Sunday, December 7, 2008 20:33
Both teams started the game competing very well all over the pitch, no team dominated particularly but Ebbsfleet looked very dangerous on the break in particular from Town corners Ebbsfleet broke effectively on a couple of occasions without testing Hodgson in goal.
It was Town who struck first a free-kick from the right side delivered by Miles was met at the far post by Doyle after good movement, He placed his header excellently in the opposite bottom corner. Town then had to endure the United pressure one particular move saw the United forward free himself in the box an excellent low cross shot was matched by a great save by Hodgson, the rebound was cleared just in time by Cansick following up well.
Aaron West and Richard Pennell were leading the line impressively, West found himself in the Referees book early but kept his discipline well thereafter continually causing the United back line problems.Town battled well in the next period with Johanson and Axford in the centre of the park more than matching their opponents, in a half with few clear cut chances after about 30 minutes Town worked a corner well to make it 2-0, a Richardson delivery found Doyle again at the far post his header directed across the keeper into the opposite corner.
Town maintained their work rate to keep United out and go in at half-time 2-0 up.
This lead to Ebbsfleet's best spell of the game as they really went for broke and attacked Town, they pulled a goal back with a touch of fortune, a long range effort took a deflection off a Town defender and wrong footed Hodgson in goal as the ball squeezed under his body to make it 3-1.
Almost immediately after Ebbsfleet struck again, a move down the right saw the ball crossed and met at the back post with an excellent first time volley past Hodgson. With the score at 3-2 with only 15 minutes gone in the second half suddenly Ebbsfleet had belief and pushed for an equaliser. Town made 2 changes at this stage, both full-backs were replaced, both Cansick and Richardson played well, the latter in particular had a deserved rest.
On came Dan Ellett and Danny Smith to try and steady the ship. The game did calm down but now Town were playing on the break with Ebbsfleet chucking bodies forward at every opportunity, both centre backs Wilson and Doyle coped with most things, Doyle having one of his best games for the Club. Hodgson too had to dive at the feet to deny goal scoring opportunities, Town always looked capable of scoring from set pieces and breaks, so the game was poised.
Richard Pennell put in a big effort defending at one end then trying to free the dangerous West at the other, as was Miles down the right side. With 15 to go Rafael Lanczi-Wilson came on to replace the hard working Wall on the left for his debut. Town had to maintain their concentration right till the end and eventually welcomed the final whistle a huge effort from all the players, a credit to them all and Faversham Town Football Club.