A thumping 5-1 victory at last for ‘The Salts’ as they earned their first three points of the season against the close neighbours of Colliers Wood United.
It was the first game in charge for Steve Springett with his new coaches of Sam Groombridge and Ash Snadden and what a start for this new team.
The crowd was boosted by a group from the under-11 team from Epsom and Ewell Colts and their parents with an attendance of just over 70.
What of the match? The Salts had the perfect start after a penalty was awarded in the 5th minute after a foul on Ethan Nelson-Roberts and Jaan Stanley cooly slotted the penalty home to make it 1-0. The Salts pressed home this advantage and increased their lead in the 20th minute after a bit of ping pong in the oppositions penalty area which left Marlon Pinder to score his second goal for the club and against his most recent team. The Salts made it 3-0 just 8 minutes later after a deep cross was met by Ade Batula who headed back across the keeper. In truth it was no more than they deserved. HT 3-0.
In the second half The Salts expected the opposition to come out but in truth The Salts more than held their own and then T J scored what can only be described as an unstoppable shot – by the way T J is Tjani Eshilokum. This made it 4-0. The Salts began to use the substitutes bench a bit more than usual with this comfortable cushion, plus it was an unseasonably hot day for all concerned so energy conservation was very important.
Unfortunately they conceded with a few minutes remaining to make it 4-1 but very soon after The Salts were awarded another penalty which George Owusu converted to make it 5-1 which was the final score.
All in all a very satisfactory day at the office, Epsom & Ewell FC still remain bottom but they have at least got on the scoreboard. The Salts now face a tough fixture away at Alton next Saturday where they hope they can keep the momentum going from this victory.
How nice it is to win at last on a Saturday and see so many happy faces leaving the ground after the game – long may that continue.
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Match Report By: Peter Mutton
Photos by: Gemma Jarman