Match Report
Epsom & Ewell 2 v 1 Cobham, League, March 1st 2008
Report by Nigel Rousell.
After the overnight storms, it was a bright sunny afternoon at Banstead. Cobham kicked off with a strong wind behind them and they were going to need a strong performance against an Epsom side that came into the game on a five game unbeaten run.
Cobham lined up with a 4-5-1 formation, with 16 year old Shane Rideout making his debut after strong performances in both the youth and reserve sides. And what a debut it was to turn out to be for the lively winger, who teamed up with Dan Rousell, at right back, to give a youthful pairing down the right side.
Andy Dalehouse had the first chance after eight minutes when he rose unchallenged to head wide a Mark Remnant corner. The early chances were mainly coming from set plays, with Cobham's packed midfield working hard to break down the home side. On 20 minutes, a clearance from Robbie Wilson found Dalehouse, who held the ball up well and then turned, got to the by-line, pulled the ball back where it was stabbed home by Rideout. All over the pitch Cobham were working hard with good exchanges, with Epsom only looking dangerous from set plays and this was to proved as on 45 minutes they were awarded a free kick and whilst Shaun Powell was protesting his innocence, it was taken quickly and the resulting cross into the box allowed the Epsom player to head home unchallenged from eight yards. The visitors looked bemused, a moments lack of concentration proved very costly and they had allowed Epsom back in at a crucial time of the match.
The storm that had been blowing over night was in danger of erupting in the away dressing room judging by the speed that the management team left the dugout.
The wind did not relent all afternoon and in the second half, with the wind now behind them, Epsom looked to use it to their advantage, seeking to hit their forwards as early as possible. But it was Cobham who had the first chance to regain the lead - a slide rule pass put in Rideout, who managed to get to it a fraction before the home keeper got enough on it to send it out for a corner. From the resulting corner, a quick clearance found the Epsom centre forward who shot early with Rory Parsons making a good one handed save, diving to his left. This was an early warning of what was to come. On the hour mark Rideout was replaced by Michael Lee to a standing ovation from the travelling supporters.
Epsom's winner was via a long ball over the top on seventy minutes as a stretching Rousell was unable to get enough power on the pass back for it to reach Parsons who was left one-on-one with the Epsom forward. The slightest of contact was made and the forward was brought down. The referee pointed quickly to the spot and instantly reached for a card but fortunately it was only a yellow he waved. Via the resultant penalty, Parsons was sent the wrong way and Espom took the lead.
Cobham were to get one more chance - a strong run from the half way line saw Powell power his way into the penalty area, his blocked shot landed at the feet of Dalehouse who, unmarked in the six yard box, shot high over the bar.
