Epsom & Ewell were made to struggle before running out 1-0 winners at Saltdean United in the second qualifying round of the FA Vase on Saturday, writes John Ward.

The home side, who are struggling in Sussex County League Division Three, clearly relished the chance to pit their wits against Combined Counties League opposition.

Epsom found the small sloping pitch a handicap to their normal free-flowing passing game.

Consequently theywere restricted to two realistic first half chances.

Saltdean could have taken the lead in the 13th minute, when Epsom keeper Neil Harrowing was alert to a Ben Towner volley.

A dour first half was livened up when Epsom had two shots; one a Dale Marvel turn and volley which was tipped over the bar, the other a Gary Mc Laughlin shot which just went over on 35 minutes.

Time after time Epsom attacks broke down, and what should have been a relatively easy tie was becoming hard work.

The second half started in similar vain, Epsom were huffing and puffing but with little to show for their efforts.

Following a cross from the wing the Epsom ‘keeper saved a close range shot from Neil Saxby; Satdean then had a period of greater pressure as Epsom failed to make their senior status count.

Epsom had their best chance up to this point when a cross into the box resulted in a Dale Marvel shot, which their goalkeeper saved superbly.

The deadlock was eventually broken when Saltdean appeared to be tiring, and an Epsom corner taken by Kyle Hough was blocked on the line.

Gary McLaughlin was on hand to nod the ball downwards and score what turned out to be the winner, in the 70th minute.

As injury time approached, Saltdean switched to a 4-3-3 formation; however this gave Epsom more room to attack and a late Ross Shoefield cross come shot almost doubled the visitors’ lead.

Epsom now face an away trip to Chichester United in the first round proper.

Epsom Manager, Lyndon Buckwell is hopeful that the side can finish in the top six of the Premier Division of the Combined Counties League this season. The team have already reached the first qualifying round of the F.A. Cup and will now hope to progress further in the F.A. Vase.

Epsom's forthcoming fixtures: 30/9/2008 – Colliers Wood United (Home) League

04/10/2008 – Bookham (Away) League