Preview:
 
Ewell let their dominance count for very little when the sides met in the opening fixture of the season, conceding a last gasp equaliser that was very much against the run of play. Their second round cup tie against NPL would provide them a two-fold opportunity for redemption: in addition to avenging the 2 points they dropped, they could also make up for last week’s County Cup exit.
 
The Match:
 

10

CHANCE

Cooper misses a second consecutive spot kick after Clancy draws a foul in the NPL box.

18

GOAL

Bullock. Assist: Chipperton. Chipperton picks out Bullock in the inside left position, Bullock calmly steadies himself before slotting the ball into the goal to give Ewell an early lead.

24

NEAR MISS

Heptonstall produces a fantastic reaction stop to palm away a well struck NPL effort from the edge of the box, despite being initially unsighted.

34

GOAL

Hitch. Assist: Clancy. Good build up play down Ewell’s left hand side tees up Clancy, whilst his effort is somehow saved, Hitch is on hand to collect the rebound and double Ewell’s advantage.

40

CHANCE

Chipperton’s effort is tipped onto the crossbar by the back-pedalling NPL keeper.

HALF TIME – AFC Ewell 2 vs NPL Reserves 0

65

GOAL

Keogh. Assist: Davies. The barren streak is over as Keogh is left with the simplest of tap ins following good work from Davies.   

72

GOAL

Clancy. Clancy’s persistence pays dividends as he robs the ball deep in NPL territory and dribbles the ball into the back of the net after waltzing through their backline and rounding the keeper.

75

CHANCE

N Williams thunders a half volley towards goal and is only denied by an excellent save from a Ewell player!

81

GOAL

Keogh. Assist: Rayment. Rayment steals the ball back and slips a measured pass to Keogh who, buoyed by his earlier striker, produces an exquisite finish from the edge of the box.  

86

GOAL

Ransom. Assist: Hitch. Ransom gets in on the act as his deflected left-footed effort gets the better of the NPL keeper.

FULL TIME – AFC Ewell 6 vs NPL Reserves 0

 
The verdict:
 
A far cry from last week’s no show, Ewell harnessed the desire and application that they demonstrated in performances against Old Ruts and Worcester Park but added a hitherto lacking clinical edge to their performance. Six well taken goals and a commendable clean sheet capped what was arguably their best display of the season. Round 3 awaits as Ewell embark on the road to Sutton.