Facing the league leaders, the Salts had to make some late changes as goalkeeper Kevin Kardel was ruled out through injury. Former Corinthian-Casuals keeper Sami Nabbad stepped in and delivered an impressive performance between the sticks. New signing Jayden Barber was also named on the bench.

Whyteleafe applied pressure from the start and took the lead after just six minutes through Daniel Bennett. However, the Salts didn’t crumble and began to play on the front foot, pressing Whyteleafe higher up the pitch. Captain Adam Green was booked for handball, but as the half progressed, Epsom & Ewell grew into the game.

In the 37th minute, forward Carl Oblitey scored a superb goal to level the match at 1-1. The Salts continued to push forward, forcing the home keeper into several errors. Despite their momentum, the score remained level at half-time.

At the start of the second half, Jayden Barber made his debut, replacing Ethan Brazier. On 62 minutes, Daniel Bennett struck again to restore Whyteleafe’s lead. In response, the Salts made changes, with Conrad replacing Niall Stillwell and the injured Callum Wilson making way for Craig Dundas.

Further substitutions followed in the 82nd minute, as Jack Torbett and Campbell Scott came on for Luke Miller and Ethan Nelson-Roberts. With the Salts pushing forward in search of an equaliser, they lost possession in midfield, allowing Whyteleafe to break and score at the far post through Aaron Watson in the 85th minute.

Right at the end, Jayden Barber picked up a yellow card. The final scoreline was somewhat harsh on the Salts, who had battled bravely against the league’s top side.