A windy, rain soaked Sunday morning couldnt stop Ebbsfleet gaining their first league win of the season, using the momentum and confidence built from last weeks excellent win in the Kent cup, Ebbsfleet started very brightly, going down hill with the wind and rain behind them, AEI were forced back and did not get a single shot on goal in the first 45 minutes worth mentioning.
Ebbsfleet dominated the first half in all aspects, an early chance fell to Hambo who got smothered out of it by the goalkeeper. Cheese hit the bar and Plumby had 2 excellent efforts at goal, but the only goal of the half came on 20 minutes... fine work from debutant Adam Harding down the right, playing a lovely one-two with Nath, he hit the byline to pull it back for Cheese to pounce on before the on rushing keeper - the right reward for our dominant play.
Half time came and shouts from AEI of we've done the hard bit etc etc... seemed to spur us on. Although, by now the rain had subsided, we are confident of playing up or down slope with or without wind and rain, but we had to guard against the ball over the top and AEI over powering us.
The second half started with Jameo coming on for Mark Crane who was feeling rough, Mark joining the other brave souls on the sideline who deserve a special mention !! A quick re-shuffle and we were on our way again. Within 5 minutes it was 2-0, excellent pressure from the front two forced AEI back and further work by Hambo forced the error from the centre back, he laid it off to plumby who slotted it in the far corner - an excellent start to the 2nd half. AEI threatened little as the 2nd goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of them a bit. Ebbsfleets passing and movement working space and good attacking opportunities down both flanks. Nath in particular crossing 3 or 4 times, but we lacked the third goal that would have been just reward for our play.
Taking nothing away from anyone elses performance, but the returning Daren Crane ochestrated the defence and helped maintain a clean sheet for the first time this season, with pace and great tackling we again saw the Daren Crane from 2 seasons ago. Excellent defending by the team kept the goal intact.
The third came on 70 minutes, a mix up by the ref, with AEI assuming it was their kick had piled forward, then when he signalled it our direction - sharp play by Jameo released Cheese from the half way line, who ran straight through to the gk unchallenged to slot home. AEI bemused and Ebbsfleet estatic.
2 changes late on with debutant Rich Saville coming on for the again impressive Hambo, and Ryan on for Sam - Rich making an instant impact as he whistled one just past the post - The last 20 drifted by as Ebbsfleet concentrated on not conceding and not rushing anything, in the last minute Eddie making a flying smothering save when it seemed a certain goal, the only time the goal was really threatened.
A much needed and deserved first league win of the season - bring on Courthouse and lets make it 3 wins in a row and start moving up the table.
