Ebbsfleet Preview

Our defence of the FA Trophy begins tomorrow afternoon as Ebbsfleet visit Broadhall Way. It’s only 10 days since we last played Liam Daish’s side, who beat us 2-1 after a shocking second half performance. Manager Graham Westley must decide whether to take the Trophy seriously this season or not. The competition is being seen as less of a priority this season with the club in a good position to push for promotion in the new year. Boro need a strong end of year to keep up with Oxford United, who are currently 5 points clear with a game in hand.

I think some of the ‘fringe’ players to get a run out tomorrow afternoon, so expect the likes of Peter Vincenti, Stacy Long and Eddie Odhiambo to feature. I hope that they all perform well, if given the opportunity, and add to the already fierce competition for places within the squad. Ebbsfleet will be taking the Trophy seriously as their struggling at the wrong end of the Blue Square Premier table and are in financial difficulty with the ‘myfc’ project not going quite to plan. United would of been rock bottom had it not been for Chester’s points deduction.

Boro are in good form and the only blip they have had in the last few months was against tomorrow’s opponents. However, Boro have better memories from the game at Broadhall Way between the two sides earlier in the season. Stevenage recorded their first win of the season with Lawrie Wilson capping off a fine performance with the 3rd goal. Ebbsfleet were also knocked out of the FA Trophy last season by Boro in the semi final. Of course, we went on to win the Trophy for the second time in 3 years with a 2-0 win over York City at Wembley.

Although I think we will see a ‘weakened’ side tomorrow with GW resting key players ahead of the Christmas schedule, I still think we’ll win the game. The players that will come in will be chomping at the bit to try and force themselves into the starting eleven and I think we will see a good, competitive game. Stacy Long will be definately one of those players who will want to prove to Westley that he can have a part to play in Boro’s fight for the title. He’s been a bit unfortunate this season with his chances in the first team being limited, but I still think he can be a very good player for us. I thought it was a good move in the summer when we brought him in as I thought he could play in the ‘hole’ behind a lone striker and make create more chances. Hopefully, he’ll get a chance tomorrow.

In other news, The Comet has linked us with a move for Malta U19 goalkeeper Jean Matthias Vella. Like you, I know absolutely nothing about this fella. I didn’t even know that he was on trial with us, but The Comet seem to think that competition to sign him has increased with higher clubs being alerted to his availability. With Bayes and Day currently on the books as well as Ryan Rayner coming through, I don’t really see the point of bringing in another keeper.

Lastly, I came across this website that today which I think will have a lot of interest. If you didn’t know already, Chris Beardsley has set up his own blog on all things Boro. He gives readers an insight in to what it’s like to be Boro player and some of the banter that goes around the dressing room. Definately worth a read. You can find it now on the links page or here.