Harrison Firth went from villain to hero as Ebbsfleet United defeated Bromley on penalties in their DFDS Kent Senior Cup Quarter Final.

It took just six minutes for the young Ravens to go ahead. George Evans’ shot didn’t look particularly threatening but it squirmed underneath Firth and into the net.

Looking for a quick equaliser, Rakish Bingham had a shot deflected wide and nothing came of the corner. Dominic Samuel went on a strong run as the hosts continued to press and he pulled it back to Alex Aoraha but he was unable to get any power in it and Sam Long saved easily. 

Jephte Tanga was next to threaten when he cut in from the right and hit a left footed shot the flew just wide of the far post before Bingham had a header saved comfortably by Long. Maxx Manktelow then sent Samuel clear and he was thwarted by a great stop by the Bromley custodian. It came out to Nathan Odokonyero but he thrashed his effort well off target.

Brooklyn Ilunga had a shot for Bromley that was deflected over before the first half drew to a close.

Early in the second period, Bromley had a great chance to go two up when the tricky David Oupoh sent Marcus Ifill clear but he skied his attempt well over.

Ben Chapman’s drive was then tipped over by Long and the goalkeeper then got down well to save from Samuel. 

Just over fifteen minutes remained when the Fleet scored a deserved leveller. Samuel had a shot saved by Long but it came out to substitute Aaron Cosgrave and he made no mistake from ten yards.

Cosgrave then showed his strength to get away, despite being pulled back, and his powerful hit was beaten out by Long.

Aoraha had a shot saved, Kymani Thomas had one effort deflected wide and another one held by Long. 

In stoppage time Long made another comfortable claim from Aoraha before Yuli Mann’s near post rocket was well held by Firth at the other end.

One more opportunity fell to the Fleet when Manktelow’s effort from the right side of the penalty area whistled just over before referee Josh Williams blew his whistle for full time and penalties. 

Long gave Bromley an early advantage with a brilliant save before Firth made two saves to put the Fleet ahead. Franklin Domi had the responsibility to finish the tie and made no mistake when smashing home. 

Ebbsfleet United: Firth, Tanga, Chapman (Domi 60), Aoraha, Manktelow, Stewart (Olagunju 46), Odokonyero (Cosgrave 72), Carr, Samuel, Bingham (Kwame Thomas 61), Kymani Thomas.

Subs not used: Bolger.

Goalscorers: Cosgrave (74)

Yellow cards: None

Bromley: Long, Ilunga (Corbin 75), German (Morgan 67), Aris, Paye, Moralee. Oupoh, Tobin (Hilden 16), Evans, Ifill (Fletcher 67), Ibrahim (Mann 75).

Subs not used: None.

Goalscorers: Evans (6)

Yellow cards: Ilunga (73 delay of restart)

Referee: Josh Williams

Assistants: Harrison Clark and Harry Phillips

Fourth Official: Peter Conn

Attendance: 244