Fleet marching to the Wembley Arch: Fleet fans will help us progress, says striker Eribenne

EBBSFLEET UNITED striker Chukki Eribenne staked his claim to start Saturday’s FA Carlsberg Trophy semi-final first-leg high noon showdown against Aldershot Town, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 27-year-old netted Fleet’s third goal during their 3-3 draw at Northwich Victoria last weekend, netted a five minute brace during the first half of last night’s 2-1 win over Salisbury City at Stonebridge Road - ending the Wiltshire’s side 12 match unbeaten run.

And with ten goals to his name this season, Eribenne hopes boss Liam Daish gives him a chance against Aldershot Town, the Blue Square Premier leaders, for this weekend’s showdown.

“All you can do is just prepare yourself mentally, physically and leave the rest to the gaffer,” Eribenne told www.kentishfootball.co.uk last night.

“I mean, I haven’t played that much in the last couple of months, obviously that was my first game I’ve started for a little while.

“I’ve been hungry, training well, trying to just prepare myself for when I’m put in and that’s all you can do as a player.”

Despite leaders Aldershot Town having a 24 point lead on the Kent club, the Fleet have nothing to fear.

Remember that Ryman Premier League side Tonbridge Angels knocked out giants Oxford United in the first round - winning the replay here in Kent 1-0 after performing heroics in a goalless draw at the Kassam Stadium.

And underdogs Ebbsfleet United have a reputation of upsetting the applecart and defeating the likes of Oxford United, Torquay United and Burton Albion at Stonebridge Road.

“It’s a massive game, we’ve got to fancy ourselves because they’re doing well but it’s a one-off game,” said Eribenne.

“I think if we apply ourselves right we’ll give them a real good game.

“I mean it’s a big game isn’t it on Saturday? Obviously we’ve got two legs so whatever happens in the first game we’ve got next Saturday, we’ll build on that.

“We are confident because we showed a lot of character to come back to get a point at Northwich and tonight (ending Salisbury’s 12 match unbeaten run).

“I’m not being funny, in this league, your given day, if you’re on the ball, apply yourself right, I believe anyone can beat anyone.

“So we don’t fear anyone in this league to be honest with you. We know what we’ve got in the camp and we’ll see if that’s good enough on Saturday.”

A crowd of over 3,000 is expected to flock through the turnstiles at Stonebridge Road on Saturday morning and Eribenne has issued a rallying cry for all Kent fans to out-sing the travelling Aldershot Town contingent of over 1,000.

“We’re looking forward to Saturday, it will be a good atmosphere,” he said. “Hopefully the crowd will make some noise, get behind the lads and be a 12^th player for us because I think we needed that at times.

“Hopefully we’ll give them something to cheer about.”

ERIBENNE PROFILE

A strong and physical forward who began his career as a schoolboy at Coventry City, having lived near the stadium while growing up.

He was offered a three-year professional contract but couldn’t dislodge strikers including Robbie Keane, Dion Dublin and Darren Huckereby.

Eribenne joined Bournemouth in 2000 and racked up almost 50 appearances in three years, most from the bench, but lacked opportunities to put together a decent run of games.

He moved to Havant & Waterlooville in 2003, where he played under current Ebbsfleet United boss Liam Daish, scoring 19 goals in 22 appearances, winning player of the year. He was snapped up by Weymouth in 2004 and was joint top scorer there in his first season.

Eribenne, who has also spent loan spells at Hereford, Aldershot and Farnborough, signed for the Fleet in March 2007, initially on loan, making the move permanent in May 2007 following his release from Grays Athletic.

TICKET PRICES

Ebbsfleet United advise supporters to purchase their tickets from the club office at Stonebridge Road in person to avoid turnstile queues.

Tickets can be purchased at the turnstiles. The game is NOT all-ticket.

Tickets are priced at £13 (adults) and £7 (concessions) and an extra £2 for seating. These are the normal prices for Blue Square Premier games.

Turnstiles open at 10:30am - kick off is at 12 noon

The club are producing a special, souvenir edition of the match day programme to commemorate the fact that it is the first time the club have reached the FA Trophy semi-finals.

“Fans can purchase tickets from the office throughout the week as well as on the game at Saturday’s game,” said club spokesperson Rachel Willett.

“Please bring as many friends as possible to the game. It is, without doubt, the biggest for quite a number of seasons and we would love a bumper crowd.”

CAR PARKING

Supporters are advised that they will be able to park in Car Park C at Ebbsfleet International Station from 10am until 3pm - the cost is £2 and the area is covered by CCTV.

SECOND LEG

The second leg takes place at the Recreation Ground, High Street, Aldershot on Saturday, 15^th March 2008. Kick off 3pm.

COVERAGE

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game

Join Charles Webster on the BBC Radio Kent website for UK coverage - www.bbc.co.uk/kent and listen to post-match reaction on 96.7FM from 2pm.

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

Ebbsfleet United v Aldershot Town
FA Carlsberg Trophy Semi-Final First Leg
Saturday 8^th March 2008
Kick off 12 NOON
At Stonebridge Road, Northfleet, Kent DA11 9GN