With three points secured the previous Tuesday from our win against our landlords, we knew that with four games left, just one more victory would ensure our safety for another season. Therefore, we went into our clash against bottom-of-the-table and already relegated Spelthorne Sports with a good amount of confidence.

There was one change on the bench from last Tuesday’s victory. The pitch was far from ideal, especially at this stage of the season, so the team that adapted best would likely come out on top. We made a perfect start after just six minutes when Brendan Murphy-McVey received the ball near the edge of the box and picked his spot from around 15 yards, slotting it into the bottom corner of the net. Most of the first half was played in the Spelthorne half, though clear-cut chances were few and far between. The home side’s forays into our half were either overhit or cleared by our excellent defence. HT 0-1.

As the second half began, no sooner had the spectators taken their seats (or their standing positions) than the score was level at 1-1. A Spelthorne substitute, with his first kick of the game, struck what could only be described as a ‘worldie’, sending the ball sailing into the net. “How did that happen?” was the cry from the Epsom supporters. This setback affected the team briefly, but then the game became the ‘Luke Miller Show’.

His first goal came after a well-placed ball over the top from Ethan Brazier, which Miller finished expertly beyond the advancing keeper. We extended our lead in the 80th minute when Miller pounced after a saved shot, slotting home to make it 3-1. Unfortunately, in the process, the Spelthorne keeper suffered a serious injury and was unable to continue. With the home side having already used all their substitutes, an outfield player had to take his place in goal, leaving them with only nine outfield players.

Miller completed his hat-trick in the 90th minute with a looping shot that ricocheted in off the inside of the post and bar. A thoroughly professional performance from the ‘boys’ saw us run out 4-1 winners, securing our place in the league for next season.

This was a crucial result, building on the positive win from the previous Tuesday—two wins on the trot, and safety secured. We now face three home games to close the season, and if results go our way, we could finish as high as twelfth. Given our recent superb displays, why not?

Before next Saturday’s league action against a rejuvenated Alton side, we must first replay our cup fixture against Balham on Tuesday. As someone once said, “A week is a long time in football.” Just last weekend, we trudged off dejectedly after losing to Balham, unsure how we would fare in the two crucial matches that followed. Now, after two wins, the job is done.