Despite the forecast for heavy rain – the conditions that welcomed Epsom & Ewell Colts to Tomlinscote were perfect for another SYL Premier Elite league fixture on Sunday.
A few absences saw some changes to the starting line up from last week – one of those being James who made a lighting start and fired us ahead inside 2 minutes. A searching cross field ball from Hayden found James on the left side of box – a good first touch and drop of the shoulder allowed him to rifle a left shot into the far corner. It was 2-0 soon after with Hayden and James combining again. Also making his first start of the season was Ben, and he and Josh E had initially done well to win the ball allowing Hayden to play a high and searching cross to the back post. James followed the flight perfectly and found an excellent finish - a side foot first time volley from close range.
James nearly had his hat-trick on 12 minutes but his freekick clipped the bar. From the resulting goal kick – an excellent high press from Mikey, Oli and James saw Oli intercept the ball from the keeper – good vision saw Oli clip a ball back over the keepers‘ head to find Ben running in with a diving header into the empty net for 3-0. We could have added more before half time – Hayden shooting straight at the keeper. Freddie delivered a great long ball from another free-kick to find Oli at the back post but his header was saved. Oli’s long range free kick then produced a flying save from the keeper as it arrowed for the corner. Joe in goal was rarely called upon, but was assured when needed – confidently punching away a corner and kicking with confidence.
JJ was also making his first start of the season and was looking strong in defence, and along with Isaac and Freddie was comfortable. Erim and Josh E were dominating centrally and distributing the ball well.
HT 3-0.
Soon after half time the game was safe when Mikey made it 4. Isaac defended brilliantly in our right back position to bring the ball into midfield and found Josh E. Josh on the half turn drove forward and found a good ball to Mikey who fended off the defender and slipped the ball under the keeper. Ben scored another on 53 minutes following good work down the left from Oli who’s teasing cross was begging to be turned in. Luke had just come on but couldn‘t quite connect, allowing Ben who was following up to finish firmly to make it 5-0.
Josh E let fly from range which the keeper tipped round the post for a corner. Isaac got his head to Hayden’s floated delivery to make it 6-0 on 59 minutes. Joe and Luca both came on for their first appearances of the season – allowing Oli and Hayden well-earned rests. Erim converted a penalty on 65 minutes following a handball to score his first goal for the Rebels which was well deserved. Luke got in on the scoring on 67 minutes – prodding home from close range following another corner for his first goal of the season.
James completed his hattrick on 76 minutes – a fortunate ricochet falling to him on the left side of the box and he found another good finish into the far corner. Josh DK completed the scoring with another penalty for his first goal since January - this following good work from Luca who was fouled in the box.
FT 10-0
A dominant performance in all areas of the pitch secured a record win for the Rebels. It was good to see a ruthless 2nd half – the boys just kept attacking when the game was already won.
Credit must be given to Epsom though who battled on until the end despite the score line.
MoM - this week goes to James and Erim.
James scored an excellent hat-trick – taking on board guidance and instruction well. Erim was excellent in midfield – covering a lot of ground, stayed disciplined and made good decisions in all areas of the pitch.
Well done boys.
