Ebbsfleet United (0) 1 Sheringham 85
Gillingham (0) 0
Att. 1,007
Entrance: £8 Senior
Programme: None purchased
Mileage: 56/388
Match Report
I'm quite thankful from a Gillingham perspective that this is the last time this pre-season that I'll be watching them before the big kick-off at Milton Keynes next Saturday. Since my first viewing at Welling where a good first half was followed by a poor second, Gillingham have looked progressively worse with every half. I've only seen three of their eight games but from what I've seen so far, they have not installed the greatest of confidence for the season ahead.
Ebbsfleet have beaten all four of the Football League clubs put in front of them this season,so perhaps the conclusion should be drawn that, as favourites, they are nailed on to win Conference South this term and not too higher tariff should be put on this Gillingham defeat, but acknowledge Ebbsfleet's potential.
A senior moment brought a worry on the drive to Stonebridge Road as I realised that I had forgotten to put cash into my wallet. Fortunately, my old age forgetfulness was compensated by the £8 concessionary entrance fee, which was just about all I had left in my wallet. Sadly a £2 programme had to be passed over.
There is so little to write about regarding the match. Gillingham fielded an odd-looking line-up in the first half with recognised defenders, Callum Davies and Devante McKain filling positions in midfield. Ebbsfleet made most of the running and Gillingham failed to muster a serious attempt on goal.
A more recognisable Gillingham team took the field for the second half and although Preston Edwards was forced into a couple of saves, the action was more prominent in and around Glenn Morris' goal. A misplaced back pass, five minutes from time, from Bradley Dack allowed Charlie Sheringham through on goal and he tucked his chance away with ease.
Hopefully the old maxim of friendly results counting for nothing holds true and a more convincing performance is on view at the MK Dons.
As a postscript, Josh Stanford's trial period at Gillingham failed to earn him a contract and he spent the afternoon on the bench at Maidstone United whose opponents were ironically his old mates from Tunbridge Wells. I hope his spell at Gillingham has alerted clubs of his ability and wins him a contract at a level at which he deserves to be playing.
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