Epsom Goals by Murrell, Joubert

Epsom welcomed Bournemouth to Blenheim School on Saturday for a tough match in tricky conditions.

Epsom were boosted by the return of Mike Atkinson and Paul Atkinson, and skippered by key man Ali Murrell in the absence of Rob Tong and the injured James Harris, but a howling gale and torrential rain led to doubts over whether the game would start at all with half the pitch covered in water. When the weather subsided from the way Epsom played in the first half it was clear that some minds were still back in the changing room.

They again showed the ability to keep the ball for long periods of time, but there was little imagination in attack and Bournemouth's tough tackling defence saw off a variety of attacks with ease. Bournemouth counter-attacked with increasing style and verve, and it was no surprise when the away side took the lead midway through the first half, converting a short corner rebound after an initial straight strike had been saved by Epsom goalkeeper Clive Hunt. Hunt then made several good saves to stop Epsom from going 2-0 down, as Bournemouth ended the half in the ascendancy.

The only plus point for Epsom at half time was that after a fairly average performance they were only 1-0 down. Coach Immy Bhatti showed his tactical acumen by telling central midfielder Brett Hosken to stay in central midfield, and switching full backs Nathan Hutchings and Matt Simmonds around. With these small adjustments, Epsom were a different side in the second half, raising the tempo and assuming control with some quick passing and movement.

Bournemouth would have been looking to retain their game plan, but Murrell equalised for Epsom soon after half time from a short corner, and with the game opening up, Epsom moved up a gear, with Paul Atkinson making some incisive runs from the left and Hosken passing the ball with increasing assurance at centre-midfield. Bournemouth's defence remained strong, but they started to concede several penalty corners as the half wore on and, with around fifteen minutes to go, Wade Joubert powered a dragflick into the top right hand corner to make it 2-1.

Epsom showed good composure to play most of the rest of the game in the opposition half, and a hard fought win enabled them to consolidate third position in the table.

Epsom visit Woking on Saturday for a local derby which will be important to both sides.

Match report by Jimmy Midmer