Ebbsfleet 3-0 Brighton Development Squad

Billy Bricknell bagged a hat-trick as Ebbsfleet ended their pre-season with four home wins on the bounce. With the big kick off just a week away, Bricknell was once again without both of the other strikers as Ben May (bad back) and Michael Thalassitis (Cyprus U21 duties) missed out. Anthony Cook was handed the role of Bricknell's strike partner. Michael Corcoran was given a rare start while Dominic Green was given one more chance to impress.

Chances were few and far between in the opening exchanges as Bricknell hit an effort wide and one over the bar. The striker has been extremely lively so far and reminds the Fleet fans of a certain Charlie MacDonald. If he's half as good then we're in for a treat!

Cook came close to scoring midway through the half before being brought down in the area. Bricknell confidently stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way. A deserved lead for the Fleet and that man Bricknell on the scoresheet again!

Smith tips over. Pic by Paul Jarvis.

He's never happy with one goal, and nearly made it two soon after as he turned on the edge of the area and smashed his effort onto the post. Brighton keeper Grant Smith tipped an effort over the bar, and that was the end of proceedings for the first half.

Just 13 minutes into the second half, Bricknell was at it again as he beat a couple of challenges before hitting home from the edge of the area. The keeper perhaps could have done better to prevent the goal, but a good goal nonetheless.

Bricknell with a delightful lob. Pic by Paul Jarvis

He almost added a third soon after as his effort from just inside the area looked to be heading for the bottom corner, before Smith got down low and tipped it wide. He did, however, grab a third a few minutes later.

After all the talk of this on the floor football, it was a long ball that set up this goal. A punt forward from the keeper and Cook rose highest to flick it on into Bricknell's path, who made no mistake as he lobbed the

keeper from the edge of the area. It really was “Bricknell's show”. Confidence is flowing throw his veins.

The Fleet couldn't have wished for a better final game, as they kick off next week at home to Havant and Waterlooville. The admission for matches from now on are £10 adults, £8 concession and £5 under 16s, as under 12s go FREE. Let's hope for a good crowd!

Fleet: Edwards (Hall 63), Howe, Palmer, Lorraine, Huke (Sankofa 79), Corcoran, Green (Fakinos 75), Rance (McMahon 75), Long (Phipp 75), Bricknell, Cook.