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!