Epsom & Ewell 0 - 3 Alton
21 Oct 2026
Match report by Ian Hall
A hattrick of assists for Reece Mather and a second successive clean sheet for Steven Douglas ensured a 0 3 win for Alton at a damp Epsom & Ewell to complete back-to-back wins for the first time since August.
Felix Hill’s front post flick and Ed Dryden’s free header, both from corners, were topped off by a collector’s item from Hadif Darwysh, ghosting in to head home another Mather cross. The trio of headers gave Alton a fully deserved three goal half-time cushion that they never looked like relinquishing. If some of the attacking football was the amongst best Alton have produced all season, the ruthless way they shut the game down in the second half will be equally pleasing.
In a frenetic opening, the hosts created the first clear chance when two Alton players collided, the loose ball was picked up by Epsom’s no. 9, Blessing Hombessa and his cross, asking to be buried, was headed just over.
The leggy centre forward, socks rolled down, rampaging forwards like a hoopy Cyrille Regis was a constant threat in the first half but Dryden and Alex Lever defended it well, holding him up to allow supporting players to get back and snuff out the danger. There was a further scare when a committed Lever challenge prompted an agonising wait for the inevitable card but much to the approval of the vocal Alton travelling support, it was yellow.
Alton took the lead from a left side corner. Hills met it at the near post and his goal bound effort bushed off a defender, onto the far post and in. Dryden’s header for Alton’s 2nd was unopposed from another corner and they nearly added a third when Manny Ageampong’s goal bound effort just flicked over the bar off a defender.
Epsom’s best chance to get back into the game again came from Hombessa, who unleashed a dipping shot from outside the box which drew an outstanding full-length tip over from Douglas.
Alton then got their third when from a throw, Jamie Philips and Mather combined to work a bit of space, Mather saw Darwysh’s dart into the box and popped it on a plate for him to nod home at the back post.
Though still a threat after the break, in worsening conditions Alton’s priority was to kill the game. With Epsom showing signs of frustration and the ref failing to impose control, things threatened to boil over at times but Alton kept their composure and the stoppages played more into their hands than the hosts. Despite more possession Epsom didn’t force another save of note and the only time Douglas looked remotely troubled was a 25 yard back pass that skimmed off the wet pitch.
The shape of the side looked good. Douglas in goal has conceded one goal in three matches since he rejoined. Dryden and Lever at centre back, facing Epsom’s best player, covered each other well, protected by Mather in the holding role. Up front Callum Kenny was a physical presence winning his headers and occupying the centre backs. Around this solid central spine, full backs Phillips and Ellis McLean did the defensive mopping up and fed Darwysh and Ageampong hugging the touchlines. Hills playing off Kenny and David Garlinge, in midfield, interchanged particularly well and some of the movement in Alton’s fast and fluid counter-attacking play was excellent.
The last word goes to Mather on his assists – “Are they on Twitter?” he asked. They are now!
Douglas, Phillips (C), McLean, Garlinge, Dryden, Lever, Acheampong, Mather, Kenny, Darwysh, Hills Subs: Branker, Pound, Simpson, Metassa, Shah.
Alton are back at the Exclusive Networks Stadium on Saturday 24th for a 3pm kick off against highflying Knaphill.
