Ebbsfleet United’s reward for their 5-2 defeat of Truro City was a home tie in the FA Trophy Second Round – against old foes Chester. The match will take place on Saturday, January 14.
First out of the hat, the Fleet have previously enjoyed knockout success against Chester in 2003 when a Justin Skinner penalty was enough for a 1-0 win at the Deva Stadium in the FA Cup First Round.
The two sides last met in February 2010 (pictured) – Chester City’s last ever game and a 2-1 win for the Fleet at the Deva courtesy of two Magno Vieira goals – but the result was later expunged due to Chester’s financial problems and expulsion from the league. That penalty of three points, of course, contributed to the Fleet’s relegation at the end of the season.
Chester now ply their trade in the Evostik Northern Premier, which they lead on goal difference, and they have reached this stage of the competition courtesy of wins over Ashton United, Stafford Rangers, Stourbridge and North Ferriby United where, like Fleet, they scored five goals away from home.
