Epsom and Ewell hammered four goals past Lewes on Saturday to move up to seventh spot in Ryman League Division 3.

Last Tuesday night Epsom beat Wingate and Finchley 2-0 at Merland Rise and their return to top form couldn't have come at a better time. On Tuesday they were facing Bedford Town in the Vandanel Associate Mem-bers Trophy Final in north London and went into the match on the back of five wins out of five.

The return of Kevin Webb saw Epsom back to full strength on Saturday and they dominated the clash against the south coasters.

Despite going at Lewes straight from the kick-off Epsom were lucky not to go a goal behind in the 16th minute following a reckless challenge from keeper Dave Hyatt. Fortunately for Epsom, Lewes' striker Steve Flain blasted his spot kick over the bar.

The miss spurred Epsom into action. On 33 minutes they were awarded a penalty of their own when Andy Rawlinson was pulled down in the box by the Lewes keeper. Although Steve Smith fired home comfortably to put Epsom ahead Rawlinson was forced to limp off with an ankle injury and was likely to miss Tuesday night's Vandanel final.

Epsom continued to dominate after the break in a second half that was virtually one-way traffic. Within seconds of the restart Paul Bunter sent his side cruising to a 2-0 lead with a diving header after Andy Nimmo had seen his goal-bound shot deflected wide.

Nimmo then popped up on 53 minutes with a back-header from a Tony Boorman near post corner to make it 3-0.

Epsom continuing to press forward and after Kevin Webb went inches wide were rewarded with a fourth goal after 75 minutes when an astute first-time chip from Andy Boxall beat Lewes' stranded keeper Bannantyne to seal a fine win.

Epsom return to league action on Saturday when they travel to Croydon Athletic in Ryman Division 3.

On Monday night Harlow Town arrive at Merland Rise. KO 7.30pm.

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