Hi.

Just back from Ebbsfleet where I saw Chelmsford City beat Ebbsfleet Utd 3-1.

I did think that after the first 15 minutes that the home team were dominant and that there would only be one winner. They were one up through a towering header from Tom Phipp and were on the offensive, looking dangerous in attack and solid at the back. However, Rob Edmans equaliser seemed to change the whole complexion of the game, and at 1-1 Chelmsford pushed on and Ebbsfleet never really got back into the contest. Mark Haines exquisite header made it 2-1 to Chelmsford and from then on the game was effectively over. Ashley Carew then received his marching orders and the rest was history, an Ali Chaaban third rubbing salt into the wound.

From what I have seen of Chelmsford which is not much this season, they really do battle hard and have a 'never give up' attitude which I like. This stems from their on-field leader Dave Rainsford who although not playing today through injury was still there during the warm-up and on the side lines during the match inspiring his team onwards. He really is the heart of the team and I hope he is back from injury in time to play his part in Chelmsfords promotion push. I believe they deserve a chance and would cope with the Conference standard.

As for Ebbsfleet, I do enjoy watching them play. They generally play an attractive style which can be the best in the league at times. Unfortunately they are too inconsistant and this means that they will drop points when they shouldn't. Todays match was a good example. They started brightly and looked good going forward, but as soon as the equaliser went in their heads dropped and they did not look like a team that was going to get promotion, let alone one that could stand the pressure of the Conference environment. However, I do think they will still make the play-offs and on their day they can beat anyone.

I have more photographs on my website, www.kensparksphotography.co.uk if you want to take a look. Let me know what you think of them.

Thanks, and till next time, be good.

Ken