Thanks to a double from Billy Bricknell and a brilliant curling effort by Anthony Cook, Ebbsfleet United continued their great away form beating league leaders and form side Boreham Wood 3-1 on their own patch.

Sunday afternoon’s victory saw The Fleet rise one place in the league table to seventh and on the verge of a play-off place continuing to assert themselves towards their drive for promotion from the Vanarama Conference South.

The Fleet were the better side from the off as Bricknell forced their hosts onto the back foot inside the first minute – Unfortunately for Ebbsfleet, the hosts defended two corners in quick succession well with the visitors unable to test home ‘keeper James Russell.

Fleet Captain Daryl McMahon almost embarrassed Wood’s ‘keeper Russell but the home custodian had the post to thank as McMahon’s long range effort on goal struck the post – Russell seemingly happy to let the ball go thinking it was wide of the target.

The Fleet continued to trouble the league leaders as Matt Johnson then had a low cross-come-shot from the right corner of the penalty box only to see it evade everyone on its way wide of the post.

Ebbsfleet’s patience and endeavour was soon rewarded just after the quarter hour mark when Bricknell put the visitors deservedly ahead – Positive play by Alex Osborn on the right resulted in a delightful and inviting cross across the face of goal, finding Bricknell unmarked at the far post to stroke the ball home from close range.

The hosts’ Ricky Shakes and Graeme Montgomery were linking up well with the latter’s’ drive towards and across goal going behind for a goal-kick with no-one able to get a crucial touch on it.

As the first half developed the hosts began to gain composure and confidence but The Fleet were in fine form keeping the hosts on loan and the league top scorer Lee Angol quiet – The Fleet defence proving more than equal and resolute to what their hosts had to throw at them.

However The Fleet were fortunate to go in at half time all square when Montgomery flicked on a corner at the near post with the diving Callum Reynolds at the back post getting a touch but not enough to send the ball into the back of the net – Moments after Angol found space in front of goal but, despite heading towards goal, was unable to get enough on the ball to trouble Brandon Hall.

Boreham Wood, rattled and no doubt given a half time dressing down, came out for the second half with more drive and purpose and were rewarded early on as Montgomery found space in front of goal to lash the ball home into the roof of the net.

Within a couple of minutes Boreham Wood had the ball in the net for a second time but Montgomery’s effort was ruled offside much to the relief of the visitors.

The Fleet’s back line continued to be resolute and the midfield remained tough and stood up the challenge their hosts put to them, repelling the league leaders at every opportunity, giving ‘keeper Hall little to nothing to do.

The visitors were then rewarded with two goals in quick succession, ending the game as a contest – With twenty minutes to go McMahon struck a free kick from all of 30yds out only for ‘keeper Russell to parry it – In the ensuing melee Bricknell got the decisive touch towards goal and, despite Russell’s best efforts, the linesman on the far side indicated the ball had crossed the line – The Fleet had the lead for the second time in the match.

The Fleet then ended the game as a contest with a delightful finish by Anthony Cook – On the left touchline 20yds from goal, he cut inside and curled a right footed effort goal-wards – Russell despairingly jumped to get a hand to the ball but was unable to get a touch as it sailed into the ‘keepers top right hand corner. Many at the game felt it was not intended but certainly from the press box it looked intentional.

With a two-goal cushion The Fleet dug in, continuing to repel their hosts, as Hall remained untested – The Fleet’s win was their eighth unbeaten in the league on the road – Their last away day loss being Weston Super Mare back in early September – Disappointingly their current home form does not reflect their away form which, if resolved, with surely see The Fleet mount a more serious promotion challenge.

 

Boreham Wood: Russell, Garrard, Brown, Cox, Martin, Reynolds ©, Whichelow (Lipman, 82), Shakes, Angol, Morias, Montgomery (Thomas, 82)

Sub not used: Hill, Toomey, Courtnage

Goals: Montgomery (50)

 

Ebbsfleet Utd: Hall, Pooley, Howe, Johnson, Acheampong, Osborn, Shields, McMahon ©, Bricknell, Marsh, Cook

Subs not used: Kiernan, Day, Miller-Neave, Johnson, Turner

Goals: Bricknell (16, 70), Cook (72)

 

Referee: Mr S Plane

Assistants: Mr D Berry and Mr A Moody

Att: 375