Two Blue Square Bet Premier strugglers go head to head at Stonebridge Road on Saturday afternoon as Ebbsfleet and Tamworth face off, with the 'Fleet looking to end a winless run of eight games. The last time they grabbed a win was way back on November 17th as they beat Macclesfield Town away from home. Tamworth recently picked up wins against Nuneaton and Dartford but have struggled to pick up results since their good start to the season. Ebbsfleet travelled to Woking in their last match with every chance of walking away with three valuable points. Neither side really created clear cut chances and the game was decided in the 89th minute as Bradley Bubb crossed in from the right and substitue Jayden Stockley managed to put the ball in the net with his back, not that he knew much about it! Liam Daish will no doubt be disappointed that the 'Fleet couldn't pick up a point at least. Woking manager Garry Hill will be delighted with the result on a pitch that prevented them playing slick passing football that they may be used to.
Tamworth have had a two week (League) break after their match on Tuesday at home to Southport was postponed due to the bad weather that has hit. The Lambs will be lookng to get over the result in their last league match as they lost 1-4 at home to Braintree Town. Tamworth, despite having 68% possession, were never really at the races having just one shot on target all game. Tamworth travelled to Gainsborough Trinity in the FA Trophy third round on Saturday only to suffer a 2-1 loss at the hands of their lesser opponents.
Ebbsfleet still sit second bottom in the table, and four points from safety so a win here is absolutely vital for the Kent outfit. The Lambs have dropped to 19th in the table and having played more games than the sides around them are in serious danger of dropping into the bottom four in the coming weeks.
The Lambs have recently sacked manager Marcus Law due to their recent form so will be looking to get someone in to help steer them to safety sooner rather than later. Dave Belford has been put in caretaker charge for the time being. Scott Lindsey has been appointed as Belford's assistant.
TEAM NEWS:
Moses Ashikodi and Ram Marwa are still out with knee injuries and the only fresh worry for the 'Fleet is Ashley Carew (pictured below) stupidly getting himself sent off after the match with Woking after an altercation with Woking's Kevin Betsy. Central defender Jack Saville who signed just before the Woking game will look to continue building a good partnership with Paul Lorraine.
Tamworth's captain Richard Tait is out injured while Lee Hendrie is a doubt. Top scorer Adam Cunnington (pictured below) has been playing through the pain barrier as he has a hernia. New signing Danny Lloyd, signed from Colwyn Bay, is in contention to make his debut.
KEY PLAYERS:
The 'Fleet look to striker Nathan Elder to fire them to victory in this match. The former Hereford man has failed to hit the net in his previous two matches and will look to get back amongst the goals, not only to boost his own confidence but to boost the 'Fleet as they look to put together a few wins. Tom Phipp went through a rough patch after an excellent start to the season. The midfielder seems to have re-discovered a bit of form lately and the 'Fleet will be hoping he continues this.
Tamworth will be hoping Adam Cunnington helps them to victory in this match. The former Dagenham striker has hit 13 Leaue goals this season as he sits third in the race for the golden boot. The Lambs will also be hoping he stays put this month as Kidderminster, Wrexham and Grimsby have all shown an interest in the striker. Tony Breeden will be key for Tamworth if they're to get something from this game. The 'keeper may have to be at his best to keep out the 'Fleet attack as they look to get goals that have previously evaded them.
EBBSFLEET'S LAST SIX LEAGUE MATCHES ( LLLDDL )
Ebbsfleet United 2-4 Cambridge United
Mansfield Town 4-1 Ebbsfleet UnitedDartford 3-1 Ebbsfleet United
Ebbsfleet United 2-2 Dartford
Ebbsfleet United 1-1 Lincoln City
Woking 1-0 Ebbsfleet United
Goals scored: 7
Goals conceded 15
TAMWORTH'S LAST SIX LEAGUE MATCHES ( LLLDWL )
Tamworth 0-1 Kidderminster Harriers
Grimsby Town 2-0 Tamworth
Nuneaton 1-0 Tamworth
Wrexham 2-2 Tamworth
Tamworth 2-1 Nuneaton
Tamworth 1-4 Braintree Town
Goals scored: 5
Goals conceded: 11
PREVIOUS LEAGUE MEETINGS:
27.10.2012. Tamworth 0-1 Ebbsfleet United
24.01.2012 Ebbsfleet United 3-0 Tamworth
16.08.2011 Tamworth 1-0 Ebbsfleet United
24.04.2010 Tamworth 3-4 Ebbsfleet United
21.11.2009 Ebbsfleet United 0-1 Tamworth
LAST TIME OUT:
Tamworth 0-1 Ebbsfleet United - Saturday 27th October, 2012.
Tom Phipp scored the only goal of the game on the stroke of half time as the 'Fleet won their first League match since 8th September. Phil Walsh wasted a glorious chance for the 'Fleet early on as he rose up and headed onto the bar from less than 12 yards out. Phipp struck late on in the half as he was sent through and lobbed the keeper from just outside the box. There wasn't much in the second half in the way of chances, although Adam Cunnington did waste a good chance to equalise late on.
Attendance: 838.
HOW THE BOOKIES SEE IT:
William Hill have the 'Fleet slight favourites at 5/4 with Tamworth at 15/8. A draw in this match sees odds of 23/10.
Ladbrokes again have the 'Fleet have 5/4 with Tamworth at 17/10 and a draw coming in at 9/4. A 1-0 victory for the 'Fleet like in the match earlier in the season sees odds of 15/2.
Coral have the 'Fleet slight favourites at 13/10 with Tamworth at 15/8. A draw sees odds of 23/10. If you fancy a repeat of this fixture last season (3-0 - home win) the odds for that are 22/1.
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