Ebbsfleet United Ladies And Girls FC

02/10/11 Fleet Defeat The Eagles - Midweek encounter

The first midweek fixture of the season saw Fleet welcome Crystal Palace to the well looked after Stonebridge Road. After a disappointing result at the weekend Fleet were ready to make amends and ensure 3 points were claimed in this highly awaited fixture.

Fleet started the first half well maintaining possession and instantly creating chances, the first of which forced a good save from the Palace number one. Fleet continued to set the tempo and had Palace chasing the ball, despite this, chances went high and wide. It wasn't long however before FULGENCE broke the deadlock, after a good passing move STEWART played the ball into FULGENCE who ensured she was first to it with a quality LEFT footed volley which lobbed the Palace keeper. This was just the start Fleet needed. Throughout the half Palace played the ball around nicely however failed to threaten the Fleet goal with the defence winning every ball. The game was very much a battle of midfield with EAST and CHAMBERS working hard and tackles flying in. Palace continued to look to play the ball out wide to their nippy winger and this seemed to have paid off as a mistake in defence left them through on goal with only BAKER to beat, however the shot was well held by the Fleet Keeper. Fleet continued to attack and created a variety of chances, with PHILPOTT hitting the crossbar and WILLIAMS, EAST and FULGENCE shooting agonisingly wide. The last 15 minutes of the half saw a dip in form for Fleet as they took their foot off the pedal and allowed Palace to play, with Palace's central midfielder (and ex fleet player) looking to play there striker in over the top continuously. This eventually paid off as a long lofted pass found Fleet on the back foot with WELLS working hard to recover as she slid into what seemed to be a well timed tackle. The officials however failed to agree and awarded Palace a penalty within the last kick of the first half. With tempers now raised and Fleet somewhat agitated Palace slotted the penalty into the bottom left corner as the ref blew the half time whistle. 1-1

A much needed half time team talk from management boosted Fleet and ensured they would not be talking about missed chances and bad decisions at the final whistle but instead celebrating the 3 points. From the off Fleet pressured Palace allowing them no time on the ball and once again created a number of chances that failed to hit the back of the Palace net. Fleet used the wings well delivering crosses into the box that Palace struggled to deal with. This is exactly how the second goal came about with WELLS creating space for WILLIAMS to cross with the overlap. WILLIAMS delivered a perfect cross into the Palace box as EAST rose highest to head home leaving the keeper no chance. 2-1 with the Fleet back in front. This goal seemed to dishearten Palace as form temporarily went out the window and the game became scrappy with challenges flying in. With Fleet continuing to play good football it looked as though plenty more chances would be created. Palace quickly turned defence into attack as they played in there nippy winger who cut inside beating 2 Fleet players before playing the ball across the box allowing Palace to find the equaliser from close range.

Fleet unfortunately had to make a substitution as a recurring injury saw MOORE take to the stands. With the team reshuffled COLE came on to cause a nuisance. The equaliser was the wakeup call Fleet needed as the final 20 minutes of the game saw Fleet pile on the pressure. COLE immediately went close with a header that struck the crossbar before PHILPOTT saw her left footed shot strike the post. FULGENCE then chased a lost cause and won Fleet a corner. This was Fleets chance to capitalise with WILLIAMS quality delivery causing mayhem in the box before hitting ex fleet player Blackie and finding the back of the net. 3-2 with 7 minutes left to play. Fleets defence continued to hold its line and clear the danger. Palace however did find themselves with a good opportunity before WELCH came flying in with a superb last ditch tackle.

As the final whistle blew Fleet deservedly ran out 3-2 winners in a well battled contest. Smiles all round with another 3 points on the board. This weekend sees Fleet without a fixture and therefore the team are trying their luck at bowling and will not be letting management win! UP THE FLEET!

Faye Baker, Vicky Moore (Cole), Jaime Welch, Courtney Feagan, Emily Wells, Sammy Stewart, Laura East, Hannah Chambers, Claire Williams, Kel Philpott, Lisa Fulgence. Subs: Sophie Longhurst, Laura Perolls, Max Cole, Jade Colfer-Cole

www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk

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