BEAVERS LOSE AGAIN!
MATCH REPORT COMPILED BY WILL BAILEY AND JOSH MIDWOOD
Hampton & Richmond Borough succumbed to a disappointing 0-2 defeat in National League South, as Ebbsfleet United continued their unbeaten run.
Second-half goals from Ben Chapman and Finlay Barnes sank the home side to a third consecutive league defeat as they remain firmly in the relegation zone.
The Beavers held out until the 79th minute in front of 1,152 fans at the Beveree Stadium, but ultimately failed to trouble their Kent visitors, looking toothless in front of goal throughout.
The first half was a balanced affair with minor chances falling at either end for both sides.
Hampton & Richmond’s debutant Wilson Waweru was presented with an opportunity in the 10th minute when Ebbsfleet’s goalkeeper, Will Buse, rushed off his line, but the Irishman took too much time on the ball, and the defence recovered.
Ebbsfleet’s former Ghanaian international Kwesi Appiah almost capitalised off a slip from HRBFC captain Will de Havilland, but Marco Underwood dove swiftly to his right, saving the skipper’s blushes.
Despite the increasingly frequent attempts at Underwood’s goal, Hampton & Richmond continued to defend resiliently, markedly better than in previous weeks.
The visitors came close before the break. In the 44th minute, ex-Southampton man Jake Vokins had a close-range shot cleared off the line by Luis Fernandez: symbolic of Fernandez’s stoic defence throughout the game.
Early in the second half, a corner from Harrison Sodje led to a free header for Waweru in the six-yard box which flew over the bar and onto the roof of the net.
Ebbsfleet’s Gene Kennedy fizzed a fierce strike towards goal, which was acrobatically tipped over the bar by Underwood.
Substitute Ben Chapman opened the scoring for The Fleet in the 79th minute, when he found himself on the right side of the penalty box and caressed the ball past the keeper off the inside of the post.
Chapman’s first goal of the season came from a quick counter-attack, in which Appiah found the right winger in plenty of space for Ebsfleet’s late opener.
Ebsfleet’s second goal came just five minutes later when another substitute, Finlay Barnes, curved a left-footed effort into the top left corner.
The opportunity landed at Barnes’ feet after Chapman’s cross deflected into his path, after the Kent side’s attackers were afforded too much time and space in the attacking third.
Midfielder Angel Waruih seemed to pick up an injury late in the match, which Hampton & Richmond fans will hope isn’t too serious.
Even two goals up late in the game, Ebbsfleet continued to press high and develop chances, including a Chapman effort which sailed perilously over the crossbar in the dying moments.
The scoreline leaves the Beavers in 22nd place, two points from safety. Ebbsfleet United continue their formidable unbeaten start to the season, yet sit in 12th after their delayed start to the season.