Ebbsfleet United 2-1 Stalybridge Celtic

FA TROPHY holders Ebbsfleet had to come from behind to see off Blue Square North outfit Stalybridge Celtic in last night’s re-arranged second round tie.

Stalybridge were considered as something of an unknown entity and so Ebbfleet’s cautious start to the game was, in part, due to the enigma of their rivals.

The visitors began brightly and their midfield started to dominate, while the pace and strength of the two strikers, Lee Ellington and Nathan Joynes, posed an ever-present threat.

Lance Cronin made some early saves, while Michael Gash and George Purcell worked well to force several dangerous corners for Ebbsfleet.

Stalybridge showed promise on the counter-attack and their breakthrough goal came on 21 minutes when Steve Torpey played a deft through ball for Joynes to finish coolly into the bottom corner.

In response, Liam Daish swapped wingers Purcell and Long, but still to no avail.

The second half began with no changes to either side.

Gash continued with his tireless efforts in the centre, winning numerous headers and flick-ons which Purcell was most adept at latching onto.

Ebbsfleet were already knocking on the door when Daish finally played his hand and made two vital substitutions.

The spritely duo of Luke Moore and Ricky Shakes replaced Kezie Ibe and Mark Ricketts respectively.

Shakes played further forward and imposed Daish’s desire for quicker, attacking play.

Around the hour-mark, Ebbsfleet got their reward.

Jamie Hand crossed for Gash and Moore controlled the knock-down for Stacy Long to fire in a low, powerful shot from the edge of the box which beat the keeper.

Daish’s substitutions had changed the shape and atmosphere of the game.

The crowd responded and pushed on the Fleet to victory.

The second goal for arrived soon after in a similar fashion to the first.

From a goal-kick by Cronin, Moore tussled with his marker and Hand swooped on the loose ball to drill another low shot into the bottom corner.

The fitter, stronger Ebbsfleet side were dominant until the final minute when a plucky Stalybridge attack forced a header from five yards out.

Cronin produced a fantastic reaction save and held the ball securely, as the fans were left agog.

It was a reality check and an important early test for the Fleet, which will inspire them with a bit of much needed hope and confidence for Saturday’s home game with Rushden.

Ebbsfleet: Cronin, Opinel, Smith, Long (Barrett 88), Gash, Stone, Pooley, Ricketts (Shakes 58), Purcell, Ibe (Moore 58), Hand. Subs not used: Mott, Hawkins, Barrett. Att: 467.