Match Reports
22/11/08
Epsom 0-8 Men's 2nd XI
Simon Acot hit a hat-trick as Brighton 2’s demolished Epsom and further increased their lead at the top of the table.
The increasingly large and vocal crowd braved the freezing cold weather to support the 2’s at the unbreachable fortress Falmer.
Epsom came to Falmer after some good results and were climbing the table after beating a strong Sevenoaks side. However they were missing a few players and were no match for the confident Brighton side. From the start they struggled to get out of their own half and it was clear that this game would be about how many, rather than if, Brighton would get past them.
Sam Rose began the rout, striking a fierce shot beating the keeper at the near post. Lloyd finished a well worked move to tap in at the far post, and Si’s first was finished clinically after some great interplay around the D.
Two, perhaps unnecessary, umpiring decisions in an otherwise free flowing game saw both teams go down to 10. However this extra space on the pitch seemed to favour Brighton’s expansive passing game and further goals followed.
A bobbled shot from Lloyd was tapped through the legs of the keeper by Jamie, and another unselfish team goal saw Si slot home at the far post for his second and a 5-0 lead for Brighton at half time.
The second half saw the momentum continue. The only Brighton P.C. of the match was ruthlessly dispatched by Gaz from the top of the D.
Dan Hacking put on an energetic display for the crowds storming up and down the right wing.
Brighton’s attacking dominance was perhaps summed up when Dermot found himself with time and space in the D only to have his shot bravely saved by the otherwise woeful keeper.
Jamie’s second, a diving finish at the far post rounded off an emphatic passing move, zigzagging across the pitch. Si Acot then found himself in space at the top of the D and coolly passed the ball inside the post to complete his well deserved hat-trick.
Epsom eventually steeled themselves to have 5 minutes of dominance showing that they are a capable side. A strong defence however allowed nothing through except a few weak short corners and a single high shot from the left that was confidently palmed away by Dave in goal.
With less than 5 minutes to go Lloyd and Sam were both sent from the field in another some what harsh decision from the umpire. Brighton simply shut up shop and walked away with another 3 points.
Written by:
Olly P.