The Gaffer’s Notes ‘21

[Harrison9]

The Gaffer’s Notes
A FM21 Story

​

Club: Ebbsfleet United
League: Vanarama League South
Founded: 1946 (as Gravesend & Northfleet)
Home Ground: Stonebridge Road (4,769 capacity)
Nickname: The Fleet

After taking Chesterfield to the Championship in FM20, FM21’s arrival brings a new installment to the Gaffer’s Notes story.

With a new era dawning in a strange new world, I’ve found myself taking the hotseat at my local side, Ebbsfleet United.

The Fleet currently ply their trade in the National League South, having been relegated at the impromptu end of the 2019/20 campaign. In recent years, they’ve found themselves as somewhat of a yo yo side, bouncing between the National League and National League South. The club achieved promotion via the playoffs to the National League in 2017, before making the National League playoffs a year later, only to lose out in the semi final. After narrowly missing out on a playoff spot in 2018, the Fleet found themselves relegated controversially a year later by 0.002 points after the season was concluded by a points per game basis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Arriving at the club, chairman Dr Abdulla Al-Humaidi’s expectations were that I:

• Win the National League South
• Reach the FA Cup first round proper
• Reach the FA Trophy third round
• Stay within wage budget
• Sign players under the age of 23 (preferred)
• Sign players to sell for a profit

To assist in achieving these aims, I’ve been given a transfer budget of £10k and a wage budget of £12.5k per week. There is however very little available wage budget and so the transfer budget is likely to be reallocated.

There are a great deal of vacancies in the backroom staff to fill, and despite the limited finances, I believe that the team needs to be strengthened in the right back position as priority and also more quality depth is needed up front

 

[Harrison9]

Team Report

Goalkeepers
Jordan Holmes
Tom Hadler

Defenders
Jake Goodman (DC)
Ben Frempah (DC)
Charlie Rowan (DC)
James Magri (DC)
Will Wood (DL)
Tobi Adebayo-Rowling (DR)
Sefi Kahraman (DL)

Midfield
Josh Payne (MC)
Ben Chapman (MC)
Matthew Achuba (DM)
Jack Paxman (MC)
Alfie Egan (MC)
Zack Dainkeh (MC)
Lee Martin (AML)
James Dobson (AML)
Adam Mekki (AMR)
Michael West (AML)
Iffy Allen (MR)
Alexander Eirich (AML)
Bobby-Joe Taylor (ML)

Strikers
Rakish Bingham
Greg Cundle
Reece Grant
​

My first impressions of the squad are that there is a decent degree of quality for the level, and that this is a side that is capable of achieving the target of winning the league. I’m already familiar with Tom Hadler and Greg Cundle after they came through the youth system at my boyhood club, Gillingham, whilst Lee Martin also had a spell there. Bingham, Taylor and Payne (amongst others) also have a decent level of past experience in the National League and the lower echelons of the EFL.

As mentioned above, I’m concerned that we only have Adebayo-Rowling at right back, who has some way to go to realise his potential, whilst we appear to be overloaded in midfield, especially on the left. I’m also planning to play with 2 striker formations, and therefore I’m concerned that with only 3 strikers, an injury could leave us without any depth in what is a league with an often heavy schedule.

Matthew Achuba and Michael West are likely to be listed - Achuba is a young DM who is unlikely to get a lot of game time, and his nearly £200pw wage could be invested in strengthening the squad elsewhere. Despite arriving in the summer, West is one of the longest serving players in the side, having made over 120 appearances in 2 previous spells at the club. However, I am unsure whether he has the quality to compete in the squad and his £290pw could be put to better use. Similarly, Will Magri and Zack Dainkeh are likely to be offered out for development loans.

I’ll be primarily looking to play a 4-4-2, with emphasise on the wing play, although in games where we are up against it I’ll look to play with a counter attacking 4-4-1-1 where the midfield 4 can sit deep and become a 5 when we’re out of possession.

 

[Harrison9]

Preseason - August/September 2020
​

Mangotsfield United 2-5 Ebbsfleet United
Meite 18', 23', 62'
Taylor 27'
Cundle 45+3'

Ebbsfleet United 0-0 Exeter City

Grays Athletic 0-2 Ebbsfleet United
Cundle 79'
Allen 87'

Ebbsfleet United 4-1 Swansea City U23
Wright OG 5'
Meite 11'
Grant 68'
Payne 85'

Dereham Town 1-3 Ebbsfleet United
Allen 6'
Cundle 36'
Rowan 38'

Ramsgate 0-3 Ebbsfleet United
Meite 50', 65', 74'

Ebbsfleet United 2-0 Dagenham & Redbridge
Payne 37'
Bingham 90+3'

Woking 2-2 Ebbsfleet United
Cundle 21'
Meite 82'

Month review:

We kicked off with a very long preseason, given the season doesnt start until October due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was however a very positive one, with the Fleet remaining unbeaten throughout and only failing to win twice. Overall we played well and look very threatening going forward, with Meite's 9 goals a particular highlight. We look fairly solid at the back, with a clean sheet against League Two's Exeter a highlight, although we did lose concentration a few times. We struggled with a few injuries through the preseason campaign, with Bobby-Joe Taylor picking up a twisted ankle that caused him to miss the last 2 weeks of the campaign and likely the opening few games of the regular season. First choice goalkeeper Jordan Holmes was less fortunate, tearing a thigh muscle which will see him out of action for up to 3 months. We open our regular season with an FA Cup 2nd Qualifying round tie at home to Eastbourne Town, before travelling to Billericay to get our league season underway

 

[Harrison9]

Transfer News​

Staff

Andrew Wiseman (Fitness Coach)
Robert Huth (Coach)
James Collins (Assistant Manager)
Joe Taylor (Chief Scout)
Kevin Lee (Scout)
Daniel Watson (Sport Scientist)
Sam McGregor (Head Physio)
Robbie Carney (Head of Youth Development)
Mark Read (Head Performance Analyst)

Outgoing

Ben Frempah was released after failing to impress in the opening games of preseason to allow him to find a new club
Matthew Achuba joined Halesowen on a free transfer in order to free up his wages and get him some more playing time
Michael West left the club on loan to Chippenham Town for the season in order to free up 90% of his £286 a week wages

Incoming

Alassane Meite

First to arrive at Stonebridge Road was 20 year old striker Alassane Meite on a free transfer. Having come through the youth ranks at PSG before being released by Leicester City in 2019, Meite comes with huge potential. As well as having strong pace, Alassane is an intelligent player with an eye for goal.

Josh Lelan

Following Meite was another free agent, this time 25 year old Josh Lelan. Josh is a right back but can also fill in capably at centre half. He is a product of the Derby County academy and has League experience at Northampton Town and Crawley Town, before moving to the National League to play for Aldershot.

Charlie Freeman

Next through the door was 20 year old goalkeeper Charlie Freeman on a free agent. Charlie was released by Tottenham in the summer, having come through the ranks there. He arrived following Jordan Holmes injury and comes in as a 3rd choice keeper who can potentially develop into a key player.

 

[Harrison9]

October 2020​

Ebbsfleet United 6-0 Eastbourne Town
FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round
Bingham (pen) 17'
Meite 20', 22', 26', 45+2'
Cundle 90+2'

We started the season with the visit of Southern Combination Premier Division side Eastbourne Town in the FA Cup.

We had a perfect start on 17 minutes when we were given a penalty. Egan delivered a corner towards Bingham but the striker was hauled down in the box. He stepped up from 12 yards and sent Blackman the wrong way to open his Fleet account.

That was the start of a crazy 10 minutes, as 3 minutes later, Josh Payne's through ball found Meite who slotted past the keeper for a debut goal.

He doubled his tally 2 minutes later, beating the defence to Will Wood's lobbed pass before passing the ball into the back of the net.

Meite then completed his 6 minute debut hattrick just before the half hour. Good work by Lelan on the right saw him tee up Iffy Allen, who played a teasing ball into the danger zone for Meite to poke home.

We had a chance to make it 5-0 on the verge of half time. Allen burst into the box from the right but was stopped by a strong challenge from Ellis Box, who in all honesty looked to have won the ball. The referee however disagreed and pointed to the spot for a second time. Bingham stepped up again but this time sent his effort straight down the middle, allowing Blackman to save it comfortably.

We did add a 5th goal before the break though. Allen again the provider, worked his way down the right before playing a brilliant ball into the 6 yard box for Meite, who added his 4th of the game from close range.

Things quietened down after the break, and we had to wait until added time right at the end for a chance of any note. Adebayo-Rowling's long ball picked out Allen in behind the defence. He made his way to the byline before squaring the ball to substitute Greg Cundle, who couldn't miss an open goal from all of 3 yards.

A fantastic win to start my career ahead of the league opener against Billericay. We will host Hayes & Yeading in the 3rd Qualifying Round

Billericay Town 0-3 Ebbsfleet United
National League South
Payne 23'
Meite 67'
Bingham (pen) 81'

We began the league season on the road at Billericay Town. Josh Lelan was on international duties with Kenya, so he was replaced by Tobi Adebayo-Rowling for an otherwise unchanged XI from the team that beat Eastbourne.

We started slowly but found a breakthrough in the 23rd minute. Martin did well to hold up a long ball on the left before picking out Josh Payne, who drove his shot low from outside of the area into the bottom far corner.

Payne's game was however cut short 10 minutes later when he went down complaining of a knee injury which will rule him out for up to 7 weeks.

The score remained 1-0 at the break and the message to the players was very much to avoid complacency.

We had to wait until the 67th minute to extend our lead. Lee Martin's free kick from 25 yards was parried by Henry into the path of Meite, who had an easy finish to notch his 5th in 2 games.

We rounded up the scoring with 10 minutes to go. Iffy Allen burst forward on the right but was bundled over in the box by McLennon. Bingham stepped up and powered his penalty past Henry to make out 3-0.

Meite could have got another in injury time. A fantastic ball from Paxman set him free one on one, but he could only find the back of the stand with his shot.

A fantastic win to open our league account - hopefully the first of many!

Ebbsfleet United 0-0 St Albans City
National League South

4 days later we welcomed St Albans City to Stonebridge Road. With them having lost their opener, I was hoping for another win to continue our good form. Adebayo-Rowling retained his place with Lelan still absent, while Paxman replaced the injured Payne. Bobby-Joe Taylor returned to the side at the expense of Lee Martin after the injury he suffered in preseason.

A disappoingly uneventful first half saw us go in 0-0 at the break, where the players were told in no uncertain terms that they needed to improve

We nearly found our breakthrough on the hour. Will Wood’s long ball found Meite on the left, he cut inside and wriggled past 2 defenders but his shot was deflected off the keeper Johnson before being cleared off the line. The clearance fell to Taylor but his volley was blocked and cleared.

2 minutes later we spurned a guilt edged chance. Taylor’s corner was flicked on by Egan to find Bingham in acres of space at the far post with virtually an open goal, but his close range shot cannoned back off the post and away

Deep into injury time, Goodman pumped a long ball forward. Meite flicked it on to substitute Greg Cundle who fired the ball into the back of the net only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. A frustrating point in a game we really should have won

Ebbsfleet United 6-1 Hayes & Yeading
FA Cup Third Qualifying Round
Martin 6’
BIngram 10’, 12’
Allen 44’
Meite 45’, 58’

A return to cup action saw us host Southern Premier South side Hayes & Yeading. Charlie Freeman came in to replace Tom Hadler for his Fleet debut.

We took the lead on 6 minutes, with skipper Lee Martin curling a 25 yard free kick into the top corner after Rakish Bingham was felled on the edge of the box.

It was 2-0 before the 10 minute mark. Allen picked up the ball after a throw in on the right, he found Bingham in the box who powered the ball in from a tight angle

Bingham secured his second 2 minutes later. Paxman spread the ball to Allen, who cut inside before picking out Bingham who finished from close range.

On the verge of half time we made it 4-0. A throw in from the left found Wood, who looked up and pumped the ball long towards Allen. He steered his header into the far corner for his first for the Fleet.

For the second consecutive game in the cup we made it 5-0 before half time. Meite had been uncharacteristically quiet in the first half, so when Lee Martin dinked a ball over the top, he took the opportunity with both hands and fired his effort low into the far corner

It was the visitor last that struck first in the second half. With 10 minutes gone, Francis’ corner found Barry Healy in space on the edge of the 6 yard box and he made no mistake from close range to pull one back.

A minute later though it was 6-1. Straight from the kickoff, Bingham found Kahraman. His lob over the top was picked up by Meite one on one who fired the ball past the on rushing keeper

Another fantastic win to put us one win away from fulfilling the board’s expectations. We will face our Kent rivals Maidstone United at Stonebridge Road for a place in the First Round proper

Havant & Waterlooville 2-0 Ebbsfleet United
National League South

We were back on the road as we returned to league action, this time to 17th place Havant & Waterlooville hoping to get back to winning ways. A twisted knee in midweek ruled out Sefa Kahraman so he was replaced by Jake Goodman

It was the hosts who took the lead on 17 minutes. Walton’s long ball wasn’t dealt with by Goodman and although Hadler was equal to Iaciofano’s first effort, he could do nothing to keep out the rebound

Things got even worse 5 minutes later. A questionable decision by the referee not to give a free kick for a clumsy challenge on Bingham saw Havant strike on the counter attack. The ball found its way to Iaciofano unmarked in the box to add his and Havant’s second of the game

We managed to create few chances throughout the rest of the game and those we did we squandered. A disappointing day and the first defeat of the season.

Ebbsfleet United 2-1 Maidstone United
FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round
Bingham (pen) 11’
Meite 45+1’

Next up saw a return to cup action as we welcomed Maidstone United to Stonebridge Road for a Kent derby.

With 10 minutes on the clock we had a fantastic chance to lead. After Bingham burst forward on the counter attack, he picked out Meite who was clattered in the box by Joe Ellul. Bingham stepped up and drove his effort into the bottom right corner to put the Fleet in front.

We were unlucky not to be further ahead before half time. Iffy Allen did well to break free of his marker after picking up on a loose ball to find Taylor at the far post, but his goal bound volley was phenomenally cleared off the line by Seaman.

We did however extend our lead in injury time at the end of the first half. Lee Martin’s long ball from the halfway line found Meite alone in the box to take a touch and slot it past the keeper

5 minutes into the second half we had a second penalty. Good sustained pressure saw Lee Martin burst into the box to be tripped by Ellul. Alfie Egan stepped up this time but Taylor in the Maidstone goal parried his penalty away.

Maidstone did pull one back deep into injury time. After a Fleet free kick was cleared, the Stones found themselves on the counter 3 against 1 with only Lelan back for company. Rendell spread the ball wide for Amaluzor who squared it across the box to give Ibby Akanbi an easy finish from close range.

We did however see out the remaining 30 seconds to secure passage to the First round proper and meet the boards expectations. Hopefully we will get a decent draw at home in the First Round with the likes of Hull, Sunderland, Charlton and my boyhood team Gillingham in the hat.

Ebbsfleet United 0-1 Welling United-1 Welling United
National League South

A return to league football saw us welcome neighbours 15th place Welling.

It was the visitors who took the lead on 22 minutes. A nice passing move from the back saw Lionel Ainsworth break into space and he powered the ball past Hadler into the back of the Fleet net

That was the only event of any note in another really poor home league performance

 

[Harrison9]

October 2020 ​

Ebbsfleet United 3-0 Hungerford Town
National League South
Meite 3’, 33’
Bingham (pen) 31’

Our final game of the busy October schedule was the visit of 17th place Hungerford to Stonebridge Road

We had a dream start when Alassane Meite opened the scoring in the 3rd minute. Taylor’s wide free kick was cleared as far as Lelan, who lofted a ball over the top to Meite, who hooked the ball into the back of the net from close range

On the half hour we had a golden chance to double our advantage. Josh Lelan burst into the box, only to be hacked down by Sheridan. Rakish Bingham stepped up and coolly slotted home his kick

We took control from there, and Meite was on hand to convert Lelan’s whipped crossed in the 33rd minute to score his second of the day and 10th of the season

The game quietened down from there, but we held on to secure a strong win - our first in the league since the opening day!

End of month position: 11th

Month review:

A real Jekyll and Hyde month. At stages we have been phenomenal and unplayable, and on other days we just haven’t turned up. We have picked up 7 points from our opening 5 games, which leaves us 6 points adrift of the top of the league. Meite’s goal scoring form has been brilliant, scoring 10 goals in 9 games, but we have dropped some silly points along the way. That can be negated somewhat by fixture congestion and injuries to important players, but nevertheless needs to improve. We have drawn National League North side Blyth at home in the FA Cup First round, which should be a winnable tie, however the main focus for now is climbing the league table.

 

[Harrison9]

November 2020​

Ebbsfleet United 2-1 Blyth Spartans
FA Cup First Round
Meite 45’
Bingham 72’

November opened with the visit of National League North outfit Blyth Spartans to Stonebridge Road for the FA Cup First Round proper

It was a slow start, with no real news of any note. Josh Lelan was replaced by Tobi Adebayo-Rowling, but otherwise it was uneventful

However we finally got a breakthrough on the verge of half time. After sustained possession, Sefa Kahraman played a long ball over the top to Meite. He took a touch to bring the ball down and fired it into the far corner.

However, the visitors managed to grab an equaliser with 25 minutes to go. Scott’s long ball picked out Barrett. His shot was saved but the rebound fell to Thomson who tucked it home to restore parity

5 minutes later we restored our goal advantage. Chapman received the ball from a throw in and found Bingham in the box. He turned and smashed the ball in off the underside of the bar.

That was enough for us to progress and for our first back to back wins for a while. We will host League One side Plymouth Argyle in the Second Round

Dorking Wanderers 1-1 Ebbsfleet United
National League South
Adebayo-Rowling 82’

A return to league action saw us face 20th place Dorking at Meadowbank.

It was the hosts who took the lead after just 10 minutes. A deep free kick from Adebowale found Emile Acquah unmarked in the box and he had time to slide a finish past Hadler

After a poor first half and poor start to the second, we finally found our equaliser on 82 minutes. A throw in to Meite on the right saw the striker pick out substitute Tobi Adebayo-Rowling in the box, and his header beat the Dorking keeper to pull us back in terms.

We pushed forward after that but couldn’t find a winner, however it’s a point gained after a really disappointing performance.

Oxford City 3-1 Ebbsfleet United
National League South
Meite 21’

2 days later we were on the road again, this time to face 7th place Oxford City.

We started well and took the lead in the 21st minute. Mekki broke free down the left and played a through ball for Meite. In one on one, he waited for the keeper to commit before floating the ball over him into the far corner

A minute later he nearly had another. Mekki again the provider with a through ball found Meite, but this time his shot came back off the near post.

On the half hour Oxford were level. A corner found Sam Perry in space and he had a simple task to head beyond Tom Hadler

5 minutes after the break we were back in front, or so it seemed. Charlie Rowan headed Adebayo-Rowling’s corner into the back of the net only to see the linesman’s flag raised. Apparently the goal was disallowed on the basis that Meite was in an offside position, despite being a good few feet away from any of the play

It was Oxford however who took the lead with 5 minutes to play. After sustained pressure around the box, Teddy picked out Bradbury who fired beyond Hadler.

2 minutes later Oxford sealed the points. Another long ball forward found Bradbury completed unmarked to add his second and Oxford’s third.

Yet another disappointing result.

Ebbsfleet United 1-2 Maidstone United
National League South
Meite 69’

Our fourth game in seven days saw us host 11th place Maidstone in a Kent derby at Stonebridge Road.

We nearly had a perfect start after 4 minutes. Eirich did well to win the ball back in the middle before laying it off to the fit again Josh Payne. His long ball set Meite in on goal but Taylor did well to turn it behind for a corner. From the resulting corner, Rowan saw his header strike the bar but unfortunately bounce back out

We had another chance on 22 minutes when Bingham seized on Khan’s loose pass in the Maidstone half. He teed up Martin but the skipper’s shot was an easy save for Taylor

Despite our first half dominance, it was the Stones who took the lead the hour. Porter’s wide free kick found Rendell who headed beyond Holmes.

10 minutes later they made it 2-0. George Porter’s free kick on the edge of the box made its way over the wall and into the top corner

We pulled one back almost immediately after the restart. Substitute Mekki did well to make progress on the right before finding Meite in space in the middle to give the Fleet a glimmer of hope

It wouldn’t be enough though, and we suffered successive defeats for the first time this season.

Tonbridge Angels 0-1 Ebbsfleet United
National League South
Egan (pen) 84’

We were back on the road next to make the short trip to face 8th place Tonbridge at Longmead. After recent results I decided to make a tactical change to a cautious 4-4-1-1

The game started quietly and we struggled to carve chances before the break

Minutes after the restart we were unlucky not to be in front. A deep cross from Allen found Bingham but his header clipped the post before going wide

7 minutes from time we had a golden opportunity to take the points. Eirich burst forward and beat one man before being dragged down in the box by Mitchell. With Bingham having been withdrawn, Alfie Egan stepped up for the spot kick and sent it straight down the middle to open the scoring.

A much needed 3 points and clean sheet which we can hopefully start to build on

Ebbsfleet United 2-3 Concord Rangers
National League South
Meite 17’
Bingham (pen) 32’

Next in the packed schedule was the visit of 6th place Concord to Stonebridge Road.

It was the visitors who took the lead after the quarter hour. Adebayo-Rowling’s long clearance was pumped back forward by the Concord defence to Joan Luque, who took a touch before burying the ball past Holmes

We were level immediately from the restart. Bingham played the ball back to Payne who dinked it long over the top for Meite to run onto. He kept his composure to fire the ball past the keeper and get the Fleet back on terms

Things got even better just after the half hour, when Rowan was bundled over by Sterling in the box after Bobby-Joe Taylor whipped in a corner. Rakish Bingham stepped up from the penalty spot to fire into the bottom corner and put the Fleet in front.

3 minutes later the scores were level again, as Blackman’s ball from the right again found Luque unmarked for an easy finish

A minute after the restart Concord restored their lead. Green was allowed space on the right to fire in a cross and Liam Smyth got a toe to it to divert the ball into the back of the net

We pushed through the remainder of the half but without reward to leave us with nothing to show for our efforts

 

[Damejames11]

Be keeping up with this as im doing one with Oxford City and i missed out on play offs by random decision! that was the ruling anyway but 2nd season and the right players we seem to be planning to running away with it early

 

[Harrison9]

Be keeping up with this as im doing one with Oxford City and i missed out on play offs by random decision! that was the ruling anyway but 2nd season and the right players we seem to be planning to running away with it early

Strangely enough it’s the second time I’ve had a decision like that, had one almost identical in preseason but wasn’t as annoyed then! Best of luck

 

[Harrison9]

November 2020
​

Ebbsfleet United 3-1 Plymouth Argyle
FA Cup Second Round
Bingham 48’, 54’, 62

A break from league action saw us return to the FA Cup to host League One side Plymouth Argyle, hoping for an upset

We looked have had an ideal start when the ball ended up in the back of the Plymouth net after 5 minutes. Wood burst forward down the left and found Bingham in space in the middle who headed home before seeing the goal ruled out for offside

2 minutes later we were again on the wrong side of a decision. Iffy Allen’s cross found Taylor in the middle, only for the goal to be ruled out as Bingham (who looked to have no influence on the play whatsoever) was adjudged offside.

On 8 minutes we found ourselves behind as Opoku’s ball found Tommy Abraham in one on one to slide the ball past Holmes

3 minutes after half time we finally got the goal our performance deserved. Bobby-Joe Taylor did brilliantly to win the ball back before picking out Rakish Bingham who gave the goalkeeper no chance one on one

With 10 minutes gone in the second half we took the lead. Bingham beat the Plymouth keeper to a fantastic ball from Lelan and rounded him before sliding his second into the empty net.

Bingham was unlucky not to complete his hat trick on the hour, after a brilliant ball from Lee Martin set him clear again, although Cooper was this time equal to his effort

He did however secure the match ball a minute later, as fantastic work from Allen and Lelan on the right saw the latter create space for an inviting cross which Bingham poked home at the near post.

A truly dominating performance against a side from 3 leagues above and we progress into the hat for a potential big draw in the Third Round

End of month position: 16th

Month review:

Another overly disappointing month. 4 points from a possible 15 falls well short of what is expected of a team expected to be top of the league. We lie 16th with a game in hand on 5 teams above us, but that still doesn’t negate the situation we find ourselves in. Our FA Cup run has obviously been phenomenal, however the priority is to progress in the league which at the moment is nowhere near what is should be. We have drawn Premier League side West Brom away at the Hawthorns in the Third Round of the FA Cup which should be a big occasion as the lowest ranked team left in the competition

 

[Harrison9]

December 2020​

Ebbsfleet United 2-0 Hampton & Richmond Borough
National League South
Bingham 45+1’
Meite 70’

Back to league action where we welcomed 9th place Hampton & Richmond to Stonebridge Road.

We got the first real opportunity on the half hour mark when Alfie Egan burst away on the counter attack. He picked out Bingham but Alan Julian was equal to his effort.

We took the lead in injury time at the end of the first half, when Bingham got onto the end of Martin’s through ball to lob Julian and put the Fleet in front

We had to wait until the 70th minute for a second, when substitutes Mekki and Meite combined for the latter to poke home his 15th of the season from close range.

A brilliant team performance and win to hopefully get our season back on track

Hullbridge Sports 2-0 Ebbsfleet United
FA Trophy Second Round
Allen 18’
Meite 88’

Another break from league action saw us travel to Isthmanian Division 1 North side Hullbridge in the FA Trophy

We took the advantage after 18 minutes, when Taylor’s driven cross found itself going all the way through to Iffy Allen who turned it in at the back post

We had to wait until 3 minutes before time to secure the win. Iffy Allen picked out Meite who outpaced the defence before lobbing the keeper to score

A solid performance and third straight win on the bounce, as well as confirming the boards expectations that we would get to the Third round, where we will play Maidstone United at home

Chippenham Town 0-1 Ebbsfleet United
National League South
Bingham 14’

Back to the league for our trip to bottom of the league Chippenham.

We took the lead on 14 minutes. The Chippenham defence looked to have dealt with a long ball up to an isolated Rakish Bingham, but Russe’s horrific backpass gave the ball back to the striker who couldn’t miss from close range

We dominated possession for the remainder of the game but couldn’t find a further breakthrough, but took a valuable 3 points to push us up to 11th.

Ebbsfleet United 3-1 Maidstone United
FA Trophy Third Round
Meite 78’, 90+2’
Mekki 79’

For the third time this season, we welcomed Maidstone United to Stonebridge Road for a chance to progress in the FA Trophy.

The game was fairly quiet until the 37th minute when Maidstone were awarded a penalty after Kahraman brought down Rendell in the box. Rendell stepped up and beat Holmes to put the visitors in front.

We managed to equalise on 78 minutes when Iffy Allen’s long ball picked out Meite in behind the defence, who lobbed the goalkeeper to put us on terms

The goal gave us renewed confidence and a minute later we took a lead. A free kick from Lelan found Bingham, and his low cross was converted by Mekki at the far post

Two minutes into injury time we secured the win. Josh Payne dinked a ball over the top to Meite who lashed it into the top corner to confirm passage into the Fourth Round, where we will face Dagenham & Redbridge away.

Hemel Hempstead Town 1-2 Ebbsfleet United
National League South
Allen 23’
Bingham 45+2’

A return to league action again saw us travel to 7th place Hemel Hempstead for the Boxing Day fixture.
A return to league action again saw us travel to 7th place Hemel Hempstead for the Boxing Day fixture.

It was the hosts who opened the scoring on 16 minutes when Jonathan Lacey got on the end of a long ball to slot past Holmes

5 minutes later we were back on terms. Egan spread the ball out to Will Wood, whose cross found Iffy Allen in the middle to fire past Snedker.

With seconds of the first half left we took the lead.Taylor’s cross from the left looked to be a comfortable take for Snedker, but the keeper spilled the ball into the feet of Bingham who had an easy finish.

That was enough to give us a valuable 3 points to take back to Kent.

Ebbsfleet United 0-1 Chelmsford City
National League South

Two days later we were back in action for our last game of 2020 to face 12th place Chelmsford at home.

A poor first half go in 0-0 at the break with nothing to show. Mekki was forced off in the 28th minute with a serious ankle injury which will keep him out for at least 10 months.

It was the visitors who took the lead with 15 minutes to go. After bursting forward, Jahraldo-Martin cut inside from the left before firing into the far corner past Holmes

A really disappointing performance and result to end the year.

End of month position: 11th

Month review:

A big improvement on the last 2 months, with a run of 6 straight wins and 9 points taken of a possible 12. The defeat and performance against Chelmsford was a bitter one to take, however I felt that tired legs having played 2 days prior really showed. We are now 3 points from the playoffs and 11 points short of top of the league Slough.

 

[Harrison9]

January 2021​

Ebbsfleet United 1-1 Eastbourne Borough
National League South
Allen 45’

We began 2021 with the visit of 5th place Eastbourne to Stonebridge Road.

It took until the verge of half time for a breakthrough. As the 4th officials board went up for added time, Jack Paxman played in Iffy Allen who fired an effort low into the bottom corner

That appeared to have been enough until the 89th minute. Eastbourne broke on the counter attack after a corner and Sweeney picked out Joe Neal in the middle who poked the equaliser past Holmes

A kick in the teeth to drop points late on, but we have to prepare for the trip to top of the league Slough in a few weeks time

Slough Town 0-1 Ebbsfleet United
National League South
Bingham 6’

Our first away fixture of 2021 saw us travel to top of the league Slough.

Just 6 minutes in we took the lead. A long ball through from Taylor found Bingham. His first shot hit the post but on the follow up he tucked it into the open goal.

That was the only real event in a solid defensive performance. A phenomenal 3 points to take from the league leaders which pushes us up into the playoff places.

West Bromwich Albion 1-2 Ebbsfleet United
FA Cup Third Round
Bingham 37’, 76’

Yet another break from the league schedule saw us travel to Premier League side West Brom for our FA Cup tie

It took 37 minutes for the cup magic to kick in. A nice passing move from the back saw Egan play in Bingham who passed the ball past Bond into the back of the net

On the verge of half time, WBA drew level as Semi Ajayi rose highest to meet Pereira’s corner and flick the ball beyond Hadler.

With 15 minutes to go the shock was back on when Bingham got on the end of Taylor’s deep corner to head the Fleet emphatically in front.

That was enough for us to hold on and complete a phenomenal cup upset! We will host League One side Portsmouth in the Fourth Round

Dulwich Hamlet 0-3 Ebbsfleet United
National League South
Allen 35‘
Bingham 46’
Payne 69’

Back to league action and a visit to 3rd place Dulwich Hamlet at Champion Hill, a far cry from the Hawthorns

It was another quiet start but we took the lead on 35 minutes. Sustained possession led to Lee Martin slipping in Iffy Allen, who fired his effort into the far corner

A minute into the second half we doubled our lead. The ball was spread wide to Bobby-Joe Taylor and his cross found Rakish Bingham, who looped his header over the keeper and into the back of the net.

With 22 minutes to go we put the game beyond any doubt. Wood’s throw in on the left found Taylor, and he teed up Josh Payne to unleash a beautiful curling shot from outside the box into the top corner

An emphatic win against a strong side away from home which sees us move up to 5th place in the table

Dagenham & Redbridge 0-1 Ebbsfleet United
FA Trophy Fourth Round
Kahraman 105+1’

A return to cup action saw us travel to National League side Dagenham in the FA Trophy.

An uneventful first 90 minutes saw us goalless and headed to extra time.

We finally found a breakthrough in added time in the first half of extra time. Josh Payne’s deep free kick found the head of Kahraman who powered his header past Justham and into the back of the net

That was enough to hold on to progress to the Fifth Round where we will face Kings Lynn away.

Ebbsfleet United 1-0 Portsmouth
FA Cup Fourth Round
Bingham 11’

Next up was our FA Cup tie against League One side Portsmouth. We were left with a headache after being hit with an injury crisis in midweek having picked up 3 major injuries in the space of 2 days. Alfie Egan and Bobby-Joe Taylor suffered calf strains which will rule them out for up to 6 weeks, whilst Josh Payne’s sprained ankle ligaments will see him out for 4 weeks. Chapman, Dainkeh and new loanee Michael Klass came in to replace them.

Unbelievably we took the lead 11 minutes in. Rakish Bingham seems to be loving life in the cup and he stole the ball off Solly’s toes before running in on goal with time and space to place his effort in the far corner.

We were up against it from then on with backs to the wall as Portsmouth pushed in search of an equaliser. However they weren’t clinical enough and we managed to ride our luck to confirm unbelievable passage to the Fifth Round where we will face Championship side Watford at Vicarage Road!!

Ebbsfleet United 1-0 Braintree Town
National League South
Meite 59’

A return to league action saw us hosting 18th place Braintree at Stonebridge Road. New loan signing Elliott Durrell picked up a calf injury which will keep him out for 4 weeks so he will have to wait for his debut, however fellow loanee Jeff King came in to make his debut on the left wing.

A lacklustre first half saw us go in goalless at the break. We switched to a 4-4-2 and brought on Meite in place of Paxman to give more emphasis on attack

This switch paid off on the half hour as Lelan’s fantastic cross was emphatically headed home by Meite to put us in front

That was enough to give us 3 points and take advantage of our game in hand.

Bath City 0-4 Ebbsfleet United
National League South
Bingham 50’, (pen) 70’, 85’, 90+4’

Our final fixture of January saw us travel to Twerton Park to take on 9th place Bath City.

Another tepid first half saw us goalless at the break yet again, with Bath creating the better chances.

However we came out of the blocks much improved after the break and got our reward on 50 minutes. Jeff King did well to hold the ball up on the left before creating space to cross for Rakish Bingham, who smashed home his 20th goal of the season to put us in front.

We had a chance to double the lead on 70 minutes, when a counter attack by Bingham was abruptly cut short when he was tripped by Grant in the box. He picked himself up and dusted himself down to power his penalty straight down the middle into the back of the net.

With 5 minutes to go, Bingham completed his hat trick. Bath failed to effectively clear the ball, and it eventually fell to Michael Klass. He chipped it into the box and found Bingham who pelted it past Butler from close range.

He wasn’t done there. As the game began to draw to a close, a fantastic through ball found Bingham who spotted Butler coming off his line and dinked it over him into the back of the net.

A fantastic win against a side unbeaten in 11 games at home to close the month and to extend our goal difference.

End of month position: 5th

Month review:

Undoubtedly our best month yet. We took 13 points from a possible 15 and recorded 4 straight league wins with a run of 5 unbeaten. The cup successes are obviously fantastic both for experience and financially, and we are finally translating those cup performances into our league form. Our 4-0 win at Bath moves us up to 5th, ahead of Maidstone only by a goal difference, but leaves us 7 points shy of Welling at the top of the league with 21 games left to play. Obviously the heavy schedule has taken a toll, with us suffering 4 major injuries to Mekki, Egan, Taylor and Payne which will see them sidelined for a while, however we have brought in cover in the loan market.

 

[Conners82]

Be keeping up with this as im doing one with Oxford City and i missed out on play offs by random decision! that was the ruling anyway but 2nd season and the right players we seem to be planning to running away with it early

who did you bring in any little Gems ???

 

[Harrison9]

who did you bring in any little Gems ???

Meite's been very good at this level up front, but to be honest I haven't had many coming in as there's not a lot available in terms of budget and Fleet's squad are fairly good for the level the start with. Jeff King on loan from Halifax has done well in his first few games but he's on £700 a month so probably not going to extend the deal when other left wingers are back from injury

 

[Harrison9]

January Squad Update​

Outbound

Alex Eirich left the club on a £4k deal to Uerdingen to give him some game time and allow for some manoeuvre with his £700k p/w off the wage bill
Sefa Kahraman has unfortunately arranged an end of contract transfer to Ingolstadt. Despite offering a new deal, his wage demands were too high and unfortunately he will leave the club at the end of the season.

Incoming

Elliott Durrell

Our first addition in January was the loan signing of 31 year old right winger Elliott Durrell from Wrexham until the end of the season. Elliott arrives to fill the gap left by Mekki and challenge Iffy Allen for the first choice on the right wing. Durrell has plenty of previous experience in the non leagues, winning the National League North playoffs with Altrincham last season and winning the National League with Macclesfield a few years before, where he also had experience of playing in League Two.

Michael Klass

Next to arrive was 21 year old central midfielder Michael Klass on loan from Southend until the end of the season. Michael arrives to add support after the injuries of Josh Payne and Alfie Egan, and to add quality in depth when they return.

Jeff King

Our third and final January signing was 25 year old Jeff King from Halifax on a one month loan deal. Jeff is a left winger, signed to cover for Bobby-Joe Taylor whilst he is injured. Jeff shows real quality and is a product of Bolton's academy, however his stay is unlikely to be extended due to his £700 p/w putting real strain on the wage bill

 

[Harrison9]

February 2021​

Ebbsfleet United 4-0 Dartford
National League South
Bingham 12’, (pen) 15’, 24’, 53’

Our February schedule started with a North Kent derby against Dartford at Stonebridge Road

We started well and took the lead on 12 minutes. A well worked move saw Lee Martin swing a ball into the box which Bingham headed into the far corner

2 minutes later we had a fantastic chance to double our lead. King did well to force an error at the back from Napa, whose misplaced pass was intercepted by Bingham. He turned and made his way into the box before being tripped by Osman. Bingham stepped up and powered his penalty into the bottom right corner

On 24 minutes, Bingham completed his second successive hat trick. A corner was cleared as far as Martin, and again he provided an excellent cross for Bingham to convert from close range

On 52 minutes he added a fourth, when he got on the end of Paxman’s long ball to tuck past Djurin

Another phenomenal win against our local rivals to start the month perfectly

Kings Lynn Town 0-1 Ebbsfleet United
FA Trophy Fifth Round
Bingham 65’

Back to cup action as we travelled to National League side Kings Lynn in the FA Trophy

A quiet first half saw few chances come and go

However on 65 minutes we got our breakthrough. A long ball from Goodman went all the way over the Kings Lynn defence for Bingham to run onto and one on one he gave the keeper no chance.

We had to dig in for the last 25 minutes but held on for a fantastic win to progress to the Quarter Final where we will face Aldershot at home.

Watford 1-0 Ebbsfleet United
FA Cup Fifth Round

Next up was another cup game, this time our trip to Championship side Watford in the FA Cup

After just 5 minutes the hosts were in front. Capoue found Sarr, whose first touch beat Kahraman before he rifled it into the top corner

We had few chances and mostly had to weather the Watford storm but ultimately put out a good performance. Disappointing to lose but I am happy with the manner of defeat and proud of the performances throughout this incredible run.

St Albans City 3-6 Ebbsfleet United
National League South
Bingham 21’, 32’, 72’, 87’, 90+1’
Chapman 69’

A return to the league saw us travel to 20th place St Albans.

It took us 20 minutes but we did soon take the lead. Sefa Kahraman’s deep free kick fell to Rakish Bingham behind the back line and he tucked away his 29th of the season

10 minutes later, Bingham added his 30th of the season. Lee Martin played the ball through for him to run onto and he sweeped the ball into the far corner first time.

The hosts did pull a goal back on the verge of half time when Ben Jones headed Adebiyi’s corner past Hadler, but we went in ahead at the break

A minute into the second half they were level. A long ball from the back caught the defence sleeping and allowed Sam McClellan time to finish in the far corner.

From there St Albans began to take a real hold in the game, but we did retake our lead on 69 minutes. Jeff King got forward we’ll before pulling the ball back to substitute Ben Chapman, who curled a beauty into the far corner

3 minutes later we restored our 2 goal advantage as Rakish Bingham got on the end of Jeff King’s corner to head home his hat trick.

St Albans set up a nervy finish with 5 minutes to go when Shaun Jeffers got on the end of a long ball to tuck past Hadler to reduce the deficit to one goal.

However 2 minutes later we sealed the points. Rakish Bingham got on the end of King’s corner again to toe poke his fourth of the game in for three league games running

A minute into added time things got even better. Jeff King again the provider played a through ball to Bingham, who fired his effort in off the near post for his 5th and the Fleet’s 6th

A nervy, but fantastic win away from home

 

[Harrison9]

February 2021​

Ebbsfleet United 3-0 Billericay Town
National League South
Bingham 9’
King 45’
Allen 50’

Next up was our game in hand at home to 12th place Billericay. A win would see us move up to third place, 4 points behind league leaders Welling

On 9 minutes we had a perfect opportunity to take the lead. A ball forward from Paxman found Bingham in the box who held it up before being clattered by Rawlinson. Bingham stepped up to take the subsequent penalty and fire the Fleet in front.

On the verge of half time we doubled our lead in style. Paxman’s long ball forward found the run of King who hit it first time on the volley to find the top corner for his first Fleet goal

Almost straight after half time we made it 3-0. After a corner was cleared, the ball was played back up to Iffy Allen on the edge of the area who turned before firing a low drive into the bottom corner

That was enough for a big win to see us move up into 3rd and within touching distance of league leaders Welling, who we face next time out

Welling United 2-1 Ebbsfleet United
National League South
Grant 65’

Next up was a big trip up the A2 to Welling to face the league leaders. With the gap now reduced to 4 points, we knew a win would take us within a point of top spot. A big blow saw Rakish Bingham ruled out for up to a week with a twisted knee. He was replaced by the fit again Alassane Meite.

It was the hosts who took the lead just before the half hour when Traore converted Owusu’s cross from close range.

With 25 minutes to go we drew level. Lee Martin’s through ball cut the defence open and substitute Reece Grant was on hand to tap home his first of the season.

It was Welling who took all 3 points at the death. With 2 minutes of injury time played, Rian McClean got his head on a left sided corner to beat Hadler and leave us with nothing.

A gutting defeat, but we will need to pick ourselves up for the visit of 2nd place Havant and Waterlooville in midweek

Ebbsfleet United 2-0 Havant & Waterlooville
National League South
Taylor 5’
King 88’

Another big game saw 2nd place Havant visit Stonebridge Road, who were unbeaten in 10. Fit again Bobby-Joe Taylor returned to the squad on the left wing at the expense of Jeff King

He had an instant impact. With 5 minutes gone, Taylor rose at the far post to head Klass’ cross into the back of the net.

Meite was forced off at half time with a calf strain and was replaced by the returning Rakish Bingham

With 2 minutes to go we wrapped up the points. After Taylor burst forward on the counter, he picked out Jeff King who slipped the ball past the keeper.

A great win which sees us close the gap to second to a point and the gap to Welling at the top to 4 points, although they have a game in hand.

Ebbsfleet United 3-0 Aldershot Town
FA Trophy Quarter Final
Paxman 75’
Bingham 80’
Klass 88’

Our last game of February was a break from the league for the FA Trophy tie with Aldershot Town

The first half was for the most part uneventful with few chances created

We came close on the hour, with Taylor’s wide free kick finding Bingham who saw his header crash off the bar and away

With 15 minutes to go we took the lead in astonishing fashion. After Egan attempted a shot from 30 yards, the deflection fell to Paxman who hit a perfect volley from 25 yards which floated into the top left corner. Not a bad way to score your first goal for the club

5 minutes later we secured our passage to the semi final. Bobby-Joe Taylor got on the end of Payne’s cross, forcing a save from Walker. He parried it into the path of Bingham who had an easy job to pump the ball into the empty net

With 2 minutes to go we made it 3-0. A rapid counter attack saw Payne run a long way from the halfway line, before dinking the ball over the top for Michael Klass who nicked the ball past Walker to score his first for the club.

A phenomenal win against a side from the league above that puts us closer to a Wembley final! We will face fellow National League South side Slough Town in the semi final at Stonebridge Road

End of month position: 3rd

Month review:

Another strong month, where we took 12 of a possible 15 points. Our only dropped points were the loss against top of the league Welling, which mitigates the loss in one way but is also hugely disappointing both in the way we lost in the last minute, and for how close a win would have put us to the top spot. We are now 4 points off the top of the league, however Welling do have a game in hand away to Concord, so we need to really start closing that gap as soon as possible. Jeff King has extended his loan deal for another month whilst BJT returns to full fitness

 

[Harrison9]

March 2021​

Ebbsfleet United 5-1 Oxford City
National League South
Payne 4', 48'
Martin 8'
Bingham 50', 63'

Our March schedule opened with the visit of 12th place Oxford City to Stonebridge Road.

We had a perfect start when after just 4 minutes, a simple move from a throw in saw the ball fall to Josh Payne at the edge of the area. He teed himself up before firing the ball past the keeper into the bottom corner

We made it 2-0 four minutes later. After sustained possession deep in the Oxford half, Josh Payne moved the ball to Martin in the box who turned before firing his shot into the bottom corner

We were nearly 3 goals to the good just before half time. A long ball forward found Rakish Bingham who unleashed a volley from just outside the box only to see it crash back off the bar.

2 minutes into the second half we did make it 3-0. A slick counter attack saw us commit men forward, with Bingham's cross eventually finding Josh Payne in the middle who touched home his second of the game.

On 50 minutes, brilliant play from Egan saw him lob the ball forward over the defence for Bingham to run onto. He took a touch before powering his effort across the keeper and into the far corner

10 minutes later we were 5 goals to the good. Josh Payne's long ball forward was misjudged by the Oxford defence, but not by Bingham who found himself in time and space to wriggle the ball under the keeper and secure his second of the game.

With 15 minutes to go, Oxford did pull one back when McEachran's cross found Owen James unmarked at the back post, however it was too late for a resurgence and we took all 3 points

Hungerford Town 0-0 Ebbsfleet United
National League South

Next up was a trip to bottom of the league Hungerford Town.

A fairly lacklustre first half saw us go in goalless at the break.

The second half continued in similar fashion, however we did have the ball in the net with 7 minutes to go after Rakish Bingham converted Lelan's cross, but it was ruled out by the linesman's flag.

A really disappointing draw to come away with just a point from the bottom of the league.

Ebbsfleet United 0-0 Dorking Wanderers
National League South

Next up was the visit of 17th place Dorking Wanderers to Stonebridge Road.

Yet again we found ourselves going in goalless with few chances created. Incredibly frustrating and very much 2 points dropped - especially seeing as both Havant and Welling dropped points in their games.

Maidstone United 2-1 Ebbsfleet United
National League South
Taylor 53'

Hoping to get back to winning ways, we made the short trip along the M2 to 8th place Maidstone's Gallagher Stadium.

However we had a nightmare start when Amaluzor's deep cross found the head of Wishart unmarked at the back post to put the hosts in front after just 3 minutes.

Things got even worse minutes before half time, when Amaluzor got up to head Edmondson's wide free kick into the back of the net.

Cue half time hairdryer treatment and a change to 4-4-2 with Greg Cundle replacing Lee Martin to join Bingham up front

8 minutes into the second half we gave ourselves hope of a comeback, when Taylor connected with Bingham's cross to the back post to pull one back.

However it wasn't to be, and yet again we failed to take advantage of our rivals dropping points. We remain 5 points from the top, however we are now down to 5th in the table

Ebbsfleet United 1-0 Tonbridge Angels
National League South
Bingham 43'

Next up was the visit of 17th place Tonbridge Angels for another Kent derby at Stonebridge Road. Jeff King returned to Halifax followed his loan spell whilst Elliott Durrell started for his debut.

On 43 minutes we got our breakthrough. Will Wood picked out Taylor with a ball forward. He slipped in Bingham who wriggled the ball under the keeper to give us a half time lead.

We continued to push to extend our lead but had to settle with just the one, after Bingham and Meite both had efforts rightly disallowed for offside. However it is a return to winning ways which sees us back up to third place for now and 3 points away from new leaders Slough who we face next in the FA Trophy.

Ebbsfleet United 4-2 Slough Town
FA Trophy Semi Final
Bingham 5', 39', (pen) 80', 90+5'

Our last fixture of the March schedule saw us welcome title race rivals Slough to Stonebridge Road for a place in the FA Trophy Final.

We had a dream start. Just 5 minutes in, Josh Payne's ball over the top found Rakish Bingham. He took a touch to control it before sliding his effort past Turner in the Slough goal.

On the half hour we came close to a second. Lee Martin's free kick from the left found Charlie Rowan in the middle, but his header cannoned back off the post

On 39 minutes however we a second, with Bingham's second of the game and his 40th of the season. Will Wood's curling cross from deep fell right in the danger zone and with the keeper stranded, Bingham was on hand to double his tally.

With 25 minutes to go, Slough set up a nervy finish when Matt Lench headed Kuhl's cross past Hadler.

10 minutes later we were all level. Again a cross from the left found Lench, and he tucked the ball past Hadler to level the scores

However we immediately had a brilliant chance to retake our lead. Chapman's long ball forward found Bingham who was hauled down in the box. Bingham stepped up and fired his effort low into the right corner to complete his hat trick and put the Fleet back in front

After a tense final 10 minutes, we sealed passage to Wembley in the 5th minute of time added on. Michael Klass played the ball low through to Bingham, who found the bottom right corner from the edge of the area for his, and the Fleet's 4th of the game

A fantastic achievement to reach the final, where we will face National League side Yeovil Town. Fortunately, results in the league went our way as well with our rivals failing to capitalise on their game in hand, and we remain in 3rd position.

End of month position: 3rd

Month review:

Not the greatest month all in all, taking 8 of a possible 15 points. However, we have been fortunate with results elsewhere, seeing ourselves retain our position in 3rd and reduce the gap from the top to 3 points. Irritatingly, had we won 2 very winnable games against Hungerford and Dorking, we would instead be 3 points clear at the top, however we have to deal with the hand we are played and I’m confident that we will ultimately take the title. To reach the FA Trophy final is a fantastic achievement, and despite playing a strong team from the league above, I’m confident of getting a result given our cup form this year.

 

[Harrison9]

April 2021​

Concord Rangers 2-3 Ebbsfleet United
National League South
Taylor 29'
Durrell 48'
Meite 90+2'

With the cup final secured, our full focus was on the title race ahead of our visit to 15th place Concord.

We too a while to get going in this one, but got our breakthrough on the half hour. After Lee Martin's cross was blocked, the ball fell to Adebayo-Rowling. He played a cross first time to find the run of Taylor who headed the Fleet in front.

However, the hosts pegged us back almost immediately. Blanchfield's through ball fining Luque who had time and space to level the scores.

3 minutes after the break we restored our lead. Wood broke free on the overlap down the left and squared the ball for Elliott Durrell, who opened his Fleet account from 10 yards out

However Concord pegged us back again just after the hour. Shaw got free on the right and found Smyth in the middle to equalise.

We continued to push and took all 3 points in injury time. Substitutes Klass and Meite combined for the latter to blast home his 20th of the season

A valuable 3 points and fitting revenge against a side that beat us 3-2 earlier in the season, although I’d rather we had an easier time of it. We remain in 3rd, but with Slough drawing 2-2 away to Oxford City, we are now 1 point behind them in second and 2 points off Welling in the top spot.

Ebbsfleet United 1-0 Chippenham Town
National League South
Bingham 47’

Next up in the March schedule was the visit of 19th place Chippenham to Stonebridge Road. With Welling and Slough winning their Easter Monday fixtures, we are currently points off top with a game in hand

A lacklustre first half saw us go in goalless at the break.

However 2 minutes into the second half we took the lead. Nice build up play from Martin and Lelan on the right saw the latter float a cross to the far post for Rakish Bingham who headed into the back of the net from close range.

A good win which sees us move up to 2nd on goal difference, whilst Welling maintain their 4 point lead at the top.

Hampton & Richmond Borough 1-1 Ebbsfleet United
National League South
Bingham 24’

3 days later we were back on the road to face 10th place Hampton & Richmond

We had the better of the opening exchanges but went 1-0 down on 11 minutes. Rowan misjudged a long ball from the back, allowing Sekajja to knock it past him before placing his effort in Hadler’s far corner.

We got our equaliser on 24 minutes. Will Wood’s deep cross found Bingham who headed us back into the game.

However it would end level. With Welling only managing a draw at Bath, we missed a huge opportunity to close the gap, whilst Chelmsford have leapfrogged us to a point ahead in 2nd

Ebbsfleet United 2-1 Hemel Hempstead Town
National League South
Bingham 14’, (pen) 21’

We returned to the action 4 days later with the visit of 13th place Hemel Hempstead.

We came close to taking the lead on 5 minutes, when Kahraman’s header from Taylor’s free kick shook the frame of the goal

However we did take the lead on 14 minutes. After rampant pressure, Taylor’s ball found Bingham who hit it first time on the volley to score his 45th of the season.

On 21 minutes we had a great chance to extend the lead from the penalty spot after Iffy Allen was brought down in the box. Bingham stepped up and comfortably dispatched the spot kick to double our lead.

On 65 minutes, the visitors set up a tense finish. After Sefa Kahraman made a wild clearance, Sinclair gained control and his subsequent cross was turned in by Lacey.

We held on to secure maximum points, moving us back up to 2nd and keeping our 4 point gap behind leaders Slough.

Chelmsford City 0-2 Ebbsfleet United
National League South
Bingham 5’, 51’

Our final game of the April schedule saw us face 4th place Chelmsford on the road. With them hot on our heels, a win was imperative to stay competitive in the title race.

We had a phenomenal start. A Bobby-Joe Taylor corner from the right found Bingham in the middle and his header crashed in via the crossbar.

6 minutes into the second half we doubled our lead. Will Wood’s long ball over the top found Bingham, who hit a low drive first time into the far corner.

A huge win and big 3 points. We remain 2nd and 4 points behind Slough.

End of month position: 2nd

Month review:

A good month overall. We have taken 13 of a possible 15 points and have moved up to second. We are 4 points behind league leaders Slough, however we have a game in hand over them in which we will face Dulwich Hamlet. We also host Slough in just over a weeks time, which will be a huge 6 pointer in the title race. We enter the final month of the season in strong form and I’m confident of finally securing top spot.

 

[Harrison9]

May 2021​

Eastbourne Borough 0-0 Ebbsfleet United
National League South

We started May with a trip to 11th place Eastbourne Borough. We named a rotated squad with our top of the table clash with Slough in 2 days time, who hosted Chippenham.

We nearly took the lead with 10 minutes on the clock, as Meite made it first to Klass’ long ball, but saw his lob fall on to the roof of the net with the keeper stranded.

10 minutes later we made the job more difficult, as Josh Payne was shown a straight red card for his 2 footed challenge on Asare

With 15 minutes to go, the hosts also found themselves down to 10 men after already booked Dickenson clattered Bingham, only to see the referee produce the red card

We couldn’t find a breakthrough though. Slough also drew with Chippenham so we remain 4 points behind them with a game in hand ahead of their visit in midweek

Ebbsfleet United 3-0 Slough Town
National League South
Kahraman 86’
Durrell 90+2’
Bingham 90+6’

This was the big one. Our title race 6 pointer against league leaders Slough Town. Whilst three points wouldn’t take us top, it would put us in prime position to take advantage of our game in hand.

We came within inches of a lead in the first 5 minutes, when Bingham’s header from Martin’s cross came crashing off the bar

We hit the woodwork a second time before the half hour, this time Bobby-Joe Taylor was denied from a 23 yard free kick.

9 minutes into the second half we got a real advantage when Kuhl was sent off for a second bookable offence.

The woodwork was causing a real problem for us, Durrell next to hit the post with his 20 yard effort on 72 minutes

With 4 minutes to go we got the goal our play deserved. Taylor’s deep free kick found Kahraman at the back post and the centre half’s emphatic header finally gave us a lead

With the 4th official’s board showing 5 extra minutes to be played we looked to be set for a nervy time. Those nerves were forgotten though in the second of the 5 minutes, when Egan’s pass found Durrell in space, who expertly fired the ball into the far corner

We weren’t done there. As we entered the 6th added minute, Adebayo-Rowling’s long ball found Bingham, who got in on the act with a powerful effort from close range

A phenomenal win which puts us in prime position to take top spot late in the season!!

Ebbsfleet United 1-0 Yeovil Town
FA Trophy Final
Allen 67’

For the last time this season, we took a break from our league schedule for a trip to face National League side Yeovil in the FA Trophy Final at Wembley.

An uneventful first half saw us go in goalless at the break.

We eventually got our goal in the 67th minute. A deep free kick from Taylor on the right found Allen on the penalty spot, who fired the ball first time into the bottom left corner

That would be enough to secure us the trophy. A massive achievement in a competition that we were certainly outsiders for. It was the first time we’d won the trophy since 2008, where coincidentally we beat a side from the West Country 1-0. Must be a good omen