Epsom Athletic

After two weeks without a match it was good to get the team back on the pitch. Our last fixture, away at Flackwell Heath had yielded a positive performance if not the result to match but it was certainly something to build on. Given the effort the players put into the previous game and the consistency of player availability it was the same starting XI that took to the field. The only addition to the squad was new signing Sam Middleton who took his place on the subs bench.
Dan Moore, playing his penultimate game before an extended mid-season vacation had an eventful pre-match. Firstly he pulled out the favourite for first scorer in the sweepstake before unsuccessfully attempting to remove his scabby piercings! Fortunately his scruffy barnet covered the offending items and we were ready for action.
Jourdain Coleman continued to captain the team in the absence of Jake Griggs and it was the talismanic striker who set Ash United off to a flying start. A throw in from the left from Neill Marsh allowed Coleman to roll the defender and tuck the ball passed the Epsom 'keeper. However, this unfortunately proved to be a rare piece of good play as the quality of our possession deteriorated and we were forced back into our own half. Regular unforced errors allowed the home team to apply pressure which they twice capitalised upon to take a 2-1 lead. However, Ash were thrown a lifeline when Matt Hayler bravely challenged the Epsom 'keeper and defender for a high ball into the box. The giant Epsom defender reacted angrily to this and aimed a kick at Hayler resulting in a straight red card. Strangely, no penalty was awarded (which the referee later recognised as a mistake) so we went into half time a goal down but a man up.
The coaching team made it clear as to their displeasure with the first 45 minutes and set the team the challenge of turning the game around. Two attacking substitutions were made with Cox replacing White and Middleton coming on to make his debut at the expense of Ben Moore.
The second half certainly produced a more effective display. Dan Cox was an immediate threat with his energy and work rate and quickly grabbed the equaliser after Neill Marsh dug out a deep cross to the back post which Cox nodded in from close range. The man advantage was telling and Ash were dominating possession and creating chances. Ben Dainton was replaced in midfield due to a persistent ankle injury with Morgan Watson coming on. Coleman was causing the opposition problems in a deeper role and when he picked out Matt Hayler the forward raced behind the Epsom defence to slide the ball into the corner. Several chances came and went after this which led to a nervous last five minutes as the home team tried to snatch a point but ultimately it was a well earned victory.

Team: Rider, Thomas, Marsh, Barnes, Cooper, White (Cox), Dainton (Watson), D.Moore, B.Moore (Middleton), Hayler, Coleman

Unused subs: Reed, Fitzpatrick

Scorers: Coleman, Cox, Hayler

Man of the Match: Cox