Cobham Football Club

Report by Dan Whitby.

Petters sends Cobham on a roll as the hammers turn over Epsom

In the pouring rain at Epsom's adopted home Banstead, Cobham produced their best league performance of the season by far the get their first win of the season. Boosted by the return of first team graduates Ben May and Tom Hegarty (rested for the bank holiday first team fixtures) Cobham were still without the injured Chris Gengasamy and Sean Quinn and lined up with a narrow 4-4-2 formation to profit from a very narrow pitch.

The first 10 minutes were scruffy as both sides adjusted to the awful weather conditions. Cobham started to adjust to the tricky conditions and dominated the midfield with 4 central midfielders overpowering Epsom who just had an orthodox two in the middle. Elliot Herbert who was recalled to the starting 11 was very lively up front and peppered the Epsom goal with a number of fierce shots whilst fellow striker Quigley was also looking lively, however neither of them put Cobham ahead. The first goal came from a very unlikely source - neat build up play resulted in a lovely reverse pass from Herbert who sent defensive minded midfielder Sam Petters through on goal who made no mistake with a fine finish.

Cobham were rarely troubled with Ayres in goal up to the task when required. Epsom's number 10 wriggled his way through the Cobham rear guard however Ayres came out on top in the one-on-one denying the forward with his feet. Cobham then broke swiftly and Quigley was sent through on goal making no mistake beating the 'keeper at his near post.

H.T. Epsom and Ewell 0-2 Cobham

Cobham started the better of the two sides after the break and got a goal almost immediately. Herbert picked up the ball on the far touchline and attempted to swing in a cross but a gust of wind took the ball in past the goalkeeper who had just come on. At 3-0 up Cobham were almost home but certainly not dry. The torrential rain was really making things difficult for everyone and following an awkward slip Swindells was left in a heap and required immediate medical attention. He was patched up superbly by the physio and picked himself up to score a free header from a corner - a goal he dedicated to the Physio.

Cobham continued to press however switched off at the back and allowed Epsom a scarcely deserved consolation goal. Cobham continued to push but the score ended 4-1.

Cobham: Ayres, Primmet, Swindells, May, Shorter (Benstead) , Hegarty (C), Petters, Duckham, Pidgeon, Quigley (Tye), Herbert (Brannigan). Subs not used: Avallano, Hanlon