Match abandoned: Fleet denied by downpour + Video

Breaking in the New Year proved to be something of a damp squib for Ebbsfleet United as this afternoon’s Blue Square Bet Premier Division clash against Hayes & Yeading United was called off 20 minutes into the first half.

Fleet led 1-0 after a wonderful sixth-minute free-kick conversion by Michael West which swept across goalkeeper Carl Pentney and into the top corner. And in the 11th minute Corey Gameiro was sent off after a two-footed lunge on Craig Stone though, in truth, plenty of challenges looked dangerous given the conditions as players slid through and mistimed tackles as the ball continued to hold up in the puddles.

After initially playing on following consultation with both managers and captains, the referee had little option but to call a halt on 20 minutes as the pitch continued to deteriorate and the rain refused to let up.

Any supporter who didn’t brave the long queue for a ticket refund will be entitled to use their match voucher when the game is rearranged.

TEAM: Edwards, Stone, Howe, Lorraine, Mambo, Marwa, Barrett, Phipp, West, Willock, Pinney. Subs: Welch, Fakinos, Simpemba, Shakes, Darvill

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