Ebbsfleet United ensured they ended August unbeaten after beating Margate 4-0 as the Thanet side’s issues went on.
With both teams facing their first opposition from Kent this season, Both Daryl McMahon and Nikki Bull were looking for three points to offer a push forward as the new year begins to take shape. McMahon’s Ebbsfleet side remained unbeaten as the welcomed the Thanet side to Stonebridge Road, but four consecutive draws kept the fleet just outside the playoff places.
Bull’s Margate side however, were struggling for consistency. After six game they found themselves 17th in the National League South but were looking for a resurgence after an impressive 3- win over Western Super Mare on the first match of the bank holiday weekend.
Bull only made one change from the impressive 3-1 win at Hartsdown Park, this came at the back with Danny Fitzsimons being replaced at left back by Aaron Tumwa. His side included three former Ebbsfleet players in addition to Alex Osborn, who started amongst the substitutes. Meanwhile, Daryl McMahon’s tactical tinkering seemed to be settling down, preferring three centre backs for the second consecutive game. He made a triplet of changes replacing Marvin McCoy and Jack Connors at full back with Anthony Cook and Sean Shields whilst Jack Powell took the place of Sam Deering in midfield.
It only took two minutes for Ebbsfleet to get the opening chance of the match. A corner from the left found Charlie Sheringham at the far post, Sheringham found his attacking partner Aaron McLean whose effort was well saved by Lewis Ward, only for Sheringham to hit the post on the rebound.
The visitors soon found their feet though, and after a mistake from Kenny Clark in the fleet’s back line, Elliott Buchanan fired a half volley over the bar.
With fourteen minutes on the clock, the opening goal of the game was scored by Aaron McLean. A Jack Powell free kick was deflected off the wall into the path of Dean Rance who hit an impressive long range effort towards goal, only to see it tipped onto the post. McLean did well to latch onto the rebound and put the ball into the open net, giving Ebbsfleet the lead.
The hosts’ pressure went on, Anthony Cook’s low cross just evaded the head of Charlie Sheringham before Sam Deering’s surging run was brought to a premature end by Lewis Ward who, despite the arguments of many in red, was only given a yellow card for tripping the playmaker.
From the resulting free kick though, Daryl McMahon’s side were able to double their lead. Jack Powell stepped up to take the set piece and hit a delightful free kick out the reach of Lewis Ward, making the score 2-0 to the promotion chasers.
With time running out in the first half, the pressure from Ebbsfleet kept coming. Sean Shields had a chance in the first of four additional minutes, but the makeshift left back’s low shot was easily saved, putting an end to any further chances of a first half goal.
After being hurt in the first half, Lewis Ward was forced to make way at half time, meaning Brett Johnson needed to replace him in goal. The defender started his half well, tipping a long range Aaron Mclean effort around the post before denying the striker again, this time allowing a weak shot to roll into his arms.
Johnson needed his defenders moments later though. An impressive quick passing move sent Sam Deering through on goal before laying the ball off to Anthony Cook. With the goalkeeper already out of position, Adam Cash did well to track back and head Cook’s attempt over.
Ebbsfleet’s dominance continued throughout the half, and on 61 minutes their control was rewarded with a third goal. An impressive passing move began with Carlie Sheringham and ended with Jack Powell playing a perfect pass into the path of Sam Deering for the midfielder to finish with ease.
This third goal seemed to wake up the visitors. On 67 minutes Nathan Ashmore did well to get low down at his near post to deny Elliott Buchanan. The attacker had another chance five minutes later, but Nathan Ashmore was just about able to handle Buchanan’s powerful effort from the edge of the area.
Against his former club, Luke Moore also looked to deny Ebbsfleet’s clean sheet. His low shot past Ashmore was cleared away by Dave Winfield.
However, the game belonged to Ebbsfleet. Their swift, attacking passing moves were a joy to behold and allowed many chances for Powell and Deering to extend the lead further, but neither player could beat Brett Johnson in Margate’s goal.
With time running out, substitute Darren McQueen was able to give his side their fourth goal. The young forward got onto the end of a long ball down the left wing and composed himself enough to place a shot past Johnson at his near post, giving the hosts another goal as time elapsed.
That win puts Ebbsfleet gives Ebbsfleet 13 points as they continue to look for promotion back to the top level of the non-league game, but more importantly, it ends their run of four consecutive draws in style. Margate, however, weren’t able to capitalise on their 3-1 win just 48 hours previously.
Ebbsfleet United: Ashmore, Cook, Shields (Connors), Phillips, Winfield, Clark, Rance (Deering), Kissock, Sheringham, McLean (McQueen), Powell
Subs not used: Bubb, Miles
Margate: Ward (B Johnson), Cash, Tumwa (Fitzsimons), M Johnson, Mambo, Parry, Fuseini, Moore, Thalassitis (Barrington), Buchanan, Donnelly
Subs not used: Akindayini, Osborn
Referee: Mr E Kaye
Assistants: Mr A Loe, Mr C Bodell
Attendance: 1,071