Epsom Goals by P. Atkinson

Epsom went down to a disappointing defeat to UCL Academicals on the first day of the Surrey/Hants league season. After some decent performances in pre-season, Epsom were lethargic this time out, playing at a slow tempo and conceding three soft goals just after half time to effectively surrender the tie.

The sticky pitch at Thames Ditton rarely makes for an entertaining game and this tie descended into a scrappy and physical one almost immediately. UCL looked much the brighter side early on and Epsom didn't wake up until the latter stages of the first half, when some sustained possession saw them create some chances and win a number of short corners.

Despite the presence of dragflick specialist Wade Joubert they failed to convert. The sides went in 0-0 at half time. The second half got worse for Epsom, who overcommitted going forward and conceded to a well worked counter attack down the right, neatly deflected home by UCL's key man Simon Coles.

Epsom were stunned and conceded a second almost immediately, giving the ball away in their own 25, and seeing Coles lash home a second on the reverse. Things got even worse for Epsom, as from another mistake, the home side added a third goal through a neatly worked deflection. The 3-0 deficit finally seemed to spark Epsom into life, and they laid siege to the UCL goal in the final stages.

The lively Paul Atkinson reduced the deficit to 3-1, getting in front of his marker and meeting Rob Tong's cross with a near post deflection, but it proved to be the away sides only goal, as a number of short corners went astray. Epsom will look to move on from this result quickly, starting at home on Saturday (Blenheim School 1.30pm) against Trojans.

Match report by Jimmy Midmer