A backs to the wall performance gave Ebbsfleet a 4-2 aggregate win and the opportunity of a trip to Wembley. Aldershot dominated this match but nervous finishing in the first half and lack of creativity in the second were to cost them dear.
In an exciting game the Shots began at a pace and created quite a few openings the best falling to their right winger who hit his shot against Cronin's legs. After about an hour Aldershot took the lead and from then on it was a case of the Fleet holding on in a sort of 9-1-1 formation. But hold on they did even avoiding the threat of Bull, the Aldershot keeper, arriving in their penalty area for a corner kick and nearly scoring an empty netter. Ebbsfleet did make a break 3 minutes into injury time with Long's shot rebounding to an Ebbsfleet forward for the crucial goal.
Cue the celebrations. The army from Kent, who I think never really believed they could win this tie, went mad with Opinek the left back co-ordinating the party. Over the two legs I think Ebbsfleet were the worthy winners if only for their sheer doggedness. They face Torquay in the final, which will be a tough proposition.
A word for Aldershot. Even though they must have been bitterly disappointed about the result they were very gracious in defeat. I, for one, will be glad to see them back in the league next season after an absence of 16 years (especially as I will be able to count them in my quest to do the 92!)
Sunday 16 March 2008
Thursday 13 March 2008
Ebbsleet United 3 Aldershot Town 1
This was a bit of an epic day for me and my brother, Paul, who accompanied me to this match. The kick off was brought forward to 12.00 to avoid possible trouble with the Aldershot fans. It occurred to me, then, that it would be possible to see the Ebbsfleet match, hop on the train and make it to The Valley for a 3pm kick off. And that is what we did, only missing 10 minutes of the Charlton game because of a cancelled train (although it would have been better to have missed all 90 minutes!) So, a first for me - two games in one day.
Let's talk about Ebbsfleet though. They had been awarded the team of the round for their defeat of Burton, but Aldershot would be a different proposition, surely? Ebbsfleet, however, got at them from the start and, courtesy of two deserved penalties were comfortably 2-0 ahead by half-time. The home crowd were buzzing - maybe Wembley was a real possibility. A healthy crowd of over 2,000 watched the game, including a German TV company, who were filming because of the internet purchase of Ebbsfleet by Myfootballclub.co.uk. I think we were filmed, which is a bit embarrassing as I no longer have an Equity card!
The second half was a more even affair with a goal each meaning that 'The Fleet' take a two goal advantage to Hampshire. Who will prevail? Aldershot have already beaten Ebbsleet 2-0 at the Recreation Ground earlier this year so I would not bet against this going all the way to penalties. That would be a cruel way to decide matters.
Let's talk about Ebbsfleet though. They had been awarded the team of the round for their defeat of Burton, but Aldershot would be a different proposition, surely? Ebbsfleet, however, got at them from the start and, courtesy of two deserved penalties were comfortably 2-0 ahead by half-time. The home crowd were buzzing - maybe Wembley was a real possibility. A healthy crowd of over 2,000 watched the game, including a German TV company, who were filming because of the internet purchase of Ebbsfleet by Myfootballclub.co.uk. I think we were filmed, which is a bit embarrassing as I no longer have an Equity card!
The second half was a more even affair with a goal each meaning that 'The Fleet' take a two goal advantage to Hampshire. Who will prevail? Aldershot have already beaten Ebbsleet 2-0 at the Recreation Ground earlier this year so I would not bet against this going all the way to penalties. That would be a cruel way to decide matters.
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