It was a day to forget for Epsom & Ewell, as the Salts endured a gruelling trip to Jersey that started with chaos at Gatwick Airport. A nightmare unfolded as three players missed the flight, the plane was delayed, and parts of the team kit failed to arrive in Jersey. At one stage, only half the team was in the departure lounge, and the team endured a 90-minute delay on the tarmac before finally arriving in Jersey close to 11 a.m. With no manager, no coach (both suspended), and the first-choice goalkeeper also suspended, Simon Payne had to step in again to oversee the team. Traveling with just two substitutes further compounded the challenges, making tactical changes almost impossible.

Young on-loan goalkeeper Kevin Kardel stepped up for his debut and produced some fine saves, particularly in the first half, while new signing Nathan Best from Colliers Wood made his debut on the wing.

The game extended Jersey Bulls’ unbeaten league run to an impressive 22 games, but the Salts began brightly, showing good attacking intent in the opening 10 minutes. However, Jersey took the lead in the 23rd minute through Toby Ritzema. Kardel then pulled off a couple of outstanding saves to keep Epsom in contention.

On 38 minutes, a clumsy challenge from skipper Adam Green earned him a booking, but retaliation from the Jersey player almost sparked a “free for all.” The situation was quickly calmed down, with the Jersey defender also shown a yellow card. The resulting free kick was played to the far post, nodded back, and knocked in for The Bulls’ second goal of the afternoon.

Despite the 2-0 scoreline at half-time, the performance was not down to a lack of effort from the Salts’ front two, Will Kendall and Jason Bloor (who also picked up a yellow card) chased everything tirelessly. Kendall, however, was carrying a knock from an earlier challenge, while Nathan Best showed some nice touches on his debut but struggled to make a significant impact on the game.

The Salts came out fighting in the second half and halved the deficit in the 63rd minute when Niall Stillwell converted from a corner, sparking hope of a comeback. However, that hope was short-lived. Just three minutes later, Ritzema struck again for Jersey in controversial circumstances—what seemed like a foul on an Epsom defender was waved away by the referee.

The Bulls then piled on the misery with two quick goals late on: Karl Hinds made it 4-1 in the 78th minute, and Dos Santos grabbed his second just two minutes later to seal a 5-1 victory.

Epsom used both their substitutes in the closing stages, with Jack Torbett replacing Jason Bloor in the 77th minute, and Stefan Awone coming on for Tobi Falodi in the 81st minute.

Overall, it was a bad day for Epsom & Ewell. Whether it was down to the early travel chaos, confusion at Gatwick, or the delay on the tarmac, the team didn’t even reach the ground until close to 11 a.m. Without a management team and with just two substitutes, it was always going to be an uphill battle. Jersey Bulls, however, are a quality side—unbeaten in the league this season and sitting just four points behind leaders Whyteleafe with four games in hand.

The 5-1 scoreline may not be a completely fair reflection of the game. After pulling a goal back at 2-1, the Salts seemed to have momentum and were pushing for an equalizer, but Jersey’s third goal ultimately killed off any hope of a comeback.

The nightmare wasn’t over for the Salts, as their coach failed to turn up at Heathrow, leaving the team stranded and capping a day best forgotten.