Ebbsfleet United registered a memorable victory by beating Portsmouth 3-0 in a pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon.
Steve Brown’s side came into their fourth pre-season friendly in good form having won all their previous matches, scoring 6 goals and conceding none, the game against Pompey was set to be their most difficult so far in their preparation for the new season, Portsmouth started strong team against the Fleet which included former premier league left back Nicky Shorey and new signing from Walsall Craig Westcarr.
Ebbsfleet manager Steve Brown began with a number of changes from their 1-0 win over Charlton during the week, after being named man of the match on Wednesday Daryl McMahon was left on the bench whilst Preston Edwards made his second start of pre-season.
Trialist Lloyd Harrington, who has also made appearances for Dover Athletic this summer, also started in the middle of defence with Anthony Acheampong.
Brown also gave Kiran Khinda-Jon who has previously played for Crystal Palace’s youth teams an opportunity to shine from the bench.
The first half started quickly, Billy Bricknell had the first chance of the game for the hosts when he found space on the edge of the area but his low shot to Paul Jones’ right was easily saved, soon after Danny Hollands badly tackled Michael Corcoran on the edge of the Fleet area, but due to the Ebbsfleet player’s aggressive reaction a foul was awarded to Portsmouth.
The visitors continued to attack and with 11 minutes gone Jed Wallace hit a shot across Preston Edward’s goal although he could only see his shot roll wide of the far post.
Ebbsfleet were still looking dangerous though, they had another chance in the 20th minute. After Osborn was able to find Billy Bricknell from the left wing the striker flew past the defence before laying a ball across the six yard box which Charlie Sheringham was able to convert from close range for his third goal as an Ebbsfleet player to give his team a one goal lead.
Bricknell had a chance for himself minutes after his assist, after Alex Osborn was able to play another ball over the Portsmouth defence, Bricknell cut inside but his shot towards the near post was well saved from Paul Jones.
After this, the warm conditions meant the game’s pace had slowed, despite this, both teams were still able to produce chances, Wallace continued to look dangerous and after a weaving run Anthony Cook’s long shot was held securely by Jones, Wallace came back at the end of the first half to hit a powerful volley wide of Preston Edward’s goal.
Ebbsfleet continued their attacking play into the second half, on 51 minutes Sheringham made a powerful run down the left wing before putting a cross towards Billy Bricknell, but the cross was too high.
Soon after Bricknell was able to double his team’s lead, after Joe Howe was given the ball on the left wing, he made a storming run towards the touchline before putting a perfect cross onto the head of Billy Bricknell.
Ebbsfleet were able to score again minutes later, after Anthony Cook produced a skilful, powerful run at Portsmouth’s right side his shot towards the far post was saved Sheringham was able to simply finish into the open goal for his second goal of the game.
Substitutions slowed down the game after these two goals, the next opportunity feel to Portsmouth in the 80th minute but Preston Edwards was equal to Miles Storey’s low shot.
Portsmouth continued to push forward but some incredible goalkeeping from Preston Edwards ensured another clean sheet for Steve Brown’s side.
This convincing win means that the Fleet are able to maintain their 100% pre- season record, they have now scored eight goals against football league clubs, they now face Thurrock in Essex on Thursday before Gillingham come to the PHB Stadium on the 2nd of August for the Fleet’s final pre- season friendly.
Ebbsfleet United: Edwards, Sessegnon, Howe, Fraser, Acheampong (Clarke), Harrington (Khinda- Jon), Osborn (Palmer), Corcoran (McMahon), Sheringham (Godden), Bricknell (Johnson), Cook.
Subs not used: Hall, Mazzone.
Portsmouth: Jones, Webster (Wynter), Shorey (Ertl), Dunne (Awford), Devera (Whatmough), Chorley (Butler), Wallace (Bird), Hollands (Atangana), Taylor (Storey), Westcarr (Agyemang), Barcham (Maloney).
Sub not used: Bass.
Attendance: 879