BACKING THE FLEET TO WEMBLEY GLORY: We're in a great position - Daish

EBBSFLEET UNITED boss Liam Daish says confidence is high going into Saturday’s trip to Stevenage Borough in the first-leg of the FA Carlsberg Trophy semi-final, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Kent club were inside the Blue Square Premier drop zone for just 24 hours, but their impressive 2-1 home win over league leaders Burton Albion last night saw them climb up to 17^th place in the table.

But a stunning 20-yard free-kick - and a second half spot kick - from striker Guiseppe Sole stunned a Burton Albion side that went into the Stonebridge Road game eight points clear of Cambridge United.

But they had no answer to another excellent display from the Fleet - just in time for their trip to Broadhall Way on Saturday.

We have been in this position before. Last season, the Fleet excelled in the later stages of the FA Trophy, beating the likes of Burton (after two games); Aldershot Town (who went on to clinch the Blue Square Premier title) and Torquay United at Wembley Stadium.

The Fleet were handed a home first leg tie against the Shots, and a 3-1 win at Stonebridge Road paved the way for THAT 1-1 draw in Hampshire that booked their place at Wembley Stadium for the first time in the club’s history.

And who could forget THAT day at Wembley Stadium, a 1-0 win over favourites Torquay United, courtesy of now departed Chris McPhee.

Daish, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk last night, says he can now look forward to retaining their crown.

The club returned the silverware to The Football Association last week, although this is “on loan” as the Kent club are desperate to bring it back to Stonebridge Road.

“It’s going to be a great atmosphere and with us winning (against) Burton in midweek is going to give us a bit of confidence going into it and I’m sure the lads are really looking forward to it now,” said Daish.




ALL MINE: Liam Daish brought the FA Carlsberg Trophy to Kent for the very first time as his Ebbsfleet United side beat Torquay United 1-0 at Wembley Stadium last May.
Photograph courtesy of www.thefa.com

“We know what it’s like to win and we know it gives you a great experience in going forward and I hope the players want more of it.

“Hopefully the players will really look forward to it and enjoy the experience and of course we’re looking to get a result.”

Ebbsfleet United go into the game on the back of a goal-less draw against York City - who they could meet at Wembley Stadium in May - and then last night’s impressive 2-1 win over the Brewers.

And Daish said, “It’s so good to go there with two good results, well two fairly good home results in the league.”

Daish has told his players to stand up and be counted and the loss of John Martin, who is currently on loan from Stevenage Borough, is a big blow.

“That’s something that we have to swallow,” added Daish, on being refused permission to play Martin in the two games. “I don’t blame Stevenage.

“Within the club, and within the dressing room, I’m sure that there will be players that are chomping at the bit to go in there and do their bit.

“Confidence is high throughout the side and that will take us a long way.”

The Stonebridge Road outfit bagged a reported £250,000 from their glorious Wembley exploits last season and Daish knows a return will be vital for club coffers.

Ryman Premier League clubs cannot afford to pay their players on gates of 700 - let alone a full-time club.

“I know financially its massive for the club,” admitted Daish. “It’s huge and now I’ll be doing my best again to help the club push on.”

Daish, who says he doesn’t watch penalties, and this was the case when he turned his back on Sole’s winning spot-kick against Burton Albion last night, knows losing is unthinkable.

When asked if he’s got the Wembley feeling, he replied, “I don’t even mention the word to be fair. We’re in a position where we can with two games, but we’ve got a lot of hard work to do up at Stevenage on Saturday and of course back here (at Stonebridge Road) of course.”

The second leg takes place at Stonebridge Road the following Saturday, 21^st March.

COVERAGE

BBC Radio Kent will be proving radio and website commentary of the game with Charles Webster and Stephen McCartney on 96.7fm and 104.2fm and the website www.bbc.co.uk/kent

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will not be updated during the course of the game, but the report and reaction will follow over the course of the weekend.

Visit Stevenage Borough’s website: www.stevenageborofc.com

Visit Ebbsfleet United’s website: www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk

Stevenage Borough v Ebbsfleet United
FA Carlsberg Trophy Semi-Final First Leg
Saturday 14^th March 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Lamex Stadium, Broadhall Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG2 8RH