Epsom Goals by Tong (2), P.Atkinson (2), M.Atkinson, Joubert

The first game for Epsom at their new home pitch at Blenheim School saw them record a thumping 6-2 pre season win against Ashford. With defensive lynchpin Ali Murrell unavilable, Alex Simmonds was joined at centre back by his brother Matt.

Other changes saw Nathan Hutchings return to left back, after James Marjoram had deputised well there during the midweek game. Coach Mahmood "Immy" Bhatti was absent but his attacking instincts and generally relaxed vibe ran through the side regardless. Epsom rumbled forward from the start and were 3-0 up inside 15 minutes of clinical attacking hockey.

After a bright opening, an attack from the home side down the right saw the ball worked inside to Rob Tong, who smashed home a low shot to open the scoring. Mike Atkinson was swiftly looking in vintage form on the right hand side, and another incisive run from the winger saw him get to the byline and cross to his brother Paul to force the ball home from close range after 10 minutes.

Ashford were under the cosh, and went three down almost immediately, as a sweeping Epsom attack saw Wade Joubert deflect the ball into the path of the overlapping James Midmer, who crossed to Mike Atkinson to score at the far post. Epsom were playing a controlled brand of hockey which delighted onlooking former director of hockey Chris Allcock; James Harris dominated the centre of midfield and both Simmonds brothers were calmness personified, both on the ball and in their distribution.

Epsom's flow was slightly interrupted midway through the half, as an off the ball incident saw skipper Rob Tong, and an Ashford midfielder, sent to the sin bin to cool down. Ashford initially coped slightly better with the ten men, breaking through the centre a number of times. Despite enjoying some pressure Ashford proved powerless however to stop Epsom scoring a fourth via an impressive individual effort from Wade Joubert, who beat two defenders at the top of the area before smashing home to make it 4-0. Ashford struck back just before half time, as their sin binned midfielder celebrated his return by powering home a drag flick at a short corner.

The score was 4-1 at half time and skipper Rob Tong urged Epsom to maintain both possession and discipline in the second half. Unfortunately the volatile Joubert ignored the second part of his skippers request, castigating an umpire and being sent to the sin bin for something approaching 20 minutes. The punishment seemed harsh but Joubert at least gave his team mates an opportunity to work on their fitness. Epsom coped better with 10 men this time, with both Atkinsons working tirelessly on the flanks and the substitutes rotated well by stand in coach Mat Heal.

The heat proved sapping, limiting their ambitions going forward, but the home side were still able to add a fifth goal, as the mercurial Paul Atkinson met a cross from the right with an unstoppable first time deflection into the roof of the net. It was the second goal of an impressive display for the senior Atkinson. Ashford struck back, as their powerful centre forward decided to go it alone, embarking on a mesmerising run from the half way line to register a superb individual goal. Epsom had the final say however, as Rob Tong waltzed through some tired challenges and rolled the ball past the onrushing keeper to register a 6-2 victory for his side.

This was a decent performance from Epsom, who opened at a high tempo and were clinical in the opening stages. The team will be looking to maintain this level for longer periods of time, and a combination of improved fitness and better discipline will be essential as they look to the start of the league season. Next Saturday's game is a 10am start away to Old Cranleighans in the last pre-season friendly.

Match report by Jimmy Midmer