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!)
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