Epsom Eagles 1 AFC Wimbledon Youth 5
West Surrey Youth League Cup - Preliminary Round - Sunday 10 October 2005
After a closely-contested first half, AFC engaged top gear to inflict a heavy defeat on close rivals Epsom Eagles in the First Round of the League Cup. Five goals fired AFC into a second round home tie against Bedfont Eagles, as the opposition wilted after coming under pressure in the second half. AFC were at full strength apart from James Snishko on holiday, and Matthew Braben sidelined with injury. There was some concern as Sam King played despite carrying a foot injury, but this proved unfounded as he turned in yet another impressive defensive performance.
Epsom started brightly and so nearly opened the scoring within five minutes when a free kick from the left flank struck the AFC bar. There followed 15 minutes of stalemate before Epsom took the lead. Billy Dunn received an excellent pass, goalside of Jack Malin, and then wasted no time in shooting quickly past Nick Greaves. Three minutes later Luke Ewing blazed over the bar after William Taylor crossed from the right wing when through on goal. On 26 minutes AFC equalised when Sonny Russell got between two defenders to convert another excellent cross from William Taylor. The game was very evenly contested as Timi da Silva went close with a header, and then an Epsom forward shot narrowly wide of a yawning goal with Nick Greaves stranded at the other post. However, it was AFC who hit the front when Luke Ewing found Timi da Silva, who hurtled across the edge of Epsom area before hitting a fierce shot into the bottom corner of the net.
After the break AFC immediately found top gear as Timi da Silva accelerated away down the right before squaring the ball into the path of Troy Murray, who made no mistake. A minute later the lively Troy Murray should have wrapped it up, but he lost out in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The hosts came under increasing pressure, but their keeper denied AFC by making a great save from Sonny Russell. With Tee-Jay Ryan and Sonny Russell pulling the strings in midfield and Timi da Silva and Troy Murray looking a constant threat, AFC continued to create openings, but a combination of poor finishing and good defending kept Epsom in the game. Epsom rallied a little to create several minutes of pressure, and went close when a couple of shots were blocked in the penalty area. Thereafter, they made only periodic raids and the AFC defence defended solidly, and never really looked like conceding another goal. On 52 minutes Troy Murray finished off a fluent passing move to score a fourth for the visitors. Epsom then appeared to loose all shape and discipline, and were fortunate not go further behind when another one-on-one with their keeper was squandered. Soon after AFC appeared to have been awarded a penalty when Timi da Silva was taken out by a clumsy challenge, but the referee reversed his decision. On 66 minutes Epsom almost scored when a tame header deceived Nick Greaves and hit the post. However, AFC remained in control, and twelve minutes from time Timi da Silva burst in from the right and scored with a scuffed shot that crept over the line after taking a deflection off a defender. As the resolve of the opposition withered away, AFC coasted to an emphatic and memorable 5-1 victory.
This was an outstanding team performance with Troy Murray turning in a superb display up front and Sonny Russell, probably the best player on view, having another great game in midfield. There were also excellent performances also from Charlie Dennis, Sam King, Timi da Silva and Nick Greaves.
Reporter's man of the match: Troy Murray
Team: Nick Greaves; Scott Fullerton, Sam King, Jack Malin, Charlie Dennis; William Taylor, Sonny Russell, Tee-Jay Ryan, Luke Ewing; Timi da Silva, Troy Murray. Sub: Sahil Patel, Matthew O'Brien