Epsom welcomed Tulse Hill & Dulwich for a pre-season friendly, and there were flashes of decent hockey from the home side as Epsom continued their build-up to the start of the Surrey /Hampshire League season.

Some lethargic performances in the Surrey Cup on Saturday had seen Epsom limp into the last 16 knockout phase with a defeat against London Wayfarers and a win over neighbours Cheam.

Captain/coach combo Rob Tong and Mahmood Bhatti called for more energy around the field, and more precision in attack.

They got both as Epsom dominated the game in the opening exchanges with a high tempo display.

Operating a decent press high up the field, Epsom exerted constant pressure on Tulse Hill and took the lead after just 5 minutes, as a neat reverse flick from James Midmer found Paul Atkinson bursting into the area on the outside.

Atkinson’s shot was saved by the keeper, but the ball broke back to Midmer who slapped home the rebound for 1-0.

Epsom continued to retain possession well through calm play from Alex Simmonds and Ali Murrell at the back, and some accurate passing in midfield from James Harris and Rob Tong.

They were forced to be patient in attack, as Tulse Hill defended resolutely and started to establish a foothold in the game, but just before the break the home side doubled their advantage via a swift, well executed counter attack.

After a Tulse Hill short corner had broken down, new boy Rob Kruger hit a superb long ball up to Wade Joubert, whose intelligent first time lay off allowed Midmer to find Mike Atkinson stealing in at the far post.

After the break the game became more evenly contested, with Tulse Hill starting to establish a presence up front, and their stronger players looking to retain possession in the midfield.

Epsom continued to play controlled hockey however, and as the game became more stretched Alex Simmonds started to display an array of accurate short and long range passing from the back.

Epsom extended their lead when Russell Tebay seized on a quick free hit, sprinted down the left and clipped the ball round the keeper with a composed finish for 3-0.

The scoreline gave Epsom a measure of control, and a mesmerising run from Paul Atkinson then almost opened up a commanding lead, but Epsom were in fact forced to wait until the final stages to take full control, as a weary away side tired rapidly.

Joubert was next on the score-sheet, firing home a short corner drag-flick from close range after a set routine exchange with Mike Atkinson for 4-0.

Epsom's lead was extended further as James Harris turned smartly on the edge of the area before firing home a powerful reverse stick shot for 5-0. Harris' tireless running and tough tackling were encouraging signs at centre midfield, and he thoroughly deserved his goal.

Tulse Hill grabbed a consolation goal towards the end of the game with a well worked counterattack to leave the final score at 5-1.