CAFC Women vs Epsom & Ewell – Preview
Carshalton Athletic travel to Cobham FC to take on Epsom & Ewell in the Surrey Premier Division on Sunday.
Robins Review
Aaron Lamont’s side secured a commanding 5-0 victory over Leatherhead Youth in the Surrey Premier Division at River Lane on Sunday. The win narrows the gap to league leaders Dorking Wanderers Development to four points, but the Robins also hold two games in hand over the Surrey-based side.
Epsom & Ewell
Epsom & Ewell currently sit second from the bottom in the Surrey Premier Division, level on points with Beecholme Belles and just two points behind Croydon. The Rocks can consider themselves somewhat fortunate, as they not only have a game in hand over Old Tiffinians, who occupy a spot in the relegation zone, but the Tiffs have yet to register a point in the 2024-25 season and are suffering from an alarming goal difference of -65.
It’s been a tough start to the season for Epsom, who failed to secure a win in their opening four matches. They endured heavy defeats, losing 25-2 on aggregate to Leatherhead Youth, Farnham Town, and Fulham in the FA Cup, with Fulham responsible for 13 of those goals. Another loss to Leatherhead Youth followed, further compounding their struggles.
A 2-1 victory over Beecholme Belles in early October provided a brief respite, ending an unwanted losing streak, but their hopes were quickly dashed with a 2-1 defeat to Sutton United reserves. The month closed with a 5-0 win over Old Tiffs, though they suffered a painful 5-0 loss to Carshalton Athletic shortly thereafter.
In mid-November, the Rocks played out a thrilling ten-goal contest against Dorking Wanderers Development, ultimately falling 7-3 to the hosts. Just a week later, the Surrey-based side endured a heavy 7-0 defeat to Woking in the Capital Intermediate Cup, marking the second consecutive week they had conceded seven goals. The Rocks then had a two-month break from action, with no fixtures over the festive period or in January. Upon returning to play in February, Epsom suffered losses of 3-2 to Croydon and 6-3 to Dorking Wanderers Development. However, a much-needed chance to rebound came against Old Tiffinians, and the Rocks seized the opportunity, securing a 5-1 victory.
Likely line-ups
Carshalton Athletic
Solly, Alderman, E. Andrade, M. Andrade, Chapman, Douglin, Dulley, Eade, Edwards, Measures, Rodriguez
Epsom & Ewell
Bailey, Bennett, Cunningham, Davison, French, Ghezali, Greenaway, Nasir, Smith, Vardon, Waterfall-Oldham
Team news
Carshalton Athletic
Carshalton Athletic will be without the Andrade twins, Kanita Throp, and Josie Alderman next weekend.
Pre-Match Preview
Epsom & Ewell have faced significant struggles on both sides of the ball this season. The Rocks have scored a mere 23 goals, with only rock-bottom Old Tiffinians (5) and second-from-bottom Beecholme Belles (10) managing fewer. Defensively, they’ve conceded 41 goals, and the only team with a worse defensive record is Old Tiffs, who have allowed 70.
Key Players
Lillie Mae Ghezali and Priya Wilson lead the charge for Epsom & Ewell, both sitting on five goals for the 2024-25 season. The attacking duo is crucial to the Rocks’ offensive efforts and will be key to any hopes of turning their form around.
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, March 16, 2025
Venue: Cobham FC
Kickoff: 03:30 PM
Admission: Free Entry
