EPSOM LADIES 3 Havant 2

Epsom needed to bounce back after the opening-day defeat at Southampton but went into to their second league game missing the injured Sarah Scott and defender Nicky Higgins.

It proved a real rollercoaster ride, as Penny Woods put Epsom ahead with only three minutes gone.

Havant capitalised on a defensive error to equalise almost immediately.

Woods scored again to give Epsom the advantage at half-time but the visitors looked strong and pushed hard for another equaliser.

Despite their endeavours, it was Epsom who scored next, with Fiona Champness crossing superbly for Pam Gregory, who spectacularly deflected the ball home.

Havant took advantage of another mistake at the back, and then looked as though they would draw level again when they were awarded a penalty stroke.

Fortunately, Epsom keeper Sarah Wight was in top form and pulled off a fine save to give Epsom all three points.

This was an important win without being at their best and the performance will undoubtedly have to step up a level at Surbiton on Saturday.

Other results: Epsom II 3 Spencer II 2, Epsom III 3- Purley 3, Epsom IV 3 Camberley II 1, Epsom V 2 Richmond V 0

UCL Academicals 3 EPSOM MEN 1

Epsom went down to a disappointing defeat on the first day of the Surrey/Hants league season.

After some decent performances in pre-season, Epsom were lethargic this time out, playing at a slow tempo and conceding three soft goals just after half time to effectively surrender the tie.

The sticky pitch at Thames Ditton rarely makes for an entertaining game and this tie descended into a scrappy and physical one almost immediately.

UCL looked much the brighter side early on and Epsom didn't wake up until the latter stages of the first half, when some sustained possession saw them create some chances and win a number of short corners.

Despite the presence of dragflick specialist Wade Joubert they failed to convert. The sides went in 0-0 at half time.

The second half got worse for Epsom, who overcommitted going forward and conceded to a well worked counter attack down the right, neatly deflected home by UCL's key man Simon Coles.

Epsom were stunned and conceded a second almost immediately, giving the ball away in their own 25, and seeing Coles lash home a second on the reverse.

Things got even worse for Epsom, as from another mistake, the home side added a third goal through a neatly worked deflection.

The 3-0 deficit finally seemed to spark Epsom into life, and they laid siege to the UCL goal in the final stages.

The lively Paul Atkinson reduced the deficit to 3-1, getting in front of his marker and meeting Rob Tong's cross with a near post deflection, but it proved the away sides only goal, as a number of short corners went astray.

Epsom will look to move on from this result quickly, starting at home on Saturday (Blenheim School 1.30pm) against Trojans.

Epsom seocnds lost 2-0 at home to a strong Southampton first XI in their first Surrey/Hants Div 2 league game.

The this also lost at Merton seconds but the fourths beat Teddington Oaks 3-2 and the fifths thrashed Addiscombe 4s 11-0, with Carlos Michelson grabbing six.

Epsom Vets won 6-2 at Winchester on Saturday but went down 2-0 at Bournemouth in the National Cup on Sunday.