Elm Groves Reserves get off to great start with away win at Epsom Eagles

After the disappointment of last weeks called off game Elm Grove were looking to start the new season well with the new look playing and management team.

The game started with Epsom having the better of the ball against a nervous Grove and they soon took the lead with a well taken finish, 1-0 and not the start the new managers were looking for. Epsom continued to be on top and Dave Woolley made some excellent saves to keep Grove in it. This seemed to provoke Grove into action and the ball was starting to be played around with confidence which resulted in a corner to grove. The ball came across and was met by a header form Matt Kirk that hit the underside of the bar and nestled in the back of the net, 1-1. At this point Grove were on top, it was not long before a second corner was met by a downward header from James Scarr giving Grove a 2-1 half time lead.

After a stern half time talking to resulted in a much better second half performance, Nic Donaldsons pace causing the Epsom defence problems all afternoon sprung the off side trap with a ball from Tom Millar which Nic coolly lobbed over the on-rushing keeper. It was soon 4-1 with Billy Pamment breaking through and slotting the ball past the keeper and Nic finished of the scoring with another one-on-one. Before the game we would have taken any win but to come away 5-1 winners away from home without playing well is a bonus.

Next match is at home to Horsley who did the double over Grove last year so this will be an good gauge as to how far we have come.

Team: David Woolley, Robert Bushell (Rob Lamb), Jamie Chapman, Ian Pugh, Tom Millar, Paola Ascione, James Scarr, Ian Crocker, Billy Pament, Matt Kirk, Nic Donaldson.

Scorers: Nic Donaldson 2, Matt Kirk, James Scarr, Billy Pamment

MOM: Matt Kirk