Goal-fest sets Epping up for local derby

EPPING produced a sparkling display to progress to the final of the Denny King Cup by defeating Rayleigh Town 6-2 and giving them the chance to salvage something from a disappointing campaign.

They still need a couple of points to avoid relegation but the Stonards Hill club forgot about their league troubles to thrash Rayleigh and set up a final with local rivals Ongar Town.

Epping struggled for fluency in the opening exchanges, but when they did find their feet, they did so in style.

They moved into the lead on 20 minutes when Phil Bulled's perfect ball saw Jim Ellice race away on the right flank. His centre was met by Andy Grey who slid his shot on to the upright, but James Kelly was first on the scene to side-foot home.

Ash Conlan caused all sorts of problems and a second followed within five minutes when Kelly intercepted a clearance and played Conlan in. He outpaced the defenders and smashed the ball home with the keeper stranded.

As Epping continued to press forward a third arrived on 40 minutes. With the ball bouncing around the penalty area, Conlan helped it across the box for Kelly to step in and half volley into the bottom corner for his second.

Despite being 3-0 down, Rayleigh gave it a real go in the second half and pulled one back five minutes in when Simon Blake slammed the rebound home after Thomas had punched a corner clear.

Epping responded well in resuming their attack and on the hour a fourth goal, from the spot, was the reward.

John Tama got away down the right and although he was fouled as he entered the box the referee played a good advantage, only for the Epping man to be bodychecked for a second time, leaving the man in the middle with no option but to award a penalty.

Conlan made no mistake from 12 yards, notching his second of the afternoon and killing off any faint hopes of a Rayleigh comeback.

Ten minutes later it was five when Conlan completed his hat-trick in emphatic style after good work from Mike Osbourne and Kelly.

More was to follow as Kelly made an excellent run and squared the ball to Conlan, who moved across the box and centred for Chris Bailey to finish well at the near post on his return from a four-week injury lay-off.

Town kept going and grabbed a consolation with Mick Burrows' 90th-minute header, but Epping now have a great end-of-season occasion to look forward to, although they must now put it to the back of their minds and preserve their Division One status.

They were in action at home to White Notley last night (Wednesday) and travel to rivals Debden Sport on Saturday.