Preview:
With a cup semi-final against an old foe up for grabs for the victors, Ewell would first need to navigate the challenge of NPL Reserves. Many of the squad turned out for the club’s Race Night on Friday evening, although most would be hoping that their fortunes were more favourable on the football field.
The Match:

6

GOAL

Chipperton. Assist: Ransom.   Chipperton steers a header back across the NPL goal and into the far corner   after being picked out Ransom’s precise free-kick.   

12

GOAL

Sear. Assist: Keogh. Another   Ransom delivery unsettles the NPL backline and Sear plunders a goal after   some goal mouth pinball.

20

CHANCE

Clancy wriggles free in   the area but his cut back is cleared.   

HALF   TIME – AFC Ewell 2 vs NPL Reserves 0

62

GOAL

Hodge. Ewell grab another   set piece goal as some charitable defending gifts Hodge a welcome back   present.

68

BOOKING

Clancy enters the book   after committing a rash challenge.

74

NEAR MISS

Heptonstall produces a   fine save as NPL almost end Ewell’s hopes of keeping a clean sheet; clawing   the ball out of the top corner to deny a well-struck free-kick.

78

CHANCE

Stevens fires off a shot   from the edge of the area that is tipped away for a corner.

85

CHANCE

Ransom has an opportunity   to notch his first goal for the club, yet he shanks his effort after being   teed up on the edge of the area.  

FULL   TIME – AFC Ewell 3 vs NPL Reserves 0

The verdict:
An excellent team performance facilitated Ewell’s progression into the next round. They defended resolutely and took their chances against a good footballing side. A semi-final against Chessington KC Reserves or Cheam Village Reserves awaits, as Ewell continue to challenge on two fronts as the season reaches its culmination.