Daish happy with effort in Kidderminster draw (From News Shopper)

Ebbsfleet 1-1 Kidderminster

12:17pm Monday 8th October 2012 in Sport By Callum Henderson

EBBSFLEET manager Liam Daish was happy with his side after they drew 1-1 at home to Kidderminster Harriers on a day where he paid tribute to his father.

Man of the match Nathan Elder went close early on as he headed over from six yards, only to watch opposition striker Anthony Malbon do the same for Harriers moments later.

Ebbsfleet were in control and had all the chances with Louie Soares, on loan from Grimsby, hitting the post and midfielder Liam Bellamy forcing a good save from Nathan Vaughan.

However, against the run of play, a surging run from Nathan Blissett split the Ebbsfleet defence and his pass found Malbon who slotted coolly past Preston Edwards on 28 minutes.

It wasn’t long before the home side were back on terms as the powerful Elder smashed home a free header from Soares’ corner to make it six league goals for the season.

The second half whimpered along compared to the high tempo start and neither keeper was troubled as both sides defended well and looked short of ideas going forward.

Late on Malbon missed another headed opportunity before Kidderminster’s Mickey Demetriou hit the side netting from a free-kick in added time.

Daish praised his players for their display and was disappointed not to get the three points.

He said: “I was happy with the performance and I thought the lads really worked hard. The way we played in the first half we could have been 2-0 up, but instead we came in at 1-1.

“The lads put in a hell of a lot of effort, we showed a real togetherness and put ourselves on the line defensively.

“Unfortunately the second half wasn’t quite as good as the first.

“Obviously we haven’t got the three points but the performance is giving me and the players a lot to think about.

“I always want three points.

“Although the performance pleased me, we do need wins. Wins are massive.

“We showed today we can keep our belief and it was key that we worked hard for each other.

“In their last two games Kidderminster have put seven goals past full-time outfits, so we have competed really well and applied ourselves today.”

Soares caused a lot of problems for Kidderminster and Daish was quick to praise the man brought in from Grimsby on loan.

“He wants the ball in tight areas and he is a direct, clever footballer,” the manager said.

“Louie had a couple of opportunities today, but he is definitely a valuable addition to our squad.”

The Ebbsfleet boss missed the trip last week to Stockport due to his father passing away.

Daish added: “It has been a tough week and it still is tough, it hasn’t left me.

“He was a massive influence right from when I first put on a pair of boots - he was my mentor, a proper man.

“My dad always said to me that whatever you do make sure you do it properly, don’t do anything by half measures.”

An attitude Daish has clearly employed during his time at Ebbsfleet.

Fleet visit Newport County on Tuesday night and are at home to Alfreton on Saturday, which is Non-League Day.

Admission for season ticket holders of Premier League and Championship clubs is £10 for adults upon presentation of a valid 2012-13 season ticket.

Children aged 12 and under can get entry for £1 provided they are accompanied by an adult.

Meanwhile, Ebbsfleet discovered on Monday morning they will visit Woking in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup.

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