Ebbsfleet FC 1 vs 1 AtoZ Sports Res

<p>Rich Saville was the hero as Ebbsfleet fought back from a goal behind to take a deserved point off of a well organised and tough A to Z Sports Reserves on Sunday morning.

<p>Overnight rain helped as a game at AEI was called off and we had the excellent Geoff Bains as referee, Geoff showed reasonable tolerance&nbsp;and tried to make the game flow as much as possible, but its hard to play on when every pass you make more or less ends with a thumping late challenge by the opposition - I think&nbsp;I counted 3 yellows for the opponents but it could have been worse for them.

<p>In a game of few chances it was&nbsp;Ebbsfleet with the best of the opening exchanges,&nbsp;Plumby set free by Sam early on but screwed his left foot shot wide. A to Z intent on&nbsp;playing a very physical game - Ebbsfleet did not roll over, standing firm and&nbsp;were a match in all areas. Late challenges by all A to Z players, who seemed to take turn in fouling our players across the pitch - but we stayed mentally tough throughout the game.&nbsp;One particular challenge on Mikes leg went unpunished but worse on Mike in particular, was to follow in the second half.

<p>We kept playing our game and passing our way up the pitch, forcing A to Z backwards, but on the break they looked sharp but never forced Mike into any saves. A little bit of pressure by A to Z led to a&nbsp;corner on 38 min, which&nbsp;was swung over at great pace and the forward headed home for 1-0 to A to Z. We kept our heads and played out the final few minutes and could of been level&nbsp;as Sam was put through and tried to loop a header over the on rushing keeper but didnt get enough on, what was, a difficult chance. HT 0-1 and we knew we were still in it.

<p>Half time was crucial as we re-grouped, Rich Saville replacing Hambo. Rich bringing his much needed physical presence to the forward line. Early signs from the restart were good as Ebbsfleet dominated possession and territory, A to Z seemed content on kicking the ball out of play and defending the ball into the box. Time went on as a few chances came our way, Rich and Plumb striking well from outside the box, their GK up to the task on each occassion.

<p>A to Z were finding the going tough as the pressure mounted, only long hopeful balls pumped out of defence to a frustrated forward line, who could only foul our players and immediately give the&nbsp;ball straight back to us. One incident saw the forward 'take out' Mike in no attempt to play the ball - a red would of been justified, but the ref showed yellow as A to Z lost their control. Our play was building and you could sense it was only a matter&nbsp;of time before we scored, Naths excellent set pieces from deep and at corners causing A to Z problems.&nbsp;&nbsp;The second change came on 75mins Ryan coming on to make it 3-4-3 with Jameo making way. Within 5 minutes the A to Z defence finally broke as Plumb was brought down in the box - the offender pleading his innocence (for what seemed an eternity - christ knows what it felt like for Rich). Rich Sav&nbsp;stepped up and thumped the ball home to rapturous applause, sending the keeper the wrong way on 82 mins. The game was there to win, more pressure on the A to Z defence but they stood firm and survived. 1-1 a great point and a fantastic team effort.

<p>Every one of you played your part this week and I thank you all for your committment, grit and determination (Plus the&nbsp;mega selection problem you've given me&nbsp;for next week - lol).&nbsp;A to Z&nbsp;will certainly be glad to see the back of us and I think we can now go on with confidence and win our remaining games to see where it takes us.&nbsp;Keep up the good work - we all know we have the strongest squad in the division&nbsp;!