Ross Shoefield claims that Epsom & Ewell have rediscovered their confidence following the 6-0 demolition of Horley Town in the Combined Counties League Premier Division on Saturday.

Epsom approached this weekend's fixture in a wretched vein of form, but produced a tremendous display to record their biggest win of the season. The lopsided scoreline, and the manner of the performance, has given the midfielder reason to feel optimistic.

“When we play well, I think that we can beat anyone,” Shoefield said. “When the team reaches its peak, then we can beat any side in the division. If I'm honest, [Horley] weren't great, but they have only suffered two defeats all season.

“After Saturday's result, we've rediscovered some of our confidence and, I think, confidence is a big factor,” he added.

Prior to Saturday, Epsom's most recent victory was in the middle of September and, since then, they have also been eliminated from the EL Records Premier Challenge Cup. However, Schoefield claims that there are a number of reasons behind their dramatic slump in form.

“Our results were probably caused by some bad luck, and the players failed to perform to the standard we are capable of,” he explained. “Also, I think that other teams have become more aware of our style of play, and so they are content to sit behind the ball and play defensively.”

Shoefield insists that Epsom must become more consistent, if they are to make a serious challenge for the Premier Division title. The midfielder is due to line-up against Ash United tonight, and he is expecting a closely fought game.

“If we play well against Ash United, then I'm confident that we will win,” he said. “They are a decent side - a tough side - and they turned us over last season. However, this is the sort of game that we need to win, if we are to win the league: that is our ambition.”

Saturday's game marked Shoefield's return to competitive action, after he sustained concussion against Molesey the previous weekend. Though he has yet to make a complete recovery, Shoefield is philosophical about the incident.

He said: “I jumped up for a header - it was an honest challenge - and I flicked the ball on. However, the Molesey player caught me and I was knocked out on impact.

“I'm fine now, but there's just a bit of bruising still there,” he explained.

Shoefield is pleased to have returned to action after injury, and he believes that the current squad is the strongest in his time at the club.

“In three seasons playing for Epsom, this is the best group of players that I have worked with," he said. "Even when we were playing in the Ryman League, I don't think that team was as good as the current side.”