Salts Regain Stella Trophy

Epsom & Ewell 0-0 Corinthian-Casuals
(Epsom & Ewell won 4-3 on penalties)
Stella Lamont Trophy
Tuesday 23rd July 2024
Words: Josh Lamey
Pictures: Stuart Tree (full set of photos here)

Casuals missed out on the Stella Lamont Trophy last night, as a penalty shootout defeat to Epsom & Ewell denied them the chance of pre-season silverware.

The supporters were optimistic heading into the encounter, as two positive performances against Grays Athletic and Westfield have seen the Mu Maan era start promisingly. Next on the agenda were new tenants Epsom & Ewell, who we faced in the first of this season’s King George’s Field derbies.

Both sides started brightly, going at each other from the first whistle yet no breakthrough could be made in the early exchanges.

Meanwhile, Epsom & Ewell may have had the better chances, but you could argue that Casuals were on top as some great tiki-taka football on the edge of the area saw numerous shooting chances open up.

However, down the other end, the hosts had their fair share of opportunities to gain the upper hand, only for them to be closed down by a rigid Corinthian back four.

It was a composed first 45 from Mu’s men although the game definitely had a local derby feel to it, especially under the bright Tolworth lights – and the second half began with banners on full display and chants in full force at the Casuals end.

Unfortunately, the second period didn’t begin like the first, as Epsom & Ewell saw more of the ball, and ultimately the better chances, albeit still not being able to penetrate this new-look backline.

As the tie looked destined for penalty kicks, one final roll of the dice saw Epsom & Ewell come close with an astonishing bicycle kick directed just wide of the stanchion, followed by a series of corners as they looked to apply the pressure late on.

Ultimately, neither side could find a dramatic ending in normal time, and the winner of the 2024 Stella Lamont Trophy had to be decided by penalties.

In the end, it wasn’t to be for Casuals, who failed to convert the first and final penalties of the shootout, while Epsom & Ewell missed just one kick to win back the trophy on their new turf.