Salts hold Sutton for 72 minutes before cup defeat
25 September 2026
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 & 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.
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 & 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.
Olympic star helps launch children’s gymnastics and ninja club in Epsom
25 September 2026
Children in Epsom will have a new opportunity to try gymnastics, parkour and free running when a community sports club opens at Blenheim High School in September.
Gymfinity Kids is launching gymnastics and “ninja” classes for children aged from two to 14, with an introductory opening weekend taking place from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September.
Olympic medallist and former Commonwealth Games champion Beth Tweddle MBE, who designed the organisation’s gymnastics programme, will support the launch by visiting schools in the Epsom area.
The new club will run one-hour sessions intended to help children develop physical skills, confidence and an enjoyment of exercise, regardless of their previous sporting experience.
Its ninja classes combine elements of parkour and free running, while the gymnastics programme introduces children to the core skills of the sport. Sessions will be led by trained coaches.
Inspiring children to get moving
Beth Tweddle said: “I’m really excited to be bringing Gymfinity Kids’ gymnastics and ninja classes to Epsom and creating more opportunities for children in the area to get active and try something new.
“Whether they’re discovering gymnastics for the first time, giving ninja a go, or simply finding a new way to move and have fun, I want every child to feel welcome and encouraged to explore what they’re capable of.
“Community clubs like this are a fantastic way to make activity more accessible to children and families, while giving children the opportunity to build confidence, learn new skills and find something they really enjoy.
“I’m looking forward to visiting schools in the area and helping inspire the next generation to get moving.”
Tweddle won bronze on the uneven bars at the London 2012 Olympic Games and was a three-time world champion. Her career also included Commonwealth Games gold medals for England.
Five community clubs in the area
The opening will bring the number of Gymfinity Kids community clubs in the wider area to five. The company also operates purpose-built centres in Bracknell and Walton-on-Thames.
Paul Kirwin, chief executive of Gymfinity Kids, said: “We’re passionate about making it easier for children to get active and discover a sport that they enjoy, which is exactly what our community clubs are designed to do.
“Our new Epsom Community Club will give children the opportunity to try something new, develop physical skills and build confidence in a fun and supportive environment.
“Whether they discover a passion for gymnastics or ninja, or simply find a new way to enjoy being active, we want every child to feel that sport is for them.”
The club will be based at Blenheim High School, Longmead Road, Epsom, KT19 9BH.
Free community football sessions and more for Epsom and Ewell
25 September 2026
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is pleased to announce that free community football sessions will be available for young people aged 10 to 16 who live in the borough, from 24 August 2026 to 31 March 2027. This programme will be delivered by YOUfF (Young Ones United Football Foundation) with monthly life lesson mentoring sessions also available for participants.
Community football sessions will take place three days a week at Court Recreation Ground, with dedicated sessions for different age groups and genders. Spaces for up to 21 participants are available in each session and participation will need to be confirmed in advance via the YOUfF Instagram Poll. New players must complete a registration form, either online or in person at the session. For more information and details on how to book, visit this page on the YOUfF website – https://www.youff.org.uk/whatwedo
Monthly life lesson mentoring sessions will take place at St Barnabas Church in Epsom.
The Epsom & Ewell Community Football Programme supports the council’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which focuses on increasing physical activity, improving wellbeing and reducing health inequalities in the borough.
Councillor Clive Woodbridge (RA Ewell Village), Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Committee, said:
“The Epsom & Ewell Community Football Programme provides a fantastic opportunity for young people to take part in regular physical activity. Sessions will also provide a positive and supportive environment in which to improve their wellbeing and build their confidence.
“As well as developing football skills, participants will experience the benefits of being part of a team, building friendships, learning to be part of a team and developing a sense of belonging.
“This programme supports our commitment to improving health and wellbeing across the borough by providing free, accessible activities for young people. Alongside the football sessions, participants will also have access to mentoring and guidance to help them develop valuable life skills and make positive life choices.
“I’d like to thank YOUfF for partnering with the council to deliver this programme, and I encourage young people aged 10 to 16, and their parents and carers, to get involved and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.”
Yasha Tobias-Browne, Founder of YOUfF CIC said: “YOUfF was created around the belief that football can be so much more than just a game. It gives us a way to bring young people together, build relationships and create opportunities both on and off the pitch. Through Epsom & Ewell Community Football, we want young people across the borough to have somewhere they can just turn up for FREE, play football, make friends and feel part of something positive. From there they can join the monthly mentoring sessions, where they’ll learn life skills, learn about qualifications and pathways that can genuinely help shape their futures. We’re really excited to be working with Epsom & Ewell Borough Council to make that happen.”
About Young Ones United Football Foundation (YOUfF)
YOUfF is a football and mentoring CiC helping young people engage in education and employment. They work alongside a number of educational organisations and reach disengaged learners using football and mentoring interventions. Football Educational Mentoring | UK | Y.O.U.F.F
About the EEBC Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2028
The strategy is designed to support all residents, with particular attention given to children and young people, older adults, individuals whose health is affected by broader social and economic factors and those whose personal circumstances may disproportionately increase their vulnerability to poor health and wellbeing. The strategy also includes specific references to those who are disproportionately impacted by isolation, disability, digital exclusion and people with long-term health conditions. (Public Pack) Agenda Document for Community and Wellbeing Committee, 08/07/2025 19:30
Epsom and Ewell FC’s blessed hat-trick advances team to next round
25 September 2026
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 Racecourse: Preview and Tips for Friday’s Six-Race Meeting
25 September 2026
Racing returns to Epsom Racecourse this Friday with a six-race meeting, consisting of five handicaps and a fillies’ novice race.
Read on for a preview of and tips for the Epsom card, brought to you by BOYLE Sports, who have all the horse racing odds.
We begin with a seven-furlong nursery handicap (14.48). Oliver Cole’s Greek Symphony and Andrew Balding’s Wise And Wonderful are the only runners to have previously won a race, but the former looks more competitive on this occasion having shown he can still step up at this mark. Sequel Star could be promising on her handicap debut, and might appreciate the step up in trip as well, but she is totally unproven on a testing track like Epsom.
Next is a seven-furlong two-year-old fillies’ novice (15.23). Tiora Time is the only previous winner in the field, having won nicely last time out at Doncaster, and she carries a four-pound penalty here. Tansy Lane has been going quite well in maidens so far and may stand a decent chance here, and she looks to be the only to throw Tiora Time a question.
Race three is a six-furlong handicap (16.00). Modern Times won last time out and has had a modest rise in the weights as a result. He could factor again, but others make appeal too. Ruby’s Profit is down to an attractive mark now and is well drawn, while Sir Garfield is a consistent sort who went well at Goodwood latterly and should run a big race here under Jason Hart.
A 10-furlong handicap follows (16.38). All About George went well last time at Bath on this mark, while Celtic Spirit has been consistently good this term and enjoyed the step back up in trip last time at Lingfield. Haveagobeau beat him that day but looks to be on too tough a mark to win this time.
Second to last is an extended mile handicap (17.13). Sir Mark Prescott’s Chantelle is shaping up as a consistently good filly who gets a result more often than not. She has won two of her four career starts and has shown to handle this track. She is lightly raced this season and ought to be able to win this now, if progressing from a second over course and distance last time. Trio was the one to beat her last time, though, and may throw another question.
Last of all is a seven-furlong handicap (17.48). Ice Cube and Eyes Front both won their latest starts, with both looking competitive once again. A La Noche makes his handicap debut and returns to the track for the first time in nearly three years, so he is worth watching but unlikely to win here. Freddie’s Star might go well in first-time blinkers. Red Mirage is more consistent, though, and coil prevail here.
Epsom selections – Friday:
14.48 – Greek Symphony
15.23 – Tansy Lane
16.00 – Sir Garfield
16.38 – Celtic Spirit
17.13 – Chantelle
17.48 – Red Mirage
Image: Horses racing Image: Credit Paul. CC BY 2.0
Chips down and Epsom up
25 September 2026
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.
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.
There’s more Flat action at Epsom Racecourse this Thursday with six races to get stuck into across the evening; five handicaps and a fillies’ maiden.
Read on for a preview of and tips for the Epsom card, brought to you by BOYLE Sports, who have all the horse racing odds.
First up is a mile and a half handicap for three-year-olds (18.05). Celestarak was a winner last time, while Darkest Red was only narrowly beaten. Zurna could be interesting, making his handicap debut for Julia and Shelley Birkett. Given that Darkest Red can go on any ground and looks favourably weighted here, he could be the one.
Race two is a seven-furlong two-year-old fillies’ maiden (18.40). Tiora Time and Chaise Longue are the only newcomers, but David Simcock’s Minnal brings the best form, having not been beaten too far at Doncaster on debut. Chaise Longue could be good on debut, though, forr her in-form trainer.
Race three is a seven-furlong handicap (19.15). This looks a competitive affair, with plenty of good recent form on show. Dandy Khan looks to be down to a competitive mark now for Kim Boyle, while Jersey Maverick is a course and distance winner who also should be able to win off today’s mark.
Next is a six-furlong handicap (19.50). King Of Chaos and Rage Of Thunder both won their latest starts, and both look hard pressed to reproduce that form today. Aberma Gold is a reasonably reliable sort who looks ready to go again, but Balon d’Or could be the one to beat here from a nice draw in two.
The penultimate race is an extended mile handicap (20.22). Play Me is a course and distance winner and won here last time, while Ritaal could be down to a winnable mark and has first-time blinkers to help here. Swiped is another in first-time headgear and might be worth thinking about.
We conclude with a 10-furlong three-year-olds’ handicap (20.52). The majority of the field are making their handicap debuts here, while the more experienced Sail On Sailor seeks a hat-trick. Sweep In Time is intriguing stepping up in trip for the first time here, a distance that ought to suit well. Living In Hope might be the one to cope with the undulations best, though.
Epsom selections – Thursday:
18.05 – Darkest Red
18.40 – Chaise Longue
19.15 – Dandy Khan
19.50 – Balon d’Or
20.22 – Swiped
20.52 – Living In Hope
Horses racing Image: Credit Paul. CC BY 2.0
Local runners reunite for triumphant return of the Perch 2000
25 September 2026
There was a lively atmosphere on Friday evening as the local running community gathered for the return of the Perch 2000 run.
Hosted by the Oddballs Running Club, the event returned after a hiatus, bringing together runners, supporters and volunteers for an evening of local sport on Epsom Downs.
The revival of the Perch 2000 was led by the club’s committee, with Peter Black and Mark playing key roles. Working with the Epsom & Walton Downs Conservators, the team secured the venue and dealt with the practical arrangements needed to bring the historic event back.
The organisers’ plans were then tested by soaring summer temperatures, which led to a safety-based postponement. The run was rescheduled by a week at short notice, with cooler conditions on Friday evening providing a safer setting for participants to take on the course.
Club member, local photographer and councillor Steven McCormick worked with Peter, Mark and the committee in support of the event’s return.
“It’s just fantastic to see everyone out here again,” Mr McCormick said. “The Oddballs committee put in a monumental amount of work to make this happen and to pull off the last-minute date change. Community events like this are the heartbeat of our local area.”
Mr McCormick was also on the sidelines photographing the runners. A gallery of race-day photographs is available to view and download on his website:
