Rich Saville was the hero as Ebbsfleet fought back from a goal behind to take a deserved point off of a well organised and tough A to Z Sports Reserves on Sunday morning.
Overnight rain helped as a game at AEI was called off and we had the excellent Geoff Bains as referee, Geoff showed reasonable tolerance and tried to make the game flow as much as possible, but its hard to play on when every pass you make more or less ends with a thumping late challenge by the opposition - I think I counted 3 yellows for the opponents but it could have been worse for them.
In a game of few chances it was Ebbsfleet with the best of the opening exchanges, Plumby set free by Sam early on but screwed his left foot shot wide. A to Z intent on playing a very physical game - Ebbsfleet did not roll over, standing firm and were a match in all areas. Late challenges by all A to Z players, who seemed to take turn in fouling our players across the pitch - but we stayed mentally tough throughout the game. One particular challenge on Mikes leg went unpunished but worse on Mike in particular, was to follow in the second half.
We kept playing our game and passing our way up the pitch, forcing A to Z backwards, but on the break they looked sharp but never forced Mike into any saves. A little bit of pressure by A to Z led to a corner on 38 min, which was swung over at great pace and the forward headed home for 1-0 to A to Z. We kept our heads and played out the final few minutes and could of been level as Sam was put through and tried to loop a header over the on rushing keeper but didnt get enough on, what was, a difficult chance. HT 0-1 and we knew we were still in it.
Half time was crucial as we re-grouped, Rich Saville replacing Hambo. Rich bringing his much needed physical presence to the forward line. Early signs from the restart were good as Ebbsfleet dominated possession and territory, A to Z seemed content on kicking the ball out of play and defending the ball into the box. Time went on as a few chances came our way, Rich and Plumb striking well from outside the box, their GK up to the task on each occassion.
A to Z were finding the going tough as the pressure mounted, only long hopeful balls pumped out of defence to a frustrated forward line, who could only foul our players and immediately give the ball straight back to us. One incident saw the forward 'take out' Mike in no attempt to play the ball - a red would of been justified, but the ref showed yellow as A to Z lost their control. Our play was building and you could sense it was only a matter of time before we scored, Naths excellent set pieces from deep and at corners causing A to Z problems. The second change came on 75mins Ryan coming on to make it 3-4-3 with Jameo making way. Within 5 minutes the A to Z defence finally broke as Plumb was brought down in the box - the offender pleading his innocence (for what seemed an eternity - christ knows what it felt like for Rich). Rich Sav stepped up and thumped the ball home to rapturous applause, sending the keeper the wrong way on 82 mins. The game was there to win, more pressure on the A to Z defence but they stood firm and survived. 1-1 a great point and a fantastic team effort.
Every one of you played your part this week and I thank you all for your committment, grit and determination (Plus the mega selection problem you've given me for next week - lol). A to Z will certainly be glad to see the back of us and I think we can now go on with confidence and win our remaining games to see where it takes us. Keep up the good work - we all know we have the strongest squad in the division !
