Two teams aiming for promotion from the National League South shared the points when Ebbsfleet United entertained Dorking Wanderers.

Although the Fleet had late opportunities, had it not been for goalkeeper Louie Moulden, they would have been beaten long before then as the visitors impressed with their quick passing and clever movement.

In the opening minutes, Shaquile Coulthirst had a shot blocked for a corner. Then, at the other end, former Fleet player, Bobby-Joe Taylor had a shot deflected past the post.

Craig Tanner caused problems with a corner and Dorking goalkeeper Dan Lincoln, who played cricket for Kent in 2021, made a brilliant tip over to spare Callum Kennedy’s blushes as his header was directed towards his own goal.

Kennedy had a more positive impact soon after when his cross was only half cleared and it came out to James McShane. Although his shot was half blocked, it wasn’t enough to stop it from flying into the top corner.

Just two minutes later, the Fleet equalised. Coulthirst sent a perfect ball through to put Rakish Bingham clear and he gave Lincoln no chance with a composed crisp low finish.

Coulthirst then missed a great chance to put Ebbsfleet ahead from a similar position from which Bingham scored by shooting over before Dorking started to apply pressure. Alfie Rutherford shot straight at Moulden before the Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee made a great save with his legs to thwart Niall McManus.

Moulden saved Philpot’s header before making another great save from McShane just before half time.

Another former Ebbsfleet player, Luke Moore, came on for Dorking at the start of the second half and he pulled the strings as the visitors continued to create opportunities. Although Ben Chapman tested Lincoln early on, the visitors almost went ahead when Kennedy was not picked up from Moore’s corner and he arrowed a shot just beyond the angle of bar and post.

McManus turned and shot but Moulden tipped over. Then, from Moore’s resulting corner, Josh Taylor headed wide of the near post. Moulden made a great double save when the Ebbsfleet defence was again cut open. First, he saved well from McShane then he recovered to keep out a shot from Josh Taylor.

McManus delivered a cross that McShane met with a stooping header that was straight at the Ebbsfleet custodian before he was called upon once more to make another fine save as Rutherford twisted and turned before getting his shot away.

As the game moved into the latter stages, Ebbsfleet might have nicked the three points when one substitute, Lee Martin, found another, Dominic Poleon, and his shot rippled the net from the wrong side of the post. Poleon was then sent clear, and it was Lincoln’s turn to make an excellent save when he blocked with his legs.

Jason Prior headed well wide from Moore’s free kick shortly beyond the end, and the teams had to settle for a point apiece. 

Ebbsfleet United: Moulden, Paxman, Chapman, Jombati, Solly, J. Martin, Mekki (L. Martin 79), N’Guessan, Bingham, Coulthirst (Poleon 61), Tanner (Romain 74).

Subs not used: Wood, Haigh.

Goalscorers: Bingham (18)

Yellow cards: Chapman, N’Guessan 

Dorking Wanderers: Lincoln, McManus, B. Taylor (Muitt 71), Philpot, Gallagher, Kennedy, Oldaker (Moore 46), J. Taylor, Fogden, Rutherford (Prior 71), McShane.

Subs not used: Harris, Rodari.

Goalscorers: McShane (16)

Yellow cards: None

Referee: Richie Watkins

Assistants: James Hurst and Joe Mackay

Attendance: 1,271

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.