Bishops Stortford Swifts

Epping had their 2nd game within 48 hours when they faced Bishops Stortford Swifts at home. Manager Neil Whitbread fielded the same side that had played so well at Canning Town two days earlier. The home side started brightly and on 5mins Phil Bulled burst down the right and squared across the 6 yard box but no Epping forward could get on the end of the cross. Tommy Brinkman then had a good chance which he failed to convert for Epping. Swifts then had a good penalty turned down by referee Steve Hyde when Steve Leys went to ground. Soon after Ash Conlan volleyed over after being put through by Jim Ellice. Half-time arrived with Epping being well on top but unable to take their chances. Lee Ford replaced Jim Ellice at the interval, the latter suffering from a heavy cold. The 2nd half followed the same pattern with Epping playing well but failing to take their chances. Conlan had a one-on-one which Swifts keeper saved and Joss Albone blazed over. The way the game was going it was inevitable that Epping may get punished for failing to take their chances and this was to be the case when a right wing cross fell to Leys who hooked the ball past Epping keeper Moore. However, Epping responded well and were level within a minute of the restart. A corner from Ellice was flicked on by Lee Ford and the ball found it's way into the Swifts net, with Leon Rolle cheekily claiming the last touch. Epping continued to press for the winner and Ford put Brinkman through with a delightful ball over the top of the Swifts defence again the chance was squandered. The game ended ina stalemate with Epping by far being the more disappointed side out of the two.