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Borough completed an unbeaten pre-season programme with a deserved if slightly flattering victory over Conference National site Ebbsfleet.
With Lee Hook suspended for the opening game of the season, Garry Wilson started with David Hogan in goal, and the non-contract Dagenham & Redbridge keeper did not disappoint with a string of fine saves, including an early stop from Raphael Nade.
The home side was forced on to the back foot for most of the opening 20 minutes of the game but were fortunate that the Ebbsfleet finishing was not as positive as some of their approach play, with Stacy Long and Luke Moore missing good opportunities. Whilst Hogan impressed for Borough his opposite number Sam Mott was at fault for Sports' opener on 26 minutes as his attempted clearance cannoned off Scott Ramsay, leaving the Borough striker with the easiest of finishes. Ramsay was again on target four minutes later: glancing a header past Mott from Jay Lovett's cross.
The second half saw Ebbsfleet enjoying much the better of the possession but unable to get on to the scoresheet. Moore hit the woodwork on 58 minutes, with Mark De Bolla firing wide of far post from the rebound. It was then the turn of Hogan once again to deny Paul McCarthy with an acrobatic save.
Borough extended their lead on 70 minutes, albeit rather against the run of play when Nathan Crabb completed a good run with a precision through-ball into the path of Danny Leach who finished clinically.
Despite playing against full-time opposition in sweltering conditions, Borough did not appear to tire noticeably but instead defended well as Ebbsfleet pressed for a consolation. Hogan saved from Liam Coleman before the ball was scrambled away, and then thwarted Chukki Eribenne with his legs late on to maintain a clean sheet.
Match Details - David Bauckham.
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