North Kent's grimmest towns (arguably) met in a pre-season encounter at TOSC last night, with Chatham running out 4-1 winners against Ebbsfleet United.
Fleet took the chance to rest several first teamers ahead of the opening Blue Square South game this coming Saturday, and played with an experimental back four, but did feature the talents of 32 year old Leon McKenzie, a man who played Championship football for Coventry as recently as 2009, and played several times for League One Charlton last season.
Chatham took a first half lead through a rejuvenated Ryan Restell. The youth team product is coming into his own under Paul Foley and put in a man of the match performance with two goals and an assist for the fourth.
KoS media reported it as a flattering scoreline for Chatham. It was anything but. Fleet threatened often but failed to make possession count for goals, Ollie Cotton, returning to the Chatham goal after a six year absence putting in a performance that has rightly led to some Fleet fans asking on their forum that Liam Daish signs him up as a number 2 to the rested Preson Edwards. James Tedder, still not recovered fully from the head gash that has ruled him out of all but the first fifteen minutes of pre-season must be worried. Cotton looked in fine form, making several fine blocks and showing safe hands under pressure.
Restell's early goal was quickly ruled out by Paul Benjamin, who had time to take a touch and place a shot whilst unmarked in the box, but shortly after Restell scored a fine goal, using one touch to take it back to his left and wide of the last defender, before placing a fine half volley past the stranded Hagan.
The second half started in earnest, Fleet unhappy at the scoreline, but they failed to take numerous chances, underlining not only their lack of accuracy but also the need for Chatham to install a large net at the Luton end to catch stray balls going into the trees.
Gary Ward added a third after continual pressure from Chatham again exposed the Ebbsfleet rearguard, and a fourth was added within minutes of the final whistle when the debuting Joe Fuller worked well with Restell on the wing to create space before whistling a shot in at the near post.
Callum O'Shea and Lee Maskell were both very impressive, as was Gary Ward for a Chatham side still being learned by many of the Chats faithful. O'Shea, a Charlton trainee has the pace of a young professional, and can turn tricks on the wing, and provide crosses with accuracy. His corner taking was excellent, and will be a great addition to the side if Chatham can retain his services. There was no Uche Imbemere on show last night, which goes to show the real depth Paul Foley has established in his squad. So much so, Ashley Probets, released by Dartford and expected by many to be a shoe-in at TOSC, has signed today for Thamesmead Town. Interesting times await.
A bumper crowd should be expected for Saturday's friendly with a disgruntled Maidstone, before our final friendly next Tuesday at home again to Ryman Premier opposition in the form of Folkestone Invicta. The first game of the Ryman season is on the 21st when we entertain the old amateurs, Corinthian Casuals. It'll be interesting to see how we get on, and I'll be letting you know on the 22nd.
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