Ewell's triumph over Cheam Village Warriors last week went some way in making up for the frustration felt at failing to see out their previous game against Norbiton. This week another stern test beckoned in the form of Epsom Athletic, who had recently faced several title chasing teams in close encounters, though the Ewell side were determined to lay further foundations at the summit of the table. Ewell struggled to get out of the gears early on, and failed to find the sort of fluency and purpose that they have come to expect this season. Chances were at a premium in the first half, though Ewell managed to strike first after neat link up play released Sear to storm through into the box before being crudely halted by an Epsom defender. Chipperton made no mistake in sending the keeper the wrong way and finding the net from the spot kick, and it was hoped that this would catalyse an improved performance. However, rather than extending the lead they allowed Epsom to level proceedings; underlining Ewell's failure to control the game. Goals stemming from set pieces have almost become expected on a gamely basis, and having already notched one from a penalty Ewell managed to bag a further two to retake, and then extend their lead. The first saw Davies on hand to prod home after Bullock passed up the original opportunity, which might in hindsight be seen as a noble gesture, as the latter did get on the scoresheet shortly after, rising to meet the inswinging delivery in a virtual replay of the second goal.  A few minutes of madness ensued, in which Ewell shot themselves' in the foot and undermined all their hard work. Epsom rallied from the kick-off that followed Ewell's third goal and managed to reduce the lead immediately, after some slack defending allowed a winger to ghost to the by-line and supply a cross that was converted from close range. Concentration was evidentally amiss, and things were made worse when Epsom were awarded a penalty shortly after scoring their second, an opportunity they seized upon thus leaving the game in the balance at 3-3. This blow might have lead to a complete melt down, though Ewell did regain some degree of compusure and set about rectifying problems of entirely their own making. The next key moment in the game came when Terrington's upfield excursion yielded a floated cross that seemed to hang in the air for an age, neither the run nor the cross were dealt with and McMillan gratefully accepted the gift-wrapped present when the ball dropped to his feet from no more that 6 yards out. At 4-3, and having weathered a series of setbacks, Ewell fancied their chances of seeing out the game. Yet Epsom had other ideas and a speculative effort squirmed past Bunde, though Ewell's keeper had kept them in the game on several occasions with smart saves, as recognised by his M.O.M award. All in all the players left the field feeling slightly numb and dejected, knowing full well they must shoulder the blame for not winning the match. However, it was not all doom and gloom as they did manage a point that might prove valuable at the season's close, whilst Rollers and Destiny both suffered defeats.