Tonbridge Angels (1) 1 Baker 45+3
Ebbsfleet United (2) 2 Kennedy 16 Appiah 26
Attendance: 1,564
Admission: Season Ticket
Mileage: 38/1,486
CHAMPIONS ELECT?
Ebbsfleet United arrived at the Yeomans Community Stadium a mere nine points adrift of their hosts and 14 points off the summit, but look every inch not just title contenders, but favourites.
Ebbsfleet’s financial woes of the summer appear resolved, but their chequered history with the tax man in particular suggests that another court summons can never be ruled out. One hopes not, as they are the friendly variety of our Kent neighbours.
Their belated start leaves them six games in arrears of the majority of the division with a six point penalty hanging over them in suspension, but in a powerful first half performance, chipping away at the deficit on the pitch doesn’t appear to be any great punishment.
For 45 minutes, this game was men against boys, physically Ebbsfleet are intimidating, every player seemed a six footer, and technically as gifted as any team seen this season. That Tonbridge Angels pinched a goal in first half added time is to their credit and when the visitors strangely went into a shell in the second period it offered the home support encouragement.
The visitors dominated the first half, going ahead after 16 minutes, when a partial clearance found Gene Kennedy, whose superbly executed 25 yard volley sailed into the top corner giving Nathan Harness no chance.
Ethan Sutcliffe saw a header clear the bar from a corner as the Angels mounted a response, but on 26 minutes, the Fleet doubled their advantage when a teasing cross from Lennon Peake was met with a stooping header inside the six yard box from Kwesi Appiah.
After being second best for much of the half, Tonbridge gave themselves a foothold in the game, two minutes in added time, when Frankie Baker broke clear and, one-on-one with Will Buse, buried his shot into the bottom corner.
A half-time substitution bringing on Hayden Bullas added impetus to the second half for the Angels who took the game to their visitors but lacked that cutting edge in the final third.
Ben Chapman struck a firm shot from 20 yards that Harness gratefully grabbed at the second attempt whilst, with 15 minutes remaining, a volley from substitute Harvey Lintott whistled just wide of the upright.
In the final 20 minutes, Ebbsfleet adopted a what we have, we hold mindset and professionally saw the game through to its conclusion without too much concern.
Dagenham and Redbridge might just have a say, but having been beaten three times already, I would imagine they are looking over their shoulders at Ebbsfleet as much as anyone else.
Perhaps, the only club that might deprive them of the title is themselves.
Photo: Dave Couldridge
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