Bracknell Town 1

Ten out of ten for effort. But Epsom and Ewell's fourth game in eight days appeared to be one game too many, as the team battled to keep their slim promotion hopes alive at Merland Rise on Saturday.

Epsom had drawn nine of their home league games, and Bracknell eight of their away games, so this was probably always going to be a draw.

However, Epsom looked keen enough in the early stages, with Matt Smith replacing the injured Steve Latuske and Ben Forey returning after suspension.

Forey and Barry Stevens pressurised the visiting defence from the start.

Forey had an early cross blocked, Stevens fired one chance over, and Stevens' cross was knocked out for a corner as Forey homed in.

Jamie Buckley delivered a fierce ball into the goalmouth which just need a touch, and Forey's shot was blocked after he had combined well with Stevens.

Bracknell had an effort go wide of the far post before Epsom went ahead after 29 minutes.

Stuart Miller, making his 100th 1st XI appearance, rolled the ball into the path of Andy Nimmo, who scored with a low shot into the corner.

Bracknell equalised seven minutes later when Osgood swept the ball past Hyatt on the half-volley.

Graham Chappell and Stuart Miller both went close just before the break, and the second half saw Epsom create the lion's share of the chances,

Matt Smith saw his flick blocked and Andy Nimmo's shot was saved by Bracknell's 'keeper, Hutt, at the second attempt.

Dave Hyatt made a good save from Mark Franks and later denied Havermans to keep the scores level.

Hutt then came to Bracknell's rescue again. A long ball from Morris sent Forey clear, but Hutt saved Forey's shot with his legs and deflected the ball for a corner.

The final 10 minutes saw one final push from Epsom.

Matt Smith had an excellent chance to settle it, but headed a Morris corner wide, while Sean Grant was again foiled by Hutt.

Having picked up Andy Nimmo's pass, Grant outpaced Charlton only to see Hutt's legs come to the rescue again.

Bracknell had a late chance to nick the points, but Hyatt tipped Ben Edwards cross over the bar andHavermans headed wide from the resulting corner.

Mathematically, Epsom can still gain promotion if they win their last two games.

But they must still rely on Tilbury, Hornchurch and Croydon Athletic all dropping points.

In their first game for nearly three weeks, Epsom Reserves led promotion candidates Staines Town 2-1 in Saturday's Suburban League game at Wheatsheaf Lane.

But they eventually lost the match 2-5. One of Epsom's goals was an own goal, scored when a home defender scythed Gary Meakin's cross into his own net.

Epsom's other scorer was Joe Loyza.

Fixture

Saturday May 6

1st team away to Great Wakering Rovers

Ryman League Div 3