Epsom Goals by M.Atkinson, Tebay, P.Atkinson, Midmer

This was a bizarre game; if there was a highlight reel of the Epsom goals, three of which came from clinical short corner conversions, then an onlooker might have assumed this was a decent performance. In actual fact Epsom played fairly poorly in what became a scrappy encounter, and owed a lot to a much improved set piece display for this win over a determined London Edwardians side.

After a disappointing away draw against Woking, Epsom skipper Rob Tong demanded a high tempo opening, but injuries have left his squad threadbare and Epsom were unable to provide the start requested.

The home side looked lethargic and were tactically outmanoevred as London Edwardians loaded the centre of midfield and assumed control of possession. Somewhat against the run of play, Epsom took the lead from their first short corner; top scorer Mike Atkinson crashing home a straight strike, which the visiting keeper could only deflect into the roof of the net. 1-0.

There was then a kit change, as Epsom changed into white shirts, but this initially seemed to help the visitors more as they equalised, their key forward producing an intelligent run and close control in the area, before squaring to an unmarked colleague to make it 1-1. Epsom knew they were in a game, but manager Martin Wales responded by rejigging the line up, deploying Paul Atkinson as an additional central midfielder.

This tactical change enabled Epsom to see more of the ball and create a number of opportunities as the half continued. Sustained pressure saw Wade Joubert crash a shot wide, Alex Pizzey denied by a brave tackle, before Russell Tebay eventually slammed home a loose ball for a 2-1 lead which Epsom retained until half time. Epsom made further tactical changes at half time and were soon 3-1 up via a well worked short corner, with Mike Atkinson's disguised hit deflected home by Paul Atkinson. This appeared to be a comfortable position for the Epsom, but some slack play soon allowed the visitors back into the game.

There seemed to be little danger when a free hit was awarded on the half way line, but a quick self pass and a driving run opened up Epsom and Edwardian's striker rounded off the move to make it 3-2. Epsom soon restored the two goal cushion via another short corner; this time James Midmer deflecting home Wade Joubert's pin point drag flick to make it 4-2. The game opened up substantially after this. Epsom used the skill of Pizzey and Joubert, and the pace of Tebay to create further opportunities, but were grateful for some alert work from their debutant keeper Colin Savage, who came off his line to deny Edwardians a number of times.

Epsom will be pleased with the result, which keeps them in third place in the league. But the side will have to produce a much improved display to compete at league leader's Richmond next week

Match report by Jimmy Midmer