Epsom & Ewell FC took on Step 3 opponents Cray Valley Paper Mills in what looked, on paper, to be a tough pre-season friendly – especially considering that Cray Valley held Charlton Athletic to a 1-1 draw in the first round of the FA Cup in November 2023. While they have undoubtedly had some changes in personnel since then, management confirmed before the game that they had brought a strong side, including a few trialists. A healthy crowd of 93 enjoyed a warm summer evening in Cobham.

The Salts started with a very familiar line-up from last season, with the exception of new signing Tom Collins, who scored his first goal for the club in the opening pre-season fixture last Friday.

From the kick-off, Cray Valley showed pace and strength in possession, pinning us in our half. In the fourth minute, a ball played through the centre beat Stefan’s challenge and fell to their forward, who, with the goal at his mercy, shot tamely into the hands of our keeper, Faebian Witter.

In the sixth minute, a good move by Epsom & Ewell ended just outside their box with a foul on Jason Bloor. From the resulting free-kick, Tom Collins lifted the ball over the wall and into the top corner – the keeper didn’t move. 1-0 to The Salts, and Tom’s great start in the blue and white hoops continued.

In the 13th minute, a foul by Callum Wilson just outside our own box led to a free-kick for Cray Valley, which was well defended and headed behind for a corner. Unfortunately, from the resulting corner, a superb delivery was met on the six-yard line and a powerful header from Cray Valley’s No. 12 levelled the game.

Cray Valley continued to control possession, though there were few clear-cut chances. In the 26th minute, a ball across the goalmouth was met at our left-hand post, but a great reaction save from Faebian, with a strong right hand, kept the ball out. We responded with a promising move after Adam Green won the ball in midfield, but a poor final pass to Jason meant the chance was lost.

In the 36th minute, a dangerous ball across our goal looked destined for a tap-in, but Toby managed to stretch a toe and nick it away from the forward for another corner. In the 44th minute, Brendan Murphy-McVey latched onto a long ball from defence and got a shot away, but it didn’t trouble the keeper and went across the face of goal.

Half-time: 1-1

At the start of the second half, Carl Oblitey came on for Craig Dundas, and in the 49th minute, Niall Stillwell replaced Tom Collins. Cray Valley continued to see more of the ball, but The Salts’ defence held firm. There was then a major reshuffle from both sides, and, as often happens, it took a while for the game to settle again.

Our only real chance of note came from a free-kick by Jack Torbett, which went just over the bar.

We continued to defend well, with no clear-cut chances for Cray Valley, and it looked like we might earn a deserved draw. However, in the 87th minute, a move down their right-hand side found a player just outside the box who, with some clever footwork, created space and struck a low shot past Faebian for the winner.

The general feeling from the management was one of disappointment at not securing a draw. We played well for long periods and, while we didn’t create many chances, we held our own. But concentration must last the full 90 minutes – any hesitation creates space, and a team two divisions above us will take those chances.

Overall, it was a good run-out in a competitive game. Cray Valley knew they had been in a contest and were likely satisfied with their late winner. Their physicality, pace, and strength made them the better side, though that’s to be expected from a Step 3 team. We wish them the best of luck for the season ahead.

For Epsom & Ewell FC, attention now turns to our third pre-season game against Westside – a team who play one division below us – again at the Reg Madgwick Stadium, kick-off at 3pm. The weather is forecast to be very hot, so please bring sunscreen, a hat, and stay well hydrated. Water breaks may be taken, subject to agreement by the officials and both management teams.

Hope to see you there!