Michael Thalassitis and Billy Bricknell
gave Ebbsfleet United a third pre-season victory as they beat
Gillingham Development Squad 2-0.
While the first-team kicked off their
League campaign with a 1-0 loss at home to Colchester, the youth
players were handed a tough test against a new look Fleet squad.
After playing for Dartford at Tonbridge last Saturday, Mat
Mitchell-King returned to the Fleet's defence alongside stand-in
captain Shane Huke. Former midfielder Cesc Fakinos was handed a start
while Dominic Green had to settle for a place on the bench.
After seeing Gillingham Development
Squad beat Deal Town 6-0 a few weeks ago, most of the Gills squad
were a part of that victory, including four-goal midfielder Kane
Haysman, so I knew it wouldn't be easy.
The opening exchanges brought very few
chances, with Ashley Miller going closest for the Gills with a
chipped effort that just crept over the bar. The lively Harry Grant
was threatening to break through the defence and it took a foul on
the edge of the area to stop him in his tracks. His free-kick was
easily headed away by a man in the wall.
The closest the Fleet came in the first
half was when Bricknell dragged wide from the edge of the area after
linking up well with Thalassitis. The two strikers have shown so far
that they can play together, and if given the chance next season,
will give a few defences the run around!
HT: 0-0. A half of very few chances,
both sides looking to get the ball on the deck and play it.
It took just a few minutes of the
second half for the Fleet to get their noses in front. Thalassitis
received the ball 25 yards out and drove home for his first goal in a
Fleet shirt. Bricknell went close soon after as he forced a good stop
from Tom Gowans after a brilliant cut back from Thalassitis. A couple
of minutes later and the two were at it again.
Thalassitis produced a delightful
through ball which set Bricknell in on goal. The striker made no
mistake as he rounded the keeper and slotted the ball into the empty
net. The Fleet were cruising at this stage and looking to take
control of the match.
Birthday boy Tom Phipp should have made
it three as he blasted over from just inside the area. A long ball
forward from Brandon Hall in the Fleet goal caught the defence
napping and substitute Anthony Cook was in on goal, but good
reactions from the keeper prevented the former Chelmsford winger from
lobbing him.
With the game coming to an end, there
was time for Thalassitis to have one more chance as he broke through
the Gills defence, but his effort was pushed away by the keeper.
FT: 2-0. A deserved victory for the
boys in red in what proved to be a very good work out against a young
side looking to make it big in the future.
The Fleet are in pre-season action
again this Tuesday as they face Erith and Belvedere at home with
admission still £5 adults and £3 concessions. Under 16s can get
entry for £2 while under 12s go FREE.
Fleet: Hall, Sankofa, Howe, Long,
Mitchell-King, Huke (Capt), Phipp, Rance, Thalassitis, Bricknell,
Fakinos.
Subs not used: Edwards, Corcoran.
Attendance: 371
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