The Dart(s) Board

I opted out of this one mindful of Ebbsfleet's off field issues this season leading to the possibility of a late postponement.
However, the 4-0 scoreline suggests things are getting better for the Fleet as I was expecting 7-0 plus. But 3 points was never in doubt. On that count this was a formality.
Our next two league games will be the defining moment for our title prospects starting with Dorking at home. I've just purchased my coach tickets for that one too. And then it's Brentford away.
It's absolutely vital Saltdean United can still feel us breathing down their necks when the final whistle's blown in West London on 29th March. Anything less than maximum points from those two games will see Saltdean scoring for fun for the rest of the season.
If we've got one piece missing in the squad jigsaw it's a prolific goal scorer who get's on the end of far post crosses and wins a lot of fouls in dangerous areas.
I think many of us know who that is.

Ajaxman, you did not miss a classic. Ebbsfleet came to frustrate and defend and they executed their plan very well. They were very physical throughout whilst only rarely overstepping the mark. The one major incident of the first half could have seen three early baths, two to the away team, but the ref elected to show yellow rather than red. It was a keeper error and good pressing by Dartford's forwards that produced the only goal of the first half.

Ebbsfleet were very quick to close Dartford down and our team had little time to create flowing football. The balance began to shift in the second half as Ebbsfleet began to tire and Dartford were able to spend a little more time on the ball to create some nice movement over the pitch. With nothing to offer up front, Ebbsfleet were under constant pressure and goals eventually came, although not as many as might have been expected.

The highlight was the long free kick that went in off the underside of the crossbar.

As a casual observer, I struggle to understand our approach to corners, although two of the three that we put directly towards the goal went straight out for a goal kick. On many occasions, we appeared to end up rushing back down the pitch to defend having lost possession on the edge of the opponents box. Struggling to recall, but I do not think any of our numerous corners led directly to a goal.

Dartford stuck to their task and fully deserved the three points. They know that every match matters and I hope that they keep the pressure on Saltdean, who may slip up themselves before the final match of the season. There is everything to play for. Bring it on.