After a strong performance during the week against Cray Valley PM, the management team were keen to see the players continue to implement their new style of play. The only problem facing both teams was the heat. With temperatures in the 30s, we knew it was going to be a tough afternoon. In fact, both sides opted to hold their pre-match team talks in the shade, as the dressing rooms were becoming uncomfortably hot.

For the second game running, we fielded a recognisable starting eleven, with a couple of trialists and Faebian Witter between the sticks. The game began quite tightly, with plenty of passing as both teams adjusted to the conditions. We created a few early opportunities, but were pulled back by the linesman’s flag. The first real chance fell to The Salts in the 14th minute, when a great ball was played through to Jason Bloor. He beat the offside trap this time, but although the keeper came out quickly, Jason really should have finished it off—his shot was saved well with the keeper’s legs.

We continued to press and began to gain the upper hand. In the 22nd minute, Carl Oblitey noticed the goalkeeper off his line and executed a sublime chip from around 40 yards, which sailed over the retreating keeper into an empty net. 1–0 Epsom & Ewell. Shortly after, the referee called for a water break, which both teams gratefully took advantage of.

On the restart, Epsom & Ewell were caught slightly off guard, and a good move from Westside saw their centre-forward beat a couple of challenges before slamming the ball high into the net. 1–1.

We nearly regained the lead in the 31st minute when a poor clearance landed at the feet of Sean Michael Anderson, but he snatched at the shot and it went harmlessly wide.

Moments later, Jason latched onto a loose ball we had won back in their box, but his shot crashed against the bar and went over.

The referee was then forced to take action against a Westside player, who had been arguing persistently with him. After attempting to talk him down, the ref issued a yellow card. It was suggested the player be substituted to avoid further disciplinary action—which could have ended the game as a contest. Good refereeing, we thought.

HALF TIME: 1–1

The second half played out much like the first, with The Salts enjoying more possession and some nice passing, but lacking in clear goalmouth chances. In the 55th minute, one of our trialists made a darting run into the box, beating four challenges but never quite getting the ball fully under control. The Westside keeper was quick off his line again, narrowing the angle and saving with his legs.

We kept up the pressure. Niall Stillwell, who had come on as a second-half substitute, found himself in a similar position to Wednesday night, but this time his powerful shot was well saved.

Westside had a chance in the 61st minute when a breakaway was halted by a foul just outside our box. The forward went for goal from the resulting free-kick, but the wall held strong and deflected the ball out for a corner. Faebian came out confidently to collect the cross.

In the 67th minute, Adam Green found space in the Westside half and attempted a lob from outside the box. The ball beat the keeper but just cleared the bar as well.

With numerous substitutions and the heat taking its toll, the game was starting to drift towards a draw. The Salts still had more of the possession, but Westside defended with confidence. The final chance of the match fell to substitute Craig Dundass. A nicely played through ball gave him a good opportunity, but once again the keeper came out smartly to make a solid save. The resulting corner came to nothing, flying over everyone and out for a goal kick.

Not much happened after that, with Westside finishing the stronger but never really troubling Faebian in goal.

FULL TIME: 1–1

After the match, Salts manager Max Johnston emphasised the importance of maintaining concentration throughout. He said he was pleased with the overall performance and again full of praise for Westside, who gave us a good test in difficult conditions. However, he noted that the players need to find a way to cope better in such weather—or we risk not winning a game all August.

Best of luck to Westside for the upcoming season—here’s hoping they’re in the promotion hunt again.

Our next friendly is on Tuesday 22nd July at Bedfont Sports, where we enjoyed a great win in the FA Vase last season. Kick-off is at 7:45pm, and it would be great to see some familiar faces there.