🎶 *Say we won the Cup, say we won the Cup!* 🎶

Epsom & Ewell shuffled the pack once again for the final, and Abbey Rangers came flying out of the blocks with intensity. However, the hardworking Salts defence stood firm and absorbed the early pressure.

Gradually, the Salts began to find their rhythm, launching a series of promising attacks and putting Abbey under increasing pressure. The breakthrough came when Ethan Nelson-Roberts jinked into the box, beat his marker, and blasted the ball into the back of the net.

Shortly after, Luke Miller broke through the defence with only former Epsom keeper Shay Honey to beat. Perhaps with too much time to think, his shot was saved.

Ethan Brazier was booked just before half-time (45’), but the Salts went in 1–0 up at the break.

In the second half, Abbey Rangers pushed forward and threw everything at the Salts. but, to a man, the Salts stood tall, defended resolutely, and never gave up.

Ethan Nelson-Roberts picked up a yellow card in the 54th minute, and a minute later, Stefan Aiwone replaced Ethan Brazier.

A standout moment came when veteran Craig Dundas sprinted the length of the pitch to help defend a corner—showcasing the team spirit and setting an example for the younger players.

On 70 minutes, Ali Fofahan came on for Luke Miller, followed by semi-final hero Sean-Michael Anderson replacing the goalscorer Nelson-Roberts in the 75th minute.

Niall Stillwell received a yellow card on 80 minutes, just before Carl Oblitey came on up front for the tireless Jason Bloor. The final substitution saw Callum Wilson come on for Stillwell.

In stoppage time, Sean-Michael Anderson picked up a yellow (90+2’), followed by Callum Wilson (90+5’). The referee added nine minutes of injury time, but when the final whistle blew, the celebrations erupted.

What a way to finish the season! From the brink of relegation to Cup winners—a remarkable turnaround.

This marks the second time the Club has won the Southern Combination Challenge Cup, having previously lifted the trophy in 1979/80.

The players were presented with their medals before skipper Adam Green lifted the trophy to the delight of the crowd. The celebrations went long into the night.

An incredible crowd of 380 witnessed the triumph, and we would like to thank all our supporters for their backing throughout the season. It’s been fantastic to see so many familiar faces returning to cheer us on.

Come on you Salts!