Match Reports 
Mens 1's Epsom Mens 1's 2 - Fareham Mens 2's 3
Mens 1's Epsom Mens 1's 2 - Fareham Mens 2's 3
Epsom Goals from Mike Atkinson and Alex Pizzey
Fareham arrived at Blenheim on the back of good recent form and with both sides possessing decent attacking records onlookers might have hoped for a fast, action packed game. Instead the match started at walking pace, with neither side able to grab the initiative or put together any patterns of play. A fairly dull first half was illuminated when Epsom winger Mike Atkinson was played through behind the defence and smashed the ball past the Fareham keeper to record his tenth league goal of the season. Following this Epsom managed to put together brief episodes of passing play, and a sweeping team move was neatly finished by Alex Pizzey to make the score 2-0 at halftime.The lead might have looked comfortable, but in reality this was an even game, and when a second half dragflick from Fareham's Greg Cox crept in to make it 2-1, nerves started jangling in the home camp. Fareham grew in confidence, and when another short corner flick was stopped by an Epsom foot, Cox levelled the scores from the penalty spot. Epsom finally started to up their game in the closing stages, but they couldn't retake the lead, and then conceded a late short corner. Cox waltzed past the first two defensive runners before converting from close range to make it 3-2 to Fareham.
The result is disappointing for Epsom and opens up a real scrap for the play off spot as the season moves towards a conclusion. Epsom stay in second but have seen their lead cut to just two points by UCL Academicals. Epsom visit Bournemouth next Saturday and will have to find form quickly to get a result at what is traditionally somewhat of a fortress.
