Chipstead again bowed out of the Emirates FA Cup at the Extra Preliminary Round stage, as they lost by the only goal v. Epsom & Ewell at Chessington & Hook’s ground on Saturday afternoon

On a pitch looking remarkably good in the present weather, Chips started brightly, & went close, as Abioseh Davies was tripped, but got up to head Michael Agyemang’s free-kick goalwards, but it was saved

Chipstead kept pushing forward, with Carl Oblitey & Edd Mbango looking dangerous, but they couldn’t fashion any real chances, apart from when a long ball gave Mbango something to run on to, but he lifted his shot over the target

Epsom had their first real opportunity, as their no. 10 shot low, but Jacob Bennett in the Chips goal saved well - however, he was unable to keep out a close-range finish by the no. 10 from a long free-kick to make 1-0 on 40 minutes, which put Chipstead on the back foot

Things got even tougher for them in added time before the break, as Oblitey, who had earlier been booked, jumped innocuously with the home keeper to compete for a cross from Mbango on the left - the keeper stayed down, & the referee saw fit to brandish a second yellow card, and consequently a red, so they would have to come from behind with ten men

They regrouped for the second half, with Diego Munoz on as substitute on the left, with Mbango up front - he was soon joined by new signing Reece Deakin, & the two quickly combined, but Mbango’s shot was saved

Further substitutions were made, but no more clearcut chances were created - indeed the closest they came was a late corner, when everyone came up, including keeper Bennett, but he was penalised for a challenge on the home keeper - it had been that sort of day!

Chipstead must quickly regroup to try & seek their first league win of the season at home to Met Police on Tuesday evening