Epsom Goals by Midmer (2), M.Atkinson

This was a significant game for two sides who are both ambitious to be towards the upper echelons of the league this season. Reigate finished second last season, and with the home side possessing a strong midfield and set piece, Epsom management Rob Tong and Immy Bhatti called for a slick tempo and retention of possession.

Some drizzle had slickened an already decent pitch, and the game was both quick and engaging from the start. Reigate started in the ascendancy, pressing high up the pitch, but a defensive mix up soon allowed James Midmer to sprint clear and roll the ball calmly past the advancing keeper to put Epsom 1-0 up. Reigate responded quickly, winning a short corner from which set piece specialist James Chesterton powered home a dragflick to make the score 1-1.

Buoyed by this the home side continued to press forward, but Epsom's defence, marshalled by the imperious Ali Murrell, held out well and the home side were unable to create many clear cut chances. It was Epsom who seemed to have more cutting edge up front and the visitors retook the lead when Paul Atkinson showed some trademark stick skills to set up Midmer, who guided the ball home from close range to make the score 2-1.

Epsom were growing in confidence and finished the half in the ascendancy, with Wade Joubert's dragflick forcing a fine save from the Reigate keeper, and Alex Pizzey unlucky not to find Mike Atkinson in the centre after a strong burst down the left. 2-1 at halftime. The second half started well for Epsom, who went 3-1 up when Midmer smashed a long ball from the left towards Mike Atkinson, who sprinted in from the right wing and deflected the ball first time past the Reigate keeper.

Epsom soon extended their lead through a quick counter attack down the left, started by a superb tackle by Alex Simmonds, worked through Paul Atkinson and James Midmer, and finished off by Mike Atkinson on the right post. Stunned into action by the 4-1 scoreline, Reigate moved up a gear and it took some heroic efforts from James Harris and the tough tackling Alex Simmonds to keep them at bay. Reigate did reduce the deficit from a penalty stroke, converted by Chesterton, and there were then some nervy moments for Epsom as they were reduced to 9 men at one stage after yellow cards for Ali Murrell and Rob Tong.

The visitors worked hard with 9 men to keep out Reigate, with Matt Simmonds running the clock down with a heroic breakaway from left back. With Epsom back to 11 men, Mike Atkinson completed his hat-trick after some good skills down the right to give the visitors a 5-2 win.

Match report by Jimmy Midmer