OCs Away

Epping produced a fantastic defensive performance away from home against a good footballing Old Chelsmfordian team. Seven of the Epping squad came from the successful 3rd team which had been promoted last season. The home team won the toss and kicked off down the slope putting Epping on the back foot straight from the start. A well marshalled defence organised by Chappell were restricting the home team to long range efforts. Epping were slowly getting into the game and good football was coming from both wing banks Allan and Wilkinson who were finding Albright and Mauro up front with passes behind the home defence. Epping took the lead through Mauro who finished off a good passing move. Epping were forced to make a chance shortly after when Campling had to go off injured. Lawson came on and took up the midfield general role (in similar fashion to his middle name of BAXTER) alongside Godden and Shurety who were winning the midfield battle. Mauro put Epping two ahead with an excellent finish from 18 yards after a lovely knock on by Albright. Epping were battling for every ball and the effort was second to none. Epping went three nil ahead a few minutes into the second half. Mauro miss hit a shot from 20 yards but Wilkinson anticipated the spin of the ball quicker than the static defence and cracked home a low shot from 8 yards. The home team to their credit played fantastic football but were unable to break down a well organised midfield and defence. Epping ran out of steam but it was of no surprise due to their work rate. Delaney came on for injured Mauro with 25 minutes to go and Epping extended their lead through Albright who played a one two with the opposing centre half and calmly slotted the ball past the keeper to keep his goal a game record in tact. The home team deservedly got a goal back in the last fifteen minutes via a mix up between the excellent AJ and Chappell. The only disappointment for the team was Lawson who in the last minute went round the Home team defence similar to Archie Gemmell against Holland, World cup 1978 (the one England were not at) but as the goalkeeper advanced, Lawson suffered a severe nose bleed and hit a shot like a big girls blouse.