Under the spotlight with... Nathan Elder!

Under the spotlight is back and this time I've been speaking with the Fleet's number nine, Nathan Elder. Signing for the Fleet at the beginning of last season as a replacement for Calum Willock, Nathan quickly made himself at home at Stonebridge Road and was the Fleet's top scorer for the season with 15 League goals. It's been a season of ups and downs at the Fleet this year, but one thing we can all agree on is that whenever he played, Nath always gave 100%!

Nathan Elder
Date of Birth: April 5, 1985
Position: Striker
Current Club: Ebbsfleet United
Former Clubs: Hereford United, Hayes and Yeading United, Brentford, Brighton and Hove Albion, Shrewsbury Town, AFC Wimbledon, Billericay.




What was your first footballing memory? Was it always something you wanted to do, or were there other dreams?

First memory is probably from my school days. We won every week an even had games where we hit double figures. Was just so much fun at a young age. Always been a dream but never thought I'd be able to make it.


Have you always been a striker? 

Na not always. Played in midfield at school an used to just tackle everyone lol. [Patrick] Viera was my hero

What is the best game that you have featured in? What made it so special? 

Best game was Brentford vs Bradford in 2008. We won 2-1 an I scored in the 92nd minute. Crowd went ballistic

Who has been the biggest influence in your life?

Sounds silly but it's my Mrs. Without her I'd have given up after my eye injury

The season just gone was quite disastrous for the Club. How was it for you on a personal level? 

On a personal level I've scored a few so was happy about that, but relegation an knowing I could've scored more is such a disappointment

Goals wise, it appears to have been your best season since your time at Brentford. Do you feel you have the confidence to push on and become a top striker in the Conference Premier? 

Yea confidence has grown a lot but I know I can do a lot better as well so I've set the bar now and need to eclipse it

You're son is a regular follower of yours at the Football, do we have a future goal machine in Little Elds?

Defo. My boy is a little bruza so watch this space lol

Who are the best players you've played with, and against?

Best player I've played with is probably Jordan Rhodes who's now at Blackburn. The guys finishing was unreal. Not sure about against though

You're remembered well from your time at Brentford. How do you look back on your time there? 

Loved every second of it. Learnt so so much there. Good and bad

End of the season; are you itching to get back onto the Football pitch or do you welcome the break?

I welcome the break for about a week am then I want to get my boots back on

What's the best advice you've received, and who was it from? 

Best advice was from my old Brighton manager Dean Wilkins. "If you don't work hard off the pitch, you'll be full of missed opportunities and regrets on the pitch"

You're the manager of a five-a-side team and have to pick one player from each of the top five (English) leagues. Who would you choose and why?

Great question. Juan Mata (midfielder - Chelsea - prem), Glenn Murray (striker - Palace - champ), Matt Ritchie (midfielder - Swindon - now at Bournemouth L1), Lewis Neal (goalkeeper - Port Vale L2), Jake Howells (midfielder - Luton - conference prem)

Who are your best friends in Football? 

Best pals are alot of ex team mates but in particular my mate David Cornell who's a goalkeeper for Swansea

What's the best goal you've scored, and why? 

Best goal was Brighton vs Cheltenham on my first full debut. Header from just outside the box to the top corner. I went mental after it hit the net lol

Do you have any regrets in your footballing career? 

Loads but just wish I worker harder when I played for Shrewsbury as who knows where I'd be now

When you move on, how will you look back on your time at EUFC?

Every club I've played at has been a lesson weather its good or bad so I'll learn from my time at EUFC just the same

Who is the best manager you've played under?

For me it was Andy Scott [Brentford] as he gave me a real chance and a lot of advice

Was it tough making the transition from full-time to part-time?

Huge transition. You take full time football for granted until its gone. If I went back into full time I'd basically live at the training ground improving myself

Everbody's aware of the situation at the Fleet at the moment, do you have another job outside of the Football that is perhaps helping you through it? 

Yea it's helping me through it and if I didn't have it my family would be in a terrible position to be honest

The players were aware of the situation [i.e - not being paid], how much of an effect did this have on the dressing room? 

Not a good one [situation] but we can't have excuses about the way we ended the season

Who is the toughest defender you've come up against?

Toughest defender was probably Adam El-Abd at Brighton. He used to make me look like a mug in training cause he was just so bloody strong

Liam Daish is one of the most well respected managers in the lower leagues. What sort of a manager would you say he is, and how have you found it playing under him?

He's a manager you don't mess with. Knows what he wants and have drive. Enjoyed playing under him, just wish the season went better

Finally, sum up your career in one word

.......Unfinished

It's the season to be Welsh.

The old "You should be in the Welsh League's" phrase was turned completely on it's head this season as the Welsh top four all had excellent seasons in their respective Leagues. Swansea City, Cardiff City, Newport County and Wrexham have all had cracking seasons and have had everybody talking about them. All four have picked up a Trophy this season, two of them for achieving promotion. Three of the four will be playing in the Football-League next season, and one will be playing in a European competition. A fantastic achievement for all, and Wales as a whole. 

I'll go from top to bottom so we'll start off with Swansea. Never has the phrase "year of the Underdog" been more appropriate, as they looked to build on an impressive 11th place finish in last season's Premier League. It started so brilliantly for the Swans as they recorded 5-0 and 3-0 victories in their first two matches against Queens Park Rangers and West Ham. Although Brendan Rodgers had left for pastures new, Michael Laudrup came in to his first management job in the UK and City continued to play the football that has got them recognised by many. City have had a steady season and had they not gone on a recent run of five losses in seven, they could be looking at finishing in the Europa League places. Of course, it doesn't matter where the Swans finish as they'll be hosting European Football at the Liberty Stadium next season anyway! With three games still to play, they sit comfortably in ninth position in the Premier League. A Club who was on the brink of relegation out of the Football League just ten years ago are now inside the top ten Clubs in the Country... Phenomenal. Swansea produced a magnificent result earlier in the season as they beat Arsenal 2-0 away from home, and the have picked up some valuable results at the Liberty Stadium including draws with Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea. The Jacks have a lot to thank Michu for. The summer signing cost just £2million from Spanish side Rayo Vallecano and hit 17 Premier League goals this term. They'll certainly be hoping he stays for longer than just this season!

February 24, 2013; A fantastic day for all involved with Swansea City Football Club. Getting to the League Cup final is an achievement in itself but going that one step further and gaining entry to the Europa League is something special. After beating Barnsley and Crawley Town in Round Two and Three, things became tougher for South Wales' number one side as they were faced with a trip to Liverpool who are managed by Rodgers. An excellent 3-1 victory saw them face Championship outfit Middlesbrough. It took an 81st minute own goal to see off Boro. Swansea had made it to the semi-final and many thought this was where it would end as they were put against European Cup holders Chelsea. Swansea took the lead six minutes before half-time through top scorer Michu, and Danny Graham capitalised on a defensive error in the last minute of the game to give the Swans a two goal advantage to take back home for the second leg. Swansea fans were dreaming of Wembley and possibly a first major cup win in England, but first there was the small matter of seeing out the semi-final. Swansea held out for a goalless draw and had made it to their first major final. Unfortunately, the match was marred by Chelsea's Eden Hazard kicking a ball boy and receiving a red card. A fabulous achievement for Swansea though, and victory in the final was well within their reach. Their opponents were League Two Bradford City who had produced their own Underdog story. The Yorkshiremen beat three premiership teams on route to the final, including a fantastic penalty victory over Arsenal in the quarter final. Unfortunately for the Bantams, Swansea only had one thing in mind and that was a comfortable victory, and they got exactly that as they ran out 5-0 winners. Braces from Nathan Dyer and Jonathan De Guzman along with a goal from Michu allowed Swansea to record the biggest League Cup final winning margin in History. The Jacks dominated the match and could have scored more than five. Although Swansea have been in European competition before, Liberty Stadium will be hosting European football for the first time since Swansea moved there in 2005. 

Swansea's fine season is made even more amazing as the Club are in the centenary season. There aren't many better ways to celebrate your Club's 100th year. Despite the Club being Welsh, they will be representing England in the Europa League next season, although I don't think that will matter to their fans. As mentioned before, Swansea were on the brink of relegation to the Conference Premier just ten years ago but a 4-2 victory over Hull City saved them. I suppose you could say they've never looked back since then, and the Club should be proud of their fine achievements. 

Joining the Jacks in the Premier League next season will be Cardiff, their nearby rivals. Formed in 1899 as Riverside A.F.C, they have a rich History in the English pyramid and this season will be considered as their best. Last season, the Bluebirds lost 5-0 in the play-off semi-final to West Ham United and made it to the League Cup final, eventually losing on penalties to Liverpool. Anthony Gerrard (cousin of Liverpool skipper Steven) missed the final penalty to give Liverpool the 3-2 victory after a 2-2 draw after extra time. 

Old and new badge.

Cardiff were involved in one of the Championship matches of the season away at Charlton in November. After going two goals up, the visitors sat back and allowed the hosts into the game and they took full advantage, making it 2-2 before half-time and racing into a 5-2 lead in the second half. As the game came close to it's end, there was still time for Cardiff to impact the score as they scored two goals in the last minute of the match to make it 5-4. The visitors could also have snatched a draw but Craig Noone's effort went just over the bar. 

After being there, or thereabouts for most of the season, City finally secured promotion to the Premier League on Tuesday 16 April as they drew 0-0 at home to Charlton. The Championship title was won the very next game as Cardiff drew 1-1 away at Burnley. The Bluebirds finished eight points poins ahead of their nearest rivals and after their recent play-off heartbreak, it must have been an amazing feeling for their fans to tie the league up early and not have to go through the drama of the play-offs. Cardiff fans can now look forward to seeing their heroes play sides such as Manchester United and Liverpool in League competition, as well as regaining their derby matches with Swansea. 

Some will say Cardiff have sold their soul as they have switched from their traditional Blue to Red, although I don't think it matters to their fans. As long as they get to see their Club competing in the Premier League, I don't think it matters what colour they play in! 

Going back to the 1997-98 season. The Football League Division Three (now League Two) - Swansea and Cardiff finished the season in 20th and 21st, so it's pretty incredible to see just how far both Clubs have come since! 

Newport County won promotion to the Football-League this season after a tense play-off final victory against fellow Welsh Club Wrexham. 

The Exiles had been out of the Football League since 1988 (25 years) and even went out of business a year later! The Club reformed soon after and had to start way down the Leagues in the Hellenic League. The Club avoided being kicked out of the English League's by the Football Association of Wales (FAW) and moved 'back home' to Newport in 1994 after spending a few seasons playing in Gloucester. Since their reformation, the Club's main aim was to progress back to the Football-League. 

County were promoted to the Conference Premier in 2009-10. This was the League they were playing in before they went bankrupt. The Exiles' promotion from the Conference South was astonishing as they picked up a record 103 points, finishing 28 points clear of nearest contenders Dover Athletic. Their first season in the Conference they finished a respectable 9th, but they were in a relegation battle the next season. Manager Anthony Hudson was sacked in September as they were second from bottom. Former Rushden and Diamonds manager Justin Edinburgh was appointed and he lead them to a 19th place finish, thus ensuring safety, and took them to the FA Trophy final where they lost 2-0 to York City. 

Euro Millions Lottery winner Les Scadding became Newport chairman in August 2012. With a millionaire on board, fans of other Clubs were fearing that County would be the next side to "do a Crawley" and buy their way to success, however this wasn't the case. County's money has been spent wisely this season and Edinburgh built up an excellent side who were in the top five for the majority of the season. 

County were helped by a run of five wins from five in the first month of the season and remained steady throughout the season. Fans of other Clubs were expecting Newport to drop off, but they battled hard all season and deservedly finished in the play-offs. 

The play-offs came around and they were the underdog again. Fans didn't really give them a chance, but they come up trumps once again. The first leg of their semi-final was away at Grimsby and it remained goalless until the last five minutes of the match when ever present Ismail Yakubu fired in a header which took a deflection off Mariners defender Ian Miller. An impressive 6,000+ crowd turned up at Rodney Parade for the second leg and they went home delighted after Christian Jolley's first half strike was enough to send the Exiles to Wembley. 

A low crowd of 16, 346 turned out at Wembley for the final, but that was to be expected. Both sides [Wrexham and Newport] were a fair distance from London, and the semi final's were only the week before. The tickets were £40 too, which had a big effect. Newport had around 6,000 at Wembley but for those who turned up, it was easily the best day supporting their Club since they reformed in 1989. 

The final was a very tense affair and I guess you could say Wrexham created the better of the chances, but just couldn't finish them off. They were certainly missing top scorer Danny Wright. As the game wore on, players became tired and it looked certain to be heading into extra-time. That is until Jolley popped up four minutes from time to send the Newport fans wild. Wrexham pushed on looking for the equaliser, but it wasn't to be. Newport's place back in the Football League was secure in the last minute of the match when top scorer Aaron O'Connor blasted home from inside the area. 

Just eight years ago, Newport were playing teams like Margate and Redbridge but next season they can look forward to trips to Portsmouth and Plymouth Argyle. An excellent season ending in promotion back to the League was something the County fans could only dream about ten years ago. Now it's a reality, and fully deserved it was! A magnificent team effort, but big credit has to go to Jolley and O'Connor. 15 and 19 goals respectively helped the Exiles to where they are now. 

The Exiles will be looking to consolidate next season as they look to become a force in the Football-League. With the money behind them, this could just be the beginning for them. 

Wrexham FC had never been to the Wembley until this season, but now they've been twice!

Wrexham were relegated to the Conference in 2008 and after a could of seasons of mid-table mediocrity, they became a force in the Conference. 

The Dragons' first visit to Wembley Stadium came in March of this year when they played Grimsby Town in the final of the FA Trophy. They can count themselves pretty lucky in the fact that their route to Wembley was relatively straight forward as they recorded victories against Rushall Olympic (5-0), Solihull Moors (3-2), Sutton United (5-0) and Southport (3-1) before meeting Conference North outfit Gainsborough Trinity in the semi-final. The Dragons got through a nervy second leg away at Gainsborough as they ran out 4-3 aggregate winners. Wembley was in sight, and the Mariners were their opponents after they overcame Dartford in the other semi-final. 

The final was built up pretty well as over the season, Wrexham and Grimsby were two of the best sides in the Division. Unfortunately, it was quite a dull affair from a neutral point of view. There weren't many clear chances in the first half. The second half was slightly better, and Wrexham produced the better chances but were denied by an in-form James McKeown. Despite their chances, the Dragons couldn't take advantage and Grimsby made them pay. Andy Cook was set up by Joe Colbeck and although his initial effort was well saved by Chris Maxwell, he made no mistakes second time round as he put the Mariners a goal up. Wrexham did get back into the game though when captain Dean Keates was tripped in the area. Kevin Thornton stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way and take the game into an extra thirty minutes. 

McKeown produced some of the best saves he'll ever make in extra-time as he denied Adrian Cieslwicz three times and produced an excellent stop to deny Danny Wright towards the end of extra-time. 

That was it. The sides couldn't be separated after 120 minutes and the most cruel way to end the game was the only way it could end. Wrexham's penalties were spot on as they scored four from four to win 4-1. Richard Brodie is quite disliked around the Non-League so it was a pleasure to see him sky his penalty. 

Wrexham looked a good bet for the title until around March, when they dropped off massively. Genuine title contenders, but they ended up finishing fifteen points from top place. 

Wrexham turned on the style in the play-off semi-final as they ran out 5-2 aggregate winners against the much fancied Kidderminster Harriers. The Harriers, after a dreadful start to the season, were the side everyone wanted to avoid in the play-offs. At one stage they were on a mammoth run of 15 wins from 17 games, but they couldn't bring their A game to the play-offs.

Wrexham would have been a Football-League side by now if their finishing was a little better, unfortunately for them Newport were deadly in front of goal.

After finishing last season with 98 points and not going up, and now this, you have to wonder whether Wrexham will be able to get up and go again. This season's play-offs were the third play-off campaign in a row where they have failed to go up. With a relatively old side, and not as much money as other sides in the League, you have to fear for Wrexham going into next season. Instead of having trips to Bristol Rovers and Cheltenham, they face a trip to Welling United and a derby match with the newly reformed Chester FC. This summer as massive for the North Wales outfit. 

Still, it was a great season for Wrexham and that shouldn't be taken away from them. 

It was an excellent year for all four of the Welsh Clubs, and it will be interesting to see how they fare next season. One thing is for sure though, and that is that all four deserve to be in the English pyramid and have shown that time and time again. 

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed it. 

Now that the season is over, I will be trying to do blogs on various topics throughout the Summer. I will be looking to get a 'Fleet fan file' up each week too. Keep your eyes peeled. In the meantime, you can follow me on Twitter at @JoeGlidewell. 

Charlton Athletic 4-1 Bristol City

Yann Kermorgant's excellent double set Charlton on their way as they recorded a comfortable victory over already relegated Bristol City.

Kermorgant was joined on the scoresheet by captain Johnnie Jackson and Jonathon Obika, while Bobby Reid's great finish proved nothing more than a small consolation for City.

Charlton made three changes to the side that drew 2-2 at Middlesbrough the week before. David Button replaced the injured Ben Hamer between the sticks, which allowed youngster Nick Pope to take his place on the bench. Jackson returned to the side after injury and Obika, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, was selected to partner Kermorgant in place of Ricardo Fuller. The bench was made up of Pope, Matt Taylor, Andy Hughes, Salim Kerkar, Lawrie Wilson, Scott Wagstaff and Danny Haynes.

Bristol City made six changes to the side that lost 3-1 at home to Huddersfield. Joe Bryan and Reid were handed starts are returning from their loan spells at Plymouth and Oldham while Louis Carey, Liam Fontaine, Paul Anderson and Ryan Taylor were brought into the side. Missing out was Richard Foster, Matthew Bates, Liam Kelly, Marvin Elliott, Albert Adomah and Steven Davies.

In a game where both sides were playing for pride, it was the hosts who started brightly as Obika headed wide with just a couple of minutes on the clock. Jackson hit wide just a few minutes later. Soon after, the hosts created another good chance and this time it was Kermorgant's turn to head wide from a good position. That's the closest either of the sides came to breaking the deadlock in a first half that certainly had an 'end of season' feel to it.

With just fifteen minutes on the clock, the Addicks were forced into a change. Left back Rhoys Wiggins limped off with a hamstring injury and was replaced by former Stevenage full back Wilson who slotted in at right back with Chris Solly switching to left back.

Both sides were attempting to break but neither were creating clear chances. Callum Harriott sent an effort wide and the first save of the match for either keeper came just before half-time as Button comfortably saved Anderson's low effort.

HT: 0-0. 

The second half was just two minutes old when Kermorgant made his mark on the game. Gower produced a decent cross from and Kermogant was there on the edge of the area to brilliantly volley home. With the ball coming at him at speed, the striker had a hell of a lot of work to do, and he had the crowd on their feet as he smashed his effort past Tom Heaton in the City goal. Certainly a contender for goal of the season.

Obika sent an effort wide moments later before that man Kermorgant was there again.

Harriott produced some brilliant trickery down the left before laying the ball off for the overlapping Solly, who produced a magnificent cross to the back post which was met by the grateful head of Kermorgant. In a game that looked destined to be a bore draw, the Addicks were in total control just five minutes into the second half.

Neil Kilkenny saw his free kick go wide of the goal just before the hosts missed a glorious chance at the other end. Jackson's near post corner was flicked on by centre back Dorian Devite and neither Michael Morrison or Bradley Pritchard could get on the end of it. All it needed was a touch and the hosts would have been three up.

The visitors pulled one back just before the hour mark, as Reid capitalised on Morrison's mistake by expertly lobbing Button from outside the area. The keeper managed to injure himself and was replaced by Pope.

Carey wasted a good chance to equalise as he shot over the bar and Charlton made him pay for missing a golden opportunity as they restored their two-goal advantage with eleven minutes to go.

Kermorgant came so close to his hattrick as he tried lobbing Heaton from the edge of the area. Unfortunately for him his effort crashed off the bar, but Obika was there to clear up as he headed into the net from eight yards out. Substitute Scott Wagstaff then had an effort cleared off the line before defender Morrison saw his goalbound effort blocked by Bryan.

My pre-match bet of Charlton to win 3-1 looked good until five minutes from time when Jackson swept home from inside the area. Pritchard was through on goal and could have shot himself but he unselfishly squared the ball to his captain who gratefully killed the game off and return to being the Club's top scorer this season.

After a goalless first half, the fans at the Valley were treated to a masterclass in the second half to end what has been a fantastic season for the South London outfit. After looking likely to face a relegation battle, the Addicks performed brilliantly as they rose to a ninth place finish - just three points outside of the play-offs. If manager Powell can sign the right players over the summer, I feel Charlton could be in for a very good season next term.

Bristol City on the other hand finished 14 points adrift of safety. Manager Sean O'Driscoll has a huge job ahead this summer as he looks to rebuild and push for promotion back to the Championship.

FT: 4-1. 

Charlton: Button (Pope 71); Solly, Wiggins (Wilson 15), Dervite, Morrison; Pritchard, Gower, Jackson, Harriott (Wagstaff 79); Obika, Kermorgant.

Subs not used: Taylor, Hughes, Kerkar, Haynes.

Goals: Kermorgant 47, 51, Obika 79, Jackson 85

Bristol City: Heaton;  Anderson, Cunningham, Fontaine, Nyatanga, Louis Carey; Bryan, Reid, Kilkenny (Ajala 86), Baldock (Adomah 52), Taylor (Burns 83)

Subs not used: Lewis Carey, Foster, Kelly, Elliott.

Goals: Reid 64

Attendance: 18, 981 (699 away fans)

Ebbsfleet United ; Season Review 2012/13

They say 'it's not over until the fat lady sings'. Well for fans of Ebbsfleet United this was incorrect, as the fat lady had sung her song, packed up and gone home way before the end of the Blue Square Premier season.

A respectable 14th place in the season before and a good pre-season meant confidence was high at Stonebridge Road. Manager Liam Daish had kept a good core of the side but lost influential midfielder Michael West to Crewe, and top scorer Calum Willock to Dover. Liam Enver-Marum had gone on trial at Stevenage but later returned after that was unsuccesful. Daish acted quickly to bring in strikers Nathan Elder and Moses Ashikodi, the two had very contrasting seasons. Former "Football's Next Star" winner Ben Greenhalgh joined along with defender Phil Walsh and midfielder Jay Folkes. Ryan Blake returned to the Club, Canadian goalkeeper Lucas Menz signed and former Crewe defender Patrick Ada joined the Club - only to later have his contract terminated after he was sent down.

Out the exit door, as mentioned, was Michael West, who the Club received a small compensation fee for, and Calum Willock. Joining them out was Ricky Shakes, who had been with the Club for four years. He left for full-time football and found that with Kidderminster Harriers. Unfortunately for him, he hasn't featured too much this season. Midfielders Jay Folkes, Ben Greenhalgh and Giannoulis 'Cesc' Fakinos left the Club during the season. Folkes joined Sutton United and Cesc joined Welling United. Greenhalgh went to Maidstone, but is now playing at Concord Rangers. It is believed that he has agreed a deal to join SPL side Inverness Caledonian Thistle for next season.

The first game of the season came around on August 11, and it was probably the best game of the season. The Fleet faced a tough trip to new boys Nuneaton Town. It was always going to be a tough encounter and the unpredictability of their opponents showed from the start as they raced into a two goal lead before the twenty minute mark. An excellent fightback and goals from Tom Phipp, Nathan Elder and Moses Ashikodi saw the visitors go into the break with a 3-2 lead. If you thought the excitment stopped there you were certainly wrong. Liam Enver-Marum made it 4-2 shortly after the break, but Robbie Thompson-Brown hit back to keep the hosts just a goal behind. Tom Phipp secured the points two minutes from time with a delightful lob, but there was still time for another goal. Andy Brown made up for his earlier penalty miss as he headed home in the last minute of the game. 5-4 on the opening day of the season, it's hard to argue any of us saw a better game than that this season.

Unfortunately that is as good as it got for the Fleet as they recorded just two wins in their next fifteen games, slumping to 22nd place in the League.

Elder scores the winning penalty at Macclesfield

Back-to-back wins against Hyde and Macclesfield in November installed a little bit of faith as the Fleet came outside of the relegation places for the first time in two months, however any optimism that had crept back in was shot to pieces as a run of eight games without a win left the Fleet rooted to the bottom of the table, and seven points from safety.

The Fleet also lost their 'bragging rights' over the festive period as they could only manage one point over two games against nearby Dartford.

A horrific run of away games towards the end of February and beginning of March was when the fans realised it was all over. Losses at Grimsby, Kidderminster and Wrexham had knocked the stuffing out of the Fleet players. Any confidence they had was totally gone, and that was the beginning of the end.

Riverside Stadium - Home of Middlesbrough FC

Despite my belief that the Fleet could avoid the drop, the last couple of months of the season was a drag and relegation was finally confirmed on April 13, as the Fleet suffered a loss at home to Telford; a side who hadn't won in their previous 30 games! Relegation confirmed and an embarrassing loss to go with it. The Fleet's last victory in the Blue Square Premier came at home to Southport on March 16. Their was a slight reward for the Fleet players as they got to play their last match (v Gateshead) at the Riverside Stadium, home of Championship outfit Middlesbrough.

It was the same old story for the Fleet this season. Not being able to hold onto leads, conceding silly goals and just giving up when going behind.

Carlisle United - Brunton Park

On the Cup front I suppose the Fleet could count themselves a little unlucky this season. They fell at the first hurdle of the FA Trophy after a 1-0 loss at home to Hereford but enjoyed the FA Cup for a little longer than usual! A late goal by substitute Moses Ashikodi paved the way for the longest tie of the FA Cup first round, as the Fleet were drawn away to Cumbrian outfit Carlisle. Despite matching the League One outfit for the majority of the game the Fleet ended up losing the game 4-2, but the lads can be proud of their performance. They pushed a side two divisions above them to the limit and managed to score two great goals.

Despite it's lack of importance, the Fleet went for the Kent Senior Cup this season but fell short. After beating Whistable, Welling and Margate away from home the Fleet lost 2-1 at home to Tonbridge Angels last week. In the end, you could tell the players just wanted to get it out of the way and get home. They hadn't been paid in full, and I think this showed.

Top scorers: 

Nathan Elder - 15
Liam Enver-Marum - 11
Tom Phipp - 6


The next part of this review is my opinion only. It's not factual, and may not be the views of other Fleet fans.

In a season of constant lows, I've found it fairly easy to pick out my top three Fleet players over the course of the season.

1. Preston Edwards. The young goalkeeper was a central figure for the Fleet this season, keeping them in numerous matches throughout. Some of the games that were lost would have been even bigger scorelines had it not been for Edwards. His form was rewarded with a call up to the England C squad to face Turkey B at Dartford's Princes Park and he put on a Man of the Match display in that match too. I think it's fair to say that without Edwards in goal, the Fleet would have been relegated long before they were! His form has gone recognised by the Fleet faithful as he picked up the fans Player of the Year at the end of the season. After three seasons at Stonebridge Road, Edwards' Fleet career looks to be coming to an end as he looks elsewhere to play his Football.

2. Craig Stone. Perhaps a strange choice to some, but I feel the full-back has had an excellent season. Just plods along quietly on the pitch, does his job and covers other players too. You don't necessarily notice him on the pitch, of course, but he's certainly missed when he's not there! I for one hope Stoney is part of the Fleet side in the Blue Square South next season, as he'd be a key player for us in that division!

3. Nathan Elder. Our top scorer. The big striker puts himself about a bit, creating opportunities for himself and others around him. Chases down every ball, he's certainly not what you'd call a lazy striker! 15 goals this season, although it could have been so many more! 

Special mentions go to Matty Godden and Gareth Gwillim.

Godden had two separate loan spells at the Fleet this season scoring in both, leaving fans comparing him with the legend that is Charlie MacDonald! He was our very own "fox in the box" and had we had him for the whole of the season, he would have been challenging at the top end of the scoring charts in the division.

Gwillim in his Dagenham days

Gwillim joined the Fleet towards the end of the season and after making his debut in the 4-0 loss at home to Macclesfield, the former AFC Wimbledon man made himself at home, and made the left back spot his own. A good defender but known for the attacking side of his game, he has an exceptional left peg! Every corner and every free kick hit the spot and if he spent the full season at Stonebridge Road then I feel he'd easily make it into my top three.




Game of the season. 

When it comes to choosing the best games, people would normally say the matches where their team has just won the game, without thinking about other aspects. For me, when choosing the best games I have to think about the football on show, the atmosphere and the overall day before I even think about the result. With all this in mind, I would have to say Barrow away. 

Baked Beans on the motorway

Originally called off on the Saturday when the team were already up there and fans were making the trip up North, it was rescheduled for a Wednesday night. Personally, I couldn't think of anything more grim than a six hour trip on a Wednesday night, especially when it's Barrow... Well, we set off and the journey wasn't so bad until the M6. We were delayed in traffic. When we finally got to what was causing the delays we were quite horrified in way, but you just couldn't help but laugh. We went past the point where the traffic started and there were tins of baked beans all over the motorway! A lorry containing Heinz Baked Beans had spilt it's load all over the motorway. We arrived in Barrow at around 6:30 and after a quick phonecall, we were alerted to the fact the team may not arrive for another two hours. We sat in Barrow's bar waiting for news on the game and was eventually told the match would not kick off until 9:30pm. Nightmare. The Fleet team coach arrived at around 8:40pm and the team had a short warm up in their kit on the pitch and the game kicked off at 9:05.

The handful of Fleet fans at Barrow

The Fleet were the better side for large parts of the match, but could only take home a 1-1 draw, unfortunately. This didn't stop the handful of Fleet fans who had made the trip though, with non-stop singing all match and a few shirts even came off when the Fleet took the lead! The game finally finished at gone half ten. It's certainly the latest match I've ever been at, and it makes it worse that it was six hours from home! Luckily, the Fleet fans that had travelled from Kent were booked into hotels up North. It was certainly what you'd call 'an adventure'.

Worst game of the season. 

Well, where do I begin? There's been loads! However, the one standout for me is Alfreton away.

Now I'm not one for slating players who wear the Fleet shirt, but this certainly was an exception. There was no passion, commitment, desire.. Nothing. We made a very ordinary side look like World beaters as they crushed us 3-0. We had one decent effort on goal and then nothing for the rest of the game. Once again, this did not stop the handful of Fleet fans as they, once again, sung their hearts out for the majority of the match.

Goal of the season. 

There haven't really been many goals this season that were good enough to be labelled 'goal of the season' so it's a fairly easy pick for me. Phil Walsh's screamer from the edge of the area at Forest Green to put the Fleet 1-0 up. Unfortunately though, the goal woke Rovers up as they cruised to a 4-1 victory.

Best team. 

The only side who I can say impressed me both times I saw them are Wrexham. Their style of play is great and despite having plenty of individual talent in their squad, they work well together. Had they not taken their foot off the gas after half-time at the Racecourse against us, it really would have been a Cricket score.

Rather than try and name a best opposition player, it would just be easier to name a few that have impressed:

James McKeown - GK - Grimsby
Aswad Thomas - LB - Grimsby
Dean Keates - CM - Wrexham
Ryan Hayes - W - Dartford
Kevin Betsy - AM - Woking
Anthony Malbon - CF - Kidderminster
Andy Brown - CF - Nuneaton


Worst team. 

Most of the sides were better than the Fleet this season so it's a hard pick. Considering they're in the top five, and have made it into the play-off final, Newport didn't impress me in either of the two matches against the Fleet. Escaped with a 1-0 victory at Rodney Parade despite being second best and could only grab a draw at Stonebridge Road. Out of the bottom half sides I would have to say Southport. You have to be bad to come to Stonebridge Road and lose 4-1...



The fans. 

A Club is nothing without it's fans.

Despite Ebbsfleet United not having as many fans as other Clubs, the Fleet have some of the most loyal fans in Non-League. There are a handful of people who have been everywhere supporting this Club, and plenty who have been to the majority of matches. There's no need to mention names, as they all know who they are! Without these lot, our Club would be nothing. The support may go unnoticed by most, but the players certainly appreciate it.

Fleet Against MyFC - FAMyFC

This brings me to FAMyFC and Telford at home. My Football Club (MyFC), the owners of EUFC are not able to fund the Club anymore and haven't been able to for quite some time now. The fans had finally had enough and action was taken. The fans made themselves heard with chanting against MyFC throughout the match, as well as supporting the lads on the pitch. Banners were made, petitions were signed. Since then, MyFC have been slowly releasing their grip on the Club.

Telford and Fleet fans unite

A special mention goes out to the Telford fans who were at the match. Not only were they happy to sign our petition but they even stood with us for 90 minutes and joined in with our chanting. Two of them even bought
Fleet merchandise!






This brings me to the end of my review now. The next few weeks are massive for the Club in determining the short, and long-term future of the Club. There are two investors waiting in the wings, and both want to take control of Ebbsfleet United. I am sure the right choice will be made. Whatever happens, I shall still be there next season supporting the team, and I hope you are too. The Club needs our support no matter what division they're in and what team they field. We're all Fleet.


Hope you enjoyed reading,

In the words of Sir Liam of Daish; "Believe",

Up the Fleet!