Preview:
 
At the beginning of the week it looked unlikely that Ewell would be able to source 11 players due to absences and injuries, and so an uncharacteristically slim Ewell squad make the short journey to Kingston. Having had a month long break from competitive fixtures, few would have expected to witness the greatest of games.
 
The Match:
 

8

CHANCE

Bullock cuts inside from the right and sets Keogh through one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but the latter triumphs and pushes Keogh’s effort away.  

15

NEAR MISS

Heptonstall is called upon to produce a save after Norbiton managed to get beyond Ewell’s backline.   

30

BOOKING

Chipperton collects a caution after venting his frustration following a challenge that was not penalised.   

34

GOAL

Harley. Assist: Stevens. Harley’s 2016 starts in a similar manner to the end of 2015 – amongst the goals. After an uneventful opening half hour, Harley riffles an instinctive low effort towards goal after receiving the ball from the returning Stevens.  

HALF TIME – Norbiton Dragons vs AFC Ewell 1

46

GOAL

Rayment. Assist: Cooper. Ewell make a flying start to the half and Rayment opens his account with his first touch, tapping home from close range following good work from Cooper down the right flank.     

64

GOAL

Bullock. Assist: Harley. A sublime team goal resulting from a swift counter that culminated in Bullock’s exquisite diving header after Harley’s measured cross.  

85

BOOKING

Keogh’s involvement in a fracas in the closing minutes sees him collect a card.  

FULL TIME – Norbiton Dragons vs AFC Ewell 3

 
The verdict:
 
Ewell continued their love affair with the Geoff Ellis Shield and booked themselves a place in the last 8 of the competition. Despite producing a disappointing display in which they never reached their fluid best, in securing their advancement they started 2016 with a victory and a clean sheet to boot.