DROYLSDEN 1 –1 EBBSFLEET UNITED

BLUE SQUARE PREMIER – Thursday 17 April 2008

Report by Gary Owen

An improved second half performance and an immense showing from Jamie McGuire ensured that The Bloods secured a share of the spoils on Thursday night.

After a goal-less first half, the FA Trophy finalists took the lead shortly after the break, only for Droylsden to strike level through Chris Denham following the introduction of Danny Ellis and Ashley Burbeary.

Denham had two early chances, but the angle was too tight for the first one after Sam Mutt and Mark Ricketts left the ball to each other, and his second effort was volleyed straight at Mutt after he had only partially cleared through pressure by Terry Fearns.

George Purcell then saw two efforts go off target for the Kent side, as did Ged Murphy for the hosts.

Eight minutes after the break, Robbie Talbot fouled Chuckki Eribenne, and from the resultant free kick the Bloods' defence failed to clear allowing Eribenne the opportunity to convert from 8 yards.

Droylsden looked more cohesive following the substitutions on the half hour mark, and after a Ronnie Bull shot had deflected wide for Ebbsfleet, The Bloods struck level.

Ellis collected the ball just inside his own half and dissected the Ebbsfleet defence with a great pass to the onrushing Denham, who beat Peter Hawkins and slotted past Mutt from just inside the box.

Ebbsfleet almost hit back immediately, but Michael Bostwick's shot went straight at Paul Phillips, who later had to clear with his head from Purcell, but that was the end of the chances and the game ended with the honours even.

TEAMS:

DROYLSDEN

Phillips, Roche, Newton, Cryan (Munroe, 90+2'), Dugdale, Lynch (Burbeary, 61'), McGuire, Murphy, Denham, Talbot (Ellis, 61'), Fearns

Subs. not used Halford, Williams

EBBSFLEET UTD.

Mutt, Ricketts (Hawkins, 63'), Bull, Macdonald, Smith, Barrett, Hearn, Bostwick, Purcell, Eribenne (Akinde71'), Nade.

Subs. not used Stubbs, Maskell, French

ATTENDANCE: 252

REFEREE: Mr. P. E. Curry (Ashington, Northumberland)




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