Following their impressive 5-2 win at league leaders Hertford Town the previous week, Epsom & Ewell were brought down to earth with a real bang by third-placed Witham Town on Saturday, writes Dave Wilson.

Epsom started brightly with Andy Davidson's shot hitting Chris Fossey, who fired into the keeper's arms.

The hosts also had strong penalty claims turned down when Micky Owen's header rebounded off Alan Sampson's raised hand.

But Witham took the lead after 20 minutes when Kevin Hawes' low drive beat Warren Aburn at his near post.

Epsom hit back with Owen heading into space and Luke Gay's low shot beat the Witham keeper, only to rebound back off the post.

Witham added a second after 27 minutes when Nick Emery's corner was met with a thumping header from the unchallenged Steve McKenna.

After 37 minutes Paul Rippingdale's diagonal ball picked out David Hawes, who gave Aburn no chance.

Davidson and Owen went close for Epsom in the second half, but Kevin Hawes and Emery added further goals to complete a miserable afternoon.

Epsom & Ewell: Aburn, Williams, Tacey (Ktorou 73), Stones, Hurren, Davidson, Shoefield, Fossey, Gay (Ingham 61), Owen (Pritchard 76), Purvis.

Epsom & Ewell are at home to Ilford in Ryman League Division Two on Saturday.

* A goal in the third minute of injury time saw Epsom & Ewell beaten 4-3 by AFC Wimbledon in the Suburban League South section last week. Andy Briant and Charlie Pritchard (two) got Epsom's goals. Epsom visit Walton Casuals in the Suburban League on Saturday.