17th February – Combined Counties Premier League: Epsom & Ewell were held to a 2–2 draw at the Eastwood Centre against Sheerwater in what was technically a “home game away”, with Chalky Lane unplayable.
Before kick-off, thanks were extended to Trevor and Chris for helping to arrange the fixture at short notice, and to Wendy for her efforts behind the bar, on the gate and helping with catering on the night.
On the pitch, it was a competitive contest in which the Salts were forced to grow into the game after several weeks without regular match action. Return of key players There was a welcome boost with the return of Toby, Ali and Luke to the squad after an extended spell out.
Speaking after the match, the managers said: “We’ve trained for seven weeks, and we look and feel like ourselves again. Just a little bit more fitness and sharpness and it might have been a different result for us. We’re buzzing that they’re back — they’re very important to what we do.”
First-half talking points The opening half included two penalty shouts for Epsom, one involving Oba. The manager felt the defender “just got enough of it to make it not a penalty,” adding that in a tight league season you do not always get those decisions — and the side cannot rely on them.
Sheerwater also had a controversial moment from a corner, with appeals that the ball had crossed the line. However, there was no goal given. As the manager put it: “They all celebrated like it was in. I don’t think it was. Sami didn’t seem too concerned. A bit of a phantom non-goal.”
The sides went into the latter stages level in a game that was finely balanced. Playing against ten For the fourth successive match, Epsom found themselves facing ten men. On this occasion, the management team felt there was visible progress. “That’s the best we’ve looked against ten. We were cleverer, found the right passes and the right space. We got our two goals and actually looked like scoring.” However, he admitted the team may have become “too excited” at 2–1, continuing to push forward when perhaps game management was required. “We were still trying to score when we probably should have set up.” Sheerwater eventually levelled, meaning the spoils were shared. Looking ahead With four games scheduled next week — Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday — squad depth will be tested.
The manager remains confident: “We’ve got a big enough squad to deal with it. The boys prefer playing games to training, so it gives us something to work on.” In the end, it was a point away from home against a strong side — and with key players returning, there are positives to build on as a busy period approaches.
