Heavy rain on the journey down meant Borough had to clear large amounts of water from the pitch before kick-off. A crowd of 754 turned out — slightly down on recent attendances, but still probably the biggest any of our current squad have played in front of. Among them were plenty of Epsom and Ewell Colts families, who gave the boys great support throughout.
Just one change was made from Tuesday night’s game against Badshot Lea: Niall Stillwell replaced Andrew Herring in midfield.
Playing with the wind, we created an early chance when Emmanuel Limpo crossed for Kingsley Anoyke, but he couldn’t keep his header down. Soon after, Luke was brought down just outside the box, though the resulting free kick came to nothing.
Borough offered a warning when No.14 Pemi Aderoju headed wide from six yards, and from there began to take control. We moved the ball well when we could, but failed to register a shot on target to trouble reserve keeper Sandford.
On 20 minutes the hosts broke quickly down the right, and Aderoju met the cross with a diving header that crept in off Faebian’s post. Eastbourne Borough 1-0 Epsom & Ewell.
We thought we were back in when Kingsley shrugged off his marker and slipped Luke through, but he was marginally offside. Moments later, Borough doubled their lead when Niall was caught in possession. A quick pass released Josh Anifowose, who finished calmly past Faebian. 2-0.
We had a half-chance before the break when Luke beat his man and drove into the box, but he was crowded out before he could shoot. Our first corner followed shortly after, again from Luke’s work down the right, but it was cleared easily. We reached half-time two down, with the referee playing four minutes of added time.
HT: Eastbourne Borough 2-0 Epsom & Ewell
Borough started the second half with the wind at their backs, making it hard for us to clear our lines. Within two minutes the match turned further. Sixteen-year-old Arthur Grout skipped past three challenges before being tripped by Adam Green just outside the box. It looked like a “take one for the team” foul, but the referee showed a straight red — a harsh decision that left us with 10 men. From the free kick, Toby cleared off the line after Faebian was beaten.
Faebian soon needed lengthy treatment and, although he tried to continue, was forced off minutes later complaining of blurred vision. With no reserve keeper available, Toby Young donned the gloves and Callum Wilson slotted into defence.
Borough pressed their advantage, and although Kingsley almost broke through after a fine Brendan Murphy-McVey pass, he was quickly closed down. In the 64th minute Aderoju headed in his second from the left wing cross to make it 3-0.
Max rang the changes, bringing on Ethan Nelson-Roberts for Luke Miller, Obasanjo Akinniranye for Kionte, and Craig Dundas for the tireless Kingsley. We almost pulled one back in the 76th minute when Craig found Luis Oliveira, whose shot was deflected just wide.
Despite the pressure, Toby impressed in goal. He gathered confidently and even dribbled past attackers after racing out to meet a long ball, eventually clearing into the stand. In the 86th minute Nazareth was penalised for nudging Grout, though Toby tipped the resulting free kick brilliantly around the post.
Seven minutes of added time were signalled, and in the 94th minute Aderoju completed his hat-trick of headers to seal Borough’s 4-0 win.
“The Sports” were bigger, stronger and quicker across the pitch, and fully deserved victory, but the Salts’ effort deserved more than the scoreline suggests — particularly after playing virtually the whole second half a man down. Borough fans were complimentary about our spirit and togetherness, and many of our squad stayed in the clubhouse for over an hour afterwards, in contrast to the quick exits typical at this level.
Attention now turns back to league action. On Tuesday evening we face Ashford Town at home in the Combined Counties Premier Challenge Cup (KO 7.45pm), before meeting our landlords the following Tuesday, 23rd September.
Hopefully see you there.
