Ebbsfleet made it 3 league wins in a row as they won at home for the first time this season, a spirited display from bottom club Selkent Utd made things close but we all know we should of been out of sight during a dominant first half display.
The game started on time despite the pre-match downpour, having lost both matches against Selkent previously, Ebbsfleet started in dominant fashion, going close twice before Plumbs raid into the Selkent box resulted in a stone wall penalty, converted by Cheese taking his tally to 9 for the season. Unfortunately we then switched off and Selkent were level more or less immediately.
The game was opening up but our style was dominant in possession, as Selkents main threat was the long ball back to front. Good wing play and cross by Nath resulted in the feintest of touches (which wont be classed as an assist Cheese - sorry), the ball landing at Plumbs feet for 2-1 on 15 minutes. We upped our game and had 4 glorious chances to score and start to put the game out of Selkents reach. But as is the norm in football, if you dont take your chances you get punished - one long ball too many, failure to clear and the ball was nestling in the back of our net from a good strike from the edge our box 2-2.
This immediately shook us back to life and within seconds we were back in front, good work by Craney playing left midfield setting up Plumb for his second of the game on the half hour mark. Our tails were up and although he was slightly pissed at the sideline for outbursts during the game, Sam still whacked in the goal of the season so far, an excellent lay off by Plumb found Sam 25 yards from goal who smacked it first time into the top corner - great strike 4-2 Sam's 9th of the season too. There was still time for a 7th goal of the half as a couple of corners lead to a volley going in off our post to send us into the break 4-3 up.
Half time came and went with honest and frank words said, we started the 2nd half looking to play our way to a decent victory, starting moves as is our way from the back four and into midfield - a style which led to our 5th goal, an excellent through ball by Sam to Plumb who scored his 3rd of the game and 7th of the season. Although it seemed the ref was being a bit officious - I understand that he needed to be with Selkents constant moaning over every decision, this was slightly creeping into our game but it wasnt effecting us too much but it certainly played into Selkents hands as they forced us back - the defence stood firm and superbly led by man of the match Dan McNeill, although all members of the defence played their part. The introduction of Rich & Hambo up front for Plumb and Cheese freshened things up and we put together a couple of decent moves on the break, Ryan came on for Craney and hit the bar with a sweet shot - there was a late consolation penalty to make it 5-4, but we had held on long enough to claim our 3rd league win in a row.
The league now takes a back seat for 2 weeks as we play 2 cup games, 2nd Nov Reporter Cup & 9th Nov League Cup A.
Well done everyone - keep up the good work.
