Before kick-off, players, officials and supporters observed a minute’s silence in remembrance of those who gave their lives in service to their country.

The Salts started brightly, creating several early opportunities through Jason Bloor and Blessing Hombessa. Badshot Lea’s first notable chance came from a free-kick just outside the penalty area, but the effort sailed harmlessly over the crossbar.

The breakthrough arrived on the half-hour mark, and it was a goal to remember. Jason Bloor collected a cross before unleashing a spectacular strike that flew into the net with both power and precision, giving the Salts a deserved 1-0 lead.

Just three minutes later, Epsom doubled their advantage. Top scorer Blessing Hombessa broke through the visitors’ defence and calmly slotted home to make it 2-0. Hombessa almost added a third soon afterwards, only to see his effort flash narrowly wide of the post.

The Salts took their two-goal advantage into the interval and remained firmly in control after the restart.

Badshot Lea’s Zak Horkin was shown a yellow card before being sent to the sin bin, temporarily reducing the visitors to ten men. Two further bookings followed for Badshot Lea as frustration began to show.

The Salts made their first substitution on 61 minutes, with Alex Foord replacing goalscorer Jason Bloor. Skipper Brendan Murphy-McVey then went close with a free-kick that drifted just over the crossbar.

Kionte Waul replaced Angel Monte on 72 minutes, before Callum McAlistair received a yellow card five minutes later. On 85 minutes, Oba was introduced in place of Murphy-McVey.

The contest was effectively settled in the 89th minute, courtesy of another moment of brilliance from Blessing Hombessa. The forward weaved his way past defenders before curling a superb finish into the top corner to complete his brace and put the Salts 3-0 ahead.

Further substitutions followed, with Frankie Lynn replacing Luke Miller and Niall Stillwell coming on for Courtney Swaby in stoppage time.

Badshot Lea grabbed a late consolation in the sixth minute of added time when Alfie Edwards’ low effort caught goalkeeper Ben Grummitt off guard and found the net.

It proved too little, too late for the visitors, as the Salts secured a thoroughly deserved 3-1 victory.

It was an excellent all-round performance from Epsom & Ewell, highlighted by three outstanding goals, a brace from Blessing Hombessa and another valuable three points.

A big thank you to the 116 supporters in attendance, who witnessed a memorable afternoon and a fine victory for the Salts!