GRAVESEND 2 v 1 VICS

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Neil Redfearn opted for a cautious approach in his first 'real' game in charge starting with only 2 recognised attacking players on the field and using a 3-5-2 system.

Initially it looked to be a wrong decision as Ebbsfleet overran Vics in the first few minutes. Within the first minute Moore missed an easy chance, Long shot narrowly wide and it was no surprise when they scored with only 3 minutes gone. Moore was left free in the box and easily scored past Murphy. Then the same player had another shot turned just over by Murphy as Vics lived a nightmare. Brown got a yellow card as Vics clung on and after the first 15 minutes we began to settle a little more.

It was still Ebbsfleet who looked the more powerful attacking force and Murphy did well to claw out a Welch misdirected header from under the bar. Vics continued to grow in confidence but never really threatened the Ebbsfleet goal in the first half and keeper Tynan never made a direct save. The closest Vics got was a corner after 40 minutes.

We started the second half much better and equalised after 50 minutes when a good flick on from Tait was taken by Townson who moved it right to Rusk, he went clear in the box and shot confidently into the far corner. Ebbsfleet began to look more ragged in defence and Vics felt they could get something from this game.

Their attack, however, still retained a threat and McDonald scooped a corner over the bar that he should have done better with and Smith headed a set piece wide. Vics still looked more comfortable than in the first half but then indifferent defending let them down and cost them the game when no one took responsibility for marking Eribenne in the box and he was left with an easy finish. Things got worse 2 minutes later when a rash challenge by Smith on Townson saw Vics attacker greatly overreact and after the ensuing melee involving both teams Smith and Townson were both sent off.

Vics soon brought on Williams and Maamria for Sharp and Battersby as they tried to salvage something from the game and looked OK going forward against an uncomfortable looking defence and Carr brought a good save out of Tynan. Ebbsfleet hit back and hit the post. Carr then turned provider for Maamria but his finish was weak when well placed. Long went close again for the home side producing a good save from Murphy. Byrne replaced Rusk near the end but Vics could not get the elusive goal they needed.

Over the 90 minutes Ebbsfleet deserved the points but one was left wondering if a more attacking approach could have exploited the discomfort in their defence, but that's easy to say with hindsight.

Attendance: 1,045 (Approx 80 from Vics)

Murphy,

Welch, Birch, Strong,

Rusk (Byrne 90), Battersby (Maamria 79), Carr, Brown, Sharp (Williams 75),
Townson, Tait.

Subs Not Used: Connett, Wilson.