We finished with only 10 men after Luis Oliveira received a harsh second yellow, halfway through the second half, when he clashed with a Rangers player going for a header.

The Salts made a number of changes again due to injury and suspension. We also lost our captain Adam Green midweek, although at the time of writing we had been asked not to reveal his new club. Luis Oliveira came back at No. 2 and Harry Murphy in at No. 3. Stefan Aiwone took the captain’s armband and had the centre of defence along with Antonios Nazereth. Kionte Gillfillian returned in midfield with Emmanuel Limpo and finally Jason Bloor started up front with Jason Vincent.

Despite Epsom & Ewell’s recent winless streak of six games, Abbey Rangers, though having lost their last two matches, began the game confidently and on the front foot. Abbey dominated the early exchanges, particularly exploiting their right flank, forcing our defence into desperate clearances to keep them at bay. Their persistent pressure earned them a free-kick just outside the box, which Niall Stillwell cleared with a powerful backward header amidst looming Abbey attackers.

Abbey’s pressure continued, forcing us to resort to long, hopeful balls up the wings, as we struggled to build any meaningful possession. At the 13-minute mark, a defensive lapse by Nazereth allowed Abbey’s No. 10 Acheampong a clear path to goal, but his effort was blocked by Aiwone, resulting in a corner. Another dangerous move from Abbey’s right side saw the ball bounce around in our box, but another crucial last-minute tackle by Aiwone prevented Jake Beck-Bardoni’s shot troubling Witter in the Epsom & Ewell goal.

Our first chance was created by Jason Bloor finding space in midfield and then going on a run on our left to the goal line. He managed to beat a couple of defenders but was unable to find anyone in the box and we won our first corner of the game, which came to nothing. Abbey responded with Acheampong again causing trouble and finding his way to the goal line, put a great ball in but fortunately there was no one following up on the far side and the ball went safely wide.

On the half hour we found ourselves in front. The first time that we strung some passes together. The ball started on the left with Limpo before it was moved across the midfield before finding Oliveira on the right and he went on a marauding run beating two Abbey players and crossing from the byline right into Vincent in the centre of the box who finished the move, slamming the ball past the helpless Williamson in the Abbey goal.
Epsom & Ewell 1-0 Abbey Rangers

It was certainly against the run of play but was a great team goal. Our announcer added it was Vincent’s first goal for the club but Jason pointed out after the game he had scored earlier in the season against Chipstead. There were a few more half chances from both sides with Jason again having a good run down the left but the cross only found Williamson.

HT – Epsom & Ewell 1-0 Abbey Rangers

The second half started with Abbey again dominating. The game started to get niggly with both teams seemingly intent on winning free-kicks. Murphey-McVey had to be replaced after a tackle in the first half eventually became too much for him to continue and he was replaced by Ryley Merrit. I don’t know if it is a plan but we have played uphill in the second half in all our games and on this occasion Abbey were enjoying the conditions with the wind. With the danger again coming down their right a lovely ball was put into the box, but Ingham-Wright put his header high over the bar.

Abbey got their reward in the 68th minute and again it was movement down the wing. This time it was on their left, and a ball across the goal found Oristoki on the far post and this time he made no mistake.
Epsom & Ewell 1-1 Abbey Rangers

Based on the play this was well deserved and now it was a battle to see if we could play the game out having conceded late goals in recent games. The task became harder when a minute later Oliveira received his second yellow. The referee didn’t initially see any harm in the collision, but his assistant called him over and a second yellow was brandished. Looking at replays after the game it was a harsh decision but the players had started to make life difficult for the referee and the Abbey player recovered very quickly.

We found ourselves under the cosh and Witter was getting busier in the goal. He made a good save from Sarfo although the assistant raised his flag. Shortly after he was called into action to tip a corner over the bar. Unfortunately, he fell awkwardly and had to receive some attention from our physio. With Abbey really making life difficult we brought on Obasanjo and Nelson-Roberts in the 80th minute but we failed to really trouble Abbey. A good move down their right again caused trouble for the defence. This time though Witter came for the cross but totally missed it and the ball found its way to their player on the far post but he failed to find the net. Maybe he didn’t expect the ball to get to him but either way it really should be 1-2. Tom Collins joined the game on 84 minutes but whilst it was good to see him back after a long lay-off it didn’t really change anything as we continued to defend against an Abbey onslaught.

The referee signalled 7 minutes to the dismay of the Salts supporters but there had been a couple of injuries which took a little time to be dealt with.

Fortunately, we managed to hold out and the game finished Epsom & Ewell 1-1 Abbey Rangers.

There are always games we deserve to win and some we don’t, this is probably the latter, but the lads showed strength in their defending in the second half after going down to 10 men. Abbey will be disappointed and again the hope is that we move on from here and start putting some wins on the board. First though there is an FA Vase 2nd round game v Eastbourne United who play in the Southern Combination Premier Division. We travel to The Oval on Saturday for a 3pm KO.

Next Tuesday we are again at home for a CCL match v Eversley & California who sit in 18th place, just 2 points behind us. Their recent form has seen them move out of the bottom two but it is important we get something out of the game to relieve the pressure on the team.

As always we look forward to seeing you, the lads certainly appreciating your support.