Epsom Revenge

After a good result from last week, Valley had high hopes for the game against Epsom. We were pretty confident because we beat Epsom before the Christmas interval, a narrow 2-1 win for Valley. But Epsom’s centre forward, Chris Breese, was the highest scorer in the league so far this season with 38. Would there be a surprise result? This game also saw the return from injury to Richie Newlands making is debut for the Mens 2s this season.

Valley controlled the start of the match with almost everything in the Epsom half. There was a rare occasion where the ball would cross the half way line and Epsom would attack but Derek had it covered at the back. Valley then scored their first and the first goal of the match. Andy Ford scoring his 10th of the season! Everything seemed to be going Valley’s way with the 1-0 up and then Dan scored too, the 2nd in 2 games for him. Valley were in compete control and with 5 minutes to go till halftime, we thought we could win. Epsom then scored 2 easy goals, running straight thought the Valley defence (second one a P-flick which Derek nearly saved). The halftime score, 2-2.

Valley then came out looking to take the lead again. The whole half was a battle in defence with the odd short corner at one end. Unfortunately though, Epsom scored again. From open play, Andy ran around 60 yards with the ball and shot, Fisher followed up but was unable to get the ball in the net. The rest of the half was played mainly in the middle of the field again. There was one clear chance at the end though when Valley were awarded a hit just outside the Epsom D - Boastie delivered the ball across, Dan ran towards it and the ball ran between his legs and Forrest then missed it as well on the post. The final score then, 3-2 to Epsom.

Man of the match – Andy

[Ed: Thanks to View from the left for the match report - incidentally issue 13! ]