FLEET FEELING
It’s the same old story as Sutton open up old
NOBODY likes to be reminded of the bad times, least of all when deep wounds have yet to properly heal. But Sutton United picked at Ebbsfleet’s scab right at the place they really want to forget all about.
Gander Green Lane is of course where Ebbsfleet blew their chances of automatic promotion from National League South 15 weeks ago, and Paul Doswell’s side won it, taking their place in the National League next weekend. Fleet, meanwhile, will start trying to right the wrong of their title collapse at home to Poole Town.
But they will now enter the first day of their league campaign with the memory of last season fresh in their minds. Four months ago they went down 2-0, and history repeated itself here!
Ebbsfleet manager Daryl McMahon said:“I can cope with it a little bit better than I did back in April – at least this is only pre-season!
“It’s easier to take for sure, but they’re a good side. We had about six missing, but we’re happy with where we are.
“It would have been the easiest thing in the world for me not to bring the team down here, going instead to a place with no bad memories and against a side we would beat. But we don’t hide away from any challenges. It’s character building, and we’ll take the positives.”
Sutton were the better side and despite a drab first half, they picked up the pace after the re-start. From the excellent