Preview:
 
The waiting is finally over. After an indifferent pre-season campaign, Ewell finally started life in JD1 with a home encounter against NPL Reserves.
 
The Match:
 

10

GOAL

Bullock. Assist: Ransom. Ewell’s opening goal of the season certainly won’t be their greatest, as Bullock’s relatively soft effort is inexplicably allowed to drift through the goalkeeper’s leg.  

18

GOAL

Hodge. Assist: Bullock. Ewell double their lead after Hodge refuses to give the NPL backline a moment’s peace, stealing the ball off a retreating defender before producing a measured lob to leave the keeper stranded.

26

CHANCE

Hodge races through but is unable to replicate his earlier effort as he attempts a lofted left footed strike.

36

NEAR MISS

Heptonstall comes to A. Williams’ rescue and spares the manager’s blushes. When attempting to clear an over hit through-ball, Williams inadvertently steered the ball towards goal and Heptonstall’s fingertips ensured the ball rebounded off the crossbar.

42

GOAL

Ewell suffer a blow before half-time as NPL reduce the home side’s lead following a corner.

HALF TIME – AFC Ewell 2 vs NPL Reserves 1

56

CHANCE

Hodge is set free once again and despite successful weaving past a number of challenges, his effort lacks the necessary venom to trouble the keeper.  

70

CHANCE

Ransom climbs high and plants a brave header off the crossbar.    

86

GOAL

The unthinkable happens. Having controlled the game throughout, Ewell succumb to a late equaliser.

FULL TIME – AFC Ewell 2 vs NPL Reserves 2

 
The verdict:
Ewell were understandably disappointed to surrender a 2 goal lead in a game that they dominated, although they will be relieved that they have put a solitary point on the board to kick off the campaign. A home fixture against Old Rutlishians Reserves next week will provide them with an opportunity to make amends.