Preview:
 
Ewell’s indifferent pre-season campaign would soon be forgotten if they could claim an opening day victory over Southwark Borough. They went into the game with a strong 14 man squad which boasted the returning Harley and debutants Inglis, Dunseath and Victor.
 
The Match:
 

18

CHANCE

After a tentative opening spell, Ewell should go ahead but Clancy blazes his close range effort over the bar.

27

GOAL

Kingshott. Assist: Bullock. Ewell are up and running for the season as Kingshott scuffs home from close range following Bullock’s near post corner.

HALF TIME – Soutwark Borough 0  - AFC Ewell 1

58

GOAL

Clancy. Assist: Ransom. Clancy doubles Ewell’s lead as he fires beyond the opposition keeper after latching on to Ransom’s free kick.  

60

CHANCE

Ewell see an effort chalked off following an alleged foul in the midst of a goal mouth scramble.

65

NEAR MISS

Ransom is off his line quickly and uses the entirety of his frame to keep out the home side following a dangerous break.

68

CHANCE

Williams-Crowe produces a sublime piece of skill and leaves a host of defenders in his wake before cutting the ball back to Tanous, who skies his effort.

72

CHANCE

Bullock is unfortunate as his well-placed effort from a free kick rebounds off the post.

77

BOOKING

Clancy’s involvement in an off the ball earns him a caution. Williams immediately follows him in the ensuing melee.    

79

NEAR MISS

As Ewell’s legs begin to tire, Bullock scythes down an onrushing attacker and concedes a spot kick. Ransom gets a strong paw from the resulting spot kick after a sprawling full length dive to his left.

85

GOAL

Despite an honest and early offside flag, Ewell’s lead is halved as Southwark Borough finally get the better of Ransom and set up a nervy finale.

FULL TIME – Southwark Borough 2009 1 - AFC Ewell 2

 
The verdict:
 
Ewell  secured a vital 3 points on the opening day for the second consecutive season and can be pleased with how they equipped themselves on a tricky afternoon, particularly in the absence of several players. Despite never really reaching their fluent best, a gritty and determined display was enough to overcome a much improved Southwark Borough side this time around.