Epsom & Ewell do not however fall into this category. Two years ago United dumped them out of the FA Cup, this time it was the FA Vase second round proper that was providing the entertainment. United do of course have that secret little crush on the Vase. Already this season they have disposed of Loxwood, Halls Athletic and Sporting Club Thamesmead. Epsom & Ewell arrived early and in good spirits - maybe the seaside air on a beautiful November day might bring a change in fortune. United had been through a tough week, being dumped out of the Peter Bentley Cup and dropping 3 points to Horsham YM, albeit a last minute looping shot that just evaded everyone - and might be ripe for picking.

Before kickoff a minute’s silence for Remembrance day was immaculately observed by all, and a wreath from Epsom and Ewell lay pitchside for the entire game. A poignant reminder of the privilege of peace we enjoy today.

United welcomed back Jordan Ray from Bexhill in defence, and talisman Charlie Ball returned from Hastings United to the delight of the home crowd.

The Crowd’s good humour was nearly tested straight away as Alex Hobden was forced into a save with just 4 minutes gone, but the concern turned out to be unfounded; it was Hobden’s only meaningful touch of the first half. James Hull shot just inches wide of a stranded keeper, and Rhyle Ovenden also shot just over in the opening 15 minutes. Ovenden then turned provider as Jordan Ray had the crowd going with a header, which had actually gone into the side netting! United were industrious for the entire first half. Epsom got physical, and United responded in kind - it never got dirty, but it was full blooded. Just ahead of half time, Ovenden’s corner from the right had to be scrambled off the line, ensuring a nervy half time talk for Epsom.

Some of the large crowd were still making their way back from the bar when Brett Patton received the ball wide on the left, cut in, and unleashed an absolute screamer into the top right corner! In all their research, Epsom would not have had the popular midfielder down as a potential goal scorer- just one previous goal in 115 appearances, but check it out online - this was a contender for goal of the tournament! Epsom were visibly shaken, and the match got even more physical - Ollie Hull went into the referees book on the hour, swiftly followed by Sam Scott. Hobden took an easy catch to thwart a potential comeback, but to be honest, life was fairly easy in the United goal. Withholding minutes to go, it nearly all unraveled. T’yano Wilson had tied Epsom in knots all afternoon, but then managed to completely mistime a tackle, and the referee showed him a Red. Epsom came to life and Anthony Storey took no chances as the injured Farrell was replaced by Draisto shore up the defences. To be honest, it was a short lived insurrection- United looked very solid as a ten man team, and Charlie Ball came oh so close to making it 2-0 just before the full time whistle.

United then went into Monday’s draw for the next round, the crowd were happy, Ball and Ray both looked like good upgrades, the only sour note was Wilson’s Red card. On Sunday morning he turned out for the under 18s, and scored 13. Yes 13. There is immense talent all around this United squad. On Saturday, Lancing are the visitors to the Oval as the League returns in full flow.