Fleet set for another Wembley date?

After all the talk about myfootballclub membership renewals dominating the headlines last week it can be easy to forget about the football at Ebbsfleet United, but the team sent out a significant reminder on Tuesday by refusing to give up on their FA Trophy crown.

It is true that MyFC memberships have suffered a significant drop, but on the pitch Liam Daish’s side showed what they are capable of with a thrilling quarter-final replay win against Wrexham. Fleet showed their mettle by coming back from a goal down to record a 3-1 victory with stunning goals from Luke Moore and John Martin.

The game had everything: drama, passion, goals, atmosphere and Daish was rightly delighted with his side's display. It provided a stark reminder of their run to the trophy final at Wembley last year. Just thinking about it this season and last season are extremely similar. Last year Fleet battled their way through to the quarter-finals where they met Burton Albion, which they took to a replay only for Stacy Long to pop up with an extra-time winner at Stonebridge Road.

This year Burton have been replaced by Wrexham and the Fleet now face high-flying Stevenage Borough in the semi final, a similar test to the title-bound Aldershot last year.

Looking at the draw Fleet could play either AFC Telford or York City in the final at Wembley, which is by no means a certain victory, but Fleet would be seen as favourites.

However, before everyone starts to dream of Wembley, Fleet have to beat Stevenage. On paper and looking at the league table Borough should win. But in the FA Trophy Fleet seem to have an extra gear, just as they had last season, and have beaten Stevenage 3-0 and 4-0 in meetings earlier this season.

Daish has admitted his side will be seen as underdogs, but what last season showed us is Fleet relish the status and should not be underestimated.

However, one disappointment is the players and management produced perfect football at times in front of just 992 fans. The supporters who did turn out were brilliant as usual and really lifted the team when it was needed. The club has real potential with its ambitions of a new ground and there is no reason why they cannot break into the Football League in the future.

I know there is an economic crisis, but I find myself asking, where are those 26,000 who made the trip Wembley last May and who will no doubt come out of the woodwork if they return for the showpiece this year?

Tom Howard