We reached the 2nd qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup for the first time in 25 years, beating Risborough Rangers 2-1 with a last minute winner from our centre-half Stefan Aiwone, before a disappointing crowd of 79.

Max Johnson was serving a one match ground ban this afternoon, so the team was managed by Craig Dundas ably assisted by coaches Chris Farnan and Conor Redmond. We had two changes from Monday’s team with Stefan and Kionte Gillfillan-Waul replacing Jermaine Green and Ali Fofahan.

Game was slow to get going but we did have a chance in the 1st minute with a strong run from Kionte, who found Ethan Nelson-Roberts but his shot sailed over the bar. Rangers also had a half chance from a corner in the 7th minute but a header from No 4 Keano Robinson was again too high.

On the half hour Rangers did have the ball in the back of the net, No 11 Manny Williams, who ran on to the ball that had cleared the defence, chipped the advancing Faebian Witter and the ball looped into an empty net. Fortunately for us, the assistant referee decided he had gone a little early and raised his flag. Close call but probably correct.

On 37 minutes, we won a corner, and a good delivery found Stefan but his header went narrowly wide. Maybe Rangers should have noted that late run !!! The referee had his yellow card out on the 39th minute, for a poor challenge on Toby by No7 Andrei Chiriac.

Rangers then had another half chance on 41 minutes with a shot from No 10 Toju James but his shot went wide. Rangers were finishing stronger now. Although a two footed lunge on Kionte by No 5 Oliver Sprague went unpunished. They then produced their best chance 3 minutes into injury time when a crossfield ball found No 2 Exauce Kifwasima was taken down and he found Chiriac. The defence had recovered, though, and his shot was blocked and it dribbled into Faebian’s hands in the Salts goal.

Half Time 0-0. Probably honours even, with Rangers ending stronger of the two sides.

Second half started as cagey as the first. Rangers had a header from a corner which was easily saved by Faebian before his long clearance found Kingsley with a defender. He tried to run the ball out but Kingsley managed to get a foot in and got the ball off the goal-line before passing into the centre but it was cleared for a corner.

In the 55th minute Luis chased what seemed like a lost cause on the far side stopping the ball going out. He took the run into the box going in and out past the first defender but the second one could only bring him down. Penalty to The Salts which Adam Green easily dispatched. Salts 1-0.

This only got Risborough going but despite having more of the play they didn’t really challenge Faebian. In the 57th minute Robinson found some space outside the box but his shot not only cleared the goal but also the netting at the back. The ball probably ended up in the field well behind the stadium, (but we did retrieve it). In the 59th minute Chiriac got behind our defence again but his shot was well saved by Faebian. Another couple of half chances ensued as Rangers really were on top and won a few corners in quick succession. Finally the pressure paid off and was a really simple goal. In the 70th minute we had appeared to clear our lines to our left side. Kifwasima just lobbed the ball to the back post where Robinson had stayed from the previous corner and his header was down and powerful and bounced up over a diving Witter. Salts 1-1 Risborough Rangers.

Risborough were clearly on top and it seemed they would be more likely to get a winner and continued their onslaught. Rangers captain, Buchanan seemed to want to lead by example and he had another couple of shots which didn’t trouble Faebian. Sensing we needed to get back into the game Craig Dundas came on for Niall and Emmanuel Limpo replaced Nelson-Roberts.

On the 83rd minute Adam worked some space outside the box but his shot was well saved by the Rangers keeper. Strangely though as he tried to roll the ball out, it was intercepted and a pass found Luke Miller who hit a shot from an identical spot as Adam and was again saved by Bridle-Card in the Rangers goal. By this time Obasanjo Akinniranye and Kiyo Brown had come on for Kionte and Naz.

It looked like we were heading for a replay but both teams still creating a few half chances. We finally won a corner in the 4th minute of injury time and there was the feeling this would be the final chance. Luke went over to take it. Quite frankly his previous corners had been poor but this time he sent one to the far post. Keeper tried to get to it but it was well over his fist and Stefan came in at the far post and he bundled the ball over the line. The pitch was invaded by the bench so may face a fine for that. We are not sure if it was more for avoiding a mid-week trip to Buckinghamshire than the winner but I suspect the latter.

Salts 2-1 Risborough Rangers.

Callum Wilson came on for Miller (his 50th appearance for the Salts) to shore up the defence, with the inevitable long ball from the kick-off. We dealt with it easily and the final whistle went to the joy of Epsom & Ewell supporters, with our mascots invading the pitch. They had remained noisy all afternoon so really deserved the moment. It was good to see.

We are in the draw for the 2nd qualifying round on Monday afternoon when we are joined in the competition by the Step 2 clubs. We would love to see Dorking Wanderers but really we will take any home game; maybe even get fellow CCL club Tadley Calleva. Games to be played the weekend of the 13th September.

We are back at the Reg Madgwick Stadium next Friday night in a Combined Counties Premier Division South game V Knaphill FC. KO 7.45pm. We have had some good results and crowds on Friday nights so the lads will appreciate your support.