-nines at Cheam Sports FC. His son is now in the under-15 age group, and Davide currently coaches in the Mitcham and Croydon area.

A longstanding web developer, he describes Gafferboard as a practical response to needs he has experienced as both a parent and a coach.

“I’m a parent as well as a coach, so I know what a manager needs on matchday, what a parent wants to hear before kick-off, and what the players need on the pitch: clear feedback, a fair go, and a bit of discipline sometimes,” he said.

“I’m a practical person, so I built the thing I wanted on the touchline.”

Ayat Fútbol Club was founded about five years ago by two local coaches and took its name from a local restaurant. It has since grown from one team to seven. Davide stressed that Gafferboard is his own project, rather than a club initiative.

He has also contacted youth leagues across Surrey and Kent to offer the tool to their managers.

While other software focuses on running a club, Davide says his priority is the job facing the volunteer coach during a match.

“Most tools out there are built for running the club. This one is built for the 90 minutes on the touchline.”

Gafferboard can be accessed at https://gafferboard.com.

Lionel Blackman

Davide Domenghini with his app. Credit Gafferboard

.

.

.

.

.

.

Abbey Rangers 2 Epsom & Ewell FC 2 – Combined Counties League Premier Division South – Saturday 26 September 2026 Addlestone Moor

Epsom & Ewell recovered from two goals down to earn a point at Abbey Rangers, although their stronger second-half performance left them with chances to take all three.

The Salts made a slow start, and Alfie Essex put Abbey ahead after eight minutes. Josh Stepney doubled the hosts’ lead in the 22nd minute, capitalising on a mistake by Epsom goalkeeper Ben Grummitt.

Captain Brendan Murphy-McVey nearly pulled one back with a free-kick, but the Abbey goalkeeper saved well. The hosts then came close to a third when an attempted lob from around 25 yards beat Grummitt and struck the crossbar.

That escape sparked an improvement from Epsom. In the 36th minute, Jason Vincent supplied Blessing Hombessa, who fired home to make it 2-1 at the break.

The Salts were level just two minutes after the restart. Obasanjo Akinniranye marked his 50th appearance for the club by scoring in a goalmouth scramble.

Harry Murphy was injured soon afterwards and replaced by Kionte Waul. Epsom then thought they had taken the lead through defender Harry Grant, but the referee disallowed the goal.

Akinniranye, Courtney Swaby and Hombessa all had further opportunities as Epsom pressed for a winner. Callum O’Keeffe replaced Murphy-McVey with 10 minutes remaining, while Jason Bloor and Luke Miller came on for Vincent and Swaby. Toby Young, returning from suspension, replaced Hombessa in added time.

A point represented a strong recovery from 2-0 down. Epsom will next host Corinthian-Casuals in a local derby on Saturday 3 October.

Epsom and Ewell FC Media

.

.

.

.

.

Epsom & Ewell 0–2 Sutton United. Specsavers Senior County Cup, first round Chalky Lane, 22 September 2026

Epsom & Ewell held National League side Sutton United until the 72nd minute before two goals in quick succession ended their Senior County Cup run.

The Salts matched their full-time opponents through a goalless first half at Chalky Lane, with both teams creating chances but neither finding a breakthrough.

Epsom & Ewell came close to taking the lead after the interval. Oba escaped his marker and beat the Sutton goalkeeper, but his shot went narrowly wide.

Sutton broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute when Ogbonna poked the ball in at the near post. Two minutes later, Urpens struck from distance and a deflection wrong-footed Salts goalkeeper Grummitt to make it 2–0.

Epsom & Ewell made several changes as the game went on. Luke Miller replaced Oba, while Frankie Lynn, Jason Bloor and Niall Stillwell also came on. Joint player-manager Craig Dundas received a warm reception from both sets of supporters when he entered the match against his former club.

The Salts continued to press for a goal, but Sutton held on. Epsom & Ewell return to league action away to Abbey Rangers.

Epsom and Ewell FC Media

Epsom & Ewell 2–3 Tooting & Mitcham United. 31st August 2026 – Chalky Lane, Chessington – Combined Counties Premier League South. Attendance: 206.

Epsom & Ewell twice led and appeared on course for a deserved victory before two stoppage-time goals turned the match on its head.

The Salts began brightly, moving the ball well and immediately putting Tooting under pressure. There was an early moment of controversy when an apparent elbow inside the penalty area went unseen by the officials.

Tooting adopted a physical approach and Epsom became increasingly frustrated as several challenges went unpunished. Jason Bloor was booked for kicking the ball away following another disputed decision, while three Tooting players received yellow cards for heavy challenges.

Despite the disruption, the Salts maintained their composure and took a deserved lead in the 41st minute. Blessing Hombessa found the bottom corner with a calm, low finish to send Epsom into the interval 1–0 ahead.

Tooting drew level four minutes after the restart through Michael Onovwigun, but the Salts responded superbly.

In the 55th minute, Hombessa broke free, brought the ball under control and fired past the goalkeeper to restore Epsom’s advantage with his second fine finish of the afternoon.

The Salts continued to play the better football, while Tooting increasingly relied on long balls forward. Ayran Kugathas was shown a yellow card in the 74th minute.

As the players tired, however, the contest became increasingly stretched. Epsom opted not to use any of their five available substitutes and paid a heavy price during a dramatic period of added time.

Antonio Simeone equalised for Tooting in the 92nd minute. Three minutes later, William Efambro struck the visitors’ winner to complete a remarkable turnaround and leave the Salts empty-handed.

Having controlled long periods of the match and twice held the lead, Epsom will regard this as a particularly painful defeat.

The Salts return to action on Saturday 12th September, when they host Bearsted in the FA Vase.

Epsom and Ewell FC Media

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

Epsom and Ewell FC Media

Epsom & Ewell FC 0–3 Crowborough Athletic. 22nd August – Chalky Lane – The Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round

Epsom & Ewell bowed out of the Emirates FA Cup after a 3–0 defeat to Step 4 side Crowborough Athletic at Chalky Lane.

A crowd of 122 watched the Preliminary Round tie, for which the Salts made two changes following injuries sustained during their midweek defeat at Metropolitan Police.

In more pleasant conditions after the recent spell of hot weather, Epsom gave a good account of themselves throughout the first half.

The hosts had a strong appeal for a penalty when Courtney Swaby went down following a challenge by the Crowborough goalkeeper. The referee was unmoved and instead booked Swaby for diving.

Epsom then suffered a further setback with only around 30 seconds of the half remaining, conceding an avoidable goal to send Crowborough into the interval with a 1–0 lead.

Crowborough doubled their advantage in the 55th minute with a fine strike from the edge of the penalty area.

The visitors were subsequently awarded a penalty for handball after the ball struck an Epsom player’s arm from close range. It appeared a particularly harsh decision, given that the player had little opportunity to move out of the way.

Epsom thought they had pulled a goal back with around 10 minutes remaining, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

Crowborough ultimately saw out the tie to record a 3–0 victory, although the final scoreline arguably flattered the visitors after a competitive performance from the Salts.

Epsom & Ewell now turn their attention to next weekend’s away fixture against Godalming Town, while Crowborough progress to the next round of the FA Cup.

Epsom and Ewell FC Media

Horsham YM 1–5 Epsom & Ewell FC. 15th August – Herbert Direct Stadium – The Isuzu FA Vase First Round Qualifying

Epsom & Ewell marched into the next round of the FA Vase with an emphatic 5–1 victory away to Horsham YM.

A commanding second-half display, a hat-trick from Blessing Hombessa and standout performances across the pitch sent the Salts through in style.

Epsom & Ewell set the tone early with some sharp attacking play. Courtney Swaby came closest during the opening exchanges, striking the upright at the end of a flowing move.

Moments later, skipper Brendan Murphy-McVey appeared to have put the Salts ahead directly from a corner, only for the referee to disallow the goal for a push inside the penalty area.

The pressure finally told in the 34th minute when Swaby finished confidently to give Epsom & Ewell a deserved lead, followed by his trademark celebration.

However, just as the Salts looked set to take their advantage into the interval, a slip from Callum Wilson allowed Jack Knight to equalise for Horsham YM on the stroke of half-time.

The Salts emerged with renewed purpose and regained the lead within two minutes of the restart. Jason Bloor produced a superb solo run, weaving his way through the Horsham defence before firing past the goalkeeper to make it 2–1.

Swaby almost added another in the 65th minute, but for the second time in the match he was denied by the woodwork.

Manager Max Johnson introduced fresh legs as the game entered its closing stages. On 77 minutes, Frankie Lynn came on for his debut alongside Luke Miller and Kionte Waul, replacing Daniel Conteh, Jason Bloor and Luis Oliveira.

The changes helped the Salts maintain their momentum and, in the 81st minute, Blessing Hombessa struck to extend the lead to 3–1.

A minute later, Toby Young and Ore Allen were introduced in place of Murphy-McVey and Swaby as Epsom & Ewell continued to press.

Miller then came close to adding a fourth, beating the goalkeeper only to see his effort crash against the crossbar.

Wilson received a yellow card in the second minute of stoppage time, but the closing stages belonged to Hombessa. He struck twice more in added time, completing his hat-trick with a composed finish in the 95th minute and sealing an emphatic 5–1 victory.

A ruthless second-half performance, clinical finishing and the impact of the substitutes ensured the Salts progressed comfortably to the next round.

Epsom & Ewell will now host Bearsted on Saturday 12th September after the Kent side secured its place in the next round with a 4–1 victory over Redhill.

Epsom and Ewell FC Media

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.

Epsom and Ewell FC Media

Virginia Water 1–2 Epsom & Ewell Saturday 4th August. Chertsey Town (Groundshare). Combined Counties Premier League

The Salts began the new season in perfect fashion, overturning a first-half deficit to claim a deserved 2–1 away victory over Virginia Water. On Chertsey Town’s immaculate surface, Epsom & Ewell produced a performance full of intensity, resilience and attacking intent.

From the opening whistle, the Salts looked sharp. Early pressure produced several blocked efforts as the Virginia Water defence scrambled to keep them at bay. Despite controlling the tempo, the visitors found themselves behind after 29 minutes when Stuart Mortimer broke through and finished clinically, punishing a momentary lapse at the back.

The response was immediate. Courtney Swaby struck the upright after excellent footwork inside the box, reminding everyone that the Salts were far from finished. More pressure followed, but the equaliser remained elusive as the sides went into the break with Virginia Water leading 1–0.

The second half saw the Salts emerge with renewed purpose. Jason Vincent had a golden one-on-one opportunity but dragged his effort wide. Managerial changes soon followed, with Oba, Luke Miller and Prince Aderogba introduced to inject fresh energy.

The breakthrough arrived through an unlikely source. Defender Stefan Aiwone surged forward and delivered a teasing ball – or was it a shot? Whatever the intention, it sailed beyond the goalkeeper and into the net to level the scores at 1–1.

Further substitutions saw Ryley Merrett and Ore Allen enter the fray, and barely two minutes later the turnaround was complete. Super-sub Luke Miller controlled the ball brilliantly inside the box before firing home a superb finish, sending the travelling supporters into celebration and putting the Salts 2–1 ahead.

The Salts then saw out the remaining minutes professionally to secure all three points. It was the perfect way to begin the season and an excellent away victory to start the campaign.

Epsom and Ewell FC Media

Epsom & Ewell FC Sunday progressed to the quarter-finals of the Combined Counties Premier Challenge Cup after a tense 0–0 draw with Sutton Common Rovers was settled by a composed 5–3 penalty shoot-out victory at Chalky Lane. The win sets up a Saturday away tie at Abbey Rangers.

There were several changes from the final league fixture of the season. Kit Fletcher returned in goal following injury, while Stefan Aiwone slotted into the back line in place of the injured Tom Collins. In midfield, captain Brendan Murphy-McVey continued his partnership with Callum O’Keeffe, and Craig Dundas came in for the cup-tied Courtney Swaby.

The opening half was evenly contested, with both sides creating chances but neither able to take control. The Salts appeared the more organised of the two, moving the ball with greater fluency and showing more attacking intent, yet the breakthrough proved elusive and the match remained goalless at the interval.

A similar pattern followed after the break, although Epsom & Ewell began to assert greater pressure. Several promising opportunities came and went as the home side spent long spells on the front foot, but the final touch was missing. With neither side able to find a winner, the tie was ultimately decided from the penalty spot.

Epsom & Ewell were clinical in the shoot-out. Brendan Murphy-McVey, Ryley Merrett and Toby Young all converted confidently, while Sutton Common Rovers missed one of their attempts. Substitute Karl Bailey then scored to maintain the perfect record before Ali Fofahan stepped up to convert the decisive penalty.

With five successful strikes and just a single miss from their opponents, the Salts secured a deserved 5–3 shoot-out victory and a place in the next round.

Epsom and Ewell FC Media

Epsom & Ewell signed off their league campaign in positive fashion with a narrow but well-earned 1–0 victory over Tadley Calleva at Chalky Lane on 14th April.

With several changes to the starting line-up, the Salts were forced to adapt. Goalkeeper Kit Fletcher was absent through injury, handing Faebian Witter a start, while Tom Collins dropped into central defence alongside stand-in captain Toby Young and Prince Aderogba. In midfield, Ore Allen partnered Ryley Merrett, and up front Ali Fofahan and Karl Bailey led the attack, with Brendan Murphy-McVey rested.

Epsom began on the front foot and looked the more purposeful side early on, but their rhythm was disrupted midway through the first half when Collins was forced off with a groin injury. Leo Cunningham replaced him, prompting a reshuffle in both personnel and shape. Despite the disruption, the hosts maintained the greater attacking intent, though the sides went in level at the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Epsom pressing for a breakthrough. Their best chance fell to Courtney Swaby, whose powerful effort crashed back off the crossbar. The introduction of debutant Joshua Arthur in the 70th minute injected fresh energy into the attack and would prove decisive.

With the match seemingly heading for a stalemate, a late error from the Tadley goalkeeper in the 89th minute handed Arthur his moment. Reacting quickest, he calmly slotted into an empty net to seal victory and mark his debut in memorable fashion.

The win secured a third consecutive home clean sheet and ensured Epsom & Ewell finished the season in 13th place. Back-to-back victories against play-off-bound sides provided a strong finish and underlined clear progress compared to last season.

Epsom and Ewell FC Media