Epping go marching on

This much delayed Quarter Final fixture was eventually concluded on a saturated and wind-swept pitch in Waltham Abbey on Sunday morning.

Epping started slowly, the long Christmas break having taken a toll on fitness, but soon asserted their authority with Gianlucca Guglielmucci’s low drive putting them one up.

Freddie Burrell’s pace was causing its usual difficulty to the home side who weren’t giving the blues' defence of Erman Afzali and Kian Flanagan too much trouble as the half wore on.

When captain George Green powered home the second after fine work from Flanagan and Joseph Spalding, who was enjoying a great performance in midfield, Epping looked home and dry.

But as Epping relaxed, Abbey took advantage and pushed on giving keeper Charlie Holmes ample opportunity to earn his corn.

The second half started in much the same way that the first had ended, Epping only occasionally demonstrating their trademark passing football, and Abbey narrowed the gap when a forward took advantage of generous space to power into the box and slot past the helpless Holmes.

Both teams were creating chances as the clock wound down but the defences stood firm and it was Epping who were relieved at the whistle having done just enough to squeeze through to the semis.