CAFC Women vs Epsom & Ewell – Match Preview
Carshalton Athletic Women take on Epsom and Ewell in the Surrey Premier Division on Sunday afternoon at Colston Avenue.
Robins Review
Following the cancellation of our Capital Cup tie with Denham United Ladies FC on Sunday, the Robins were last in action Friday against tier-5 Haringey Borough where Aaraon Lamont’s side fell to an unfortunate 4-1 defeat. That said, the scoreline fails to do justice to the impressive performance. Whether it was Sarah Chapman spearheading the intense press, Kenza Gueriani’s tenacity up and down the touchline, or Solley’s brilliance between the sticks, it was a display to be proud of, especially considering the quality of the opponents.
After the emphatic 5-0 Leatherhead Youth thumping, Carshalton occupy seventh place on seven points (pts), level with Sutton United Reserves. Dorking Wanderers Development languish above on 13 pts; however, the Reds have a game in hand over the Wanderers. Therefore, there will be hopes of victory when the Salts visit Colston at the weekend.
Epsom and Ewell Women
Epsom & Ewell ran out 5-0 winners over Old Tiffians in the Captial Intemidate Cup on Sunday.
It has been a difficult start to the 2024-25 season for Epsom & Ewell Women who currently languish second from bottom in 8th place on just three points. The Salts faced off against Leatherhead Youth in their campaign curtain raiser, falling to a respectable narrow 2-1 defeat. A trio of thumping’s unfortunately followed against Farnham Town, Fulham – in the FA Cup – and Leatherhead, again. Epsom conceded a whopping 18 goals, which was made worse by the fact that they only found the net on one occasion. That being said, the ladies bounced back by beating Beecholme Belles 2-1 to put an end to the winless streak, a testament to their character and spirit. Sutton United Reserves, who the Robins have yet to take on in the Surrey Premier, ran out 2-1 winners the week before last.
Epsom spent large parts of last season flirting with promotion, missing out by the barest of margins after securing an impressive second-place finish with 40 points, six shy of league toppers Leatherhead Women’s First Team. However, over the summer the Surrey Premier underwent a huge shake-up, teams such as Farnham Town, Leatherhead Youth, Dorking Wanderers Development, and ourselves were introduced and made promotion an even tougher challenge for the pre-existing clubs. Also, Epsom have been rocked by the departure of several key players, all five of the players celebrated at last year’s awards departed the club over the summer. Dion Knorr, the biggest loss, moved onto Actonian’s LFC in the FAWNL Division One South East and has already made an immediate impact, smashing three goals in three matches.
Likely line-up
Carshalton Athletic
Solley, Nebbitt, Dady, Allen, Edwards, McCarthy, Dulley, Gueriani, Chapman, Measures, Eade
Epsom and Ewell
Alden, Bennett, French, Greensmith, Knight, Luff, Maryan, Raishbrook, Smith, Waterfall-Oldham, Wilson
Team News
Carshalton Athletic
There will be a huge selection headache for Manager Aaron Lamont ahead of Sunday, expect the backline to remain unchanged; however, it is likely that the forward areas will undergo a bit of a shake-up.
Epsom and Ewell
Expect Epsom and Ewell to have a fully fit squad at their disposal.
Pre-Match Analysis
Steve Luff, Epsom and Ewell Manager, outlined the club’s objectives at the start of the season following the 2-1 defeat to Leatherhead Youth. “Expectations before today were to survive,” he said, “Now I’m a lot more hopeful that we will challenge some of the teams. It was a shame to lose. Weirdly very happy with our performance even though it was a loss because there was so much anticipation,” added Luff. Since then, perhaps the young manager has been forced down to reality; however, the Belles victory and slender Leatherhead defeat means they will enter Sunday higher in confidence.
Key Player
Priya Wilson’s brace earned the Salts their first victory of the 2024-25 campaign and therefore Wilson is Epsom’s key player. Other names to keep an eye on are captain Alice French, Gemma Vardon, and Neve Maryan, responsible for ensuring a strong core spine. Additionally, Zoe Luff proved a handful against Old Tiffians, netting twice, taking her tally to four goals for the season so far.
The Gaffer
Steve Luff was appointed Manager of Epsom and Ewell Women as recently as the summer, succeeding Anthony Dwayne at the helm. Luff came through the Salts girl’s youth system, having taken charge of various age groups. Not only a coach but also a parent, he has been instrumental in the girl’s development pathway to the first team and beyond.
Match Details
Date: Sunday, October 27, 2024
Venue: Colston Avenue
Kickoff: 02:30 PM
Admission: Free Entry
