Preview:
 
Following a relatively positive and successful pre-season campaign, the players were itching for a return to competitive action. Ewell’s hopes of beginning life in the Intermediate tier with a victory would require them to win their first opening game at the fifth time of asking!
 
The Match:
 

20

CHANCE

Williams sprays a measured ball for Hitch to run onto. The latter attempts to lob the onrushing keeper but is thwarted, although the away side were adamant that he did so using his hands.

34

CHANCE

Neat football leads to an opportunity for Stingemore, but the debutant’s effort is repelled.

HALF TIME – AC Malden 0 - AFC Ewell 0

50

GOAL

Hitch. Assist: Stingemore. Ewell break the deadlock early in the second half after arguably looking the more dangerous of the two sides. Hitch rises highest at the back post and produces a thumping header following Stingemore’s corner.

55

GOAL

Keogh. Assist: Stingemore. Ewell double their lead following more good work from Stingemore. This time his measured cross from the right wing is gratefully received by Keogh, who plants his header into the back of the net.

66

GOAL

Hitch. Assist: Stingemore. Stingemore crowns his impressive display with his third assist of the afternoon. After another positive foray down the right, he stands the ball up to Hitch, who with his back to goal, pirouettes and drills his volley into the far corner.

75

GOAL

Ahmad. Assist: Hitch. Hitch turns provider on this occasion as Ewell cap a ruthless counter attacking move. Hitch unselfishly squares for Ahmad to mark his debut with a goal with a simple tap in.

78

NEAR MISS

Kingshott’s whirling clearance threatens to creep into the back of the net, and after initially preventing the ball from doing so, Ransom is forced to make a fine sprawling save in order to preserve Ewell’s clean sheet.  

80

GOAL

Ahmad. Assist: Chipperton. Chipperton picks a defender’s pocket a feeds the ball to Ahmad. Despite having much still to do, the forward evades a couple of tackles before stroking the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

FULL TIME – AC Malden 0 - AFC Ewell 5

 
The verdict:
 
Ewell finally ended their opening day hoodoo with a near-faultless 90 minute display. It is also worth noting that their explosive second half showing was even more impressive owing to the fact that they played the final 25 minutes with 10 men, yet still managed to conserve the clean sheet and add to their tally. Sterner tests may well await them yet they have certainly laid down a marker.