Against a top side who had beaten us 5–2 just a few weeks ago away from home, the Salts put in a hardworking and determined performance. The opening 15 minutes belonged entirely to Epsom & Ewell, with wave after wave of attack. However, it was Tadley who opened the scoring — and in spectacular fashion. Adam Everiss struck from 40 yards out, his shot flying into the back of the net to give the visitors the lead.

The Salts didn’t let their heads drop and continued to play some excellent attacking football. On 41 minutes, Ethan Nelson-Roberts was brought down in the box, and the referee pointed to the spot. Skipper Adam Green stepped up, but the Tadley keeper did well to save the penalty low to his left. Tadley went into the break 1–0 ahead.

The Salts came out for the second half determined to turn the game around and immediately went on the front foot, putting the Tadley keeper under real pressure. Carl Oblitey was shown an unfortunate yellow card on 60 minutes, but he quickly made amends. Just two minutes later, he turned and lobbed the keeper with a cheeky effort from 15 yards out to make it 1–1.

With momentum building, Epsom & Ewell piled on the pressure. Following a quick throw-in, Luke Miller collected the ball and calmly slotted it under the keeper in the 70th minute to make it 2–1 to the Salts.

In the 76th minute, Sean-Michael Anderson and Jack Torbett came on to replace Brendan Murphy-McVey and Niall Stillwell. Tadley thought they had equalised on 80 minutes, but after a long consultation with the assistant referee, the goal was disallowed.

On 83 minutes, Callum Wilson came on for Stefan Aiwone. In the closing stages, fans were delighted to see the welcome return of Ayran Kugathas, who replaced Luke Miller.

The Salts battled until the final whistle, earning a fantastic win against a strong side who had been pushing for the play-offs all season. The victory saw us climb further up the table — and crucially, above our landlords, Corinthian-Casuals.