Coleman cuts the mustard

EBBSFLEET UNITED assistant manager Alan Kimble was full of praise for midfielder Liam Coleman following his impressive display against Dartford last night, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 22-year-old, signed from Torquay United in August 2006, starred and scored during Fleet’s comfortable 4-1 win over their local rivals as they booked their place in the semi-finals of the Kent Senior Cup.

Ebbsfleet United join holders Bromley, Cray Wanderers and Margate in the last four.

“Liam’s took his chance well tonight,” beamed Kimble, when speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk following the well-supported clash at Stonebridge Road.

“The majority of the boys, all the boys who have been put out there tonight have all done their job professionally.

“It’s a good thing to have now that we can rely on everyone of them now to do the job week in week out.”

Despite making six changes to the side that ended Burton Albion’s unbeaten away record last Saturday, the Fleet proved there is a gulf in class between a full-time Blue Square Premier outfit and a side that’s at the top of the Ryman League Division One North - three divisions lower.

But Kimble was pleased that the Fleet kept the Darts quiet, despite Tony Burman’s side grabbing an early lead through Phil Williams’ deflected effort inside the opening 12 minutes.

He said: “It was a big game, pride and passion with local derbies but I think a thoroughly deserved victory.

“The only real shot (that Dartford scored from was) the only real shot on target all night and it was a little bit off a deflection (off Sacha Opinel).”

He added: “Yes, it was only their real attack all night but we kept our composure. We knew if we kept the ball moving we knew we’d get back into the game.”

Coleman was not the only player to be signalled out for praise, as strikers Chukki Erribenne, who took his tally up to seven with a brace, and Raphael Nade impressed Kimble.

“It was a good delivery from Liam and a great header from Raphael,” said Kimble.

“As long as you try and lose your marker in the box and if you get a clean header, getting it on target, nine times out of ten you score and thankfully enough Raphael gave us a little bit of a cushion to go 2-1 up.

“I think on reflection of the play especially first half, we came out second half and there was only one team that was going to win it and get a second goal and it was us.”

And on Eribenne, Kimble added: “Chukki had a family bereavement, his Dad died but Chukki’s a true professional, worked his socks off against tonight and rewarded with a goal.”

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

www.kentishfootball.co.uk shall bring you a preview of Saturday’s FA Carlsberg Trophy third round tie against Weymouth later in the week - a game that we’re covering at Stonebridge Road.