Thamesmead Town 1-5 Ebbsfleet United

Thamesmead Town 1-5 Ebbsfleet United

The Fleet's new era was met with the hottest day of the year as they ran out 5-1 winners at Bayliss Avenue on Saturday afternoon.

All four of the Fleet's retained players from last season began the match and six of the new signings were handed a first start for the Club, with the returning Stacy Long making up the eleven. New signings were on the bench along with two trialists; goalkeeper Brendon Hall (formerly of Hayes and Yeading) and Alex Osborne.

Stacy Long drives home. Pic by Paul Jarvis.

In testing conditions, it was the hosts who had the first opportunity of the game as the number nine went through on goal only to shoot straight at Preston Edwards. The Mead were in front soon after though, as Jon Main headed home Michael Power's cross in the 13^th minute of the match. It was a sloppy goal for the Fleet to give away but they got themselves back on level terms just a couple of minutes later. The influential Long skipped past a challenge on the edge of the area and drove the ball home past Rob Budd in the Mead net.

Just before the half hour mark, Long was there again to give the Fleet a deserved lead. A free-kick from 25 yards was crashed home off the underside of the bar. It was as though he'd never been away!

Edwards saved well from Jon Main to keep the Fleet ahead, before a quickly taken free-kick allowed Tom Phipp to set up Ben May, who finished at the second attempt. The first half ended 3-1 to the Fleet, who were playing sublime football at times. Daryl McMahon and Long looked like they'd played together for years in midfield. Both were all over the park and always looking for the ball, something the Fleet have lacked in recent seasons.

The Fleet made some changes at half-time with Michael Corcoran replacing Dean Rance, Hall came on for Edwards in goal and Osboune replaced Phipp.

Thamesmead had the ball in the net not long after the break, but it was ruled out for a handball by Rob Carter. The Fleet then added a fourth as May's weak shot spun over the 'keeper, who left the field soon after.

Steve Brown - Pic by Paul Jarvis.

In true Sunday-League style, Rance returned to the action (in place of Long) just after the hour mark and drilled home his first goal in Fleet colours. The Fleet were well worth their 5-1 lead and the final half hour or so was played in a slow fashion, with neither side creating chances.

Brown would have been pleased with the performance in scorching heat. The new era is well and truly under way. The Fleet visit the Gallagher Stadium next week as they face Maidstone, which should prove a tougher test.

Fleet: Edwards (Hall), Howe, Lorraine, Huke (Sankofa), Palmer, Phipp (Osborne), Rance (Corcoran), McMahon, Long (Rance), Bricknell (Thalassitis), May.

Attendance: 185.