The Gaffer’s Notes ‘21

[Harrison9]

The Title Race​

Possible Permutations

So, the title race is currently:

1st Slough Town P38 GD29 71pts
2nd Ebbsfleet United P36 GD35 70pts
3rd Welling Town P37 GD24 67pts
4th Dulwich Hamlet P36 GD15 67pts

Our remaining 4 league games are:

Match day 37 vs Dulwich Hamlet (H) 4th
Match day 38 vs Bath City (H) 7th
Match day 39 vs Braintree Town (A) 20th
Match day 40 vs Dartford (A) 9th

There are 4 possible ways that we can win the league in our own hands:

1. If we beat Dulwich and Bath, and all 3 of our title rivals fail to win on match day 38, we are promoted as champions
2. If we beat Dulwich and Bath, but any of our title rivals win, a draw against Braintree will see us promoted as champions
3. If we draw to Dulwich, but win 2 of our remaining 3, we are promoted as champions
4. If we lose to Dulwich, but win our 3 remaining games, we will be promoted as champions​

I’m not sure what’s going to happen but it’s going to be a **** of a ride

COYF

 

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May 2021 - The Run In​

Ebbsfleet United 2-1 Dulwich Hamlet
National League South
Bingham 36’, 48’

To start our final run in we had a key game at home to 4th place title rivals Dulwich Hamlet.

We dominated the first half, and got our reward on 36 minutes. Egan’s through ball picked out Bingham, who wriggled a shot under the keeper to score his 50th goal of the season.

On 48 minutes he had his 51st. An excellent driven pass from Taylor found Bingham in on goal, and he slammed a low drive into the far corner

With 10 minutes to go the visitors set up a nervy finish as Mullings flicked on a long ball for Allassani to finish coolly

We held on for a huge 3 points that sees us potentially one win away from the title

Ebbsfleet United 1-2 Bath City
National League South
Bingham 9’

Next up was the visit of 7th place Bath City, a side we beat 4-0 earlier in the season. A win would be enough to give us the title should a lot of results elsewhere go our way. Slough travelled to Chelmsford, whilst Welling faced Hungerford and Dulwich faced Hampton & Richmond.

However it was the visitors that started the game the better, as Donovan Wilson found himself in a dangerous position after just 6 minutes to put Bath in front.

3 minutes later we had a reply. Rakish Bingham got on the end of Taylor’s wide free kick to head the Fleet level

We went in level at the break, and with all of our title rivals winning their games our celebrations looked unlikely

Just 5 minutes into the second half Bath retook their lead. Taylor’s through ball found Wilson who slid his second of the game past Hadler.

A disappointing result which sees us drop down to second despite our game in hand.

Braintree Town 1-3 Ebbsfleet United
National League South
Bingham (pen) 5’, 63’
Allen 13’

Our penultimate game of the season saw us travel across the river to 20th place Braintree. Welling hosted Oxford, Slough hosted Hemel Hempstead and Dulwich hosted Chippenham Town. It was possible to win the title should we win and those sides drop points.

We had a fantastic opportunity to take the lead after just 5 minutes after Rakish Bingham was bundled over in the box. He stepped up and smashed home the spot kick to give us the advantage.

Things got even better 13 minutes in. Josh Lelan burst into the area and cut the ball back for Allen who curled a first time shot into the top corner from 10 yards.

2-0 at half time, and with Slough behind to Hemel Hempstead, Dulwich level against Chippenham and Welling ahead against Oxford, we were just one Oxford goal away from the title.

In the 58th minute the away end went into frenzy as news of a Joe Oastler goal for Oxford came through, as it stood we were champions.

5 minutes later we wrapped up our game, with Egan’s pass picking out Bingham who picked out the bottom corner.

With 23 minutes to go the hosts pulled one back through Luke Ferguson, but a comeback looked unlikely.

9 minutes from time the party atmosphere dampened, with news that Oumar Traore had put Welling back in front

It all ended that way, however we know a point in our North Kent derby at Princes Park will see us promoted as champions. Even should we lose, Welling can only win on goal difference so with us 6 goals ahead we would have to record a heavy defeat while they would need to win big

Dartford 0-3 Ebbsfleet United
National League South
Allen 43’
Bingham 80’, 90+3’

Our last fixture of the season saw us make the 10 mile round trip to Princes Park for a North Kent derby with 9th place Dartford. We knew we would be crowned champions on our rivals turf, in the absence of a miracle, in front of a sold out allocation of 640 travelling supporters.

We opened the scoring of the verge of half time to send the promotion party into pandemonium. Payne spread the ball to Taylor who skipped by his marker before playing a perfectly weighted ball to Allen who was free to touch home inside the 6 yard box.

With 10 minutes to go we sealed the win. Rakish Bingham had been unusually struggling in front of goal, but when sub Paxman played a pinpoint through ball for him, he kept his composure to slide the ball past King in front of the travelling supporters.

With a minute of injury time to play he added his second. Another ball from Paxman, this time from inside the Fleet half, found Bingham who beat the offside trap and rounded King for an easy finish.

That was it. Our first season finished lifting the league title!!

End of month position: 1st

Month review:

A fairly strong month, with 13 of a possible 18 points taken. In other circumstances I might have expected us to do better, however it is hard to look negative in a month where we completed a double. Our win against Slough was fantastic to really put us in a strong position in the title race, and in all honesty, despite the maths, the win against Dulwich was the point at which the title was won. The FA trophy win was also phenomenal, both in terms of the final and the campaign in full, and I’m optimistic that it makes a real statement of intent from the club in terms of the years to come

 

[Harrison9]

Season Review 2020/21​

Awards

Golden Boot: Rakish Bingham (56)
Most Assists: Lee Martin (10)
Signing of the Season: Alassane Meite
Most MOTM Awards: Rakish Bingham
Goal of the Season: Josh Payne vs Billericay (A)
Young Player of the Season: Charlie Rowan
Fans Player of the Season: Rakish Bingham
Managers Player of the Season: Sefa Kahraman

The Final Word

Well, that was a whirlwind of a season. Ultimately, in terms of winning the league we very much lived up to the preseason expectations, and I’m delighted to return to the National League at the first time of asking. After a tough first few months, we adapted well and managed to turn our league form around with good character. We can be extremely proud of our FA Cup run, knocking out 4 bigger teams, including Premier League West Brom at the Hawthorns and putting in a strong performance when we were finally knocked out at Watford. The FA Trophy win was equally as fantastic, with us being outsiders to many of the teams in the National League. Financially, we did well, no doubt heavily assisted by the prize money from our fantastic FA Cup run and FA Trophy win, making a profit of £953k in the season. Bingham's goal record is phenomenal, managing 56 from 50 appearances, with his 39 in the league only beaten by Adam Liddle's 43 for Chelmsford. He was without doubt integral in our title winning campaign and so the Fan's POTY award is well deserved. Honourable mention also goes to Alassane Meite, who scored 20 in 39 appearances in his first season in men's football, picking up the Signing of the Season gong. Much credit goes to our defence as well, with our 31 goals conceded the lowest in the league. Huge credit goes to Tom Hadler, who stepped up when Holmes was injured, and later pushed on to take the number 1 jersey for his own. Across the back 4, the young POTY award is well deserved for Charlie Rowan, who came in to produce some fantastic performances. My manager's POTY award goes to Sefa Kahraman though, who provided a cool head at the back throughout, consistently performed well and scored some important goals against Slough in our top of the table clash and Dagenham in the FA Trophy. We are sorry to see Sefa go but wish him all the best at Ingolstadt.

 

[Harrison9]

Season Preview 2021/22​

As quickly as a season ends, a new one begins, and we come into 2021/22 as a National League side.

In light of the season ahead, the chairman has set the following expectations:

• Achieve a top half finish in the National League
• Play defensively solid football
• Play direct football
• Play counter attacking football
• Sign players under the age of 23 for the first team
• Do not sign players over 30
• Stay within wage budget
• Sign players who we will profit on in the future

Overall, I feel these aims are achievable. We don't need much tactical change in order to fit the board's vision, with our counter attacking 4-4-1-1 working wonders for us last year. I have been given a transfer budget of £175k and wage bill of £30k, however this has been reallocated to £400k transfer budget and £25k wage bill. With the improvements to the squad that I have in mind, I feel a top half finish is achievable and that we could maybe push on for a playoff place, although I am happy to keep the board's expectations grounded for the time being.

 

[Harrison9]

Preseason - July 2021

Ebbsfleet United 1-2 Gillingham
Bingham (pen) 69’

Concord Rangers 0-6 Ebbsfleet United
Meite 4’
Payne 13’
Sbarra 18’, 37’, 85’
Allen 90+2’

Billericay Town 1-11 Ebbsfleet United
Liddle 5’
Donawa 23’
Taylor 54’, 67’
Allen 62’, 72’, (pen) 85’, 87
Sbarra 54’, 89’, (pen) 90+1’

Tonbridge Angels 0-6 Ebbsfleet United
Bingham 33’, (pen) 45+1’, 49’
Payne 36’
Liddle 52’
Chapman 89’

Chesham Town 0-6 Ebbsfleet United
Egan (pen) 25’, 78’
Meite 37’
Donawa 52’, 61’
Sbarra 73’

Ebbsfleet United 1-1 Queens Park Rangers
Donawa 4’

Month review:

Overall a successful preseason. The boys are looking fit and we haven’t got any injury issues heading into the opening game against Eastleigh. Our new signings are bedding in well and the cohesion between the team seems to be good. There is clearly a step up in quality, with substantial wins against Billericay, Concord and Tonbridge - sides we were in the same league as just over 2 months ago.

 

[Harrison9]

Transfer News​

End of Contract

Lee Martin
Adam Mekki
Michael West
Josh Grant

Outgoing

Sefa Kahraman left the club at the end of his contract to join Ingolstadt.
Jordan Holmes was released by mutual termination of his contract due to his unhappiness at his playing time
James Magri has left on a season long loan to Nuneaton Borough

Incoming

Tyrone Williams

Our first signing of the new season was 26 year old Tyrone Williams on a free contract following his release from Solihull Moors. Tyrone is a right back, also capable of playing in the middle of the defence, and has a lot of National League experience.

Joe Sbarra

Next through the door was 22 year old Joe Sbarra, again from Solihull Moors for an £80k fee. Joe is a central midfielder, and has previously had league experience at Burton Albion before returning to Solihull. He is a well established attacking midfielder who should be playing at a higher level.

Josef Yarney

Our main spending in the summer window was on the deal to bring Chesterfield centre half Yarney to Stonebridge road for an initial £230k. Having previously spent time at Newcastle and Everton, Yarney is now an established name in the non leagues, with potential that will likely see him succeed in the football league.

Justin Donawa

Next to arrive was 25 year old right winger Justin Donawa on a free transfer from Solihull Moors. Justin is a quick and technically gifted player who will compete with Iffy Allen for the first choice on the right wing

Jordi Govea

Next to arrive was former Swansea City and Real Madrid left back, Jordi Govea on a free transfer. 22 year old Jordi boasts an impressive CV, with excellent physical and technical abilities.


Adam Liddle

Next to arrive was 21 year old striker Adam Liddle from Chelmsford on a £15k deal. Adam arrives to provide competition for Bingham up front, having out scored him with a whopping 43 league goals in the National League South last year.

Conor Grant

Last to arrive was 19 year old left winger Conor Grant from Sheffield Wednesday on a season long loan deal. Conor is signed as backup for Bobby-Joe Taylor, but is equally capable of playing in central midfield.

 

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Squad List 2021/22

1. Tom Hadler
2. Josh Lelan
3. Jordi Govea
4. Josh Payne
5. Josef Yarney (C)
6. Charlie Rowan (VC)
7. Justin Donawa
8. Alfie Egan
9. Rakish Bingham
10. Joe Sbarra
11. Bobby-Joe Taylor
12. Tyrone Williams
13. Charlie Freeman
14. Iffy Allen
15. Adam Liddle
16. Will Wood
17. Conor Grant
18. Ben Chapman
19. Jake Goodman
20. Alassane Meite
21. Jack Paxman
22. Greg Cundle
23. Tobi Adebayo-Rowling​

 

[Harrison9]

August 2021​

Ebbsfleet United 5-1 Eastleigh Town
Vanarama National League
Grant 16’
Liddle (pen) 40’, 68’, 82’
Payne 45+1’

Our league opener saw us host Eastleigh Town at Stonebridge Road. Club captain Josef Yarney suffered a lower leg fracture in the build up which will see him ruled out for up to 3 months, so Williams partnered Rowan at centre back.

On 12 minutes it was the visitors who took the lead, as Pyke found himself in a dangerous position to tee up Sam Smart to put Eastleigh in front

However 4 minutes later we were level, as Payne picked out Donawa on the right. His pass found fellow debutant Grant for the loanee to strike the Fleet level.

We took a better hold of the game as the half went on and won a penalty 5 minutes before the break when Liddle was dragged down in the box. He stepped up for the spot kick and found the top right corner for his debut goal

We managed to double our lead before half time. After sustained possession on the edge of the box, Payne curled a lovely shot from out of nowhere into the far corner.

With 20 minutes to go we made it 4-1. Sbarra went on a mazy run and held the ball up well before laying off to Liddle whose low drive from the edge of the box found the back of the net.

On 82 minutes Liddle completed his hattrick when he got on the end of Govea’s long ball to lash a volley into the top far corner.

A phenomenal win for the opening day!!

AFC Fylde 0-2 Ebbsfleet United
Vanarama National League
Liddle 31’
Bingham 87’

Next up was our first away trip up to AFC Fylde, who lost 1-0 on the opening day to Sutton

On the half hour we took the lead. Donawa picked up Liddle who beat the offside trap and fired home.

With 3 minutes to go we sealed the points. Lelan’s deep free kick set Bingham in behind, and he rounded the keeper for an easy finish

A fantastic start to the season!

Leyton Orient 0-2 Ebbsfleet Unired
Vanarama National League
Liddle 47’, 67’

We were back in the road four days later visiting one of the stronger sides in the division in Leyton Orient.

After an evenly matched first half we went in goalless at the break

However just a minute into the second half we were ahead, when Liddle ran onto Payne’s pass to place the ball into the back of the net

On 67 minutes he doubled his tally. He played a fantastic one-two with Bingham before chipping the ball over Sergeant and into the open goal

A brilliant 2-0 win against one of the sides that will be battling for promotion come the end of the season

Ebbsfleet United 1-0 Woking
Vanarama National League
Liddle 25’

A return to Stonebridge Road saw us take on 12th place Woking

On 25 minutes we took the lead. Joe Sbarra found Liddle’s under lapping run, and he squeezed the ball just inside O’Brien’s near post.

That was enough to maintain our 100% win rate, keeping us on top of the pile

Ebbsfleet United 4-0 Boreham Wood
Vanarama National League
Liddle (pen) 15’
Grant 28’, 33’
Taylor 77’

We were back in action 3 days later with a home fixture against 17th place Boreham Wood

On 14 minutes we had a golden opportunity to take the lead when Liddle was dragged over in the box by Ogungbo. Liddle picked himself up to take the penalty himself and placed his effort in the bottom corner to put us in front

Just before the half hour we doubled our lead when Conor Grant headed home Payne’s wide free kick

5 minutes later it was 3-0. Almost a carbon copy as Payne’s slightly deeper free kick found Grant in the box to double his tally

With 15 minutes to go we won another penalty, this time when Fleary hacked down Taylor in the box. On a hat trick, Conor Grant stepped up, but fired his effort wide of the left hand post.

We did make it 4-0 though 2 minutes later. Rakish Bingham’s cross found Taylor at the back post who fired a volley past ex Fleet keeper Ashmore

York City 0-2 Ebbsfleet United
Vanarama National League
Sbarra 9’
Bingham 82’

Our penultimate game of the August schedule saw us travel to 2nd place York for an early top of the table clash

We took the lead after just 9 minutes. Joe Sbarra picked up the ball on the edge of the Fleet box and ran the length of the pitch, hopping past the defence before placing the ball in the far corner to open his Fleet account in style

With 8 minutes to go we doubled our lead, again in style. Bobby-Joe Taylor’s corner was cleared to Bingham, who took a touch before driving a long range shot from 25 yards into the top corner

Goals worthy of winning any game, and a phenomenal three points to take back to Kent

Ebbsfleet United 0-1 Torquay United
Vanarama National League

Our 7th and final game of the August schedule saw us host 3rd place Torquay at Stonebridge Road.

We came close to a lead on 11 minutes, when Liddle turned Taylor’s corner onto the bar.

With 12 minutes to go it was the visitors who took the lead, as Jake Andrews converted Whitfield’s cross

We pushed forward but couldn’t find an equaliser and so unfortunately suffered our first defeat of the season.

End of Month Position: 1st

Month review:

A phenomenal starting month which saw us notch up 6 straight wins and take 18 points of a possible 21. Liddle has been outstanding in front of goal, and has been helped by fantastic team performances, with Sbarra, Bingham and Grant particularly standing out. The defeat at home to Torquay was disappointing and serves as a reminder that we can’t get carried away, but it’s very positive to be holding the top spot so early on.

 

[Harrison9]

September 2021​

Bath City 0-1 Ebbsfleet United
Vanarama National League
Egan 18’

We started September with a trip to 16th place Bath City, who were promoted through the playoffs last year, looking to bounce back to winning ways

With 18 minutes on the clock we took the lead. Payne’s free kick from the right hand side picked out Alfie Egan with pinpoint accuracy for him to head us in front via the crossbar.

A good win on the road to return us to winning ways

Hartlepool United 0-0 Ebbsfleet United
Vanarama National League

We were back in action days later with a long trip north to 15th place Hartlepool.

We struggled to create chances through the first half and went in goalless at the break

With 20 minutes left, we had a great chance to take the lead when Bobby Taylor burst into the box, only to be tripped by Crowe. Liddle stepped up but saw his effort was at a comfortable height for Young to parry the ball away.

2 minutes later things got worse, as Iffy Allen was forced off with a torn wrist ligament which will see him sidelined for up to 7 weeks.

Disappointing to lose Iffy and needlessly drop 2 points in a game we should have won

Ebbsfleet United 1-0 Maidenhead United
Vanarama National League
Liddle (pen) 35’

We returned to Stonebridge Road for the visit of 19th place Maidenhead

We took the lead on 35 minutes through another penalty. After Liddle was brought down by Roberts at the byline, he stepped up but this time buried his effort in the bottom right corner.

Not the most emphatic win, but a valuable 3 points nonetheless

Dover Athletic 0-0 Ebbsfleet United
Vanarama National League

Next up was a Kent derby at the Crabble against 16th place Dover.

It was hardly a classic, with Bingham heading the only real chance of the game over the bar from 6 yards.

A disappointing result in a winnable game

Ebbsfleet United 2-1 Altrincham Town
Vanarama National League
Bingham 51’, 71’

Our final fixture of September saw us welcome bottom of the league Altrincham to Stonebridge Road.

We started slowly, and Altrincham looked to deviate from the script as Matty Kosylo headed them in front on 40 minutes.

After frank words were exchanged in the dressing room at half time, we came out the better and were level 6 minutes after the break. Grant picked out Govea’s overlapping run, and the left back played a low ball into the danger area from the byline which Bingham was on hand to convert into the back of the net.

20 minutes later we took the lead. In similar fashion to the equaliser, Grant bombed forward on the left, but this time cut inside to turn provider himself, with Bingham more than happy to convert his cross from close range.

End of month position: 1st

Month review:

A decent month, with 11 points taken of a possible 15. The obvious upside is that we bounced back from the defeat against Torquay to build a 5 game unbeaten run, however the points we dropped were disappointing, and had we played to our ability, we would have secured maximum points. We are defying expectations and remain 2 points clear of Torquay at the top of the league, however the next 2-3 months will be crucial in determining whether we are title contenders or whether we will run out of steam. We are definitely looking less comfortable going forward than we did last month, although we have still got decent results, so we need to improve in November else we will inevitably slip into poor form as the luck starts to go against us

 

[Harrison9]

October 2021​

Ebbsfleet United 2-1 Morecambe
Vanarama National League
Egan 22’
Payne 40’

Our opening game of the October schedule saw us hosting 10th place Morecambe. Tom Hadler was ruled out in the week due to an abdominal strain which will keep him out for 2 weeks, so Charlie Freeman replaced him in goal whilst 17 year old Paul Pearson was pulled from the U18 squad to wait in the wings. Josef Yarney returned earlier than expected from the fracture he suffered in preseason to make his debut

We took the lead on 22 minutes. Payne’s free kick from the left found Donawa, who flicked it back across goal to give Egan an easy headed finish from close range.

We made it 2-0 before the break. Conor Grant cut inside to the byline from the left before pulling the ball back to the edge of the area, where Payne drove an effort into the far bottom corner.

On the hour, Morecambe gave us a reminder when Carlos Mendes Gomes turned O’Sullivan’s cross past Freeman.

However we held on to take all three points.

Aldershot Town 0-3 Ebbsfleet United
Vanarama National League
Liddle 50’, 67’, 75’

A few days later we were on the road again for a much shorter trip to 3rd place Aldershot.

On 25 minutes we had a blow, as Conor Grant was forced off with a twisted ankle which will see him ruled out for around 4 weeks.

After a tepid first half, we took the lead 5 minutes into the second. Alfie Egan’s through ball was dispatched first time with aplomb into the bottom far corner by Liddle.

17 minutes later, we made it 2-0, as Liddle rose highest to head Josh Payne’s corner in with the help of the crossbar.

With 15 minutes to go we sealed the points. Substitute Bingham played in Liddle, who wriggled the ball under the keeper to complete his hattrick.

A fantastic win against a strong side.

Ebbsfleet United 1-0 Sutton United
Vanarama National League
Bingham 40’

Our first October visitors to Stonebridge Road came in the shape of 8th place Sutton.

We had to wait until 5 minutes before half time to open the scoring, when Rakish Bingham broke free to fire an excellent low drive past the keeper from the edge of the box for his 5th of the season.

2 minutes into the second half, Sutton found themselves a man down as Craig Eastmond was shown a straight red card for a two footed challenge on Egan.

We struggled to extend our lead, however a welcome three points.

Kingstonian 1-10 Ebbsfleet United
FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round
Bingham (pen) 1’, 6’, 18’
Taylor 3’, 5’
Sbarra 23’
Rowan 34’
Liddle 45+1’, 72’, 88’

A break from league action saw us travel to Isthmanian Premier side Kingstonian for a place in the First Round proper.

We had a fantastic chance in the first minute, when Sealy hacked down Bingham in the box. He stepped up and buried it in the bottom right corner.

Two minutes later it was 2-0. Bobby-Joe Taylor broke free down the left, before cutting inside and firing the ball past the keeper at the near post.

On 5 minutes he doubled his tally. Josh Payne teed himself up for a shot from range but saw it come back off the post for Taylor to tuck home from close range.

The game was over at that point, and Bingham added his second a minute later. He got onto Josh Payne’s through ball to rifle a low effort in off the near post

He completed his hattrick on 18 minutes, when he got a toe to Taylor’s cross to divert it into the back of the net. An impact injury forced him off to be replaced by Liddle, however it should have no protracted consequences.

5 minutes later it was 6-0, Sbarra got on the end of Govea’s throw in, before turning his marker and curling an effort into the top far corner.

It felt like we were about to score with every touch, and we made it 7-0 on 34 minutes. Josh Payne’s deep free kick picked out Rowan, who looped a header into the back of the net.

We made it 8-0 before the break. Payne again provided the free kick delivery, only this time for substitute Liddle to extend our lead.

Kingstonian did pull one back at the end of added time, when Bailey headed home Beard’s corner.

After the break the game certainly lacked the same energy as the first half, and we had to wait until the 72nd minute for goal number 9. Donawa broke away on the counter and found Liddle, who fired into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

On 88 minutes Liddle scored his third and the Fleet’s 10th, when he got on the end of another Payne free kick to head past the keeper.

A phenomenal win to see us through to the first round in style.

Boreham Wood 0-1 Ebbsfleet United
Vanarama National League
Sbarra 3’

With our away fixture at Dagenham postponed due to water logging, we were next in action against 23rd place Boreham Wood.

We came out of the blocks quickly, and took the lead 3 minutes in, when Donawa did well to pick out Sbarra’s underlapping run, who did equally well to fire in past Ashmore.

Boreham Wood played surprisingly well throughout, and we struggled to break them down throughout the remainder of the 90 minutes, however a valuable 3 points. With Torquay and Leyton Orient dropping points, we extended our lead to 7 points with a game in hand to play.

Ebbsfleet United 2-0 York City
Vanarama National League
Liddle 21’, 46’

Our final fixture of the October schedule saw 10th place York City visit Stonebridge Road.

We took the lead 21 minutes in, as Liddle headed home Govea’s outswinging corner.

A minute into the second half, a long ball from Yarney found Liddle’s run. Alone with the keeper, he slotted into the back of the net to double our lead.

A big win to make it 10 unbeaten in all competitions and take 6 points off a strong side.

End of month position: 1st

Month review:

A phenomenal month with a 100% win rate, picking up 15 points. After the win against York, we have an 8 point lead clear of Torquay, which will extend to 11 points should we win our game in hand away to Dagenham. We looked much more confident than in September, and even in the narrower wins against Morecambe and Boreham Wood looked comfortable and in full control. Liddle’s 5 goals saw him recognised as runner up to the League Player of the Month award, whilst I was humbled to be awarded the Manager of the Month gong. Yarney’s earlier than expected return from injury is a welcome surprise, and he has put in solid performances as club captain, whilst Freeman’s performances in Hadler’s 2 week absence were also very encouraging.

 

[Harrison9]

November 2021​

Dagenham & Redbridge 0-2 Ebbsfleet United
Vanarama National League
Payne 3’
Taylor 87’

November began with a Tuesday night trip across the Dartford Crossing to 17th place Dagenham for our postponed fixture, knowing a win would extend our gap ahead of Torquay to 11 points.

We had a great start. Taylor’s early corner found Liddle. His header was blocked on the line, but fell to Payne who couldn’t miss from inside the 6 yard box.

5 minutes into the second half we had a fantastic opportunity to double our lead, when Donawa was wiped out in the box by Iredale. Liddle fired his effort towards the left corner, only to see it beaten away by Dean Bouzanis for a corner.

We did however double our lead with 3 minutes to go. A long ball into the Daggers box caused all kinds of problems, and a panicked clearance hit Liddle, before falling to substitute Bobby-Joe Taylor, who buried the ball in the net from close range.

A crucial win in our game in hand, perhaps with a slice of good fortune, but we’ll take it where we can!

Ebbsfleet United 1-1 Stockport County
FA Cup First Round
Liddle 80’

A break from league action saw us welcome fellow National League outfit Stockport to Stonebridge Road, for a live televised FA Cup First Round tie.

The first half was a quiet affair with neither side carving any real opportunities.

However it was the visitors who took the lead a minute into the second half, when Cameron Lancaster beat Rowan to a long ball to slam his shot past Hadler.

We pushed forward and got our reward with 10 minutes to go. A long ball found Liddle in space behind the defence, who had time to place his effort in the far corner.

We looked to have won the tie 5 minutes later. Payne chipped a ball over the defence towards Donawa, who turned before firing a volley inside the near post. However the linesman raised his flag to rule the goal out. A very questionable decision, but one that stood nonetheless, so we will have to play the hand we’re dealt and travel to Edgeley Park for a replay.

Stockport County 0-1 Ebbsfleet United
FA Cup First Round Replay
Meite 117’

With our game against Eastleigh postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, we were next in action 10 days later for our replay against Stockport.

We had a blow after 7 minutes when Liddle was forced off with a twisted ankle which will keep him out for at least a month.

With 15 minutes to go, we looked to have taken the lead. Payne played a short free kick to Sbarra, who fired a spectacular drive into the far corner from 25 yards, only to see the linesman flag for an offside against Meite, who in his eyes had somehow influenced the play.

However with no breakthrough we headed to extra time.

With 3 minutes to go until the dreaded penalty shootout, Stockport gifted us a lead.

A long ball forward led to a mix up in the Stockport defence. Goalkeeper Henderson came to take the ball on the edge of the box but was forced to head it due to an awkward bounce, straight to Joe Sbarra. He squared the ball for Meite who had an open goal to pass into with the keeper stranded to secure our passage into the second round.

Good to progress in the competition, but 120 minutes of football and an injury to top scorer Liddle that we could have definitely done without two days before we play 3rd place Leyton Orient.

Ebbsfleet United 1-0 Leyton Orient
Vanarama National League
Bingham 19’

We returned to league action 2 days later with the visit of 3rd place Leyton Orient to Stonebridge Road. With Liddle out injured, Rakish Bingham stepped up to lead the line

In the 19th minute we took the lead. Hadler took a long kick which travelled all the way over the defence for Bingham to run onto and chin over the onrushing Sargeant.

As the game went on tired legs began to show but we held on for a big win

Ebbsfleet United 4-0 AFC Fylde
Vanarama National League
Bingham 1’, 23’, 28’, (pen) 30’

2 days later we were back in action as 18th place Fylde were next to visit Fortress Stonebridge.

We had a perfect start inside a minute. Donawa battled well to hold up the ball on the right before pulling it back to Sbarra, who crossed to the near post for Bingham to finish from point blank range.

On 23 minutes we doubled our lead. Goodman played a long ball from the back which found Bingham alone to round the keeper and finish in an open goal.

5 minutes later he completed his hattrick. Grant played a perfect early cross into the danger zone for Bingham to poke beyond the keeper.

Just before the half hour we had the perfect opportunity when Donawa beat Conlan for pace only to be tripped in the box by Whitmore. Bingham stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way.

A brilliant win which pushes us 11 points clear with a game in hand after Aldershot lost to Bromley

Bradford City 0-0 Ebbsfleet United
FA Cup Second Round

Another break from league football saw us travel to League One side Bradford for the Second Round of the FA Cup

On 28 minutes Bingham had the ball in the net after he buried a long ball from Lelan but saw it ruled out for offside

Neither side carved any real chances and so we will go to a replay at Stonebridge Road

Ebbsfleet United 1-0 Stockport County
Vanarama National League
Bingham (pen) 27’

Our last game of the November schedule was the visit of 5th place Stockport.

On 26 minutes we had a great chance to go in front when Kitching sent Egan tumbling at a free kick. Bingham stepped up and buried his effort in the bottom corner.

On the hour, Bobby-Joe Taylor was forced off with sprained ankle ligaments which will keep him out for up to 5 weeks.

That was enough for us to secure our 10th straight league win to end the month

End of month position: 1st

Month review:

Another phenomenal month to continue our 10 game winning run in the league. We are currently top of the league and 13 points clear of Aldershot in 2nd place, still with our game in hand to play. The draws in the FA Cup games were disappointing, as it adds extra games to an already busy schedule, however we will progress as far as we can. Big congratulations are due to Tom Hadler, whose clean sheet in our last game against Stockport was his 15th in the league this season, equalling the current record. In other news, I was delighted to receive the Manager of the Month award for the second consecutive month, whilst Rakish Bingham picked up a well deserved Player of the Month award.

 

[Harrison9]

December 2021​

Chesterfield 0-1 Ebbsfleet United
Vanarama National League
Bingham 11’

December began with a visit to 7th place Chesterfield at the Proact.

We started well, with just 11 minutes on the clock when Payne’s whipped cross from the left was flicked by Bingham’s head into the far corner.

What followed was a resolute defensive performance against a strong side, for Tom Hadler to keep his 16th clean sheet of the season, thus breaking the National League record for most in a season.

Ebbsfleet United 1-0 Bradford City
FA Cup Second Round Replay
Payne 4’

We followed up with a return to cup action, with our FA Cup replay

We again struck early, with a nice passing move seeing Payne teed up 25 yards out to fire a low drive into the bottom corner after just 4 minutes.

Bradford pushed, however we held out to secure passage to face Championship Stoke City at home in the Third Round

Torquay United 2-2 Ebbsfleet United
FA Trophy Third Round
Bingham 18’
Donawa 65’

We continued our campaign in the FA Trophy with a visit to Torquay.

We took the lead before 20 minutes, when Bingham met Payne’s lob with a right footed volley which found the back of the net

4 minutes into the second half the hosts were level, when a long ball over the top found Kosvelo free to tuck into the far corner.

We were back in front with 25 minutes to go. Govea burst forward down the left to cross for Donawa, who hit it first time under the keeper to open his Fleet account

With 6 minutes to go, the hosts pegged us back again. The ball fell to Jake Andrews on the edge of the box who fired an emphatic effort past Hadler.

That goal forced an extra half hour, which was fairly uneventful until Massey clattered Bingham to be dismissed for a second bookable offence with a minute to go

Ebbsfleet United 5-1 Torquay United
FA Trophy Third Round Replay
Bingham 12’, 23’, 29’, 45+1’
Paxman 14’

A few days later we returned to Stonebridge Road for the replay of our FA Trophy tie.

We began strongly and took the lead after just 12 minutes. Iffy Allen broke free on the right before whipping a ball in for Bingham to hook into the back of the net.

2 minutes later we doubled our lead. Alfie Egan lobbed a long ball over the top to find the unchecked run of Jack Paxman, who touched the ball beyond the keeper.

We made it 3-0 on 23 minutes. William’s throw from the right was flicked on towards Bingham. He let the ball run across his body before turning and powering his effort into the back of the net.

Bingham completed his hattrick before the half hour, as a long ball from Wood was completely misjudged by the defence to let him in behind with time to place the ball in the bottom corner.

Before half time we had a fifth, and Bingham had his fourth. Jordi Govea showed a turn of pace to drive forward, before drilling a low ball into the danger zone which Bingham diverted effortlessly past the keeper.

The visitors did manage to pull one back with 25 minutes to go when Koszela volleyed Little’s long ball past Hadler, but it was too little too late. A fantastic win against one of our league rivals, although I wish we could have done it in the first place rather than add 90 minutes to an already packed schedule.

Yeovil Town 2-1 Ebbsfleet United
Vanarama National League
Grant 33’

We finally returned to league action with a visit to Huish Park to face 3rd place Yeovil Town.

The game started slowly, but we took the lead just after the half hour. Josh Lelan’s cross from the right found Grant in the middle, who headed across goal into the far corner.

The hosts were level before the break though, when Sam Ling headed D’Ath’s corner past Hadler.

After the break Yeovil really turned the screw and got their reward just after the hour. Hancox’ cross found Claydon in the middle who headed home from close range.

That was enough to end our 22 game unbeaten run in all competitions

Eastleigh Town 0-0 Ebbsfleet United
Vanarama National League

Days later we were back at Stonebridge Road for our game in hand against 22nd place Eastleigh.

It was a far cry from the opening day, as we struggled to convert our chances. Liddle, Bingham and Grant all found themselves in scoring positions, but uncharacteristically made life easy for the visiting keeper by shooting straight at him

A disappointing draw that sees us fail to take advantage of the game in hand

Ebbsfleet United 0-0 Bromley
Vanarama National League

Hoping to return to winning ways, we welcomed 11th place Bromley to Stonebridge Road, for a relatively local derby in the Boxing Day fixture

It was a drab game, and much similar to Eastleigh in terms of our conversion abilities. Concerningly, we seemed to make life even easier for the Bromley keeper, with many of our best chances skewed off target

Solihull Moors 0-1 Ebbsfleet United
Vanarama National League
Chapman 28’

Our final fixture of 2021 saw us travel to 14th place Solihull Moors.

We gave a much improved performance from our previous three, and took the lead before the half hour mark. Bobby-Joe Taylor’s wide free kick found Ben Chapman, who saw his initial header parried by the keeper, before he managed to get a toe to the rebound to turn it home.

We were definitely off our best, however held firm to ensure a return to winning ways.

End of month position: 1st

Month review:

In the grand scheme of things, not an awful month, but there is certainly room for improvement. We took 8 points from a possible 15, although given the points we dropped against Bromley and Eastleigh, we really should have taken 12. However, it goes without saying that the only stat that matters in football is the score line, and ultimately we didn’t take our chances. The fixture congestion has taken its toll, and the cup replays have only added to this pressure. We remain top, although our initial 13 point buffer has now been reduced to just 6 clear of Aldershot

 

[Harrison9]

January 2022​

Ebbsfleet United 1-1 Stoke City
FA Cup Third Round
Liddle 17’

We began 2021 with the visit of Championship outfit Stoke City to Stonebridge Road.

We had a perfect start. Just after the quarter hour mark, nice possession play saw the ball fall to Liddle 25 yards out, who took a touch to get the ball out of his feet before slamming a stunning strike into the top left corner.

However, the magic of the cup soon wore off, and we spent much of the second half with our backs to the wall. Our luck ran out with 25 minutes to go, as Tyrese Campbell worked his way into the box before drilling a shot high out of Hadler’s reach and into the roof of the net.

Ebbsfleet United 5-1 FC Halifax Town
Vanarama National League
Paxman 11’, 29’
Liddle 17’
Bingham 75’, 90’

Our 2021 league campaign kicked off with the visit of 18th place Halifax.

We had an ideal start on 11 minutes. Govea drove forward on the overlap. His cross found Donawa, who pulled the ball back to tee up Paxman at the penalty spot to beat the keeper with a fierce shot.

6 minutes later we doubled our lead. Donawa again played the provider, this time slipping in Liddle who placed a composed effort past the keeper.

We were 3-0 up before the half hour. Liddle made a mazy run forward before shooting from a tight angle. The keeper got a hand to it but could only divert the ball into the path of Paxman, who had an easy finish to double his tally.

With just under 20 minutes to go, the visitors pulled one back when Georgiou’s corner was headed in by Luke Plange.

However, we restored our 3 goal advantage 4 minutes later, when Josh Payne released substitute Rakish Bingham to slot past the keeper.

He rounded up the scoring on the stroke of the 90th minute. Bingham played a fantastic one-two with Paxman to beat the defence before slotting the ball in at the near post.

Ebbsfleet United 2-0 Eastleigh Town
FA Trophy Fourth Round
Liddle 48’
Grant 81’

A return to our cup campaigns began with the visit of Eastleigh in the Fourth Round of the FA Trophy.

We nearly took the lead after 16 minutes. Govea’s cross found Donawa, who headed beyond the keeper but saw his effort come back off the post onto the keepers back, but hacked off the line before it would roll into the back of the net.

We were the better side though and took the lead after the break. Taylor’s corner found Liddle at the back post who headed home from close range.

With 9 minutes to go we settled any doubts. Iffy Allen did well to make space on the right before crossing to the back post for Conor Grant to thump a header into the back of the net.

A good win, and big relief to avoid another replay to add to our hectic schedule!

Stoke City 2-0 Ebbsfleet United
FA Cup Third Round Replay

We continued with our FA Cup replay at the Britannia to face Stoke. We named a rotated squad to keep key players fresh for our league campaign given the dropped points over the festive period.

Stoke gave us a real run around, and Tom Hadler was forced to make numerous fantastic saves to take us to extra time.

However, the pressure told on 110 minutes, when Nick Powell was played in to slot past Hadler from close range.

As tiredness crept in, Stoke’s already apparent quality became more and more evident, and with 3 minutes to go they made it 2-0. Edwards broke away from Wood on the left to drive a low cross for Callum Lang who finished from close range.

Torquay United 1-0 Ebbsfleet United
Vanarama National League

We returned to league action 2 days later with a trip to 4th place Torquay at Plainmoor.

Fatigue showed and we struggled to create throughout

The hosts took the lead on 57 minutes, when a long range strike was spilled by Hadler into the path of Andrew’s, who continued his habit of scoring against us from close range.

A disappointing defeat on the road against one of the teams at the top end of the table.

Woking 1-2 Ebbsfleet United
Vanarama National League
Paxman 6’
Liddle 27’

We continued our January schedule with a visit to 14th place Woking for our game in hand.

We started well and took an early lead. Taylor’s pass found Paxman’s underlapping run who fired the ball into the roof of the net giving the keeper no chance.

We doubled that lead before the half hour when Will Wood’s long ball found Liddle in behind to coolly slot the ball home.

With 12 minutes to play, Woking threatened our advantage when a brilliant run from Norton saw the striker make space for himself to beat Hadler via the near post.

However, we stayed strong and held on to return to winning ways.

Ebbsfleet United 2-1 Wealdstone
Vanarama National League
Liddle 23’, 80’

Our final home fixture of the January schedule saw us host 23rd place Wealdstone

We took the lead on the half hour, when Taylor picked up the ball out wide before beating his marker and providing a pinpoint cross for Liddle to convert with his head.

Wealdstone looked surprisingly energetic for their league position, and equalised on 37 minutes. Yoanne Zahore looked to have no options when surrounded by Rowan and Yarney on the edge of the box, but somehow managed to sneak a brilliant shot past them and Hadler to find the top corner.

We suffered a further blow on the verge of half time, when Taylor twisted his knee, forcing a substitution for Iffy Allen at the break.

We however secured all 3 points with 10 minutes to go. Ben Chapman’s wide freekick found Liddle in the middle to head home a late winner

Altrincham Town 0-2 Ebbsfleet United
Vanarama National League
Liddle 4’, 54’

Our last fixture of the January schedule saw us travel to 20th place Altrincham.

We were off the mark quickly again. Jack Payne’s wide free kick was initially cleared as far as Charlie Rowan, who delivered a peach of a ball from the left onto Liddle’s head to put the Fleet in front.

We doubled our lead 10 minutes after the break. Govea’s corner found Egan at the back post, who headed back across the face of goal into the path of Liddle who had an easy finish for his second of the game.

A well deserved 3 points to round the month off with our third straight win.

End of month position: 1st

Month review:

An improvement on December, with 12 points taken of a possible 15. Fixture congestion really hurt us this month and fatigue began to show as the weeks went on, however I think we got the results we deserved from our performances under tricky circumstances, with cup games left, right and centre. We have extended the gap to 13 points ahead of 2nd place Aldershot, although they now have a game in hand on us. We’ve amassed 76 points from 31 games in a very good start to the season, and I would have thought a target of 90 points will be enough to win the league, meaning that we would only need 5 more wins from our remaining 15 games. However of course we are aiming as high as possible, and hoping to break the 100 point barrier.