Jephte Tanga won this cup with Maidstone United last season and he sent the Fleet into the last eight with a second-half double to add to Greg Cundle’s equaliser.

But the Fleet had to come from behind after the visitors found themselves with an early lead. That came on 8 minutes when a floated free-kick into the area was met by Alex Giles. The defender’s initial shot clipped the post but he was there to slot home from the rebound.

The early goal proved a boost for the young Gills side and chances from Harry Bridle and Josh Bayliss had to be dealt with by the Fleet back line with goalkeeper Dylan Berry making a good stop from Bayliss.

The Fleet began to get their passing game together which opened up for Cundle whose shot from the ‘D’ was blocked. Jack Wakely was then unlucky not to connect at the near post from Craig Tanner’s inswinging delivery.

Cundle went closer when he turned a Gills defender and was one on one with Taite Holtam but the young goalkeeper was able to get a strong hand to the ball.

The leveller did arrive for Cundle shortly before half-time. Wes Fonguck drove towards the byline from the left and drilled a ball into the area for Cundle to get on and bury a shot from close range.

It woke Gillingham back up and Stan Sargent claimed the last chance of the half with an effort that trickled wide.

Harry Watling made three changes for the second period and it was Tanga’s instant impact that swung the game the Fleet’s way. Nine minutes passed before he made a run into the box and was brought down by Harry Webster. Tanga stepped up himself to take the spot kick that proved too much for the Gills keeper to keep out.

Eight minutes later the third goal arrived and it was Tanga once again on the scoresheet. Picking up the ball up on the right flank, he sprinted beyond the Gills back line and made no mistake in keeping his shot low and out of Holtam’s reach to find the corner.

Academy player Maxx Manktelow, on at half-time to take a place up front, almost grabbed a goal for himself late on in meeting a high set-piece delivery but he was beaten in the air by Holtam.

It was a quiet half for Berry at the other end but he saw action with five minutes remaining to deny Ben Clark from close range with a forceful save.

The Fleet are now unbeaten in three matches in all competitions as they secure a spot in the last eight of the DFDS Kent Senior Cup.

EUFC: Berry, Wakely (Domi 46), Olagunju, Omole, Anthony, Ondo (Dallison), Lawson, Tanner, Fonguck (Tanga 46), Randall (Manktelow 46), Cundle. Subs not used: Firth
GFC: Holtam, Gale, Giles, Dobbs (Heasman 65), Webster, Walker, Skipper, Bayliss (Clark 74), Waldock, Sargent (White 82), Bridle. Subs not used: Sullivan, Orpwood
Attendance: 410
Photos: © EUFC – Ed Miller/Tom Harris

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