Primarily, an apology for the lack of a report last week. The decision was made that in light of a successful season thus far, match reports will only be completed for victories and draws.

That said, last week’s 5-4 loss to Motor Racing Club Ewell was a low point of a successful season so far, but the Surb showed spirit to pull the game back and fall narrowly to a 5-4 loss in a top of the table clash.

This Sunday’s fixture was all the more enthralling given that the Surb faced the same opponents as last week in MRCE, but this time in the cup. The weather, the opponent, and the occasion set the scene for an almost poetic clash.

The first half began with intense Surbiton pressure, A. Sweeney was impenetrable at the heart of the Surbiton back-3 once more and the larger playing surface meant that the long-ball mantra that MRCE seem to follow was not quite as effective as it had been one week previously.

Pressure paid off as Surbiton took the lead through an early K. Sweeney finish low into the Ewell net that began an excellent outing for the hard-working central midfielder.

Moments later, and having re-gained possession through some incessant pressing, C. Banks was able to divert a driven L. Snowdon cross in at the near post to conclude a slick passing move through pitch. 2-0.

The Surb were unlucky to not add some more goals as R. Geer had a penalty appeal waived before narrowly missing an opportunity having beaten the Ewell backline with some excellent running in behind. The third goal did come, as C. Brown drove towards the box and drove a low, hard shot across the body of the MRCE goalkeeper who was unlucky to see it hit a bobble on the playing surface and ricochet over his body into the net.

Hope did come for MRCE as they drew one back before half-time, a deep free-kick forced S. Baxter into making a good save from an attacking header, and the rebound was scrambled into the net following an unfortunate loss of footing for A. Sweeney, who didn’t put a foot wrong all game.

Despite a threat of Ewell coming back into the game, Surbiton really went through the gears in the second 45 as they faced into the low morning sunshine that saw the return of S. Baxter’s goalkeeping cap, he needn’t have bothered though, as the second 45 was dominated by the Surb and A. Banks swept up confidently to snuff out any hope of Ewell mounting a counter-attack.

K. Sweeney kicked the second half off with a deft finish into the side netting of the Ewell net following some calm and collected build up play, prominently featuring L. Snowdon cutting in from the right flank to play some excellent passes with J. Crawley who was dominating in midfield.

With the score at 4-1 and MRCE heads dropping, the Surb really set into motion as R. Geer, who had been an outlet all match, unselfishly squared a 1-on-1 with the goalkeeper to slide in K. Topson who was able to crown a fine performance on the left flank with a goal.

C. Banks added another from close range as the Surbiton pace took it’s toll on a thin Ewell squad as the hour mark approached. Perhaps more goals could have come as a vintage D. Shortt long-throw was met with a header but ultimately tipped onto the underside of the Ewell crossbar and hooked away to safety.

A. Charles slotted into the back-three and was an outlet in bringing the ball out from the back and driving at opponents with his considerable pace, despite a sore head following the exploits of Saturday night. K. Russell was also introduced and had a field day against a tiring back-4 as he played some teasing balls into the Ewell penalty area with his back to goal.

A. Charles produced perhaps the goal of the game by rushing out from the back and driving into the Ewell half. He carried the ball to the edge of the penalty area and slammed a vicious strike that flew inside the near-post and past the flailing arms of the Ewell goalkeeper with such pace that the MRCE defence could do nothing but look on, crestfallen.

The game was concluded with the icing on the cake – a hat-trick for K. Sweeney as he danced into the penalty area and rifled a shot to the left of the onrushing goalkeeper to secure an assured 8-1 victory in a game that was irrefutably dominated by the boys in green, and concluding with the same score-line as the previous round of this cup campaign. Consistency is key.

Next week the Surb take on a strong Dynamo Kingston side in an 11:00 KO at home in the league.

Into the last 8 - and beyond?

UTS x

Matchday Squad: S. Baxter, A. Banks, A. Sweeney, D. Shortt, K. Topson, J. Crawley, C. Brown, K. Sweeney, L. Snowdon, C. Banks, R. Geer, K. Russell, A. Charles.