Epsom and Ewell 0-3 Sheerwater. Combined Counties League – Premier Division South Saturday 2nd November 2024

On a very mild Saturday afternoon at the KGF Salts fans were hoping for fireworks against Sheerwater, and indeed they started off like a rocket. However, rockets have a tendency to tail off very badly, and long before the end it had fizzled out completely as a 3-0 defeat handed the Sheers their sixth straight win over our boys.

In recent weeks we have won some and lost some, while we have also drawn a great many. However, in all of the matches we remained competitive, which regrettably was not the case in this contest against a clinical visiting team. We started well enough, before the opposition scored a couple of goals and then shut us out for the remainder of the match; scoring a third goal towards the end to rub salt into the wounds. By the end we looked quite disheartened against one of the few teams that had actually been below us in the table before kick off, which is concerning ahead of our big F.A. Vase match next weekend. In fact, the second half was most definitely the worst forty-five minute period we have produced for weeks.

In front of an “official” attendance of 106, which contained around twenty non-paying spectators from our young Colts teams, we made a number of changes, many of which were enforced. In goal Faebian Witter came in for the suspended Dan O’Donovan, and if you like your stats, this marked the first time in forty years to my knowledge where a goal keeper played against us in one match, only to then turn out for us in our very next match! For those wondering, it was Andy Abel who played so well for Addlestone & Weybridge against us in a pair of Surrey Senior Cup ties, that our Manager Adrian Hill signed him up for our remaining League matches in 1983/84! Also suspended was Niall Stillwell, while Adam Green also missed out after picking up five bookings this season. Green currently faces a further suspension from next Saturday and on the evidence of this match we will miss him badly, although there may be an opening for him as a cheerleader as he was doing a good job of directing the singing for the Colts behind the goal! Finally, in the opposition line up was former Salt Joel Onu, who would join the match from the bench later.

The visitors took the field in a quite frankly vomit-inducing combination of various shades of purple! On a bobbly looking surface that looked like it needed mowing, we started well and should have taken the lead in the 11th minute when Ali Fofahan pulled the ball back from the left wing, only for Kailan North to miskick the ball just eight yards out in a central position. Fofahan’s next delivery was a little too close to Fabio Suarez who punched the ball clear, but we were well on top at this stage.

However, the pattern of the match changed completely in the 17th minute when Sheerwater made their first foray into Epsom territory and won a corner, but we didn’t deal with this at all well and the far post delivery was headed back across goal by Liam Avery for Harvey Valter to head in from close range, with neither of the players being marked at all. Three minutes later it was two-nil as Elliott York sent a dipping shot at goal from outside the penalty area and Witter was unable to keep it out as the ball went to his left.

From this point Sheerwater made it clear that they were going to stick with what they had. Suarez slowed the game down with the referee complicit in allowing this to happen. However, the defenders in front of him were defending heroically, throwing themselves in front of every shot we sent towards the visiting goal. The first block came from a Will Kendall free kick, which was blocked out wide to Carl Oblitey, who then sent in a great cross that Kendall rose to meet with a header that clipped the crossbar and went out for a goal kick. Moments later another attack was met by a piledriver from Toby Young, but another great defensive block was enough to divert the shot just over the bar. As half time approached North also saw his shot blocked and Fofahan saw his shot bounce down and over the bar. As we went off at half time, it was hard to believe that we hadn’t scored, having had a significant majority of possession and chances.

We started the second half rapidly and almost had a goal back in the first fifteen seconds when Fofahan’s low ball across goal was wildly miskicked by a defender and went through to Kendall, but our man clearly hadn’t been expecting the present and snatched at the ball, slicing it wide from twelve yards. What we didn’t realise after fifty minutes of creating chances, was that this one would represent our last real opportunity in the match. The visitors started to shut us out of the game, almost as if they had seen what we had got, and decided that we weren’t hurting them. Anthony Nazareth picked up a yellow card for a challenge that looked more clumsy than malicious, and it was possible that he also injured himself at the time as he was replaced four minutes later. Then on the hour we saw a debut from Michele Maccari on the left wing, who replaced the out of sorts Luke Miller with Fofahan taking his place on the right. It seems that every week we have a new player, yet defensively where we have had most issues, there appear to be no changes. It would be nice for the club to provide some sort of player update for our patient supporters at some point in the near future.

One player that was back in Epsom colours was Fabio Nunes who had completed his suspension, and he nearly pulled a goal back for us with a twenty-five yard strike that took a wicked deflection off a defender, but Suarez adjusted brilliantly to stick out a hand and as the ball dribbled away, he recovered to claim the loose ball before Kendall could reach it, although our man was offside anyway.

I referred earlier to Joel Onu, who had been on our bench for a few games, but only making one appearance. The supporters only knew he had left when he appeared in the opposition line up! Clearly Onu also wanted to send a message to our Management that they had made the wrong decision in letting him go, and in the 80th minute he broke our offside trap before slotting the ball under Witter to make the score 3-0. That third goal was also enough to put the visitors above us in the League table.

As the game petered out Onu got through again and although Callum Wilson managed to recover the position, he hurt himself in the process and needed to be replaced. As Luke Taylor came on, it was interesting to note that it was the first time this season that we had used all five substitutes, although Taylor hardly got a touch before the final whistle blew.

This was also our third defeat in a row and more relevantly it was our seventh League match without a win, during which time we have played three of the teams that were below us at the time in Horley, Balham and now Sheerwater without defeating any of them. Whilst we have had good spells in all three of the recent defeats, the results speak for themselves and it’s not great form to enter our big F.A. Vase match next Saturday, but at least we will have most of our suspended players back. It also transpires that the club are appealing Green’s red card from the Carshalton Athletic match, which on the face of it appears a complete waste of money, as contact was made, however accidental it may have been. Maybe he will be available, maybe he won’t; either way, the rest of the team will need to step up a couple of gears if we are to get out of this concerning slump.

In summary, Sheerwater weren’t three goals better than us, although it could be argued that they were three goals smarter!

Epsom & Ewell: Faebian Witter, Toby Young, Ethan Nelson-Roberts (c), Kailan North, Anthony Nazareth, Callum Wilson, Luke Miller, Craig Dundas, Carl Oblitey, Will Kendall, Ali Fofahan

Subs: Kionte Gillfillian-Waul for Nazareth (56), Michele Maccari for Miller (61), Fabio Nunes for North (65), Jason Bloor for Kendall (80), Luke Taylor for Wilson (92)

Report Source: www.eefconline.co.uk

For the hosts it was a Saturday of availability Armageddon with an injury list mounting
that targeted the front and back rows. Players of yesteryear were called to arms and the 2nd
XV was ransacked as such resources would have been familiar to Old Mother Hubbard. Jac
Davies was the only debutant as the scrum half pitched is as an open-side flanker. In contrast,
Medway who have enjoyed a remarkable consistency in selection, with their sizeable travelling
support from Priestfields, looked forward to another showing of “The Usual Suspects”. To add
to the task the Kent side topped the table having only lost their opening game of the
campaign. Confounding all expectations Sutton & Epsom, for the second match in a row at
Rugby Lane, lowered the colours of the league leaders to be victorious by 22-18.
On an overcast but still afternoon that hinted at future rain Freddy Bunting kicked off
towards the Cabbage Patch. Understandably confident from their five game winning streak the
visitors were immediately on the attack. The eponymous Bullock charged down the paddock
from his own 22. Passes were interchanged and a dramatic opening score was denied by the
scrambling defence in the S&E 22. Sutton were also lively in the opening exchanges and after
five minutes they were awarded a kickable penalty. In a tactical shift of tectonic proportions
Freddy Bunting went for goal and put his team 3-0 up.
This minor irritation did not derail the Medway machine as they stormed into action.
The closer to the line they got the harder the hosts tackled. The ball was spun wide and a try
looked probable. The visitors employed that popular rugby elision, the long miss pass, that
was met by that familiar foe, the interception. Adam Bibby set off for glory eliciting roars of
encouragement as he sped past the grandstand. Frantic defenders closed in from all angles
and brought him down ten metres short. However, Mr Richardson’s whistle offered the
consolation of a second penalty. With ten minutes on the clock Freddy Bunting doubled the
advantage to 6-0. Five minutes later, another indiscretion, another penalty and another
Bunting three points for 9-0.
The visitors were determined to put the upstart hosts firmly in their place. Almost
fifteen minutes of unbroken possession, pressure and territorial dominance ensued.
Galvanised by their lead and confident in their defensive unity the Black & White line held fast.
A couple of penalties were kicked by Medway for lineouts. Unfortunately, during this passage
of play Sutton lost outside centre Finlay Scott to injury and were forced to reshuffle the backs
as Adam Bibby went to 13 and Alfie Baker came off the bench to play on the wing. On the half
hour the table-toppers were awarded another penalty and decided on going for gold. Harrison
Fermor bisected the uprights to trail 3-9.
It was Sutton & Epsom’s turn to attack but a probing Bunting kick keep appeared to
nestle harmlessly in the in-goal area under the supervision of John Sipawa. Remarkably the
winger knocked on the stationary ball to gift Sutton a 5-metre scrum. The home team ran into
a red and amber wall and were turned over and Medway kicked the subsequent penalty to the

The lineout was overthrown and eager Sutton hands gathered the ball. Replacement prop
Richard Madadangoma rampaged forward before the backs were released. Slick hands and
accurate passing was rewarded as fullback Austin Bell timed his entry into the line to
perfection to score. Freddy Bunting converted from the flank and S&E led 16-3.
Medway went in search of a score before the break. A neat lineout move thrown to the
front man tried to catch Sutton napping but it came to nought. Soon afterwards there was
another penalty to the Black & Whites followed by a stern lecture to Medway lock Peter Cole.
The first half ended without any further additions to the scoreboard. The teams turned around
with S&E leading 16-3. The makeshift Sutton & Epsom XV were on course for a major upset
but everyone at Rugby Lane was expecting more of the same in the second half, relentless
Medway pressure. Both sides gathered in a huddle unleashing a primal scream and prepared
for battle in the second period.

The opening five minutes were very positive for the Black & Whites, from the secure
Glanville take of the restart to winning a scrum against the head. S&E had a free ball and
Freddie Bunting attempted a drop goal from distance. It drifted wide but he had the
consolation of a long-range penalty to extend the lead. The distance was just beyond his limit
and Medway touched down under their posts. Soon the visitors were refreshing their XV from
the bench and pinning Sutton in their 22 with searching kicks. The vital first score of the half
went to the league leaders after a dozen minutes. A determined run down the touchline by
John Sipawa burst through the initial tackle and though he was felled by the cover he did
wonderfully well to stretch out a telescopic arm as his momentum took the ball over the line.
Harrison Fermor’s touchline conversion failed but the morale-boosting try made it 16-8.
Moments later Medway conceded yet another kickable penalty and Freddy Bunting
obliged with three more points for 19-8. The visitors’ frustration with the arbiter of truth and
justice overflowed and a couple of minutes later a vocal objection to a decision from Mr
Richardson led to an additional 10-metre stroll for the defenders. Once more Captain Bunting
tested his kicking powers and again it fell short and the game restarted with a 22 drop out.
The game entered the final quarter and ominously for the home supporters Medway scored
their second try. Excellent support play was rewarded as Harrison Fermor was on hand to
score in the corner despite the desperate defence. The 15 was unable to add the extras to his
try but his side at 13-19 were within a score with plenty of time left on the clock.
The Black & White defence girded their collective loins and continued to tackle
ferociously and win vital turnovers. Additionally the pack were causing Medway problems at
the scrum. Another blast of the whistle, another penalty near halfway and another shot at
goal for Sutton. These penalties may not have impacted the scoreboard but they frustrated
the visitors, took vital time off the clock and made them initiate their attacks from their own

The game was becoming more open and there was no rest from the red and amber
attacks and pressure. Sutton were most fortuitous when Tom Lennard was charged down that
the loose ball returned to the miscreant kicker. The crowd, living every moment, roared on
their sides. As the game entered time added on Freddy Bunting had the opportunity to make it
a two-score game with a penalty adjacent to the uprights just outside the 22. He voraciously
accepted this tasty offering for 22-13.
Medway now threw the entire contents of the kitchen at the Sutton defences. John
Sipawa was greeted by three tacklers and bundled into touch. Jac Davies made a wonderful
cover tackle as a line break was extinguished. Every phase repelled ate into the clock until the
final play. The Kent side were rewarded with a Max Bullock try in the corner and a bonus point
but a delighted S&E side knew that the conversion would be followed by the final whistle. The
kick failed and the joyous celebrations began for an outstanding 22-18 victory.
The Sutton defence appeared to have been constructed by Aniketos and Alexiares as
the Black & Whites summoned up their inner Heracles. It was a classic example of just what
can be achieved with team spirit, defensive resolve and commitment to the cause. Medway
never stopped attacking and this was epitomised by winger John Sipawa who bounced off
tacklers and swatted away defenders in an effort to breach the Sutton defence. The two
teams now get a most welcome week off. The season resumes on 9th November when Sutton
& Epsom travel to Dartfordians whilst Medway are on the road again with a trip to Thurrock.
Sutton & Epsom
Bell, Bibby, Scott, Bunting ©, Findlay, Lennard, Munford, Johnson, Jones, Hilton, Glanville,
McTaggart, Gerhard, Davies & Hegarty.
Replacements: Madadangoma, Williams & Baker.
Medway
Fermor, Chalmers, Bullock, Clement ©, Sipawa, Wardzynski, Grice, Nickalls, Knight, Campbell,
Cole, Stubbington, Jackson, Gibson & Purslow.
Replacements: Hyde J, Hyde N & Reeves.

Abbey Rangers 2-1 Epsom and Ewell FC. Combined Counties League – Premier Division South. Saturday 26th October 2024.

Eleven months ago we visited Addlestone Moor and lost 2-1 in a controversial match that contained three converted penalties. This latest visit ended with the same scoreline, although this time we had to finish the match with nine men and still nearly got a draw out of it.

Arguably this match was less controversial than that previous encounter at the Moor, despite the dismissals, which it was hard for anyone to argue with. The match programme referred to some nasty games in the past between the clubs, and that things had mellowed somewhat since then, but this one was a typically old school niggly Abbey v Epsom match; full of commitment and plenty of solid challenges that the referee did his best to keep a lid on, even towards the end when things began to get a bit fractious.

In terms of personnel we made five changes. Dan O’Donovan came in between the posts for Faebian Witter, while Niall Stillwell and Callum Wilson returned at the back in place of the injury-hit Ethan Brazier and David Romer. Further forward Luke Miller came in on the left wing, requiring Ethan Nelson-Roberts to drop back and leaving Kionte Gillfillian-Waul on the bench. Finally, it was great to see Will Kendall back in the line up after spending a lot of time abroad recently. Although not match-fit yet, his return to the squad will boost our striking options and was particularly timely as I was advised that Carl Oblitey was at a wedding, so he slotted straight in without any significant change to our formation. For Abbey Rangers, there were a couple of former Salts in the line up in keeper Shay Honey and left back Jerry Antwi, the latter of which had had a couple of spells with us in recent years.

The tone for this match was set as early as the third minute when Stillwell put in a thumping and completely fair challenge out on the touchline, although a few minutes later he received a yellow card for a handball that would have repercussions for him later on. On the quarter hour mark Ali Fofahan, operating on the right wing to start with, skewed a cross which then became a shot, although Honey was ready and caught the ball on the goal line. Our former keeper also had to be alert to punch a near post Adam Green corner away, while at the other end O’Donovan was able to deal fairly comfortably with a long range effort.

In truth, this was the pattern of the first half, with very few real chances as both teams looked fairly secure at the back. However, it was from one of these that the hosts too the lead as a nice move ended with Finley Warren who rode a couple of challenges and drilled the ball low to O’Donovan’s right from just inside the penalty area to open the scoring in the 29th minute. It nearly got worse as Jordan Ikala robbed Anthony Nazareth and ran through on goal, trying to curl the ball left footed around the advancing O’Donovan, which he was able to do from thirty yards, only to see the ball strike our post and go out for a goal kick.

In response a Miller header set up Kendall for a chance that he hooked just over the bar on the turn from twelve yards and in the final minute of the half Nelson-Roberts tried his luck from around thirty-five yards out at an angle, but Honey was alert to tip the ball over for a fruitless Epsom corner. We went in at the break trailing by that single goal, despite the match being very even to that point.

We re-started the brighter of the two teams and Miller saw his cross/shot from a narrow angle tipped over, but the game soon settled into the same pattern as the first half with both teams cancelling each other out and restricting goal scoring opportunities, but things took a turn for the worse in the 61st minute when a long ball caught O’Donovan out badly and despite being some twenty-five yards out from his goal, he chose to stop the ball from going over his head with both hands, incurring the fairly obvious red card as a result. It was impossible to argue with this decision and of course led to the next question of who would replace him? Kailan North was the man for the job and he took over the role to become our first outfield player in goal since Nick Wilson against Hailsham Town in February of 2023.

Despite the player disadvantage, the match continued to be fairly even in front of an attendance that was advised as 43 by Football Web Pages and 59 by the FA Full Time site, even though there were around 80 in attendance! Abbey clearly decided they were going to test the “new” keeper out and a few long range efforts were sent in North’s direction, although he dealt with them fairly well, particularly a free kick that he kept out at the near post after Green had taken one for the team by bringing down an Abbey attacker just outside the penalty area.

We changed our formation in the 75th minute and gambled with three at the back with Nelson-Roberts in a more advanced role, but the home side began to create more opportunities. Green did really well to get in the way of a powerful strike in goal for a corner, but the subsequent set piece was pulled back to Brad Marshall who struck the ball powerfully past North at the near post from twenty yards to give the hosts a two goal lead in the 78th minute.

Conrad Essilfie-Conduah came on in relief of Craig Dundas and we won a free kick just outside the area after a foul on Green that earned Antwi a yellow card. Miller then struck the free kick around the wall, forcing Honey to make a good save, but the ball bounced up off him and struck the retreating Marshall squarely in the chest and sending the ball over the line before he could clear it to reduce the arrears in the 84th minute. Marshall had scored at both ends in the space of just six minutes!

This was the fourth own goal in our favour in the last eight matches, but our chances of forcing an equaliser were hampered when the home side broke away and Stillwell was adjudged to have brought him down. It looked from where I was standing as though he got the ball, but he also appeared to get a part of the player too and the second yellow card was inevitable once the referee had deemed the challenge as a foul. Both of our players will miss the Sheerwater League match next Saturday. For those who love their stats, this was the tenth time in our history that we had been reduced to nine men, the most recent of which came on that infamous day at Dorking Wanderers Reserves back in December 2021. These were our fifth and sixth red cards of the season already though, and maybe we need to give a little bit more thought to our discipline going forward as we are already over half way to passing our rather high club record of eleven in a season.

Ikala sent a good opportunity high and wide from a good position, while another home forward picked up a yellow card for a blatant dive and we nearly levelled it up in the seventh and final minute of injury time when a Miller free kick was deflected for a corner, from which Honey punched the ball clear at the second attempt. On another day we might well have got that equaliser too, and it is hard to argue that Abbey Rangers truly earned all three points here on the balance of play, but they managed to keep all eleven players on the pitch and for that reason alone, they deserved the points more than we did.

This was our first defeat in eight matches and whilst all four of the League contests in that sequence have been draws, it is now six Combined Counties League matches without a win. However, no real harm was done to our position as we currently sit well clear of the bottom two clubs, who both also lost this day. Sheerwater are another of the four clubs below us right now and they will be our next League opponents at the KGF on Saturday, but before then we have a Monday Surrey Senior Cup trip to Carshalton Athletic. We’ll definitely need all eleven men for that contest, as we haven’t beaten them since 1955!!

Epsom & Ewell: Dan O’Donovan, Niall Stillwell, Ethan Nelson-Roberts, Adam Green (c), Anthony Nazareth, Callum Wilson, Luke Miller, Craig Dundas, Will Kendall, Kailan North, Ali Fofahan

Subs: Jason Bloor for Kendall (73), Conrad Essilfie-Conduah for Dundas (80)

_{Report Source: www.eefconline.co.uk}

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Environment committee has authorised the contracts for three tennis coaching providers in Epsom.

R&A Sport will be carrying out coaching sessions at Auriol Park, Sutton Tennis Coaching will be offering sessions at Alexandra Park and Callum Macarty Coaching operating at Court Recreation Ground.

From April, the council moved to a pay-to-play scheme on all its tennis courts. The decision was taken to make the courts self-sufficient with all funds raised being reinvested in maintenance and future improvements.

Since the pay-to-play system was introduced, the council has been committed to ensuring those of all ages, experience, and socio-economic backgrounds are able to participate in tennis. The council offered free tennis sessions throughout the summer, when 173 residents played free of charge.

In addition to this, as part of the tennis coaching contract, all tennis coaching providers are required to take part in the Barclays Free Park Tennis Initiative, offering at least one hour of free, supervised, community tennis activity at their designated location each weekend.

The council is also looking for local volunteers willing to be tennis activators. These activators will lead free tennis sessions in the parks on Saturday mornings. Until these sessions are up and running in all tennis courts across the borough, the council is offering two free, bookable sessions between 9-10am and 10-11am each Saturday.

Councillor Liz Frost, (RA Langley and Woodcote) Chair of the Environment Committee said:

“We are committed to the pay to play model which will future-proof our courts so that residents can enjoy access to tennis now and in years to come.

Residents can pay to play or purchase a membership, including a discounted membership for those or in receipt of Universal Credit or Full Time Carers Allowance or with a disability.

We would also urge anyone interested in volunteering as a tennis activator at one of our courts to get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.

We’re pleased to sign up three coaching providers, which not only provides extra investment income for the courts but also more opportunities for free coaching sessions.”

Related reports:

Anyone for tennis?

LibDems call “Love All” for local tennis

Anyone for tennis? If you pay.

Tennis at 95 is the norm.

_{Image – C. Epsom and Ewell Times Ltd}

The Daily Telegraph (Monday 21st October) has highlighted a significant revival for Epsom’s historic role in British horse racing, reporting on the recent developments at Downs House, a training yard with a prestigious past. According to the Telegraph’s racing correspondent, Marcus Armytage, the once derelict site is now undergoing a transformation into a modern facility, spearheading efforts to attract London-based owners back to the area.

The report details how New Zealander Mark Travers, who has lived in the UK for two decades, undertook the ambitious seven-year project to restore Downs House. Situated just a quarter of a mile from the start of the Derby, Downs House had long symbolized Epsom’s decline as a training hub, having lost its prominence as a centre for racehorse training decades ago. However, the newly revamped facility, now boasting space for 70 horses and cutting-edge amenities, is positioned to revive the town’s fortunes.

The Daily Telegraph also reports that George Baker, a Stewards’ Cup-winning trainer, will move his operation to Downs House in January. Baker, along with his wife Candida, was struck by the state-of-the-art facilities and the untapped potential of the nearby gallops. The move signals a bold step forward for Epsom’s equine industry, which has long played second fiddle to more prominent centres like Newmarket and Lambourn.

Baker, who has trained horses from his base in Chiddingfold, shared with the Telegraph how unlikely the move to Epsom once seemed. Yet, the combination of modern infrastructure and proximity to London convinced him to seize the opportunity. In an era when racehorse ownership is increasingly attractive to Londoners, Downs House’s accessibility could be a game-changer.

As reported, Baker hopes that his move will contribute to the broader rejuvenation of Epsom as a competitive training centre. With room for 50 horses initially, Baker is aiming to fill the yard within two years, making the facility a top choice for owners seeking convenience and quality.

While Epsom’s journey back to its glory days remains a work in progress, the ambitious restoration of Downs House, as highlighted in The Daily Telegraph, marks a pivotal step in the town’s efforts to reclaim its place on the racing map.

_{Image: Downs House aerial – Google}

Epsom and Ewell FC 3-1 Berks County. Isuzu F.A. Vase – First Round. Sunday 20th October 2024

Just 6 days before the 50 year anniversary of our very first F.A. Vase match against Reigate Priory, we played our 94th match in that competition against a new opponent in Berks County FC; a club formed as recently as 2009 and playing in the North Division of our League, and we were good value for our 3-1 win at a soggy KGF. For those interested, it was our 45th win in that time.

This result improved our recent form to just one loss in our last eleven matches and it is a shame that our club don’t seem to be able to keep up with this off the field. They may claim this was a healthy looking attendance of 145 which, on the face of it, might seem ok for a Vase match, but when you bear in mind that there were only two other games at this or a higher standard anywhere in the Southern half of the country, we really missed an opportunity to pull in a crowd well over the 300 mark and it’s really time that questions were asked about those people who are “running” our club, who appear uncaring or more worryingly oblivious to the opportunities they keep missing, instead believing that bringing in about fifteen of the Colts and a few of their parents each week is somehow sufficient to tick the “family club” box. Throw in a number of unanswered requests on the club Twitter site relating to whether there was going to be an inspection, which was a perfectly valid question following our postponement on Tuesday and you wonder whether our club really do care about your attendance at these matches. And in case anyone is wondering, yes, I have offered my services on many occasions.

There was only one person connected with the club who seemed to show a bit of energy and he was the chap on the tannoy system. Maybe he will even benefit the club, once he can actually get our own players names right!

The club held a minute’s applause for supporter Peter Mitchell before the kick off. Whilst he may have been deserving of a minute’s recognition as he was a fairly loyal supporter over the two and a half seasons he was following us, I see no reason whatsoever for any supporters or club officials to receive this fairly recent fad of a minute’s applause. In my opinion, a minute’s silence should be sufficient, with applause given only to former players and maybe some Managers. Having said that, our club never even bothered to hold a minute’s acknowledgement of any kind for recently passed strikers Gerry O’Rourke and Ben Forey, the latter of whom even sits on our goal scoring Hall of Fame, so it will be interesting to see what happens next time one of these tributes is required at an Epsom match.

We made four changes from our recent 2-2 draw against Fleet Town. Ethan Brazier was fit again and resumed at right back in place of the absent Niall Stillwell, while David Romer came in for Callum Wilson who had suffered a small injury issue at Thursday’s training session. Faebian Witter came in between the posts ahead of Dan O’Donovan, while further forward we had a debut for Kailan North who had recent spells with Colliers Wood United and Banstead Athletic. He came in for the cup-tied Jason Bloor, who had made an appearance for Langley earlier in the competition.

As the pre-match rain eased, it became apparent that the match was not starting on time. For those who were wondering why this was, as the club chose not to advise the reason, it was due to the late arrival of the visiting keeper, Harvey Rackley-Hayes. I’m not entirely sure why this delay was allowed for just one missing player, but either way we kicked off twenty minutes after the original start time in conditions that were far better than originally expected due to the virtual non-arrival in our area of Storm Ashley.

We had an early opportunity when Kionte Gillfillian-Waul sent in a good ball, but it zipped across the wet turf and Carl Oblitey couldn’t quite reach it. Then in the 17th minute we probably should have taken the lead when a free kick was half cleared to Ethan Nelson-Roberts and whilst his shot was deflected for a corner, Adam Green’s delivery into the danger area looked like it would be met by Anthony Nazareth, but he missed his header from close range, only for the ball to fall back to him just six yards out at an angle, from where he sent his shot over the bar.

The visitors volleyed a corner wide at the near post, but we were back on the attack soon after and a deep Fofahan cross resulted in a drop from Rackley-Hayes, but as the loose ball was drilled into the net by Nelson-Roberts, the whistle blew as the referee felt that the County keeper had been fouled. It was a soft one for sure, but in the 26th minute we went ahead anyway after a poor back pass from Will Edwards was intercepted by Fofahan and he drew the keeper before slotting the ball between his legs and into the net from just inside the penalty area.

However, within two minutes of making the breakthrough, the visitors drew level as a deep right wing cross was met at the far post with a header back across Witter from George Gould. Our keeper got a hand to the ball but couldn’t keep it out.

Fofahan was giving the Berks County defenders a lot of trouble and he had a speculative effort from 25 yards that went wide, but in the 36th minute he struck the inside of Rackley-Hayes’ left hand post from fifteen yards with the ball skewing across the goal and spinning out for a goal kick! Fofahan really should have scored here after he had broken through, but instead we went in at the break with the scores level.

I felt we had shaded the first half, but at 1-1, there was also the potential for a fifth straight 2-2 draw that no one would have wanted, as it would have meant that the tie would be decided on penalties instead! We then had an early scare in the second half as Brazier and Witter got in each other’s way while trying to effect a clearance, but we just about got away with it and went back in front for the second time in the 55th minute after Brazier made tracks down the right, before cutting back and delivering a decent cross that Oblitey attacked. His header struck a defender but rebounded into his path and he drilled the ball low into the corner from just seven yards out, giving Rackley-Hayes no chance.

Fofahan forced a good save from a narrow angle by Rackley-Hayes before we had to reshuffle the pack after Gillfillian-Waul was replaced by Luke Miller with Fofahan moving to the left wing instead. This was our first substitution of the day, but by the end of the match all four of our starting defenders would be off the field! Romer would be one of those, but before he departed, he capped a fine performance with a run on the left wing and a low delivery in for Green to strike at goal, but Rackley-Hayes made a superb save with his right boot to keep the close range shot out.

Witter picked up a yellow card for time-wasting but in the 79th minute Gould went in high on Romer and received a straight red card for his challenge, which also caused the obligatory sixteen man scuffle! Toby Young came on in relief of Romer after his own spell out with injury and we made the game safe in the 86th minute with a great move down the right where Oblitey collected the ball and sent it square to the supporting Craig Dundas, but he cleverly dummied the ball which sold the defender completely and left Fofahan through on goal, although he still cut back to beat someone before drilling the ball low past Rackley-Hayes from 12 yards to make it 3-1 to the Salts.

There were more chances as the ten men tried to get back into the game, but we were picking them off and a clever pass put Fofahan through, although he chose to pass instead of shooting from eight yards and it came to nothing. I don’t think anyone in the ground would have blamed our winger if he had tried to get his hat trick, but it was a selfless decision and he almost turned provider again in the fourth minute of injury time when his deep delivery from the left wing was headed in by Green from six yards, only for the offside flag to be raised against him.

Still, by the end of the match we were fairly comfortable winners and whilst we will see Berks County again in the League Cup in January, we now look forward to an appearance in the Second Round, or last 128, for the first time since 2017/18 when we were edged out 3-2 after extra time at Whitstable Town. The draw comes out around Monday lunchtime and there are some very good teams left in the draw that would be nice to avoid; Jersey Bulls, AFC Whyteleafe and Fleet Town amongst them, and I haven’t even mentioned the top teams in Sussex and Kent yet (including Whitstable again!). But this is a competition in which we have a prominent history, so it’s just great to still be involved in it, fifty years after that very first amazing run.

Epsom & Ewell: Faebian Witter, Ethan Brazier, Kionte Gillfillian-Waul, Adam Green (c), David Romer, Anthony Nazareth, Ali Fofahan, Craig Dundas, Carl Oblitey, Kailan North, Ethan Nelson-Roberts

Subs: Luke Miller for Gillfillian-Waul (59), Conrad Essilfie-Conduah for Nazareth (64), Toby Young for Romer (84), Luke Taylor for Brazier (91)

Report Source: www.eefconline.co.uk

The Black & Whites arrived at the Grist Memorial ground having scuppered Sidcup the
previous round. That triumph, in a bruising encounter against the erstwhile leaders, came at a
cost with the loss of props Gibson and Mount as well as O’Brien and Elliott in the backs. It was
not all doom and gloom from the physio’s hut as Tom Lennard made his belated first start of
the campaign at 10. If there was much to admire last weekend there was plenty to forget this
time around. The Old Tiffinians thoroughly deserved their 41-19 success leapfrogging Sutton
& Epsom in the league table.
Free from rain, bathed in sunshine and with a gentle breeze upon an immaculate
surface the scene was set for a captivating afternoon’s entertainment as Freddy Bunting
kicked off. The opening Sutton salvoes were quashed by forthright tackling by everyone in an
OT shirt as the visitors looked to spread the ball wide to their wings. After ten minutes the Old
Boys demonstrated their best phases and enjoyed the bonus of a penalty in the 22. As is the
modern vogue they kicked to the corner. Their positive approach was rewarded with a
perfectly executed catch and drive from the 5-metre lineout that ushered prop Ross Hobbs
over the whitewash for the first try of the afternoon. Though the extras were not added the
hosts led 5-0. The OTs were soon on the attack again and assisted by S&E transgressions.
Their second entry in the visitors’ 22 would result in their second try. Unfortunately, Sutton
hooker Peter Gordon had to be replaced by Ben Green after a clash of heads in a try-saving
double tackle. On the resumption Tiffinians pressed hard and fine handling saw fullback Max
Talman score in the corner and double the lead to 10-0 at the end of the first quarter.
S&E responded swiftly to the second score. Like their opponents a kickable penalty was
discarded for the greedier option. The Rugby Lane Number 8 Rob Hegarty forced his way over
in the corner from the remorseless march of the catch and drive. Freddy Bunting’s touchline
effort drifted by the uprights as his newly awakened team trailed 5-10. Sutton had shuffled
the pack to line up with a front row triumvirate of debutant replacement Dan Johnson, Tom
Boaden took over the hooking duties and Callum Hilton. Though this combination is far from
the Black & Whites first choice they performed impressively providing a steady platform and
did not take a backward step in the set piece. Five minutes later the visitors had a wonderful
opportunity to level the scores after a Tom Lennard break but, as would be the case too often
during this entertaining encounter, the ball out to the flank was not gathered.
The first period entered its final phase. Any good work by Sutton was thwarted by
either the defensive solidity of Tiffinians or critical errors by the visitors. As the half entered its
dying embers the hosts went blind exposing defensive frailty. It looked as if Old Tiffinians
would run it in from halfway. Though undone by some S&E scrambling defence they had the
consolation of having a scrum deep in the Black & White 22. Centre Tim Fawcett ran an
excellent line and evaded a double tackle to score under the posts. It was an example of third
time lucky as Sharif Dougramaji slotted the conversion to stretch the lead to 17-5 as Mr Kelvin
Pryor’s shrill blast of the whistle terminated the first half with OT leading S&E by 17-5.
Any hope for the travelling supporters looked a rather forlorn one as the second half
began with more errors. As the hosts attacked towards the S&E 22 it was their turn to
concede an unnecessary penalty. Steve Munford took it quickly, Tom Lennard made a searing
break with Austin Bell in support who progressed in the OT half and Alfie Baker sped away to
the corner to score. The crowd gazed on admiringly at the pulchritudinous Bunting conversion
from the touchline. Was this the start of a classic game of two halves and the Sutton revival?
A minute later the answer to that hypothetical query was a resounding “No”. Poor play at the
restart handed the initiative to the Tiffinians who set out their stall in the S&E 22. Three
phases later and winger Seb Sabania was bursting through tacklers to score. Sharif
Dougramaji’s sweetly struck conversion added to the demoralising impact of the rapid retort to
restore the margin to 12 points at 24-12.

The omens continued to point to a home victory. Another Sutton free ball could not
rekindle the earlier magic. A kickable penalty was declined and a lineout in the corner was not
found. Then the most deflating moment of all was Seb Sabania picking off an interception and
running back a fifth try, and his second, from halfway. Sharif Dougramaji accepted the
salubrious offering for a 31-12 advantage with a dozen minutes having elapsed in the second
period. To epitomise the Sutton decline the restart failed to go ten metres. However, despair
was transformed into hope as the pack won a penalty at the set piece. Naturally, the Black &
Whites took off lickety-split and were soon in the opposition 22. OT’s scrambling defence not
only picked off an interception but countered through an enormous clearance kick. Alfie
Baker’s cover was immediately undermined by fellow wing Arun Watkin’s injudicious counter.
Sutton were fortunate to escape as Sir reversed a penalty under their posts.
The game was now very open and tries at either end were a probability rather than a
possibility. Sutton benefited from a magnificent 50 22 from Tom Lennard to set up their next
attack. The home defence rebuffed a couple of sorties before Austin Bell’s grubber nestled
under the posts. The scuttling full back arrived with the cover and his attempt to nudge the
ball forward was viewed as dangerous play as he made contact with the defender who had
stoically fallen on the loose ball. This was the first of a string of penalties that throttled
potential attacks for both XVs. The next score came from that reliable and fertile source: the
penalty kicked to the corner. It was S&E’s turn to demonstrate their catch and drive efficiency
with flanker Dan Jones the beneficiary. The Bunting boot made it a two-score game at 19-31.
Old Tiffinians set out to restore their supremacy and a bullocking Sabania run hinted at
his hat trick before he was eventually forced to pass inside but the ball was knocked on.
Sutton cleared their lines but were soon under the cosh. Josh Glanville received a yellow card
endeavouring to turn over the ball. Very sensibly Sharif Dougramaji opted for the kick for goal
adjacent to the uprights. The successful kick meant that the hosts led 34-19 with three
minutes of regular time left. Not so much as a comfortable points’ cushion but more like a
massive beanbag occupying most of a living room floor. The contest was over. In time added
on Old Tiffinians added an extra layer of gloss to their fine performance. They kicked into the
corner for the 5-metre lineout. The unstoppable juggernaut advanced ever onwards and
Ross Hobbs collected his second catch and drive try. Sharif Dougramaji celebrated the victory
with the conversion and Mr Pryor ended the match with the home team triumphant by 41-19
A week is a long time in politics but it must seem like an eternity for the Rugby Lane
faithful as this performance bore no resemblance to their Sidcup success. However, the most
significant factor was the quality of the Old Tiffinian performance. Their forwards carried
aggressively and effectively with Ross Hobbs and Robert Myddelton in the vanguard. Their
defence offered Sutton neither time nor space. When they got to the 22 they were clinical
whether with the catch and drive or handling in the backs. The pace and power of Seb
Sabania gained the plaudits with a brace of tries in a thoroughly deserved bonus point victory.
The Black & Whites created opportunities out wide but poor passing handicapped their
progress on numerous occasions. Sutton & Epsom will lick their wounds and look forward to
the visit of league leaders Medway to Rugby Lane. Meanwhile the Old Tiffinians departed
their Clubhouse to descend upon the 18:24 to Waterloo and serenade the passengers on their
way to a night of celebrations.
Sutton & Epsom
Bell, Watkins, Scott, Bunting ©, Baker, Lennard, Munford, Boaden, Gordon, Hilton, Glanville,
Tame, Rea, Jones & Hegarty.
Replacements: Johnson, Green & Findlay.
Old Tiffinians
Talman, Segun, Dougramaji, Fawcett, Sabanaia, Taylor, Fowler, Hobbs, Howard-Clarke,
Turner, O’Connell, Noeh, Myddelton, Graham & Marshall.
Replacements: Corcoran, Dore & Freeman.

Epsom and Ewell 2-2 Fleet Town. Combined Counties League – Premier Division South. Saturday 12th October 2024.

For the fourth time in a row our match resulted in a 2-2 draw, this time against high-flying and unbeaten Fleet Town at the KGF on Saturday. We could and maybe should have handed them their first League loss of the season, having come from behind to lead with twenty minutes remaining, but a late Dan Bone equaliser ensured that we had to share the points once again, and in all fairness, the draw was the correct result.

In front of an attendance counted as 116 (yet officially and farcically advised as 148) that included around twenty of our Colts, we made just one change from the team that had drawn 2-2 at Redhill seven days previously with Niall Stillwell coming in for his first start for the club at right back for the injured Ethan Brazier, as he had done in our draw with the leaders.

We kicked off towards the Chessington end for the first time in a number of matches and Carl Oblitey had the first chance when he tried his luck from long range but was well wide, while the visitors were a lot closer with their first attempt after a deep Tom Smith cross was headed wide at the far post by Danilo Cadete. However, they took the lead in the 11th minute after a good move on the left resulted in a low ball in that was teed up nicely for Matt Surmon to drive it into the net, with a slight deflection off a defender from the edge of the penalty area.

Last season we had to play two home matches against Fleet Town after the original contest had been abandoned for an injury, but in each case an early Fleet goal was answered rapidly with an Epsom equaliser, and this time it was no different, as we only had to wait three minutes to draw level. For the second match in a row we had another own goal in our favour, as Oblitey had tried to put a through ball for Ali Fofahan on the right, but over hit his pass. However, Fofahan retrieved the ball and sent over a dangerous low ball with his left foot. With Oblitey waiting for a tap in, Ross Stepney got there first, but only succeeded in diverting the ball into his own net off the crossbar from five yards out!

Stepney then earned a yellow card for going through Fofahan, but it’s not entirely clear how Fleet didn’t retake the lead in the 28th minute, when a low shot was well saved by Dan O’Donovan, but the follow up from close range from Tane Caubo somehow went back across the goal, missing the target from what appeared to be extremely close range. O’Donovan made another good low save with five minutes of normal time remaining from Luke Kandi before our keeper nearly claimed an assist when his free kick went to Jason Bloor, whose shot was on target and would have crept inside the right hand post of Finley Purcell, but was blocked by a defender and we went in at the break on level terms.

Surmon headed an early chance over the bar for Fleet within a couple of minutes of the restart and the majority of the possession was with them for a while, but on the hour we began to redress the balance and Ethan Nelson-Roberts sent in a dangerous ball that was cleared just ahead of Oblitey by Smith. Caubo headed another half chance wide for the visitors, but then somewhat against the run of play we took the lead in the 70th minute. A clever pass set Fofahan away down the right, and he cut back onto his left foot before delivering a peach of a cross to Oblitey, standing unmarked and five yards out, leaving him with the simplest of headers into the net.

David Romer came on for the injured Stillwell, which led to a little bit of defensive reshuffling, but we pushed forward again and Nelson-Roberts was denied by a superb last moment tackle, before Kionte Gillfillian-Waul produced a great run and pass across the six yard box, which was just missed by a defender. It appeared that Oblitey, standing beyond him, had expected the defender to reach it and didn’t quite react in time; the ball scraping off the underside of his boot from a few yards out.

A third goal then would surely have finished off Fleet Town and their unbeaten record, but good teams find a way back and although their substitute, the prolific Dan Bone, sent a header just wide, he made amends with a low shot from the edge of the area that was just out of reach for O’Donovan in the 84th minute. It’s not clear to me whether Bone was on the bench for tactical reasons, or whether he was coming back from injury, but he always gives us problems and it was fortunate for us that he didn’t play the full ninety minutes.

We had one last chance in the final minute of normal time when a Fofahan free kick was headed wide by Oblitey who had done well to lose his man, but just couldn’t keep the header on target, and after seven minutes of injury time the final whistle confirmed our fourth straight “Desmond”.

For those who are unaware, our third 2-2 draw against Redhill last week was the first time in club history that we had even had three of these in a row, so to see a fourth consecutive one is quite bizarre. The simple facts are that we have only one loss in ten matches now, but whilst the Redhill result was a good one, particularly from 2-0 down, I don’t believe I’m the only person that thinks the other three of those matches really ought to have been wins.

It’s not a major criticism though. Although we are currently in 15th place now with thirteen points from the same number of games, we remain seven points clear of the two relegation positions and are in much better form than the clubs down there, who are presently Balham and Spelthorne Sports. Don’t be fooled by the FA Full Time site or even the very useful Football Web Pages site though, it is two clubs and not one that will go down this season. Right now though, it definitely won’t be us.

With our League position fairly secure for now, we can turn our attention and focus to a pair of cup matches now, and against the same club as Berks County visit for the League Cup tie on Tuesday and the F.A. Vase tie the following Sunday. On current form, we will be favourites to progress through these ties, but also will need to hold on to a lead when we have it, as a draw in either or both of those matches will send us to the lottery of a penalty shoot out. Additionally, we have fought back from going behind five times in the last four matches, so it would be nice to see us start a little better in the matches to come.

Epsom & Ewell: Dan O’Donovan, Niall Stillwell, Kionte Gillfillian-Waul, Adam Green (c), Callum Wilson, Anthony Nazareth, Ali Fofahan, Craig Dundas, Carl Oblitey, Jason Bloor, Ethan Nelson-Roberts

Subs: David Romer for Stillwell (71), Conrad Essilfie-Conduah for Bloor (75)

On Saturday 11 th October 2014 Sutton & Epsom RFC visited Crescent Farm to play Sidcup who
were the early season league leaders of London 1 South after five games. On that day the Black &
Whites tore up the form book winning 23-16 with a stunning Kyren Ghumra try manufactured by a
perfect kick from Frankie Murray. Almost a decade later to the day it was a sense of dejà vu as
high-flying Sidcup arrived at Rugby Lane this time topping Regional 2 South East. The visitors
were the only unbeaten team in the league, had secured the maximum 20 points from four wins in
which they had scored the most points and conceded the least by a considerable margin. It was
not a case of lightning striking twice but more like Thor’s hammer descending from the heavens in
a cataclysmic explosion such was the intensity and physicality of this superb contest won by S&E
by a margin of 12-7.
Freddy Bunting got the ball rolling as Sutton played towards the clubhouse with the
permanent threat of rain. The early exchanges ceded little territory before a wonderful kick from
Josh Twyford angled into the home 22. The hosts responded with two bone-shaking tackles from
Ben Tame, that set the tone for an afternoon not for the fainthearted, and a fine kick from Gareth
O’Brien cleared their lines. The ferocity of the tackling and a slippery ball hindered the attacking
prowess of both XVs. Kiwi Josh Rea demonstrated his talent with a brace of tackles followed by a
fine break, Bunting probed with the boot and Sutton attempted to prise open the visitors’ well
organised and aggressive defence. The first genuine chance came on the quarter hour when
Austin Bell kicked ahead and the covering Seb Ellison was caught as he attempted to run from his
line. However, in the ensuing frenetic melee the referee awarded Sidcup a scrum for a knock on.
The game continued with great pace whilst thunderous tackling from both defences held
the upper hand as time after time ball-carriers were unceremoniously dumped onto their
posteriors. With the half hour approaching Josh Twyford perfectly placed kicked settled irritatingly
just outside the Sutton 22 and a hesitant Bell, now at 15 after an injury to Gareth O’Brien, kicked
out on the full. The visitors failed to prosper as their lineout faltered. From a Sutton scrum Rob
Hegarty ducked, weaved and evaded tacklers before offloading to the galloping Glanville who burst
to halfway where, as ever, Dan Jones was in support. The ubiquitous flanker set off on one of his
increasingly familiar runs and was finally halted by the swarming Sidcup defence in their 22. Sadly
this exhilarating attack ended as a pass was delivered to a man who was more trying to get out of
the way than storm forward.
The Rugby Lane team’s confidence was growing and Bell put through a grubber on halfway
and recovered it and chipped over to the 22. The second kick was rather over-egging the custard
and a grateful opposition regained the ball. To remind everyone who was the top team Sidcup
went onto the attack. An excellent kick-chase established them in the Black & White 22. It was
now the moment for their backs to demonstrate some wonderful handling in the wet conditions.
Sutton were scrambling on their line defending for their lives. Perhaps it was frustration or
impatience but with a try looking probable the Crescent Farm men conceded a penalty by going in
from the wrong side. Freddy Bunting thumped the ball to halfway and danger was averted.
As the enthralled spectators were contemplating a 0-0 score at the break the deadlock was
finally broken. Sidcup 15 Seb Ellison collected a Bunting kick on his 22. His return was not his
finest strike but the ball descended into space for the rapidly approaching fullback. A favourable
bounce was recovered and Seb Ellison ran the ball back from halfway. The covering Freddy
Bunting ushered him to the corner no doubt hoping this would be a 5-point score at worst. Up
stepped the experienced Josh Twyford who converted magnificently from the touchline to put the
league leaders 7-0 ahead. It was already in time added on but the robust nature of the contest
had meant that the medical teams had been on the paddock rather more often than usual
rebuilding their troops and there was ten additional minutes. Josh Twyford just failed to increase
the visitors’ advantage as a long–range penalty drifted wide. Then it was a case of cattywampus in
extremis as a Sutton scrum buckled. Fortunately for the hosts the Twyford kick into the corner
erred in their favour and sailed out of the dead ball area. The half finally concluded with the Black
& Whites pressing for a score.

The Kent men were determined to reaffirm their status and put the Sutton upstarts in their
place at the start of the second period as they kicked an early penalty into the corner. S&E were
soon in survival mode as they had a scrum 5 metres from their line. Tremendous Sidcup
scrummaging drove the Black & White eight over their line at a rate of knots. Steve Munford
managed to touchdown to avert the try. Now it was Sidcup’s turn to have the put in. The home
supporters feared the worst based on the most recent evidence. Incredibly Sidcup conceded a
penalty at the scrum as it wheeled. The hosts gleefully accepted the salvation. Reinvigorated by
their defensive resilience they went onto the offensive.
Sutton progress was met by a Sidcup side whose tremendous tackling scythed down all
before them. But the Black & Whites were not deterred and started to benefit from a flurry of
penalties. The spectators were divided over the perennial question: “Take the three points or kick
into the corner?” The team went for the higher tariff option. The excellent S&E lineout secured
possession but progress could be measured by inches rather than yards so resilient was the
visitors’ defence. Then an infringement gave Freddy Bunting a ‘free ball’ and he kicked to the
corner where the ball escaped the clutches of two of his comrades. Another 3 points was declined
and this time a huge tackle dislodged a ball giving an escape route for the leaders that they
gratefully accepted.
The action switch ends but a lofted kick ahead just drifted into the Sutton 22 and an alert
Bunting called for the mark and set off on a counter. Replacement Angus Findlay made a
wonderful run into the Sidcup half. The ball came to Lawrence Elliott outside the 22 and to counter
the onrushing defence he kicked ahead along the deck. The crowd were distracted as Elliott was
poleaxed but Josh Rea kept his eye on the ball and won the race to score. Though Freddy Bunting
missed the conversion his side now trailed 5-7.
Mr Willis declared that there were 11 minutes to play as the crowd urged on both teams for
another score. Sidcup descended into the Sutton 22. Austin Bell seeking anonymity and respite for
an injured shoulder retreated to the flank for a breather. Unaware of his condition he was given
the ball close to his line. He kicked for touch but the breeze meant it settled on halfway. Bell was
first to the ball and fly-hacked onwards wisely declining to scoop it up on the run. The ball
advanced deep into the 22 and S&E regained possession. The ball was sent wide where Jordan
Huie collected the pass and ran straight for the corner. A fabulous covering tackle brought him
crashing down but he stretched out to score his first try for Sutton. An ecstatic crowd cheers
increased when the insouciant Bunting made the touchline conversion look elementary for 12-7.
The hosts managed to see out the game without creating unwanted anxiety to record one of their
best wins in many seasons.
Any side contemplating beating Sidcup this campaign will need to bring their ‘A+Triple Star
Game’. The front row triumvirate of Messrs Gibboons, Fordham and Carmen are formidably
supported by a powerful back five. With the ageless Josh Twyford as the puppeteer at 10 they
have variety in attack and multiple threats. Traditionally their defence has been superbly organised
but there is now an almost savage power to their tackling. Indeed both sides dug so deep in
defence they might have enjoyed vistas of Bondi beach. Sutton rose to the challenge and matched
the league leaders for defensive desire and were neither intimidated nor subdued. Willing forwards
carried, the backs attacked at every opportunity and the kicking game was astute. From 1 to 18
the Black & Whites raised their level to new heights. There have been an avalanche of tries in the
league so far at Rugby Lane but this was by far the match of a season that is still in its infancy.
Sutton & Epsom
O’Brien, Huie, Scott, Elliott, Bell, Bunting ©, Munford, Boaden, Mount, Gibson, Glanville, Tame,
Rea, Jones & Hegarty.
Replacements: Hilton, Green & Findlay.
Sidcup
Ellison, Masters, Leek, Smith, Keeley ©, Twyford, Sullivan, Gibbons, Fordham, Carmen, Clarke,
Stock, Ruff, Healey & West.
Replacements: Conlon, Williams & Pooley.

_{Image courtesy Robin Kennedy}

Redhill 2-2 Epsom and Ewell. Combined Counties League – Premier Division South. Saturday 5th October 2024.

I wrote last week that matches against Redhill and Fleet Town would give us a better idea of where our likely final position would be, and against the league leading Lobsters we recovered from a slow start and a two goal deficit to send a message to the League that we are perfectly capable of holding our own in this division, as we drew 2-2 at Kiln Brow on Saturday afternoon; only the second time this season that they have dropped points.

The sharp eyed amongst you may have noticed that this was our third consecutive 2-2 draw and wondered whether this has happened before, and the answer is NEVER! This week was the eighth time in our history we had recorded a pair of 2-2 draws; the last time in 2010, but this third consecutive “Desmond” was the first time in club history that this had happened.

We made three changes from the draw against Balham on Wednesday. Callum Wilson returned to the squad after some time out injured, ahead of the absent David Romer, while Ali Fofahan came in on the right wing ahead of Luke Miller who was at a wedding and Jason Bloor made his first start for our club in place of Fabio Nunes who was on the bench, possibly in preparation for his upcoming three match suspension. However, best laid plans don’t always work out and a pair of injury enforced substitutions ensured that both Nunes and Niall Stillwell were both on the field by the end of the first half.

For the opposition, former Salts Adam Grant and Tommy Smith were in the starting line up, with Gavin Quintyne joining the action in the second half, although another in Jaevon Dyer was injured. The connections weren’t restricted to the playing field though, as former Coach and Caretaker Manager Matt Chapman was in the Redhill dugout, along with our former Assistant Manager Jordan Clark, now in charge at Kiln Brow. The hosts were four points clear at the top going into this match, with only Cobham taking points from them to this stage and they kicked off in front of a very decent crowd of 264, which was boosted by a number of children that were invited along, providing an example for our club how to do things like that properly.

The hosts got off to a fast start and a near post corner in the first minute was flicked just over our cross bar, before a raking ball out to the left three minutes later was followed by a great cross, although the Redhill striker wasn’t quite able to get enough purchase on the ball. It would have been a superb goal if it had gone in.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have to wait long before the ball was in our net as in the ninth minute Kionte Gillfillian-Waul was robbed (mugged?) around the half way line by former Salt Adam Grant, who then set Nathan Hogan off down the right. Wilson almost got across to cut the ball out, but only got half a boot on it and Hogan continued his run and he cut in and smashed the ball past Dan O’Donovan from an angle. Some say a keeper shouldn’t be beaten at his near post, but to be fair, this was a very powerful strike and I’m not sure any keeper could have reacted quickly enough as the ball flew into the roof of the net.

Gillfillian-Waul had taken a blow to the head after Grant’s robust challenge and required treatment before walking off, clearly dazed and Nunes was thrown on down the left with Ethan Nelson-Roberts dropping to left back. Soon after this O’Donovan was on the deck after he had come out to head the ball clear, only to be clattered after this. There were to be a number of stoppages in this match for treatment and it was clear that Redhill were going to try and outmuscle us. They even struck a free kick directly against a retreating Carl Oblitey before trying to get him booked, which was a little classless and fortunately the referee wasn’t interested in such games.

We hadn’t created much to this point and Redhill were certainly worth their lead at this stage, but we had our first real opportunity in the 34th minute when a free kick in was met by a Craig Dundas header and as the hosts failed to clear, Wilson knocked it goalwards and it required the intervention of a defender to hook it clear before it crossed the line. For those wondering, it was about a foot away, but did have the momentum to go in, so it was an important clearance.

Regrettably we were unable to build on that chance as our opponents extended their lead just three minutes later with a right wing cross to the far post that was met with a downward header. It wasn’t the greatest or most powerful of contacts, yet it still squirmed past O’Donovan who may not have had much chance with the first goal, but will certainly be annoyed with this one.

At 2-0 down this was an important test of our resilience. We really needed something back before the half time break and that’s exactly what happened, and from an unlikely source too. In the 43rd minute we won a free kick out wide on the right. Adam Green usually takes most of our set pieces, but appears to have reduced his workload in that area and Fofahan sent the delivery in, but before it could reach one of our players the Redhill Captain Eoin Fraser jumped higher and diverted the ball superbly past Luke Roberts in the Lobsters net from about eight yards out.

We were to play an extra five and a half minutes of injury time but plenty would still happen before the break. Wilson picked up a booking for a foul before Fraser took one for his team by bringing down Bloor as he threatened to break through. In the third minute of injury time we were forced into another replacement as Stillwell came on at right back in place of Brazier who has struggled at times this season with his hamstring and after feeling it was tight, had to make way. Finally, we had the unusual sight of another former Salt in Tommy Smith, cropping up on the right wing to send a decent cross over, although the header wasn’t on target, and after O’Donovan had comfortably gathered Ethan Ford’s low shot the players finally went for their half time break.

Our boys came out with a little more belief and we had an early chance in the 50th minute when Oblitey saw his shot blocked with the loose ball being struck only just over the bar by Wilson from the edge of the area. Redhill’s lead looked vulnerable and a great ball over the top of the defender from Stillwell set Fofahan through on goal before he was brought down by Joe Dyett. Or so everyone else in the ground thought. The referee was clearly awaiting an indication from the Assistant, but it never came and as Fofahan lay crumpled on the ground there was a lot of protestation, particularly from Bloor who was treading a very fine line on the sin-bin rule. It’s possible the referee gave him a little more leniency because he too thought that his colleague had got it wrong!

Bloor then told the Assistant to concentrate just ahead of our next free kick, which was ironic as our man was then pulled up for a foul! However, the pressure continued and as we pressed, Oblitey collected the ball and guided it over the advancing Roberts from ten yards to level the match up at 2-2 in the 58th minute.

The hosts looked rather wobbly at this stage and Nunes then got away on the left wing and his delivery found Fofahan just five yards out, but Roberts spread himself to make a superb block of his strike, and he was up quickly to repel the follow up from Green before Bloor’s attempt was blocked by a defender. Somehow Redhill survived this and Roberts continued his one man defiance by heading clear from outside of his area before being well positioned to save another strike from Fofahan. Both Bloor and Nunes picked up yellow cards as our threat began to wane and in the final minutes the hosts finished the stronger of the two sides as they made a belated attempt to claim a winner that they didn’t deserve. Stillwell cleared from a dangerous position and then Anthony Nazareth produced a great tackle to dispossess a Redhill forward as they pushed, but without success.

Overall, we were well worth at least a point and it looked to me as though we just gave our opponents a bit too much respect to start with. Maybe we do need to start better, as this was the fourth time in eight days that we had gone behind, all in the first half. We have still only scored two League goals in the opening forty-five minutes all season, and one of those was the own goal in this match! However, we didn’t lose any of the recent games where we trailed and now have just one defeat in our last nine matches. Another difficult challenge awaits us when Fleet Town visit on Saturday, but another good result will set us up for the League Cup and F.A. Vase ties at home to Berks County. Yes we are playing them at home in both cups!

The final word today goes to the Redhill programme. As a programme editor for thirteen seasons with nearly a dozen top ten finishes in the National awards, I think I’m qualified enough to comment that this was undoubtedly the best I have seen at this level all season, and it is an example to all that a few random photos and “static” pages moved into different places each week do not make for interesting reading, as you need actual articles to go with them, and at just £2 it is far better value than the others I’ve seen this season. If Redhill go up this season I’ll miss their programme, although on this performance it appears to me as though Redhill still have much work to do, regardless of their current League position.

Epsom & Ewell: Dan O’Donovan, Ethan Brazier, Kionte Gillfillian-Waul, Adam Green (c), Callum Wilson, Anthony Nazareth, Ali Fofahan, Craig Dundas, Carl Oblitey, Jason Bloor, Ethan Nelson-Roberts

Subs: Fabio Nunes for Gillfillian-Waul (10), Niall Stillwell for Brazier (45+3)

Report Source: www.eefconline.co.uk

Guildford Lido, in Stoke Park, used to be open 12 months a year from 2014, but that ended during the pandemic. This year’s summer season ended on September 15.

Nestled between Dorking and Reigate within the picturesque Surrey Hills, the Surrey Hills Activity Centre’s (SHAC) private lagoon at Buckland Park offers a 400m loop and is the perfect setting for your open water swimming and cold water training needs.

Outdoor swimming enthusiasts have called on Guildford Borough Council (GBC) and operator Freedom Leisure to reinstate all-year-round swimming in the contract when it is renewed in November.

Reaching over 1,600 signatures, a petition has said restoring the lido’s ‘off-season’ (autumn to spring) will promote health, well-being, and athletic achievement throughout the year.

“Not a financially viable model”

Councillors quizzed the Lead for Commercial Services about the lido at GBC Overview and Scrutiny Committee on September 30. Cllr James Walsh, referencing the petition, asked if a viable compromise could be made where winter swimmers can enjoy the pool without a financial loss.

“I don’t know how many of those 1,600 people would like to swim in the winter,” said Cllr Catherine Houston, Lead for Commercial Services at GBC. She told the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, on September 30, that she went down to the lido a week before it closed and there were only 12 people in the pool. “That is not a financially viable model,” Cllr Houston added.

Run at £140k loss in the summer, the lido is still able to operate because it is paired with the Spectrum centre, according to Cllr Houston. She described it as a ‘loss leader’ model: where the lido is sold at a loss to attract customers to the Spectrum.

Cllr Houston said the lido is “already not a profitable operation in the summer” but the council chooses to run it because “we all love it”. She added: “It’s such a wonderful facility and it provides a really valuable asset to the residents, visitors and beyond.”

Questions were raised about where the money is coming from for the council to invest to keep the pool open. Although there are some super keen winter swimmers, there are not the other leisure swimmers that may spend the whole day in the lido.

Cllr Walsh asked whether letting the pool out to clubs would subsidise the running costs. Officers explained that once the pool is open, the filtration and heating will be on so it is “tough” to see how many clubs and extracurricular sports groups will be needed to offset the costs. GBC would have to pay extra for the staff, heating, energy and catering arrangements.

The “grand old lady” needs upkeep

Around 91 years old, the 50m lido is a “grand old lady” in need of “tender loving care”, according to Cllr Houston. The off-season closure allows operators to have a safe area to operate the annual works without people in the pool.

Six new boilers will be installed this winter, as part of the lido’s annual maintenance season. Three pool blankets, with an accompanying structure, will also be fitted on the lido to maintain the water’s temperature.

GBC invested £2.1m into refurbishing the lido last year, including new changing rooms, improved drainage systems, environmental technologies to reduce energy and water usage, and updated poolside catering. Freedom Leisure also put in £1m towards the upgrade.

Contractual obligations

The contract renewal in November creates a new opportunity for the operator and the council to see if a new out of season activity can be put on offer.

Cllr Houston speculated Freedom Leisure might be asked to extend its opening hours by Friends of Guildford Lido. But the operator would have to look at a financial model to see if it is worth it without the extra cash input.

Operators of the lido are contracted to keep it open for 20 weeks, so the council cannot force it to stay open unless there is a big investment. “We’re in financially challenging times so we have to make tough decisions,” the Lead for Commercial Services said.

NOTE: Friends of Guildford Lido and the petitioners were contacted for comment. Neither have got back in touch.

Image courtesy SHAC

Wednesday 2 October saw the 16th running of the Better Club Games tournament at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s Copper Box Arena.

The annual event put on by charitable social enterprise GLL for the over-60s, saw over 400 older people from 20 local teams descend on the 7,500 seat venue – the 4th largest event space in London.

The ‘Battle of the Boroughs’ pits contestants from London and the south east in a diverse range of activities – all in friendly competition.

Darts, dominoes, short tennis, short-mat bowls, swimming, badminton, table tennis, cycling, walking netball and walking football all featured – with 200 people taking part in the walking sports held the week before in the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre and 100 in timed swims in local clubs throughout September.

Across all sports and locations, 700 older people took part.

In a tightly fought contest, Team Epsom & Ewell took the ultimate overall title – ahead of Waltham Forest in 2nd and Greenwich in 3rd. Epsom & Ewell were also winners in 2023 in the first gathering of the Better Club Games since Covid.

GLL first decided to put on the Better Club Games back in 2006 when it realised there was no major multi-sports activity in the UK which brought older adults together annually in the spirit of fun competition.

Competitors are drawn from Active Ageing Clubs facilitated by GLL in leisure centres; the activities chime with GLL’s mission to improve health and wellbeing as a key community service through physical activity and sport.

Active ageing has since become a major public health priority with noted benefits to physical health, mental health and helping reduce social isolation in the UK’s older population. In addition, keeping active reduces the burden on the NHS.

The 2024 Better Club Games Ambassador was actor and radio presenter Christopher Biggins, 76. He added some trademark fun to the proceedings, taking part in a candid Q&A and trying his hand at darts and table tennis.

‘Better’ is the brand name of the UK’s leading leisure charitable social enterprise GLL. The company’s ethos is to reinvest in local community health and wellbeing and the Better Club Games is a key part of this commitment.

GLL Deputy CEO Phil Donnay said: “It was inspiring to see over 400 participants at the Copper Box Arena turn out to take part in this year’s running of the Better Club Games, compete and have fun.

“The importance of ageing well and living well is huge – both for individuals and wider society.

“As a charitable social enterprise, GLL are proud to show what older people are capable of through our Better Club Games.

“Congratulations to all those who took part and to our worthy winners – Epsom & Ewell.”

Speaking from winning team Epsom & Ewell, semi-retired accountant Tony Gayle, 68, from Stoneleigh, took part in the table tennis, the Games enabling him to rediscover his interest in the sport. “The competitive element is fun but the most important thing is to enjoy the day. It’s sociable – you see people you met at the Games last year.”

Epsom & Ewell Team mate Phil Humphrey, 64, is a retired construction consultant who was involved with building the Stratford Olympic Park. This was his fourth Club Games and though he previously competed in table tennis, he has now switched to short tennis. “I’d never tried it before but they needed someone for the team a couple of years ago,” he explains. “Myself and my partner volunteered and we got to like it – so much so that we now play once or twice a week, all year round!”

Better Club Games is organised and funded exclusively by charitable social enterprise GLL – which runs the Olympic legacy competition venues Copper Box Arena and Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre which hosted the sports.

In addition to transport and refreshments, participants enjoy raising awareness for their club, a celebrity ambassador on the day, a team trophy for each individual sport winner and a medal for every competitor.

Teams from Enfield, Mole Valley and Newham competed for the first time.

The event was supported by GLL supplier partners Technogym, Your PT and Brakes.

GLL Communications

Picture caption: 2024 Better Club Games Winners – Epsom & Ewell with GLL Deputy CEO Phil Donnay (4th from right, front row) and Club Games Ambassador Chris Biggins (second row, 4th from left) /Credit:  GLL

Balham 2-2 Epsom and Ewell FC. Combined Counties League – Premier Division South. Wednesday 2nd October 2024.

We secured a 2-2 draw against lowly placed Balham on Wednesday evening after coming from behind twice with a pair of goals from Captain Adam Green. This result was more notable when you realise that we played with ten men from the 27th minute.

Our club somewhat naively advertised this match as “thrilling” even before it took place, in some rather strange, almost desperate attempt to get supporters to come and watch, but they were coming anyway and 81 were present, many of which had made the journey over to Tooting & Mitcham United’s Imperial Fields, where Balham currently ground share, to watch this contest on a pitch that had dealt comfortably with all the recent rain and a match just twenty four hours previously.

However, this match was definitely not “thrilling”. It was intriguing and even eventful at times with plenty of cards issued to both teams, but it was also bitty, stop-start, niggly and lacking in quality as a clearly low on confidence “home” team were given the one man advantage and took the lead twice, but couldn’t hold on in either case, and over the ninety minutes, I felt that we were the better team and would have won this match, had we retained a full complement of players.

This match was our second consecutive away League match played at the same venue, following our win over Tooting & Mitcham United three weeks previously, which was only the ninth time that this has happened in club history, and the first since 1998. We only made one change with David Romer keeping his place after he had come on for Reece Tierney midway through the second half of Saturday’s match against Horley Town. Tierney was on the bench but would not be involved in this contest.

An early Green free kick was punched away by John Ross in the Balham goal before our opponents sent an early volley over our crossbar that they probably should have scored. However, on the quarter hour mark we did the same after Ethan Nelson-Roberts set up Anthony Nazareth but he blazed over from just ten yards with just the keeper to beat.

The game took a serious turn in the 27th minute when Fabian Nunes won a free kick in the middle of the park, but despite having won this he inexplicably chose to kick out at his opponent in front of the referee, who had no choice but to issue the red card. This will keep him out for the next three matches from next Monday, meaning he will be ineligible for both the League Cup tie and our F.A. Vase tie in addition to the League match again Fleet Town on Saturday week.

Eventually the free kick was taken and although Nelson-Roberts was somewhat harshly pulled up for a foul, it’s still worth reporting as his header produced a world class save from Ross, who somehow guided the downward header back up and over the bar despite being on the ground. A truly incredible save, even if the goal wouldn’t have counted. Ross wouldn’t have known that at the time.

Inevitably, Balham were then spurred on by the present of the extra man and a long range strike from an angle by Idir Kermoud was tipped away from the top corner by Dan O’Donovan. The corner was half cleared, only for Carl Oblitey to concede a foul out wide and from this in the 36th minute, the delivery to the near post was headed powerfully past our keeper by Maxwell Emmery from just ten yards out to give them the lead.

Things looked grim at this point. Balham had only one League win all season and that had come way back on opening day 10th August against the other team in the bottom two in Spelthorne Sports. Fortunately, and maybe crucially, we were back on terms soon after. There was a coming together between Rayjon Moore for Balham and our own Ethan Brazier, both of whom picked up yellow cards, but from the long O’Donovan free kick, Oblitey headed the ball on and a defender missed his clearance, leaving Green through and he slotted the ball with his weaker left foot beyond the exposed Ross into the far corner from just eight yards out in the 39th minute.

Romer held a player back and picked up a yellow card just before the break and we nearly started the second half with a bang as Luke Miller broke through with just thirty seconds on the clock, but from 18 yards out he guided his shot about a foot wide of the Balham keeper’s left hand post. Balham then seized on this to grab the lead once again in the 52nd minute and whilst Moore was the scorer, this goal came about mostly as a result of a superb free kick from the Balham Captain Luke Hedges, who curled the ball towards the top corner from twenty yards, striking the underside of the crossbar and leaving Moore the simplest of jobs to tap the ball across the line from a few feet out with O’Donovan still on the ground. Some marking would have been nice, but it’s the old adage of following the ball in, because you never know if the ball will come back to you!

Again though, the home side weren’t able to hold on for long and just ten minutes after conceding, we were level. Nelson-Roberts did well, while positioned out on the right wing for a change and his pinpoint cross was headed in from close range by Green who outjumped his defender and gave Ross no chance.

The remaining half an hour contained very little to write about, although Hedges picked up a pair of yellow cards in quick succession to reduce Balham to ten men in the final minute of normal time. Ross made another fine save to keep our substitute Jason Bloor out with an outstretched leg in the closing minutes after another substitute Ali Fofahan had set him up, and in the final seconds of the match an O’Donovan free kick from the half way line was met by the head of Green just six yards out but unchallenged, although Ross was down well to prevent our Captain claiming a hat trick.

And maybe we would have deserved the win too. Make no mistake, if Balham continue at this rate, they will go down. An indication of their ambition came after the final whistle when Ross commented to some supporters standing near to us that “at least we didn’t lose”. I’m not sure how they expect to escape the drop if they are unable to take three points from one of the teams in the bottom half, when they are at home, leading twice and with a player advantage!

From our perspective, we showed plenty of work rate and the draw moved us up to twelfth place, which equals the best position we have been in the League since the opening day of last season. We have now lost just one match in our last eight and this was also the first point we had ever gained against Balham who had beaten us in all four previous meetings. However, discipline needs to be improved amid a flurry of cards late in the match, that if I counted correctly, will leave both clubs on a charge of failing to control their players, with the obligatory heavy Surrey FA fine. For sure the referee appeared to lose a some control of the game, but the players weren’t helping him and the game became quite attritional.

Sometimes “attritional” is a good thing. Our players certainly needed to battle across every inch of the field, having lost the man so early and we showed lots of spirit in fighting back to equalise twice. However, in that final half hour the football suffered as a result at a time when I felt Balham were there for the taking. Our next two encounters against the high-flying Redhill and Fleet Town will give us a better idea of where our final position in the table will be, but based on this match, and whilst more points are obviously required still, there are currently no dangers of relegation for our boys, even if it was only a point claimed on the night.

Epsom & Ewell: Dan O’Donovan, Ethan Brazier, Kionte Gillfillian-Waul, Adam Green (c), David Romer, Anthony Nazareth, Luke Miller, Craig Dundas, Carl Oblitey, Fabio Nunes, Ethan Nelson-Roberts

Subs: Ali Fofahan for Oblitey (82), Jason Bloor for Nelson-Roberts (86)

Report Source: www.eefconline.co.uk

Battersea Ironsides 19 Sutton & Epsom 19. Saturday 28th September

A year ago the 2023-4 Ironsides vintage were on top of the table having opened their
account with 80 points against Gravesend and followed that up with bonus point wins over Sidcup
and the Cornish. This current Battersea brew have been battle hardened and forged into steel by a
trio of nail-biting finishes. Unbeaten at Garratt Green with a one-point and a three-point victory
over Thurrock and Beckenham but bettered by three on the road at Reeds Weybridge. For the
high scoring visitors it was a case of wanting to return to winning ways. At the final whistle, after a
gripping match, the sides could not be separated as the scoreboard read 19-19.
Players and spectators alike palavered peacefully onwards into the unclouded jollity of the
afternoon. Sutton with the slope and the wind in their favour were unleashed by Freddy Bunting’s
perfectly flighted kick off. The first foray to the Battersea 22 was led by Ewan McTaggart who is
fast becoming a most prominent feature in the S&E pack. The lock forward might be lacking in
steatopygia, that comforting feature for Number 8s of yesteryear, but he makes up for that
deficiency with his athleticism around the park. In reply a penalty and subsequent lineout provided
the hosts with their first attacking platform. Outside centre Charles Jacobs’ break was supported
by hooker Oliver Lewis before Jacobs carried again. Battersea spun it wide and looked favourites
to score in the corner but a wonderful covering tackle by captain Bunting led to a hopeful offload
inside which was poached by Gareth O’Brien who was felled by a high tackle. It would not be the
only occasion that the Black & White line under severe pressure would be relieved by the impatient
hosts conceding a costly penalty.
On the quarter hour Battersea Ironsides were again guilty of failing to convert pressure
into points. Awarded a brace of penalties in quick succession from a scrum and then a lineout they
were in prime position five metres from the Sutton line. The Rugby Lane forwards refused to yield
and the ball was sent to the flank. With defenders dwindling in numbers the hosts were stopped
agonisingly close and the ball-carrier executed the most unsubtle of double movements to reach
over the line. The observant Mr Howe again awarded Sutton the sweet succour of a penalty. From
a certain try conceded, a moment later, Freddy Bunting was pouring a sack load of salt into the
gaping wound by calmly notching his first penalty of the afternoon to give Sutton a 3-0 lead.
Buoyed by this success Gareth O’Brien made a stunning strike to the Home XV’s 22 . The ball was
recycled and sent wide where Ironsides’ 10 Charles Stuart nearly intercepted and both sides were
left to rue their chances.
With the half hour fast approaching Gibson replaced Mount in the S&E front row and made
an immediate impact with a rampaging carry from a lineout. Soon after Freddy Bunting was
admiring his second success of the afternoon as his team extended their advantage to 6-0. The
effrontery of the lead despite having less territory and possession spurred the Garratt Park team to
greater heights. For the third time an error, with a try looking a distinct possibility, ended an
attack but this time the knock on was not fatal as Battersea were brought back for their penalty.
The green shirts piled in under the Black & White’s posts before releasing the backs and winger
Ewan Magee scored in the corner. Charles Stuart regally converted from the touchline to take a 7-
6 lead. To pile pelion on ossa S&E lost Matt Whitaker to injury and Ben Green entered the fray.
There was still time left in the first period for Sutton & Epsom to restore their lead when
Freddy Bunting opted for a kick at goal from within his own half with the final play. It had perfect
direction but just lacked the yardage. The sides turned around with Battersea leading 7-6. For the
second period the hosts would enjoy not only the topographical advantage but also any favours
from the wind. There was the possibility that the cultured boot of Charles Stuart might be the
significant factor for the remainder of the contest and that Sutton’s superb defensive resolve might
be tested in extremis during the second half.
The tactical kicking game was initiated from the outset with a bout of kick tennis that
ended in Sutton’s favour courtesy of a superior offering by Gareth O’Brien. That the boot might
have primacy over the running game was amply demonstrated after a couple of minutes when the
dangerous Jacobs shunned the opportunity to run the ball back but rifled a marvellous kick to the

22. As the forwards wrestled for supremacy, the commitment, intensity of carrying and tackling
    was ratcheted up another notch by both packs. Equally the back divisions marshalled their
    defences as both XVs went in search for the vital opening score of the half. After 15 minutes it
    took an astutely angled grubber from Freddy Bunting that bounced up perfectly for winger Austin
    Bell to break the deadlock. It was a classic example of sporting vision, that priceless ability to see
    in a split second what others do not in order to create the sublime moment. A majestic touchline
    conversion by Bunting bisected the uprights and S&E led 13-7.
    Sutton held the upper hand for five minutes. The Ironsides forced S&E to their line with a
    probing kick forcing a lineout ten metres out. Clean ball and a well executed catch and drive saw
    the hosts trundle irresistibly over the line for their second try. Trailing by a solitary point Charles
    Stuart’s conversation oversaw the restoration of their lead by 14-13. As is so often the case the
    opposition were given an early opportunity with a penalty from the restart. The Black & Whites
    owed their chance for the lead to a thunderous tackle from flanker Ben Tame. There was a
    moment of confusion when the height of the Bunting kick exceeded the diminutive stature of the
    Battersea uprights but Sutton & Epsom now inched ahead by 16-14. Perhaps distracted by that
    uncertainty the restart sailed out on the full and Sutton scrummaged on halfway. Moments later
    there was another indication of the tension telling. An Ironside queried Mr Howe’s interpretation of
    the laws in a tone that was not appreciated and the referee ushered the defenders 10 metres
    back. If loose lips sink ships then loquacious rugby players cost three points. Freddy Bunting
    added a fourth penalty to his tally for Sutton to lead 19-14 with a dozen minutes to go plus the
    extras for stoppages.
    Battersea now went in search of points. Their first sortie was cut short when they lost
    possession on the Sutton 22 and Austin Bell cleared magnificently to the opponent’s half. S&E
    were on the attack but were thwarted by a Charles Stuart interception and kick that rolled into
    their 22. Austin Bell covered well to secure the ball on the deck and the Black & Whites were gifted
    a penalty as a chasing Ironside naively fell on the prostrate Bell. As the game entered time added
    on it was one-way traffic in favour of Battersea. The visitors were magnificent in defence and
    thought they had earned a turnover but the hosts were awarded the scrum. Closer and closer the
    Garratt Park pack advanced to the posts. Avoiding the risk of being held up over the line, with
    admirable patience under the circumstances, they finally forced their way over by the right hand
    upright. 19 all and the conversion was a mere formality for a kicker of Stuart’s stature. However,
    Charles Stuart, endured the type of unexpected misfortune that would have been familiar to not
    only Aeschylus but also his historical namesake as the conversion was missed. Shortly afterwards
    the referee concluded proceedings and the sides shared the points for a 19-19 draw.
    It was a fitting result for two teams that had given their all. For Sutton Ben Green’s
    performance off the bench was redolent of Ed Burton at Guildford in 2015. Green’s previous
    contributions had been predominantly inconsequential minutes off the bench but he revelled in the
    opportunity at a serious stint at Number 8. He carried with aggression, tackled powerfully and
    symbolised an outstanding effort by the Sutton pack. No doubt this Battersea side will be
    contenders for promotion again this season as they have quality in all departments.
    The league now takes a week off and the action returns to Rugby Lane when league
    leaders Sidcup visit on 12 th October. What a difference a year makes, on their last trip in November
    2023 they arrived bottom of the league and level on points with Sutton & Epsom with both clubs
    having only a solitary win to their names in seven outings.
    Sutton & Epsom
    O’Brien, Watkins, Scott, Elliott, Bell, Bunting ©, Munford, Mount, Gordon, Boaden, Glanville,
    McTaggart, Tame, Jones & Whitaker.
    Replacements: Gibson, Green & Unused: Symonds.
    Battersea Ironsides
    Baker, Magee, Jacobs, Roberts, Craig, Stuart, Barnard, Chetwynd, Lewis, Batstone, MacPherson,
    Walton, Dollard, Chitan & Martin.
    Replacements: Borup, Humphris & Diamond.

Epsom and Ewell FC 2-2 Horley Town. Combined Counties League – Premier Division South. Saturday 28th September 2024.

An entertaining contest took place at King George’s Field on Saturday and although the visitors took a share of the points from this 2-2 draw with a late equaliser, it would have been harsh on them if they had lost, as both teams played their part in a fully committed and competitive encounter.

An official attendance of 94 was advised for this match, even though only 77 were counted half way through the first half, but maybe an inflation of the crowd was inevitable this week, following the poor number of attendees for the midweek win over Hilltop. Either way, our team went into this match in good form, having won five of our last six matches and bearing this in mind, the figure remains a disappointing one.

We made three changes to our line up after the win over Hilltop with Anthony Nazareth coming in for his first start in place of the injured Toby Young, while further forward Fabio Nunes came back in ahead of Luke Taylor. The final change was with Dan O’Donovan back in goal ahead of Faebian Witter, who was destined to be on the bench until he injured himself in the warm up. He was then replaced in the line up just before the kick off by young defender David Romer. He was joined there by fit again Ali Fofahan, following his injury at Tooting & Mitcham United and also Jason Bloor who had scored on his debut before missing the last couple of matches due to a holiday.

The visitors were first to fashion an opportunity when a right wing cross was met with a far post volley, but the ball struck a defender and was cleared. Horley dragged a free kick wide from a good position, but in the ninth minute we created a good chance of our own as Carl Oblitey, showing no effects of the hamstring twinge he suffered four days previously, beat two men and as he drew other defenders towards him, he sent the pass to the right where Luke Miller was in a large amount of space. Our tricky winger would usually bury this chance, but on this occasion he lashed it straight at George Hyde in the Horley goal from just inside the penalty area and he parried the ball to safety.

Then just a minute later a visiting defender sliced the ball straight into Oblitey’s path, but he also sent his shot too close to Hyde, who blocked the ball up in the air and was alert to get up quickly and claw the ball away as it threatened to cross the goal line.

We were now well and truly in this match, yet surprisingly we then went behind in the 18th minute and it might well have been avoidable. Nazareth cut his head in a collision and had to leave the field to await the arrival of a clean shirt, which for some reason was still back in the changing room and he was still off the field when a right wing delivery was met by a close range header from former Salt Lewis Pearch that gave O’Donovan no chance.

Another cross was just headed wide by Mason Seagroatt as the visitors threatened to get a second goal and they then sent a low volley just wide of O’Donovan’s right hand post. The frustrating thing about this last chance was that we had chosen to attack before losing the ball, yet by kicking the ball out of play, we would have been up to eleven men again. Instead, Nazareth was left standing there on the sideline and waiting to come back on, so to have conceded at this stage would have been a really serious error. Finally after nearly seven minutes off the field, our bandaged up defender finally returned to the field of play. It was all a bit Sunday League!

But with eleven men again we threatened to level things up when Oblitey sent Miller through in the left hand channel, from where his powerful shot just clipped a defender, sending the ball onto the crossbar and out for a corner. Then from the Adam Green corner, the ball skipped straight through everyone before hitting Ethan Nelson-Roberts at the far post only a couple of yards out, and as the ball rebounded back off him and into the danger area, Nazareth skied the ball from just eight yards out.

Horley were also making chances and a good ball down the right sat up nicely for Pearch to strike a volley towards goal, which O’Donovan just plucked out of the air. Then we had a bit of an issue after Nazareth was accused of stepping on a player. Obviously, we were a long way from the action, and he may well have caught him, but the referee either decided that it was accidental, or maybe he didn’t get a great view of it, so no further action was taken. From the subsequent free kick O’Donovan got his hands to the ball but couldn’t hold on and required a defensive clearance before we could relax. We nearly equalised right on the half when a deep Nelson-Roberts cross was met by a volley from Miller, but it was from a narrow angle and the ball zipped across the six yard area and out for a goal kick.

A goal down at the break, and with the knowledge that we had missed some really good chances and still hadn’t managed to score in the opening half of any of our ten League matches this season, it was important that we didn’t concede again, but it nearly happened in the 50th minute when Pearch set up another former Salt in Warren Colman, but the shot at goal had the sting taken out of it by the covering Ethan Brazier and the ball dribbled tamely through to O’Donovan.

The visitors continued to seek a second and a loose header from Reece Tierney forced Nazareth to try and reach the second ball, which he failed to do; colliding with a Horley striker and picking up a yellow card for his troubles. Fortunately, Aaron Moody’s free kick from twenty yards was straightforward for O’Donovan.

After this wobbly start to the second half we began to get a foothold in the contest and Oblitey set up Miller for a low shot, although Hyde made a decent save. Then Romer came on for his debut in place of Tierney. It was odd to see the new boy taking the field as the first substitute, seeing as he hadn’t even been in the sixteen man squad originally, so I have to assume that Tierney had suffered an injury.

He didn’t have much defending to do for a while as we continued to press. Nunes saw his shot take a slight deflection before Hyde was able to palm it beyond the far post on the hour and from the corner Nunes then saw his low shot blocked, but not held by Hyde, although he was up quickly to block the close range effort from Nelson-Roberts just wide. Finally, from the second corner, the ball reached Miller at the far post and his pinpoint cross back into the danger area was met by Oblitey eight yards out with a thumping header that flew into the net in the 61st minute for our equaliser.

We were well on top at this stage and Nelson-Roberts did really well on the left to turn his man and run in, sending an early delivery for the incoming Oblitey, but he had more time than he realised and snatched at the ball, slicing it wide from eighteen yards. Then Nunes saw his shot blocked by Hyde’s legs and although it sat up kindly for Green, his header didn’t have enough power on it to beat Hyde.

We continued to attack and Miller received a great pass from midfield, only for his cross to be just ahead of Oblitey. Miller was then caught by a defender after his delivery but the referee decided that it wasn’t worth a penalty, even though our man was adamant that he had been fouled. Fortunately, it wouldn’t make much difference as Bloor had come on in the 71st minute and within 120 seconds he made the breakthrough for his second goal in his second match. It was a nice move, coming from a throw on that Green flicked on, and Oblitey cleverly dummied, which gave Bloor a bit of space and he drilled the ball in at the near post from the edge of the area with Hyde unsighted to give us the lead.

Craig Dundas was next to test Hyde, and although the shot was well saved, Miller then blazed the loose ball high and wide from fairly close in. As time began to tick down though, Horley started to make some chances. Brazier picked up a yellow card for a foul that led to a bit of handbags between the players. One delivery whizzed across our six yard box, before an 85th minute Matt Rapson cross to the far post was met by a looping header from Seagroatt that O’Donovan couldn’t reach and Horley were level at 2-2.

Both teams had one good chance in the closing minutes. Horley sent a ball in from the left that was just ahead of their incoming striker, while substitute Fofahan was put through on goal, but Hyde was out quickly to block the shot. Overall though, a draw was a fair result, and whilst the visiting keeper Hyde was the busier of the two keepers, our lack of clinicality meant that we hadn’t done enough to deserve the win and we now face a trip to Tooting & Mitcham United on Wednesday where we will face Balham in our next attempt to get three points.

The final word goes to the referee Mr Sotimirin. I have not always been a fan of some of his performances, going all the way back to 2008, but he let the game flow nicely and although the players occasionally threatened to take advantage of his leniency at times, his handling ensured that this was one of the most entertaining matches of the season so far and credit is due for this.

Epsom & Ewell: Dan O’Donovan, Ethan Brazier, Kionte Gillfillian-Waul, Adam Green (c), Reece Tierney, Anthony Nazareth, Luke Miller, Craig Dundas, Carl Oblitey, Fabio Nunes, Ethan Nelson-Roberts

Subs: David Romer for Tierney (59), Jason Bloor for Nunes (71), Ali Fofahan for Oblitey (88)

Report Source: www.eefconline.co.uk

The finale meeting of the Summer Flat season at Epsom Downs arrives on Sunday with a seven-race card to bring the campaign to a close. 

Racing gets underway at 1.45pm with a class four nursery contest before the action – and the season – rounds off at 5.15pm with a class four handicap. 

Read below to discover the latest tips and a full meeting preview for Epsom’s final card of the year on Sunday courtesy of Racing TV. 

The opening contest on Sunday’s card sees a small field of five head to the start for the class four jersey contest (1.45). The Paul and Oliver Cole-trained White Chapel Road could be the play in the opener, getting off the mark in a Brighton maiden 27 days ago in fine style and he should be right up there again if showing the same form. Previous course and distance winner Pietro can fill the second spot and rates the chief threat. 

Race two on the card (2.20) is another five runner contest, this time in a class two conditions stakes over the extended mile around Epsom. Anniversary holds an entry in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes at Doncaster next month and this could be an ideal prep run for the Ralph Beckett runner, off the mark on debut at Newmarket six weeks ago so is the clear horse to beat here. 

Sene runners aged between three and four years old will tackle race three on the card (2.55) over the one mile and two furlong trip. Rickshaw made a promising start for trainer Harry Charlton when landed a third in a Pontefract maiden ten days ago and should be in with a big shout here stepping up in trip. Of his rivals, Sir Lowry’s Pass rates the main danger, a winner of a Goodwood novice earlier this month despite missing the break that day. 

Mark Of Gold looks to be the one to beat in the fourth race on the card (3.30), returning to the Flat having been pulled up in a handicap hurdle at Sandown in April for trainer Gary Moore and back on a handy looking mark as well, will take all the beating. Stablemate Miller Spirit can run him closer, a three-time winner in 2024 and produced a career-best when winning at this track just 17 days ago. 

Nine runners will tackle the one mile and two furlong class three handicap at 4.05 with preference heading the way of Andrew Balding’s handicapping newcomer Winston’s Tipple, who got off the mark in a six runner novice at Lingfield last time out and has the eye-catching jockey booking of Oisin Murphy to boot. Qitaal looked better than ever when scoring under the now retired Franny Norton at Chester on his last run and can take the second spot here as he has to defy a 9lb rise in the weights. 

The penultimate on the card is up next at 4.40 and Arkhalia Flynn is taken to get back to winning ways having only been narrowly denied in his hat trick bid last time out at Haydock for trainer Jack Channon. 

Finally, the card and the season at Epsom comes to a close with an 11-runner handicap in class four over the seven furlong trip (5.15). Preference in the finale goes to Hodler, who has a good record at this track including a win over course and distance 17 days ago for which he is penalised 6lb in the weights but given how impressive his last run was, looks the type to be able to shoulder the rise with ease. 

Epsom selections – Sunday

1.45 – White Chapel Road

2.20 – Anniversary

2.55 – Rickshaw

3.30 – Mark Of Gold

4.05 – Winston’s Tipple

4.40 – Arkhalia Flynn

5.15 – Hodler

Horses racing Image: Credit Paul. CC BY 2.0