Epsom Goals by Midmer and Tebay

This was an important game for Epsom, who welcomed back influential skipper Rob Tong after a three week training camp in Singapore.

Following the delayed arrival of Paul Atkinson, Epsom started the game playing some slick passing hockey, and took an early lead when James Midmer was quickest to a loose ball and slammed home from the top of the area.

Epsom looked comfortable throughout the first half, with Woking's defensive press granting them a lot of possession and allowing a forward line deprived of the services of Wade Joubert to create chances. Woking were looking to counterattack, but strong defence from Epsom limited the home side's chances to the set piece, with Russell Tebay charging down a number of dragflicks.

Epsom finished the half strongly with Rob Tong’s rising shot drawing a great save from the Woking keeper right on half time. Epsom might have extended their 1-0 lead early in the second half, with Pizzey deflecting just over the bar and then brilliantly setting up Midmer for an easy chance which was missed, but the shape of the game soon changed as Woking adopted a more positive approach and Epsom were pushed on to the defensive.

Woking created a number of open play chances before finally getting an equaliser from a short corner rebound. With Epsom beginning to look ragged, Woking then hit the post twice from another corner, and then took the lead from another short corner rebound to make it 2-1 with just 5 minutes to go. The game seemed up, but Epsom skipper Rob Tong showed his class straight from the restart, embarking on a mazy run from midfield before setting up Tebay to bundle in an equaliser.

Epsom pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but Pizzey fired a dragflick just over to leave honours even. In truth Epsom were lucky to get a point and slip further behind the top two sides Richmond and UCL. However, with these two playing each other next week, Epsom have the chance to make up ground with a good performance at home against London Edwardians.

Match report by Jimmy Midmer