A goal crazy first half had me scribbling frantically in my ref's notepad as an incredible 7 goals in the first 23 minutes set the game up beautifully. All out attack from Ebbsfleet coupled with a 2 crazy defensive moments made for an entertaining game in wet conditions, although the pitch could of been a bit flatter !.
The game was only 3 minutes old as Cheesy put the fleet ahead with a close range finish after it looked like the chance had gone - his 10th of the season. A couple of good chances from excellent crosses by Nath went begging, then an aimless boot up the pitch by Rising Sun caught Dave lacking in concentration for a split second as he scuffed his pass straight to the forward who put the ball into the empty net for 1-1 on 11 mins, Dave immediately made up for his error by delivering an excellent early ball to Plumb who took 2 touches and thundered the ball into the top corner from 25 yards for 2-1 to the Fleet.... long ball ? never.... Long pass more like !! On 16 minutes man of the match Nath delivered yet another ace corner to find Mark Crane free at the near post to nod home for 3-1. Rising Suns reluctance to keep the ball in play and just kicking it off the pitch was costing them dear, as set piece after set piece was being expertly delivered throughout the game by Cheese and Nath.
Another mad moment in defence, with Adam squaring the ball across goal to the on rushing forward for 3-2 on 19mins. Yet again Ebbsfleet scored straight away at the other end, good work down the left by Daren and the impressive Eddie setting Craney free down the line who cut in and cross/shot/fluked/cross-shot to the far post and scored his 2nd of the game to make it 4-2 (20mins). It was soon 4-3 as a corner was half cleared and the ball was looped over Dave to the far post where the forward prodded home - static defending as we claimed offside.
More dominant play from Naths excellent supply saw chances for Sam, Cheese, Craney and Plumb - with last ditch defending keeping us at bay too. The 8th goal of the half came Plumbs good finish from another Nath assist for 5-3 on 43mins. It would have been crazy to suggest at this time that the second half would remain goaless.
Our defence thoroughly improved second half as Rising Sun couldnt find a way back into the game, more chances came our way from more quality crossing from Nath, but we failed to capitalise on the free headers and excellent chances. Losing Jameo on 55mins to a dead leg certainly with next week in our minds was the first change, Ryan coming on to left midfield with Craney dropping back. Our second change was made on 60mins as Sam was replaced by Rich Saville, Plumb moving back to centre midfield, his tenacity and will to win earning him a red card after lashing out at the opposing midfielder, when Plumb was clearly fouled and would of resulted in an Ebbsfleet free kick. Ebbsfleet were certainly going to have to do it the hard way, Mo soon replaced Cheese to shore up the centre of midfield - Rising Sun tried to press on but the game finished with Ebbsfleet in command - a final result of 5-3. We're in the 3rd round (Last 32) of the Reporter Cup and who knows who we will get ?
Big game this week vs A to Z Sports Res who we drew with on the opening game of the season - lets be ready and get the 3 points to maintain our league push !!
Up the Fleet !
