MATCH REPORT

Epping Reserves 1 White Ensign Reserves 0

The return of Skipper Sam Shepherd from his mid season break inspired Epping to one of their best performances of the season against a strong and well disciplined Ensign team. They say you only miss something when its no longer there and this applies to Sam. Sam was clearly missed in the two games he was unavailable . His ability to hold the ball and pass it to his own team was in evidence from the start and gave confidence to those around him.

The match was played on a surface that was clearly suffering as a result of having games played on it during the recent wet weather and referee Keith Gold was not convinced of the surfaces suitability and following an early twisted ankle was considering abandoning the game. Nevertheless, the game continued and it was Ensign who settled first. For the first fifteen minutes  Epping, reshaped due to missing players Grey and Seymour ,struggled to adapt to the pace of the Ensign side. The dominance of the visitors was thwarted by a brilliant display of shot stopping goalkeeping by Kev Christou (who also pulled off a magnificent one handed save to avoid Andy Mavin scoring in his own net).

As the first half wore on Epping began to press; but continually gave the ball away cheaply and put themselves under pressure. With Russ Geraghty and Nick Dainton  using the flanks well and Tony Whiteway schooling his three 18 year old colleagues in defence, Epping began to get on top towards the end of the half. The best chance falling to Chris Bailey who was one on one only to see the ball hit a divot and bobble as he pulled the trigger which allowed the keeper to pull off an excellent save.

In the second half Epping began to wear down the opposition but clear chances were sparse with both defences playing well. Nevertheless on the hour Peter Beaumont and Chris Benn were introduced to the fray. Almost immediately Epping took the lead. A forty yard ball from the impressive Russell Webster fed the lethal James Kelly who on his second touch lobbed the on rushing keeper. An excellent goal created by the awareness of Webster and beautifully converted by the clinical Kelly. From that point Epping controlled the game and with Beaumont running the visitors defence ragged it looked as though the home side would score a second but the nearest they came was a shot from Dainton that was smothered by the keeper. Chris Benn played an impressive 30 minutes as he tries to settle into the club after the bad weather that has meant his arrival has been disjointed.

Manager Phil Hernon said ' After last weeks poor performance where there was a lack of desire and effort this was a complete turnaround. Against an Ensign side who were a pleasure to be on the same park with the lads fought for everything. I do not believe it was a coincidence that it happened with Sam back in the side. He clearly adds a lot to the team. Upfront Chris and James worked so hard ; but  once again luck was not with Chris but the ever reliable James was around.    Its great having these lads in the team they epitomise everything I stand for. As for the defence Kev had his best game for the club Trigger was his normal excellent self and in Tom and Russ I believe we have an excellent centre half pairing. Tony filling in at left back was exceptional (despite his passing); but I put that down to spending too much time in the maternity ward during the week.  Russ Geraghty put more effort in than I have seem him do before and it meant his performance was upped - he played very well.  Andy and Nick both played well and probably now realise that going out on a friday night is not such a good idea,. The subs Chris and Pete did very well . Pete in particular put the effort in he failed to show last week. He is young and will learn.

If I had to give special mention to anybody it would have to be Russ Webster and Tom Scriven who were simply outstanding individually and as a pair. I have been told Russ is too small to be a centre half. I put that down to the lack of belief  of the person saying it because Russ in my opinion is at 18 potentially the best centre half at this club. I am sure Dave and Kelvin will disagree with that statement  but opinions are what football is about. Oh and his perfect partner is Tom Scriven who grows in stature and confidence every game. They were excellent.'

Keith Gold the referee should also receive special mention. He had an excellent game and despite being 58 years old he was able to keep up with the game and controlled it magnificently. Something a few refs have failed to do this year. He keeps himself in shape and was a credit to the Essex FA.

Team: Christou, Harper, Webster, Scriven, Whiteway, Mavin, Shepherd, Dainton, Kelly, Geraghty, Bailey.

Subs: Benn, Beaumont.

Scorer:Kelly

Man of the match:

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EPPING FOOTBALL CLUB, STONARDS HILL, TIDYS LANE, EPPING