Ewell went into their cup semi final on the back of a disappointing result against Epsom in the previous game, in which they repeatedly contrived to surrender their lead, though it was hoped that this result would prove to be a timely wakeup call ahead of arguably the biggest game of the team’s debut season. Their hopes of reaching the final hinged on getting the better of fellow title contenders Rollers Athletic, and thus a narrowly contested game was fully expected.
Usual suspects Keogh and Bullock were keen to capitalise on the extended time allocated to changing room antics, and their ‘Hairy Strikers’ rendition succeeded in generating a light hearted atmosphere before the time came to switch into game mode, in order to avoid  repeat of last week’s performance. Having played on the same pitch a few months earlier, the Ewell side were aware that the surface was amongst the better ones they had encountered and so everything was in place for the desired result, all they needed now was the performance.
Understandably, the open exchanges were typically frantic and played at a high tempo, as both sides were clearly fully motivated and determined to progress further in the competition. However, as Ewell gradually settled into the game they grew in confidence and at times were able to get into promising positions, albeit without testing the Rollers’ keeper. In the opening 20 minutes or so Ewell only had a few corners to show for their efforts, and the game had a proved to be slightly disjointed. For all the planning and preparation Ewell’s game plan was frustrated considerably by Kingshott and Chipperton both having spells on the side, with injury and footwear malfunction respectively, which up until that point had been the only real incidents of note. Yet, with half of the first period played a jinking Clancy run ended up with the winger on his stomach in the penalty area after a Rollers defender had tentatively dangled out a leg, and having deemed contact to have been made the referee duly pointed to the spot.
Chipperton, who at this point was still off the field performing a boot swap, hurriedly returned to the field in order to take the kick. In a incident not too dissimilar to the equally prestigious Capital One Cup, amid the confusion Davies had staked a claim for taking the penalty, and rightly so, as the usually dependable Chipperton fluffed his lines and succeeded in producing the sort of kick that would have been celebrated on the rugby field. This sparked jubilation amongst the ranks of Rollers players/fans, whilst the Ewell side, and Chipperton in particular, were eager to ensure that the miss wasn’t too costly (not in terms of the inevitable fine but the prospect of reaching the final!) Fortunately, Ewell’s confidence wasn’t ravished by the episode and whilst the opposition did manage to create the half’s best opportunity, the team continued to test the juggling ability of the Rollers keeper, without ever forcing him into a save, and routinely hassled their backline into a series of errors.         
Having called time on what was retrospectively a slightly bizarre opening 45 minutes, the Ewell half time team talk echoed positivity as they felt that they had largely controlled the game, and all that had proved elusive so far was a goal. The second half began in much the same manner as the first ended, with Ewell in the ascendancy, thanks to the industrious work of the players operating in advanced areas and the miserly defensive work being performed at the other end. One notable aspect of Ewell’s play, which perhaps is slightly uncharacteristic, was the aerial bombardment that they rained down upon the Rollers backline, with Steve ‘Delap’ Clancy launching probing throw-ins from both sides of the pitch. These, and set plays, yielded a number of chances, with Clancy, Kingshott and Bullock having opportunities to break the deadlock, whilst from open play a crisp passing interchange freed Clancy on the edge of the box, whose shot was eventually blocked. However, extra time was required as despite a majority share of possession and several opportunities, Ewell remained locked in a tense stalemate.
As the match neared the 100 minute mark, Ewell’s pressure and purpose finally paid dividends, as the ball finally dropped favourably following a now trademark Clancy throw. Chipperton won the initial flick on at the front post, guiding the ball to the penalty spot where the onrushing Sear bravely contested for second ball, and having managed to get his chest to it under pressure from a despairing challenge the ball landed at Fellaini’s Bullock’s feet, who made no mistake this time from close range. Relief was the dominant emotion for most, as it had looked as if it wouldn’t be Ewell’s day in front of goal to that point, although after recent games in which leads were thrown away it was no time for premature celebrations.
Ewell did manage to navigate the remainder of the first additional 15 minutes, and the whole of the second half of extra time with their lead intact, as rather than sitting back and inviting pressure they continued to move the ball calmly in retaining possession without taking unnecessary risks, and the combination of a place in the final and a much sought after clean sheet understandably lead to the delight expressed at the final whistle. In two weeks time Ewell will know who they face, but either way 10th April is a date for the diary for followers of the amber and black army.