Our season opened with a comprehensive 3–0 victory over Guildford City, who had beaten us 5–0 at King George’s Park at the same stage last season after our captain was sent off for a deliberate handball. This time, in front of an impressive crowd of 142, we got our revenge. It was, of course, the only game played last night, but hopefully, we performed well enough to entice fans back in a couple of weeks for our second league game at home against Balham on 8th August.

The Salts started with a very familiar team, having retained the majority of last season’s squad, but there were three debutants: Luis Oliveira (2) at right-back, Connor McShane (8) in midfield, and Kingsley Anokye (9) up front. Faebian Witter started in goal, having featured in all of our pre-season fixtures.

The match kicked off, and after a brief period of sparring between the teams, Guildford’s No. 11, Deven Reid-Solanki, beat Antonios Nazareth for pace as he chased a long ball. However, his shot from the right-hand side was blocked before it reached Witter. Moments later, Reid-Solanki almost played in No. 9 Harper, but Witter was quick off his line to gather.

Early warning signs for the Salts in the first five minutes. Shortly after, a good move from Epsom & Ewell saw a loose ball fall to Ali Fofahan, whose snapshot was well saved by the Guildford keeper diving low to his right, tipping the ball behind for a corner.

Luis Oliveira had a chance to open his account for the club not long after, but his shot fizzed just wide of the post.

In the 16th minute, we thought we’d taken the lead. The ball was played out from defence to Luke Miller near the halfway line, and he threaded a first-time pass through to Anokye. Kingsley chipped the advancing keeper from just outside the box, and as the ball seemed destined to drop into the net, it bounced off the bar and went over for a goal kick.

Guildford still saw plenty of the ball and looked dangerous going forward. In the 23rd minute, Reid-Solanki again unlocked the Salts’ defence with a tricky dribble to the byline. His shot was well saved by Faebian Witter, but the ball rebounded to No. 2 Mattens, whose powerful follow-up was cleared off the line.

There were a couple of niggly fouls, and eventually, the referee produced the first yellow card of the season for Guildford’s No. 3, Way-Brown, who tugged back Oliveira. City’s players were incensed, as Ethan Nelson-Roberts had earlier committed a similar foul but was only penalised without a booking.

Late in the half, Adam went clean through on goal but could only drag his shot wide.

Half-time: Epsom & Ewell 0–0 Guildford City

Guildford started the second half strongly and created several early chances. Faebian was called into action to make a smart save, although the other efforts didn’t trouble the goal. Meanwhile, Connor McShane picked up our first booking after pulling down a City player who looked to be breaking free.

McShane was substituted soon after for Niall Stillwell. Whether this was to protect him from a second yellow is hard to say, as he hadn’t made any notable fouls.

In the 54th and 55th minutes, Guildford had two huge chances they’ll regret missing. First, No. 19 Jon-Peter went through on goal but only managed to blaze over the bar. Then Reid-Solanki, continuing to cause problems, played a lovely ball into Harper, who controlled it beautifully on his chest, turned Toby, but dragged his shot wide with Faebian beaten.

Four minutes later, we made them pay. Anokye controlled a ball from midfield and, tussling with a City defender, showed great strength to get a shot away. The keeper saved with his foot, but the ball rebounded back to Anokye, who looked up and found Luke Miller in space in the centre of the box. Luke took one touch and volleyed the ball into the net.

Just three minutes later, it was 2–0.

Anokye was played in by Fofahan and got between the defenders, drove into the box, and slid a composed finish under the keeper — his first goal for the club.

Guildford seemed to lose heart, and four minutes later, Nelson-Roberts drove to the byline on the left. His cross found Green, whose shot was blocked, but the ball came back to Ethan. This time, he picked out Fofahan, unmarked six yards out, and Ali made no mistake.

Full-time: Epsom & Ewell 3–0 Guildford City

Epsom took control in the final 25 minutes, and Max took the opportunity to hand debuts to Obasanjo Akinniranye, Kallum Peart, and Kiyo Brown. Stefan Aiwone also replaced Toby Young.

Both Obasanjo and Kallum had chances to get on the scoresheet. A great free-kick from Adam found Obasanjo in the penalty area, but he could only slide the ball wide. Kallum had a couple of chances himself, the best coming when a ball was played to him on the right. Instead of letting it run to his left to slide past the keeper, he struck it with his right, curling it around the onrushing keeper — but agonisingly just wide of the left post.

Both Stefan and Niall were also booked in the second half.

All in all, a very satisfying 3–0 win, though it must be said that Guildford matched us for 70 minutes and had enough chances of their own to be ahead.

Next up, we play Tadley Calleva FC this Tuesday night at Barlows Park — kick-off at 7.45pm — before a long trip to Kent next Saturday, 2nd August, in the FA Cup against Step 5 side Larkfield & New Hythe, who won the Kent Senior Cup last season.

As always, it would be great to see you there.