Trophy defeat for City

City were beaten 2 -5 by Ebbsfleet United in the 1st Round of the Carlsberg FA Trophy on Saturday, December 10th at Treyew Road.

City were without injury victims Jake Ash, Barry Hayles, Stewart Yetton and Marcus Martin for the cup tie and were forced into changes to the team line-up.

The match got off to a bad start when Ebbsfleet took the lead through a headed goal from Enver-Marum from a corner kick.  City will be disappointed with the goal as it was a free-header from a corner.

The lead would not last long as Afful picked up the ball from the left, skipped inside two players and fired a shot from 25 yards into the Ebbsfleet net with the keeper just getting his fingertips to the ball but unable to save.

Ebbsfleet were soon back in front though as West broke clear down the right and fired a powerful strike past the advancing Sandercombe in City's net to put the visitors 1-2 up. Pinney then put Ebbsfleet further in front with a smart finish as controlled a low cross and turned to finish past Sandercombe.  City appealed for handball against Pinney but the referee let the goal stand.

Ebbsfllet added their fourth of the game as Pinney back heeled the ball into the path of Enver-Marum who slotted the ball home for his second of the game.

Les Afful gave City a glimmer of hope when he ran through and collected Dan Smiths pass to lift it over the keeper to bring the score to 2-4.  Shortly after Andy Watkins had a strong shout for a penalty turned down before Enver-Marum completed his hat-trick for Ebbsfleet to put them into the 2nd round of the Trophy.

Highlights of the game can be found at Piran Films: http://www.piranfilms.com/sports_films.php