If starting as you mean to go on was the memo then this wasn’t a bad way to kick off life as The Fleet for Head Coach Sam MacNeil. A clinical second half performance saw Ebbsfleet United Women run out comfortable winners in a game they dominated from start to finish. 

The game began with a tentative start, The Fleet trying to find their feet in their new surroundings. The home side worked the ball well into wide areas with the final ball not having the desired accuracy.

A number of opportunities came and went with shots going off target from MacNeil, Jestin and Young. The inevitable breakthrough happened in the 31st minute, some neat interplay down the right led to Reynolds firing in a deep cross. Cleary picked it up and her dinked ball into the box was nodded home by Russ. The first goal of the Ebbsfleet United Women era.

With the home side comfortable, the equaliser came against the run of play right on half time. A mis placed back pass was seized upon and the Harlow forward rounded Naismith to tap home. 

Half Time: 1-1

The half time message was around changing a few small details positional wise and to make a quick start to the second period, we did just that.

The next 10 minutes would see the game ripped firmly into The Fleet’s clutches. Russ fired in two to complete her hattrick and the impressive flair of young player Adaja down the left was rewarded with a goal.

Harlow failed to register a shot on target in the second period demonstrating the dominance of the home side. Russ completed the scoring in the 81st minute to finish the game with four to her name. 

Full Time: 5-1

A bright start to life at The Fleet and an entertaining game for an excellent crowd in pre season. The club would like to wish a speedy recovery to the two players from Harlow Town who had serious injuries to the game. 

Squad: Naismith, Burnham, Perkins, Waud, Carlton, Jestin, Reynolds, Cleary, Wood, Russ, MacNeil, Francis, Ijeh, Adaja, Young.G, Young.J, Meehan, Housego, Messore

NEXT GAME AT THE KUFLINK: We welcome Chelsea Women Academy on Wednesday 10th August 7.45pm KO