We took on second-placed AFC Whyteleafe at our home ground, King George’s Field, on Saturday, 31st August. Our line-up featured debutant Kionte Gillfillan-Waul in the left-back position, and we welcomed back two former Epsom players, Mike Hill and the recently departed Sirak Negassi. A good crowd of 112 turned up to watch the game.

Our captain, Adam Green, returned to his rightful midfield position, Sean Anderson made his first full start for us, and Ethan Brazier resumed his role at right-back.

The first half was a very even affair, with us attacking as much as our opposition. We pressed our higher-placed opponents and created a couple of good opportunities, which we were unable to convert. Then, as we approached half-time in the 43rd minute, we went one-nil down after failing to clear our defensive lines. It was a harsh blow, as both teams would have been content to go into the interval on level terms.

In the second forty-five minutes, we again started well but found ourselves further behind on 52 minutes when the same player who had opened the scoring for our opposition was on hand to slot the ball into our net. We did not let this setback deter us and pressed forward again to try and get something out of the game. We had numerous good chances to pull a goal back, but had to wait until the 82nd minute when Luke Miller capitalised on an errant clearance from the opposition goalkeeper to make it 2-1. We were once again in the ascendancy, and the Epsom faithful were hoping for an equalising goal. However, from a hopeful clearance upfield by the opposition goalkeeper that was missed by our defence, they scored their third goal to effectively ‘put the match to bed’ in the 92nd minute. There was still time for our opponents to add a fourth goal, which was the best of the match, a volley from approximately 25 yards out. The match ended rather harshly at 4-1 to Whyteleafe, propelling them to the top of the table for now.

We have another home match on Tuesday evening at King George’s Field, when we welcome one of our previous ground share partners, Chipstead, who had a very good victory today at Guildford City. The match kicks off at 7:45 pm.