Ebbsfleet United vs. Cray Wanderers

View towards the away end.

After visiting the second oldest club in the world on the previous Saturday, I went to watch the world's third oldest club in their FA Cup replay against Ebbsfleet United. Ebbsfleet themselves being a world's first after being taken over by website myfootballclub which allows members to have a say in transfers and other aspects of the club. The first game was a 2-2 draw with ex-Tooting hero Dave King saving a penalty in the last match. Also as Cray are a league below the hosts there was defiantly the potential for a shock. 

The covered terrace which provides a decent (and dry) view of the action.

In the opening first half hour it appears unlikely that a shock is going to occur. Ebbsfleet have most of possession and Cray's physical approach upsets some of the locals. Ebbsfleet get the goal that their dominance deserves mid way through the first half. An angled drive from just outside the box gave Dave King no chance. Cray attempt to put pressure on the home defence but without worrying the Ebbsfleet keeper. Just before half time Ebbsfleet get the second goal and the tie looks like it could be over.

View from the covered terrace towards the home end.

Cray emerge for the second half and immediately show more attacking intent then they did in the first half. Two headers in the space of ten minutes get Cray level and Ebbsfleet look rattled, the shock was back on. However, just five minutes after the second Cray goal, Ebbsfleet win a penalty and the offending player is shown a second yellow and Cray are a man down. Dave King doesn't have to repeat his heroics from the first game as the penalty is put over the stand!. Ebbsfleet do eventually another two goals late in the game to progress to the next round.

View from the main stand.

There are two options with regards to getting to Stonebridge Road. If you are pushed for time and have a bit of extra cash, you can get the high speed train from St. Pancras to Ebbsfleet International. This takes about twenty minutes but is more expensive than the train to Northfleet from Charing Cross. The second option does take almost three times as long. Both stations are a short walk from the station. I didn't see any pubs around the ground but the bar underneath the home stand is a decent size and has a decent selection of drinks.

The main stand.