Epsom & Ewell FC V Redhill Match Report

On Saturday 9th March Epsom & Ewell FC (EEFC) visited the home of Redhill Football Club (The Lobsters) for what looked on paper a tough match with their hosts vying for a playoff position. Redhill had a very good recent record with only one defeat in their previous eight matches. EEFC were coming into the game after their very impressive victory over mid-table Sandhurst Town the previous weekend. 

As for EEFC team, they welcomed back Faebian Witter in goal and on the bench they saw the returning Jerry Antwi after completing the required concussion protocols after an incident against Alton FC 14 days before. As for Redhill, they included various former Epsom players in their line up so there was bound to be a bit of familiarity between the two sides. This showed that their hosts were very aware of the attacking threat that Jaevon Dyer has and were keen to starve him of possession.

Redhill had bolstered their crowd by inviting several local schools to the game which should be applauded as they try to increase support from their local community.  This is very similar to EEFC who invite along various ‘community partners’ to their games whenever they are available.

EEFC started the game in confident style and were certainly the better team in the opening exchanges. This included a shot that went just wide and a header that just went over the top of the cross bar.  What is true is that in the first half chances were very few and far between for both sides and neither goalkeeper had a lot to do. The half ended 0-0.

As the second half began Redhill had come out with much more of an attacking intent and forced EEFC back on several occasions, although EEFC were not without carrying a threat to their higher placed opponents as a Carl Obiltey header rattled their crossbar. At the other end, Redhill forced four consecutive corners and from the last one of those a Redhill player was unmarked and slotted the ball into the net from around 8 yards – 1-0 to Redhill on 57 minutes.  Redhill were certainly on top in the next period of play and EEFC goalkeeper kept them in the game with a very good low save.

EEFC made a couple of substitutions and one of those in Sirak Negassi had a good chance to level the scores but his shot went tamely wide. Then after a needless foul in the 85th minute by a Redhill player on the left wing, Adam Green put the resulting free kick into the box, it was headed on by Reece Tierney to an unmarked Thompson Adjemi who again headed the ball across the box to an another unmarked Epsom player in Zack Ingram-Wright who was on hand to head the ball into an empty net for his first goal for the club.

EEFC have had a propensity this season to concede various late goals so the Epsom supporters amongst the crowd were probably in for a nail biting finish.  When in fact the opposite was the case where EEFC had a glorious chance to wrap up the three points after Negassi, Luke Miller and Carl Obiltey missed the chance to score EEFC second goal and Redhill were able to clear the ball.  That was the last chance of the game so it ended 1-1.

All in all a good point for EEFC and they move onto to their next game against Balham FC next Saturday 16th March at the ground they share with AFC Croydon.  Let’s hope EEFC can continue their good form and get something out of that game as well.

For More Info on EEFC Visit https://epsomandewellfc.co.uk/

Match Report and Photo from Peter Mutton and Gemma Jarman