Molesey 0-0 Epsom & Ewell - Official Match Report
Molesey played our their first goalless draw since September 2010, and their first at Walton Road for over three years as they held high-flying Epsom & Ewell.
Goalless draws between the sides in the past have generally been quite enjoyable affairs, with plenty of goalmouth action to keep spectators entertained. This was not one of those draws. Despite plenty of endeavour from both sides the Moles failed to register an effort on target, and although they carried the greater goal threat the Salts didn't do enough to justify the three points, with Alex McKay's late header that smacked against the bar the closest they came.
With Arnold Tawonezvi and Joe Grant injured and Manny Quarshie on the bench the Moles gave Paul Cross his first league start of the season, whilst Andy Graves, Colin Hartburn and Tom Windsor also started on the bench following the Moles' recent hectic schedule.
The sides traded blows evenly in the first half, with Joe Pratley-Jones having a couple of well-struck strikes from distance clear the bar, and Epsom's Nathan Ayling and Dale Marvell also seeing long-range efforts not trouble Wester Young.
The only genuine opportunity occurred when a through ball caught the Moles back four square, and Young saved well at the feet of Mark Jarman.
Epsom started the second half strongly, with Ayling drawing another good save from Young when the his shot from 20 yards bounced awkwardly in front of him, and from the resulting corner two unmarked Epsom players got in each others way in the six yard box and McKay headed wildly over.
Molesey threatened when Krsitian Webb's header went just over the bar, and Lewis Ackerman sent a late volley wide following good play from Peter Song.
The Moles had a decent shout for a penalty turned down when Ross Chalke appeared to be bundled over in the box when trying to get on the end of Webb's cross but the ref was unmoved by the protests.
As the game entered the closing stages the Moles had to hang on and withstand some heavy Epsom pressure, with McKay's late header nearly stealing the points for the Salts.
The result almost certainly guarantees the Moles a top half finish, and a decent points haul in their final four games could see them finish in the top 7. They make the long-awaited trip to Guernsey on the weekend before hosting Chessington & Hook next Tuesday.