GEORGE PURCELL’S GOAL KEEPS THE CUP HOLDERS ON COURSE IN COUNTY TIE…

EBBSFLEET UNITED 1-0 DOVER ATHLETIC

George Purcell netted the only goal of the game to protect the Fleet’s Kent Senior Cup title and give the home side a slender victory over Dover Athletic. In a much-changed but nevertheless strong squad, Liam Daish fielded most of his non-regular first-team squad as well as PASE player Steven Springett. Dover for their part also put out a relatively strong squad and had the better of the first half despite Ricky Shakes’ drive at goalkeeper John Whitehouse being the best opportunity.

Dover weren’t without their chances and Sam Jones shot over the bar from close range and he was guilty of another miss in the second half. Those were chances Dover were to rue as the Fleet picked up the pace in the second half and just past the hour mark Purcell shot home from the edge of the box to give the home side an advantage that proved to be the winner. A trio of Dover substitutions put the fire back in Hessenthaler’s men during the last 15 minutes and Sammy Moore almost levelled late on. Nathan Bailey also missed another chance but Fleet weren’t unduly troubled as they held on to progress to the next round.

TEAM: Mott, Hawkins, Slatter, Pooley, Shakes, Purcell, Ibe (Callendar 88), Hand, Murray, Delicate (West 77), Springett. Subs not used: French, Stone, Frey.

Att: 277