Preview:
 
Ewell’s hopes of cup final redemption hinged on overturning Chessington KC this time around. Their opponents would also undoubtedly have revenge in mind, as incidentally Ewell progressed to the final thanks to their penalty shoot-out success over them during the 2014-15 semi-final.
 
The Match:
 

14

CHANCE

After a somewhat tentative start, Ewell inexplicably fail to break the deadlock. Clancy’s surging run into the box looks set to yield only one possible outcome, but he is thwarted by a combination of post and goalkeeper, before an off-balance Bullock steers the rebound wide.

22

CHANCE

Patient build up play down the left flank results in an opportunity for Bullock, but his right footed effort from the penalty spot drifts wide of the post.

30

CHANCE

Having reduced Chessington to speculative efforts from range, and with Ewell in the ascendency, Hitch has an inviting opening as the ball drops to him on the edge of the box. Unfortunately for Ewell, his well-struck effort fails to test the keeper.

38

CHANCE

Ewell threaten once more as Chipperton’s teasing left-footed cross is punched off Bullock’s head, as the latter looked set to nod home from close range.

HALF TIME – AFC Ewell 0 vs Chessington KC Reserves 0

68

GOAL

Whilst Ewell hadn’t quite continued the half in the same manner that they ended the first, Chessington deliver a sucker punch. The keeper’s long ball upfield is flicked on a measured lob over Heptonstall’s head leaves Ewell with a mountain to climb.   

73

NEAR MISS

Still reeling from minutes earlier, Ewell’s task is almost compromised further as Heptonstall is forces to divert a goal bound corner kick.

76

CHANCE

Ewell throw caution to the wind and begin their assault on the Chessington goal. Firstly, Clancy directs a header narrowly wide in the first of a spate of set piece opportunities. 

80

CHANCE

N. Williams towers above his man to steer a header over the crossbar as Ewell continue to pepper the Chessington penalty area.

85

CHANCE

Harley races away from his marker and advances on goal before unleashing a fizzing effort. The keeper momentarily spills the ball but gobbles up the rebound before Clancy picks his pocket.

88

CHANCE

With time rapidly running out, Keogh rises high to meet Chipperton’s inswinging free kick and plants a firm header towards goal. Once again, Ewell come agonisingly close.

FULL TIME – AFC Ewell 0 vs Chessington KC Reserves 1

 
The verdict:
 
Whilst the end result proved to be a source of unmistakeable disappointment and anguish, Ewell’s feat of reaching a third cup final in four seasons pays testament to their ability and determination. Perhaps their dominance for much to the encounter makes this particular defeat harder to take than when they narrowly fell short last year. However, with 3 league games remaining and a league title to win, they cannot afford to spend too long licking their wounds.