A first half header from Michael Thalassitis was enough for Ebbsfleet United to beat Tonbridge Angels in a quiet game at Stonebridge Road.

Both teams came to Stonebridge road with very different reasons for needing a win, the fleet were looking to secure a playoff place after a good 2-0 win over FA trophy finalists Gosport Borough on Thursday.

Tonbridge also desperately needed a win, they came into the game in 21^st in the Skrill South after losing 2-0 to Gosport on Tuesday.

Ebbsfleet started with just one change from the side which won in Hampshire, with Michael Thalassitis coming in for Ben May who has been struggling with injuries all season, despite this, May remained on the bench whilst Michael West’s ligament injury rules him out for the season.

Tonbridge changed their team around in hope of being able to get a result from the league’s 3^rd placed team, Carey, Muggeridge, Ijaha, Browning and Green were the only players who survived Tommy Warrilow’s shake up.

Angels’ new Canadian striker, Evan James was able to get his international clearance in time for the game, but only started on the bench. The MLS draft 1^st round pick as had experience playing in the top levels of football having played for the Canadian national team and Montreal Impact in the past.

The hosts kicked off, and within four minutes they had their first chance, after Billy Bricknell was able to turn past his marker, he found a low cross which fell to the feet of Thalassitis, but the Cypriot striker’s shot was defected and went out for a corner, which was easily cleared by Tonbridge. They continued to pressure Tonbridge, but a large number of corners in quick succession came to no avail.

It looked as though Tonbridge were going to be happy with a goalless draw, but after a long, slow period of play they had an opportunity to take the lead, but after a corner was put towards the six yard box, Gary Elphick was able to steer a header into the ground before bouncing up and looping over the crossbar.

But Ebbsfleet came straight back and after Antony Cook won a free kick which he took himself from the edge of the area, as he put the ball towards the far post Michael Thalassitis was able to leap above his man to put the fleet 1-0 up as half time approached.

Tonbridge started the second half with one substitution, and this seemed to favour them at first, as they had a number of corners after pressuring the Ebbsfleet defence well.

But it was the hosts who were able to get the first big opportunity, after Billy Bricknell took the ball from his own half to Tonbridge’s penalty area, before laying the ball back to McMahon, but the midfielder’s shot flew out of the ground. After Ben May came on he was involved immediately, but after Thalassitis took the ball into the area, May was unable to control the pass, allowing Sonny Miles to clear the ball away.

It took a long time, but with only twenty minutes left Tonbridge were able to have their first opportunity of the second half and, just like the first, it came from a corner, but this time, after Elphick got his head to the ball, it was cleared off the line by Corcoran.

Not to be conceded against, the fleet began to push forward again and after some good work on the right wing from McMahon, Ben May was able to steer a volley inches over the crossbar. This came minutes before Ben may held up the ball on the edge of the area before laying it off to Cook whose shot flew across the goal.

The fleet’s pressure continued and soon, after some good work between May, Thalassitis and Cook, the ball fell to May in the six yard box, but the striker placed his shot over the bar.

That win allows Ebbsfleet to continue their play- off push, they remain in 4^th place and their place is almost confirmed after Dover drew 0-0, leaving the Fleet nine points clear of their Kent rivals. They only have one game left at home this season. Next week they go to mid table Staines Town.

Tonbridge need to start winning soon, today’s game drops them down to 21^st, three points away from safety. Their next game is at home against Concord Rangers on Tuesday before Basingstoke come to Longmead.

 

Ebbsfleet United: Edwards, Howe, Palmer (Sessegnon), McMahon (Osborne), Acheampong, Sankofa, Corcoran, Rance, Thalassitis, Bricknell (May), Cook.

Subs not used: Hall, Huke.

Tonbridge Angels: Carey, Piper, Watts (Teniola), Ijaha, Elphick, Miles, Miles, Muggeridge (James), Browning, Lovell, Collins (Cumbers), Green.

Subs not used: Pinney.

Attendance: 1,102