Knaphill produced a spirited second-half comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over Epsom & Ewell at Redding Way, with captain Dale Burnham and Sid Cannon finding the net to overturn a first-half deficit.

First Half

Knaphill started the game on the front foot, looking to put Epsom under pressure early on.

The first real chance came in the 12th minute. Operating on the right-hand side, George Sellick beat his man and delivered a cross to the back post. Matt Copland met it with a header that crashed against the bar, and the rebound fell to Kingsley Anokye, whose shot was blocked before Epsom managed to clear.

Three minutes later, Epsom had a big opportunity when Niall Stillwell met a cross at the back post, striking a half-volley that forced Sam Gray into a smart save.

Epsom continued to grow into the game, and in the 18th minute, they were awarded a penalty. Stillwell delivered a dangerous cross from the right, and as Carl Oblitey and James Glover both rose to challenge for it, the ball struck Glover’s arm. With the ball goal-bound, the referee immediately pointed to the spot. Glover was booked for the handball.

Adam Grant Green stepped up and smashed the penalty into the right-hand side of the net, giving Gray no chance and putting Epsom 1-0 up.

Knaphill responded well, and in the 27th minute, Sellick went on a driving run down the right, cut inside, and fired a low left-footed shot, which went just past the far post.

Knaphill continued to push forward as the half progressed, but Epsom stood firm at the back. The hosts created further half-chances but couldn’t find the breakthrough before the break, heading into halftime 1-0 down.

Second Half

Knaphill came out with renewed energy, pushing Epsom back in search of an equaliser.

In the 58th minute, their pressure paid off. A Matt Copland corner from the right was delivered deep to the far post, where Dale Burnham, with his back to goal, managed to strike the ball first-time on the volley, sending it back into the top right-hand corner. A well-taken goal from the captain to bring Knaphill level.

Epsom nearly responded immediately in the 60th minute when Luke Miller cut inside from the left wing and curled a shot towards the far post, but the effort drifted just wide.

Knaphill made their first change in the 70th minute, bringing on Jack Watts for Yahaya Kamara as they looked to keep the attacking momentum going.

A minute later, Ben Mitchell replaced Zak Jakubowski, and in the 72nd minute, Rami Halloufi came on for Matt Copland, who had played a key role in the equaliser.

Knaphill continued to press forward, and in the 75th minute, they found the winning goal. Sid Cannon pressed high, won possession from an Epsom midfielder, weaved past two defenders, and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right-hand corner: a fantastic solo effort and his second goal in two games for the Knappers.

In the 79th minute, Ben Mitchell received a yellow card for a late challenge with his foot being just off floor.

Knaphill continued to press and a couple of minutes later, Halloufi had a shot from long range, but his effort narrowly missed the left post. Knaphill made a further substitute in the 81st minute, Jack Baisden replaced Sid Cannon to help see the game out.

However, in the 85th minute, Mitchell was sent off for a second yellow card after challenging for a Halloufi cross in the box. The goalkeeper claimed the ball, but Mitchell’s foot was high, and the referee deemed it a dangerous challenge, resulting in a second booking and a red card. This resulted in Knaphill making a late change to see out the game and give a more defensive shape, with Cooke coming on for Anokye to allow Knaphill to go to a back four.

In the 89th minute, Epsom had one final opportunity. Luke Miller cut in from the right and struck towards goal, but Jack Carrod made a crucial block, sticking out his left foot to deflect the ball away.

As the game neared stoppage time, Jack Watts was also booked following a late challenge, which led to a small altercation between a few players.

Final Thoughts:

This was a hard-fought and deserved win for Knaphill, who showed determination and attacking intent after going behind. Epsom & Ewell were well-organised and compact, but Knaphill’s second-half intensity proved the difference.

Knaphill now turns their attention to a tough trip to Abbey Rangers next Saturday, looking to build on this momentum.

Player of the Match: George Sellick

A lively display from Sellick, who consistently caused problems for Epsom’s defence, delivered dangerous crosses and tested the keeper on multiple occasions. It could have easily been on the scoresheet on another day.

Line Ups:

Knaphill:

Gray, Glover, Burnham (C), Stanic Stewart, Kamara (Watts 70), Copland (Halloufi 72), Carrod, Jakubowski (Mitchell 71), Anokye (Cooke 86), Sellick, Cannon (Baisden 81)

Epsom & Ewell:

Kardel, Nazareth, Miller, Grant Green (C), Wilson, Aiwone, Stillwell (Brazier 73), Dundas (Essilfie-Conduah 81), Oblitey, Bloor (Nelson-Roberts 15), Fofahan (Owusu 67)

League: Combined Counties League Premier Division South
Kick-off: 3pm
Full-time: Knaphill 2-1 Epsom & Ewell
Half-time: Knaphill 0-1 Epsom & Ewell
Attendance: 83
Photo Credit: Spencer Mitchell

Knaphill Football Club

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