IT’S FAB FOR FLEET IN LIONS MAULING

EBBSFLEET United put in an irresistable display as they continued their move towards the National League play-off places with a comfortable win over Guiseley.

Two goals in each half saw the Fleet home as the Yorkshiremen found no southern comfort in escaping the frozen north.

“It was a very good all round performance and a good win for us,” beamed Fleet boss Daryl McMahon. “We were very clinical in front of goal and defended very well.

“We are learning and evolving and we will be alright. This is a club that is building on and off the pitch and is going in the right direction.”

Jack Powell opened the floodgates with a now familiar free-kick strike into the top corner on 21 minutes after Andy Drury was fouled 20 yards out. Guiseley’s athletic endeavours occasionally pushed Fleet back and an attack involving John Rooney and Rowan Liburd resulted in a shot that hit an upright with Nathan Ashmore beaten all ends up. Ebbsfleet doubled their lead before half-time when Sean Shields wriggled into the Guiseley area only to have Ashley Palmer bundled him over for referee Savvas Yianni to award a penalty. Skipper Danny Kedwell chose power over placement when he stepped up to take the spot kick and the ball hit the back of the net before Jonny Maxted could move – his 10th of the season. Chris Bush made it three for Fleet on 76 minutes when he rose to head home Powell’s corner and the Guiseley defence melted away three minutes later to allow Myles Weston to drill the ball across Maxted for Ebbsfleet’s fourth. A big plus for McMahon was the appearance of defender Dave Winfield as 78th minute substitute, returning to the side after a four-month injury absence. “It was nice to get Dave on the pitch and keep the clean sheet,” McMahon added.